2002 TOYOTA PRIUS start stop button

11
Turn the ignition key from “ON” to
“START” with the running mode selector
lever in “P” position only. When the
“READY” light flashes and stays on and
a beep sounds after a few seconds, the
hybrid system starts. (If the ambient tem-
perature is low such as during winter con-
ditions, it may take time until the
“READY” light is on.) Being different from
ordinary vehicles, you cannot start your
vehicle with the running mode selector le-
ver in “N” position. (For details, see “How
to start the hybrid system—” on page 162
in Section 4.)Drive your vehicle with a smooth accel-
eration and deceleration.
When driving, energy is effectively re-
covered through the regenerative brake
as the vehicle decelerates. However,
for more efficient use, do not acceler-
ate or decelerate your vehicle more
than necessary.
By avoiding abrupt acceleration and de-
celeration, the remaining capacity of
the hybrid vehicle battery can be pre-
served and it makes it possible to run
the vehicle utilizing the gasoline engine
and the electric power from the hybrid
vehicle battery.
The remaining capacity of the hybrid
vehicle battery can be confirmed on
the energy monitor screen of the multi
−
information display. See “Information”
on 113 page in Section 2 −6 for details.
As the way in which you drive may
decrease the remaining capacity of the
hybrid vehicle battery and reduce fuel
economy, drive your vehicle without
abrupt acceleration or deceleration. Use the “A/C” mode (with the “A/C”
button only on) when you use the air
conditioning.
As the gasoline engine starts and
stops automatically in this mode, eco-
nomical driving with less emissions is
possible.
In the “MAX” mode (with the “A/C” but-
ton and “MAX” button on), the gasoline
engine is frequently used. Use this
mode only when you need to operate
the air conditioning fully such as when
you should dehumidify or when you are
under a burning sun.
When parking, be sure to put the run-
ning mode selector lever in “P” posi-
tion. While driving, use “D” position.
With the selector lever in “N” position,
the gasoline engine operates but elec-
tricity cannot be generated. The
constant electrical power remaining in
the hybrid vehicle battery becomes in-
sufficient and the battery will be dis-
charged.
Starting your vehicle For efficient use of your
vehicle

106
Hybrid driving
This vehicle runs in combination with the
gasoline engine and electric motor.
If the “READY” light is on, you can start
your vehicle even with the gasoline engine
stopped.
When the hybrid vehicle battery tempera-
ture is low or high, or the hybrid vehicle
battery capacity is decreased with the run-
ning mode selector lever at “R” during
driving, the output control warning light is
on and the output power may be limited.
If the output control warning light is on,
drive your vehicle without hard accelera-
tion. The output power will be limited par-
ticularly when backing up.
(g) If you cannot shift lever out of “P”position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If
you cannot shift running mode selector
lever” on page 182 in Section 5.
25p008
Vehicles sold in U.S.A.
25p009
Vehicles sold in Canada
When parking, firmly apply the parking
brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.
To set: Fully depress the parking brake
pedal. For better holding power, first de-
press the brake pedal and hold it while
setting the parking brake.
To release: Depress the parking brake
pedal while depressing the brake pedal.
To remind you that the parking brake is
set, the parking brake reminder light in
the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake en-
gaged can reduce braking power.
Before driving, be sure the parking
brake is fully released and the park-
ing brake reminder light is off.
Parking brake

135
3. Powerful cooling and dehumidifying
If the air conditioning does not work well
with the “A/C” button on, push the “MAX”
button. To cancel the “MAX” mode, push
the “MAX” button again. To turn off the air
conditioning, push the “A/C” button.
With the “MAX” button on, the gasoline
engine is frequently used.
The air conditioning may not turn on with
the selector lever in “N” position because
the gasoline engine cannot start.
If the “A/C” button indicator flashes, there
is a problem in the air conditioning system
and the air conditioning automatically
shuts off. If this happens, take your ve-
hicle to your Toyota dealer for service. For economical and environmentfriend-
ly use
Usually, use the air conditioning with the
“A/C” button on (economical and environ-
ment
−friendly cooling).
In this mode the gasoline engine starts
and stops automatically and good fuel
economy driving is achieved.
To use the air conditioning in economi-
cal and environmentfriendly way, we
recommend the following setting: 1. Lower the setting temperature if you feel a little hot with the “A/C” button
on.
2. If you feel still hot with the “A/C” but- ton on, push the “MAX” button also.
After the compartment cools, turn off
the “MAX” mode only.