2004 TOYOTA PRIUS fuel consumption

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The gauge indicates the approximate
quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
when the “IGON” mode is enabled.
Nearly full–Indicator at “F”
Nearly empty–Indicator at “E”
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
When you refuel on a slope, the indicator
may not show the correct level.
When you refuel less than about 11.4 L
(3.0 gal., 2.5 lmp. gal.), the fuel indicator
may not change.
After the auxiliary battery is reconnected,
one segment will flash for a while.Depending on the ambient temperature,
the fuel quantity is less than 45 L (11.9
gal., 9.9 lmp. gal.) even at “F”. However,
this does not affect the fuel consumption
and the remaining fuel ratio indicated on
the gauge. (For details, see “Fuel” on
page 202.)
If the fuel gauge display flashes, there
may be a problem in the system. In this
case, contact your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
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Low fuel level indicator light
Blink
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low
fuel level indicator light blinks, fill the fuel
tank as soon as possible.
Fuel gauge

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Information
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Type AType B
Push the “INFO” button to display the
“Information Menu” screen.
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Trip information: The energy monitor and
fuel consumption screen are selected.
Language: Select language screen is
shown.
Screen setting: The screen setting screen
is shown.
—Trip information
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Energy monitor screen
Touch the “Energy” switch. Vehicle driving
condition, hybrid system operating condi-
tion and energy recovery condition are
shown.
1. Indicates the flow of energy by orange
and yellow arrows. While the energy is
recovered, the arrows change the
pointing direction and turn green.
2. Indicates the remaining capacity of the
hybrid vehicle battery.
The screen display updates every 3 sec-
onds, so it may not coincide with the
actual status.

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Fuel consumption screen
Touch the “Consumption” switch. Average
fuel consumption, momentary fuel con-
sumption and recovered energy are
shown.
1.Indicates the past momentary fuel con-
sumption every 5 minutes.
2. Indicates the energy recovered for 5
minutes with symbols. One symbol re-
fers to 50 Wh or the energy by which
a 50 W bulb illuminates for an hour.
Up to 4 symbols will be shown.
3. Indicates the current momentary fuel
consumption. 4.
Indicates the average fuel consumption
after being reset. When the “Reset”
switch is touched or more than 10 L
(2.6 gal., 2.2 Imp.gal.) fuel is supplied,
the average fuel consumption is reset.
26P180
Steering pad switch operation
(with Navigation system)
The trip information screen appears direct-
ly by pressing the “INFO” button on the
right side of the steering pad. Each press
changes the “Energy Monitor” and “Con-
sumption” screens alternately.

201
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA
Break−in period 202
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Fuel 202
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Fuel pump shut −off systemm 204
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Operation in foreign countries 204
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Three −way catalytic converters 205
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Engine exhaust cautions 206
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Facts about engine oil consumption 206
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Coolant heat storage system 208
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Iridium −tipped spark plugs 208
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Brake system 209
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Electric power steering system 213
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 213
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Your Toyota’s identification 214
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Theft prevention labels 215
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Suspension and chassis 215
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Tire information 216
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Vehicle load limits 224
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Cargo and luggage 224
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Types of tires 227
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SECTION 3

207

Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high −speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000
km (1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp.qt./600
miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately. As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 282.

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Toyota does not recommend towing a
trailer with your Toyota. It is not de-
signed for trailer towing.Improving fuel economy is easy
−just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
289 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and− go driving
wastes power.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on brake ped-
al. This causes premature wear, over-
heating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in
top shape . A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and con-
tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your ve-
hicle receives more frequent mainte-
nance.
Trailer towing How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too