2006 TOYOTA PRIUS stop start

147
(g) Vehicle driving characteristics
Creeping
In order to hold the vehicle properly on an
incline and for better accelerator pedal
operation at starting, your vehicle is de-
signed like a typical automatic transmis-
sion vehicle which tends to move without
depressing the accelerator pedal with the
transaxle in a position other than “P” or
“N”.
With the transaxle in a position other than
“P” or “N”, depress the brake pedal firmly
even when stopped and apply the parking
brake as required.
When moving in a compact area or during
a traffic jam, it is an effective way to
control the speed using only the brake
pedal operation without depressing the ac-
celerator pedal.
Regenerative brake
When the accelerator pedal is released or
the brake pedal is depressed, the electric
motor acts as a generator and converts
kinetic energy to electric energy to provide
deceleration and recover electric energy to
charge the hybrid battery.
At this time, the electric motor running
noise may increase.The operation is the same as a typical
gasoline powered vehicle.
You may experience the following condi-
tion while braking. As they do not indicate
a malfunction, perform braking as usual:
In the “OFF” mode, pressing the
“POWER” switch once or twice will se-
lect “ACC” or “IG
−ON” only if the brake
pedal is not depressed. In this condi-
tion, the brake pedal may move a little.
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. (h) If the system malfunctions
In the following conditions, there is some
problem in the system.
The indicator on the “P” position switch
flashes. However, this does not indi-
cate a malfunction unless a warning
message appears in the multi
−informa-
tion display.
All frames of shift position indicators in
the instrument cluster flash.
The parking system error message ap-
pears on the multi −information display.
The instrument cluster and multi −infor-
mation display does not come on when
the “IG −ON” mode is enabled.
In these cases, stop your vehicle in a
safe and level place, apply the parking
brake securely and contact your Toyota
dealer immediately.
(i) When the 12 volt battery is discon- nected
Before you disconnect the 12 volt battery,
confirm the shift position is “P” and apply
the parking brake completely.
After you reconnect the 12 volt battery,
shift the shift lever to “N” and confirm the
shift position is in “N” when the “IG −ON”
mode is enabled.

318
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break−in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1000 km (600 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Avoid full −throttle acceleration when
starting and driving.
Avoid racing the hybrid engine.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles). FUEL TYPE
Your vehicle must use only unleaded
gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5
−M93
in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
OCTANE RATING
Select unleaded gasoline with an Oc-
tane Rating of 87 (Research Octane
Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded fuel with an octane num-
ber or rating lower than stated above will
cause persistent heavy knocking. If se-
vere, this will lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gasoline
that contains detergent additives to
avoid buildup of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S.
contains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems.
Breakin period
Fuel

320
FUEL TANK CAPACITY45 L (11.9 gal., 9.9 lmp.gal.)
The given fuel tank capacity is measured
on EPA/CARB ORVR testing condition
which is approved for nominal capacity
measurement condition.
The fuel tank capacity is decreased at low
ambient temperature. (decreased by about
5 L (1.3 gal., 1.1 lmp.gal.) at −10 C
(14 F).)
Fuel pump shutoff system
The fuel pump shut −off system stops sup-
plying fuel to the engine to minimize the
risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls
or an airbag inflates upon collision. To
restart the hybrid system after the fuel
pump shut −off system activates, press the
“POWER” switch to the “OFF” mode and
start it.
CAUTION
Inspect the ground under the vehicle
before restarting the hybrid system. If
you find that liquid has leaked onto
the ground, the fuel system has been
damaged and it is in need of repair.
In this case, do not restart the hybrid
system.
If you plan to drive your Toyota in
another country...
First , comply with the vehicle registration
laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane
number).
Operation in foreign
countries

324
30p103
Electric water pumpCoolant heat storage
tank
Coolant flow control
valve
The coolant heat storage tank system
stores hot coolant and feeds it via the
electric water pump automatically to warm
the engine as required. This system helps
generate clean emissions. To confirm the
coolant heat storage system check, the
pump may operate automatically with the
vehicle stopped (in the “IG −OFF” mode).
Although the pump may operate and
cause noise while the vehicle is stopped,
this does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
The coolant in this tank is hot even
if the engine and radiator are cold.
For replacement of the coolant,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not touch bolts (9 pieces)
painted in yellow.
In case the bolts are loosened,
there is a risk of hot coolant com-
ing out from inside the tank.
When this has any malfunction, the
surface of this tank gets hot. To
prevent burning yourself, do not
touch the tank.
INFORMATION
In such cases as the time of engine
starting and a short trip after the
engine is stopped, the electric water
pump will work for a moment, but
this is no problem.
This is for the preparation for good
emission.
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs.
Do not adjust gaps for engine perfor-
mance or smooth drivability.
Coolant heat storage system Iridiumtipped spark plugs

325
REGENERATIVE BRAKE
When the brake is applied, the electric
motor used as a generator converts kinet-
ic energy into electric energy.
The regenerative brake works in the fol-
lowing operations.1. When the accelerator pedal is re- leased, the reduced speed equal to en-
gine braking in a gasoline −fueled ve-
hicle is obtained in accordance with the
running mode position of the shift le-
ver.
2. When the brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in “D” or “B”, the
regenerative brake works. HYDRAULIC BRAKE
This brake system has 3 independent hy-
draulic circuits. If either circuit should fail,
the other will still work. However, the ped-
al will be harder to press, and your stop-
ping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE ACTUATOR
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pres-
surized by the pump to power
−assist the
brakes. If the brake actuator fails during
driving, the brake system warning light
comes on and buzzer sounds continuous-
ly. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress
the brake pedal firmly. If the brake system
warning light comes on, immediately stop
your vehicle and contact your Toyota deal-
er. The yellow brake system warning light
may stay on for about 60 seconds after
the “IG
−ON” mode is enabled. It is normal
if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the red brake system warning
light and buzzer. It is normal if the light
turns off and the buzzer stops sounding
after a few seconds.
You may hear a small sound in the engine
compartment after the hybrid system is
started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating
sound of the brake system, and it is not
a malfunction.
In the following conditions, you may hear
a motor sound in the engine compartment.
The brake pedal is depressed when the
hybrid system is turned off.
The driver ’s door is opened.
For a few seconds after the hybrid
system is “OFF” and a bout 90 seconds
have passed.
The brake pedal stroke may be short
when you press the “POWER” switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Brake system

349
You may hear a motor sound in the en-
gine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid battery in the luggage
compartment. However, this does not indi-
cate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-
tion warning light will come on in place of
the “READY” light. If this happens, contact
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-
er seat, then start the system when
driving.
NOTICE
The hybrid system cannot be
started when the shift position is
“N”. Be sure to put it in “P” and
then start the system.
 If any warning light comes on (See
page 125 for details.) or the 12 volt
battery is disconnected, the hybrid
system may not start by pushing
the “POWER” switch. In that case,
push it once again. If the “READY”
light does not come on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to stay on.
40p002d
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before
starting the hybrid system”.
Normal starting procedure
Insert the key and press the “POWER”
switch briefly and firmly with the brake
pedal depressed. The “READY” light starts
blinking. After a few seconds, the blinking
“READY” light remains on and two beeps
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions,
it may take time until the “READY” light
is on.)
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
(b) Turning on the hybrid
system (Using the key)

350
You may hear a motor sound in the en-
gine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed with the hybrid system off.
When the hybrid system is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the hybrid battery in the luggage
compartment. However, this does not indi-
cate any trouble.
If there is a problem somewhere in the
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-
tion warning light will come on in place of
the “READY” light. If this happens, contact
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Never start the hybrid system from
outside the vehicle, or an accident
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-
er seat, then start the system when
driving.
NOTICE
The hybrid system cannot be
started when the shift position is
“N”. Be sure to put it in “P” and
then start the system.
 If any warning light comes on (See
page 125 for details.) or the 12 volt
battery is disconnected, the hybrid
system may not start by pushing
the “POWER” switch. In that case,
push it once again. If the “READY”
light does not come on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
 When you start the hybrid system
at a lowered outside temperature, it
may take longer before the blinking
“READY” light changes to stay on.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp −edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and put the hybrid
transaxle “P”. If necessary, block the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
Tips for driving in various
conditions

352
Check the condition of the 12 volt bat-
tery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any 12 volt battery, so it must be in top
shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Section 8−3 tells you how to
visually inspect the 12 volt battery. Your
Toyota dealer will be pleased to check the
level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 401 for recommended viscosity.
Leaving a heavy summer oil in your ve-
hicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
er—they will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, push the “P” position
switch and block the rear wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, for snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During extreme
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.40p050b
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your ve-
hicle.
Dinghy towing