2008 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

25
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. Always put the shift lever in “P” when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating, and are not a malfunction.
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door lid is
open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the hybrid system
starts or stops.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard from the regenerative brake when you press the
brake pedal.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● You may hear cooling fan sounds coming from the air intake vents behind
the rear seat.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

26 1-1. Hybrid system
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High voltage componentsTake care when handling the hybrid sy stem, as it contains a high volt-
age system (about 500V at maximum) as well as parts that become
extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution
labels attached to the vehicle. Air conditioning compressor
High voltage cables (orange
color)
Power control unit
Electric motor (Traction
motor)
Hybrid battery (Traction bat-
tery)
Service plug
Caution label

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1-1. Hybrid system
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Hybrid battery air vent
Hybrid battery air vent
There is an air intake vent on the
side of the rear right seatback for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the hybrid
battery may overheat, leading to
a reduction in hybrid battery out-
put.
Emergency shut off system
The emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current
and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage when a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sen-
sor. If the emergency shut off syste m activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Energy monitor/consumption screen
You can view the status of your hybrid system on the touch screen
(  P. 186). The following images are examples only, and may vary
slightly from actual conditions.

28 1-1. Hybrid system
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Energy monitor
How to display on the touch screen:
Press .
Touch or on the “Information” screen.
If the “Consumption” screen is displayed, touch or
.
How to display with steering switch:
Press .
If the “Consumption” screen is displayed, press .
Touch screen
Type AType B
When the vehicle is
powered by the elec-
tric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is
powered by both the
gasoline engine and
the electric motor
(traction motor)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1

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1-1. Hybrid system
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Before driving
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Touch screen
Type AType B
When the vehicle is
charging the hybrid
battery (traction bat-
tery)
When there is no
energy flow
Hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) status Low Full Low Full

30 1-1. Hybrid system
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Consumption
How to display on the touch screen:
Press .
Touch or on the “Information” screen.
If the “Energy Monitor” screen is displayed, touch or .
How to display with steering switch:
Press .
If the “Consumption” screen is displayed, press .
Type A Fuel consumption in the past
30 minutes
Regenerated energy in the
past 30 minutes
One symbol indicates 50 Wh.
Up to 4 symbols are shown.
Average fuel consumption
Type B Instantaneous fuel consump-
tion
Outside temperature
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1

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Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displa yed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an impr oper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the touch screen, read the
message and follow the instruc-
tions.
■Resetting the consumption data
Touching or
will reset the “Average fuel consumption”.
■If a warning light comes on or a wa rning message is displayed, or the
12 volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.

32 1-1. Hybrid system
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CAUTION
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12 volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
● Never try to open the service plug access hole located in the luggage com-
partment. The service plug is used only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nicke l-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■ Emergency shut off system
● Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
Never touch the parts or cables. (
P. 26)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.