2008 TOYOTA PRIUS stop start

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1-1. Hybrid system
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Before driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
● The accelerator pedal is released.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in “D” or “B”.
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is being charged.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature is low or high.
■ When stopped/during take-off
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During
take-off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine
is stopped and the motor is used.
■ During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybr id battery (traction battery) as
necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via
electric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.
■ When braking (Regenerative brake)
The electric motor (traction mo tor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

24 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■Charging the battery
● As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
several months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the
vehicle with the 12 volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
● If the shift lever is in “N”, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift
lever in “D” to avoid discharging the battery.
■ After the 12 volt battery has di scharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.

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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.

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
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.

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PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors and back door
Smart key system (if equipped)
The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the
electronic key, for example in your pocket.
(The driver should always carry the electronic key.)
Locks and unlocks the side doors ( P. 37)
Locks and unlocks the back door ( P. 38)
Starts and stops the hybrid system ( P. 131)

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1-7. Theft deterrent system
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
Alarm (if equipped)
The system sounds the alarm and flashes the vehicle lights when an
attempt to steal the vehicle is detected.
■ Triggering the alarm
The alarm is triggered in the following situations.
●A locked door or back door is unlocked or opened in any way
other than using the entry function, wireless remote door lock
function or using the mechani cal key. (The doors will lock
again automatically)
● The hood is opened while t he vehicle is locked.
■ Setting the alarm system
Close the doors, hood and
lock all doors. The system will
be set automatically after 30
seconds.
The indicator light changes
from being on to flashing when
the system is set.
■Deactivating or stopping the alarm
Do one of the following to deactivate or stop the alarm.
●Unlock the doors.
● Start the hybrid system. (the alarm will be deactivated or
stopped after a few seconds.)

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PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep inclineFirmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driv-
ing.
■ Starting the hybrid system ( P. 131)
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. ( P. 136)
Release the parking brake. ( P. 142)
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in “D”, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, push
the “P” position switch. (
P. 137)
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, depress the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 142)
Push the “P” position switch. ( P. 137)
When parking on hill, if necessary, block the wheels.
Press the “POWER” switch and stop the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key
on your person.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Driving in the rain
● Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
● Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■ Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended
to observe:
● For the first 180 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■ Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 464)
■ For efficient use
● Put the shift lever into “D” when driving
In the “N” position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) will be discharged requiring unnec-
essary engine power to recharge.
● Drive your vehicle smoothly
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effective use of the traction motor without
having to use gasoline engine power.