2009 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID Owners Manual

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake ped-
als together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( →P. 370)

130 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
system transaxle, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

131
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Power (ignition) switch
Modes can be switched by pressing the “POWER” switch when car-
rying the electronic key on your person. (The hybrid system can be
started in any mode by operating the “POWER” switch at the same
time as depressing the brake pedal.)
■ Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “POWER” switch indicator turns green. If the indicator does
not turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a while, the “READY”
indicator comes on with a beep
sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” indicator is on
even if the engine is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

132 2-1. Driving procedures
■Changing “POWER” switch mode
OFF*
Emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
*: If the shift lever is in a posi-tion other than P when turn-
ing off the hybrid system, the
“POWER” switch will be
turned to ACCESSORY
mode, not to OFF.

133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Steering lock release
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 83)
■ When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”
switch with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off.
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving
conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
→P. 2 4
■ When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→P. 349
■ Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 4 2
Make sure that the steering wheel lock is
released.
To release the steering wheel lock, gently
turn the wheel left or right while pressing
the “POWER” switch.
If the steering wheel lock does not
release, the “POWER” switch indicator
will flash green.

134 2-1. Driving procedures
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
→P. 322
■ Conditions affecting operation
→P. 40
■ Note for the smart key system
→P. 42
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any cir-
cumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, push and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. If the hybrid system stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could
lead to an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent the 12-volt battery from being discharged
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods without the hybrid system on.
■ When starting the hybrid system
●Do not race a cold engine.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have the hybrid system
checked immediately.

135
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “POWER”
switch is in ON mode,
depress the brake
pedal and move the
shift lever.

136 2-1. Driving procedures
■When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→P. 380
■ Shift position uses
Shift positionFunction
P Parking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving
B Position for engine braking