2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press
the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circum-
stances.
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 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods if the hybrid system is not operating.
■ When starting the hybrid system
● Do not race the hybrid system.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the
hybrid system checked immediately.

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Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
You can operate the
shift lever only in “D”.
Keep the shift lever in
“N” for a while after you
shift it to that position.
The shift lever always
returns to this original
position after shifting
operation.
ITY21P003

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Changing shift ranges in “P” position
With the brake pedal pressed
down, push the “P” position
switch.
The “P” position is displayed on
the instrument cluster, and the
indicator on the “P” position
switch comes on.
You can only shift to other posi-
tion from “P” when the brake
pedal is depressed.
When parking, check the shift
position is “P” on the instrument
cluster, and release the brake
pedal gently after applying the
parking brake.
■Shift position uses
*: Shown only while in “D” position.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving
BEngine braking position*

140 2-1. Driving procedures
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■Using engine brake
To use the engine braking, shift the shift lever to “B” position.
● During high speed driving, you may feel that deceleration by engine brak-
ing is less than that of a typical vehicle.
● Do not continue normal driving with the transmission in “B” for a long
time.
This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use “D” for
normal driving.
■ Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into “R”, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
lever is in “R”.
■ If the system malfunctions
The following conditions, there is some problem in the system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
● The indicator on the “P” position switch flashes. However, this does not
indicate a malfunction unless a warning message appears in the touch
screen.
● All frames of shift position indicators in the instrument cluster flash.
● The parking system error message appears on the touch screen.
● The instrument cluster and touch screen does not come on when the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode.

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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■
Alarms
The following table describes circumstances and correction procedures
when only alarms are sound.
*: Follow the warning message displayed.
AlarmSituationCorrection procedure
Interior alarm sounds once The driver attempts to shift
out of the “P” position with-
out pressing the brake
pedal.
The transmission will
not move out of the “P”
position, so press the
brake pedal before
attempting to shift
again.
The “P” position switch is
pressed while the vehicle
is moving.
The transmission will
automatically be set to
the “N” position, so
select the appropriate
position.
The driver attempts to shift
to the “R” position while the
vehicle is in forward
motion.
The driver attempts to shift
to the “D” position while the
vehicle is in rearward
motion.
The driver attempts to
select the “B” position
while in a shift position
other than “D” and “P”.
The driver attempts to
select the “B” position
while in the “P” position.
The transmission will
not move out of the “P”
position.
Interior alarm beep sounds and warning message
*
If the driver’s door is
opened when the transmis-
sion is in “N”, “D” or “B”. Push the “P” position
switch.

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Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
■ When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the parking brake, push the “P” position
switch and make sure that the vehicle does not move.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*:Fully depress the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
CanadaU.S.A.

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Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Mark sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 71)
■ To sound the horn
Press on or close to the mark.