2009 TOYOTA PRIUS Light system

When driving2
121
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 122
Power (ignition) switch ..... 132
Transmission.................... 138
Turn signal lever .............. 142
Parking brake ................... 143
Horn ................................. 144
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ......... 145
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 148 2-3. Operating the lights and
windshield wipers
Headlight switch ............... 152
Fog light switch ................ 155
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 156
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 158
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ................... 159
Rear view monitor system ........................... 163
Driving assist systems ..... 166
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage .......... 169
Vehicle load limits ............ 172
Winter driving tips ............ 173
Trailer towing ................... 177
Dinghy towing .................. 178

124 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
●Avoid repeated acceleration
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving
with the accelerator pedal slightly released.
● Push the “P” position switch when parking
In the “N” position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.
Leaving the shift lever in the “N” position for an extended period of the
time may discharge the hybrid battery. The vehicle cannot run if the
hybrid battery is discharged.
■ Normal characteristics after turning off the hybrid system
Approximately five hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear
sound coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is because
the fuel evaporation leakage check is performed. It does not indicate a mal-
function.

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2
When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid sys-
tem operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi- culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator
pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● The driver should pay attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is pow-
ered only by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no hybrid
system sounds, the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. this may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving
position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.
Doing so may cause the hybrid system not to operate or lead to poor
brake and steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the
vehicle.
● If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehi-
cle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a
serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not race the hybrid system.
If the vehicle is in any gear other t han “P” or “N” the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time.
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the hybrid system is operating
to prevent an accident caused by the vehicle moving.

128 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
CAUTION
■When the vehicle is parked
● Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Failure to do so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a
fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehi-
cle’s electrical components.
● Always apply the parking brake, push the “P” position switch, stop the
hybrid system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.
● Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the hybrid system is operating or
immediately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
● Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the
hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehi-
cle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
■ Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and
odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-
ard.
● If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a
closed area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the
vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
● The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack
cause by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure
to have the vehicle inspected and repa ired by your Toyota dealer. Failure
to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or
a serious health hazard.

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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■
Starting the hybrid system (vehicle with smart key system)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

134 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
■Starting the hybrid system (v ehicle without smart key sys-
tem)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift position is set in “P”.
Insert the key into the key slot
and firmly with the brake pedal
depressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when
the “READY” light is on, even if
the hybrid system is stopped.
STEP5