2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Check hybrid system

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
NOTICE
■
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. 527)
■ 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, transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

162
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybr id system or changes “POWER”
switch modes.
■ Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “POWER” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.
After a few seconds, 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
ITO21P112
STEP3

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Stopping the hybrid system
Stop the vehicle.
Press the “POWER” switch.
Check that the shift position indicator on the instrument
cluster is set in “P”.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 181)
Release the brake pedal and check that the indicator on the
“POWER” switch is off.
If you stop the hybrid system without setting the shift position to
“P”, the shift position will be shifted to “P” automatically. You can
also shift the shift position to “P” by pressing the “P” position
switch.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

167
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Note for the entry function
 P. 50, 59
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. 
This is normal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
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. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will \
be lost.
This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
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
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the 12
volt battery and electronic key battery checked immediately.

184 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Instrument panel light controlThe brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
ITO22P101
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the hybr id system and its components
The hybrid system may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warn-
ing light comes on. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place,
and check the hybrid system after it has cooled completely. ( P. 548)

187
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and the SRS airbag warning
lights not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that
these systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which
could result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 496)
*: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON mode
to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is started, or after a few seconds. There may
be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or if the
lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada) redyellow
(if equipped)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(if equipped)
******
******
**

193
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Hybrid System Indicator
Charge area
Eco area
Power area
Hybrid Eco area
As shown below, the driving condit ions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
Multi-information display*1Eco Driving Indicator Light
Charge area: 
Shows that energy is
being recovered via the
regenerative brake.
( P. 29)
On
Hybrid Eco area:

Shows that gasoline
engine power is not
being used very
often.
*2
Eco area: 
Shows that the vehicle
is being driven in an
environmentally friendly
(fuel efficient) manner.

286 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Operating conditions
The system will only operate if all of the following conditions are met:
● The shift position is in “P”.
● The “POWER” switch is OFF.
● All doors are closed.
● The hood is closed.
● The brake pedal is not being depressed.
● The air conditioning is not set to MAX HOT.
■ When leaving the vehicle
● Check that the headlights are switched to either off or “AUTO”.
● Check that the wiper switch is turned off.
● Check that all windows are closed.
● Check the temperature setting of the air conditioning system. 
The Remote Air Conditioning System will operate in accordance with the
temperature settings of the air conditioning system.
■ Remote Air Conditioning System automatic shut-off
The system will automatically shut off under the following conditions:
● About 3 minutes have passed since operation began
● Any one of the operating conditions is not met
The system may also shut off if the charge level of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) drops to low. ( P. 188)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the following situations:
● The charge level of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low (P. 188)
● The air conditioning temperature is set at a high level