2010 TOYOTA PRIUS ECO mode

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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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.

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Situations in which EV-Dri ve Mode cannot be turned on
The followings are examples of situations under which the EV-Drive Mode
may not be turned on. If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-information display.
● The temperature of the hybrid system is high. 
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
● The temperature of the hybrid system is low. 
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32 F (0 C)
for a long period of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low. 
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
low. ( P. 188)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
■ Automatic cancelation of EV-Drive Mode
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV-Drive Mode is canceled, a
buzzer will sound and the EV-Drive Mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low. 
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
low. ( P. 188)
● Vehicle speed becomes high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

170 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode
Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode is up to about 1/2
mile (1 km) if driven at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (Possible
driving distance depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and
driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
Your Toyota is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during
normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV-Drive Mode more than necessary may lower fuel
economy.
CAUTION
■While driving
When driving in EV-Drive Mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

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When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Eco Driving Mode
Use Eco Driving Mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during
trips that involve frequent accelerating and braking.
Press the “ECO MODE” switch once more to cancel the Eco Driving
Mode.
Eco Driving Mode will not be canceled until the “ECO MODE” switch is
pressed, even if the “POWER” switch is turned to OFF.
Press the “PWR MODE” switch to change the driving mode to power
mode.
Power mode
Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as
when driving in mountainous r
egions or when overtaking.
Press the “PWR MODE” switch once more to cancel the power mode.
Turning the “POWER” switch to OFF once will cancel power mode.
Press the “ECO MODE” switch to change the driving mode to Eco Driv\
-
ing Mode.

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PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■
Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into “R”, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
lever is in “R”.
■ 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.
■ Eco Driving Mode
When the accelerator pedal is depressed in Eco Driving Mode, it may take
more time to accelerate than usual. This is normal operation.
■ If the system malfunctions
The following situations indicate a problem with 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 multi-
information display.
● All frames of the shift position indicators in the instrument cluster flash.
● The parking system error message appears on the multi-information dis-
play.
● The instrument cluster does not come on when the “POWER” switch is in
ON mode.

186 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator 
( P. 178)
(if equipped)
“LKA” indicator 
( P. 235)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 206)Slip indicator ( P. 246)
(U.S.A.)Headlight indicator 
( P. 206)
“AIR BAG ON/OFF”
indicator ( P. 126)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator 
( P. 206) Shift position indicators 
( P. 171)
(if equipped)
Fog light indicator 
( P. 209) Power mode indicator
(P. 172)
Security indicator 
( P. 108)Eco Driving Mode indi-
cator ( P. 172)
Cruise main indicator 
( P. 214)EV-Drive Mode indicator
(P. 168)
Cruise “SET” indicator 
( P. 214)“READY” indicator 
( P. 162)
(if equipped)
Cruise main indicator 
(vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance mode) 
( P. 218)
*
*

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2-2. Instrument cluster
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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)
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