2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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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.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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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
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STEP3

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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■
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

164 2-1. Driving procedures
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■Changing “POWER” switch mode
Modes can be changed by pressi ng the “POWER” switch with
the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)
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.
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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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■
If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. 
( P. 108)
■ 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 position in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode (hybrid system is not oper-
ating) for more than an hour with the shift position in “P”, the “POWER”
switch will automatically turn OFF. However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long perio ds of time when the hybrid system
is not operating.
■ Operation of the “POWER” switch
● When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If
the switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
● Even if the “POWER” switch is turned to off and then quickly re-pressed,
the “POWER” switch mode may not change. After turning the “POWER”
switch to off, wait for a short time before operating again.

166 2-1. Driving procedures
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■When leaving the vehicle
If the indicator on the “POWER” switch is not off, the “POWER” switch is still
not in OFF mode. 
Turn the “POWER” switch to OFF before you leave the vehicle.
■ Auto “P” position function
● If the “POWER” switch is pressed while the hybrid system is operating
and the vehicle is at a complete stop, the shift position will be automati-
cally switched to “P” at the same ti me as the “POWER” switch is turned
to OFF. 
When turning the “POWER” switch to OFF while the shift position is not
set to “P”, operate the “POWER” switch while pushing down fully on the
brake pedal. Then, release the brake pedal after confirming that the shift
position indicator on the instrument cluster is set in “P”.
● If the auto “P” position function is malfunctioning, it may not be possible
to turn the “POWER” switch to OFF. In this event, the “POWER” switch
can be turned to OFF after applying the parking brake. 
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ When the ambient temperature is lo w, 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. 3 1
■ When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 497
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 6 4
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 460
■ Conditions affecting operation
 P. 6 5

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■
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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EV-Drive Mode
: If equipped
In EV-Drive Mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
On/off
When EV-Drive Mode is turned
on, the EV-Drive Mode indica-
tor will come on. Pressing the
switch when in EV-Drive Mode
will return to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]).
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