2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Traction

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.

175
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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.

190 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Energy monitorThe energy monitor displays the operating condition of the hybrid
system, showing such information as the gasoline engine operating
status, and the usage and regeneration status of electrical energy.
Gasoline engine
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Electric motor (traction motor)
The energy flow is indicated using arrows which vary in color and
direction depending on the driving conditions (when accelerating/
decelerating, etc.).
Multi-information display*
When the vehicle is powered
by the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered
by both the gasoline engine
and the electric motor (traction
motor)

191
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
*: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery) status
The amount of charge remain-
ing in the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is shown by 8 bars.Low
Full
Multi-information display*
When the vehicle is powered
by the gasoline engine
When the vehicle is charging
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
When there is no energy flow

192 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Hybrid System IndicatorThe Hybrid System Indicator displa ys the hybrid system operating
condition and provides environmentally friendly (fuel efficient) driving
assistance in accordance with the driving conditions and the opera-
tion of the accelerator pedal.
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) status
Eco Driving Indicator Light
Lights up when the vehicle is
being driven in an environmen-
tally friendly manner.
Hybrid System Indicator
Average speed
Displays the average vehicle
speed since the function was last
reset.
The function can be reset by
pressing and holding the “TRIP”
button when the average vehicle
speed is displayed.
Average fuel consumption
Displays the average fuel con-
sumption since the function was
last reset.
The function can be reset by
pressing and holding the “TRIP”
button when the average fuel
consumption is displayed.

245
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
P. 243
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Pre-Collision System (if equipped)
P. 249

285
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Remote Air Conditioning System
■Using the Remote Air Conditioning System effectively
Efficiency can be increased by using the system in conjunction with the
Solar Ventilation System. ( P. 282)
: If equipped
The Remote Air Conditioning System uses electrical energy stored
in the hybrid battery (traction batt ery) and allows the air conditioning
to be operated by remote control.
■ Activating the Remote Air Conditioning System
Press and hold the to
operate the Remote Air Condi-
tioning System.
• The system will shut off if a door is opened.
• The system can be stopped
by pressing the
twice.

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