2010 TOYOTA PRIUS brake

174 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Changing shift ranges to “P” positionPush the “P” position switch with
the brake pedal pressed down.
The “P” position icon is displayed
on the instrument cluster, and the
indicator on the “P” position
switch comes on.
You can only shift to other posi-
tions from “P” when the brake
pedal is depressed.
When parking, check that the “P”
position icon is displayed on the
instrument cluster, and release
the brake pedal gently after
applying the parking brake.
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■Using engine brake
To use the engine braking, shift the shift lever to “B” position.
● During high speed driving, you may feel that deceleration by engine brak-
ing is less than that of a typical vehicle.
● Do not continue normal driving with the transmission in “B” for a long
time.
This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use “D” for
normal driving.

176 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Alarms
The following table describes circumstances and correction procedures
when only alarms sound.
AlarmSituationCorrection procedure
Interior alarm sounds once The driver attempts to shift
out of the “P” position with-
out pressing the brake
pedal.
The transmission will
not move out of the “P”
position. Press the
brake pedal before
attempting to shift
again.
The “P” position switch is
pressed while the vehicle
is moving.
The transmission will
automatically be set to
the “N” position. Select
the appropriate posi-
tion.
The driver attempts to shift
to the “R” position while the
vehicle is in forward
motion.
The driver attempts to shift
to the “D” position while the
vehicle is in rearward
motion.
The driver attempts to
select the “B” position
while in a shift position
other than “D” and “P”.
The driver attempts to
select the “B” position
while in the “P” position.
The transmission will
not move out of the “P”
position.

179
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. ( P. 261)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake. 
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
■ When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the parking brake, push the “P” position
switch and make sure that the vehicle does not move.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
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CanadaU.S.A.

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.

207
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Turning on the high beam headlights
With the headlights on, push
the lever forward to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams
off.
Pull the lever toward you to
turn on the high beams.
Release the lever to turn them off.
You can flash the high beams
with the headlights on or off.
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■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the hybrid system is started
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed
for use at night.
■ Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield. 
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight con-
trol system to malfunction.
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215
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Adjusting the speed setting
Increase speed
Decrease speed
Hold the lever until the desired
speed setting is obtained.
Fine adjustment of the set
speed can be made by lightly
pushing the lever up or down
and releasing it.
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Pull the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push
the lever up.
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221
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Changing the vehicle -to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes
the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance as follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle
mark will also be displayed.
■Canceling and resuming the speed control
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the cruise control
and returns vehicle speed
to the set speed.
Resuming is available when
the vehicle speed is more than
approximately 25 mph (40 km/
h).
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Preceding vehicle mark
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223
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.Example of constant speed cruising

When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control.
Example of deceleration cruising 
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automati-
cally decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed
is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you
when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle
from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
Example of follow-up cruising 
When following a vehicle driv ing slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration 
When there are no longer any vehi cles ahead driving slower than
the set speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then
returns to constant speed cruising.
Approach warning
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the dis-
play will flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An exam-
ple of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are
following a vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.