2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID Owners Manual

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Changing “POWER” switch modes
Modes can be changed by pres sing the “POWER” switch with
brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch
is pressed.)
Off*
The emergency flashers can
be used.
The multi-information display
will not be displayed.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off
the hybrid system, the
“POWER” switch will be turned
to ACCESSORY mode, not to
off.

162 2-1. Driving procedures
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a
position other than PIf the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, the “POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to
turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the “POWER” switch once.
Check that on the multi- information display is off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off. However, this
function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 3 2
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 6 3
■ When the ambient temperature is lo w, such as during winter driving
conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 6 0
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Note for the entry function
P. 6 1
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 108)
■ Steering lock
After turning the “POWER” switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
“POWER” switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When “CHECK SMAR T KEY SYSTEM” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
● Check that the shift lever is securely set
in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is displaced out of P.
“SHIFT TO P POSITION TO START”
will be displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display.
“STEERING LOCK ACTIVE” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the “POWER” switch while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

164 2-1. Driving procedures
■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 lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 424
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 382
■ 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.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the
“POWER” switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases.
After turning the “POWER” switch off, please wait a few seconds before
restarting the hybrid system.
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 459
CAUTION
■ When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any cir-
cumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, result-
ing in death or serious injury.

165
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
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 of time without the hybrid system on.
● If is displayed on the multi-information display, the “POWER”
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the “POWER” switch off.
● Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
“POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery
discharge may occur.
■ When starting the hybrid system
Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer immediately.

166
2-1. Driving procedures
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morn-
ing and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern
for noises and gas emissions.
However, when the Vehicle Proximit y Notification System is active,
the vehicle may produce sound.
Turns EV drive mode 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 the vehicle to normal
driving (using the gasoline
engine and electric motor [trac-
tion motor]).

167
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm
up. In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■ Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. 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 68
F (20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. 39)
● Vehicle speed is about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.

168 2-1. Driving procedures
■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. 39)
● Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving di stance ranges from a few hundred yards
(a few hundred meters) to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). Driving is possible
at speeds of less than approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). However, depend-
ing on vehicle conditions, there are situations when EV drive mode cannot
be used.
(The distance that is possible 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 econ-
omy.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the Vehicle Proximity Notifi-
cation System is active.