2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C Owners Manual

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods
of time without the hybrid system on.
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer immediately.

162
2-1. Driving procedures
Power (ignition) switch (vehicles with a smart key system)
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.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
If the shift lever is not set in P, the hybrid system may not be
started. ( P. 173)
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the “POWER” switch.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the hybrid system is
completely started.
The hybrid system can be
started from any “POWER”
switch mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid
light and a beep sound, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when
the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if
the engine is stopped. (The engine starts or stops automatically in
accordance with the state of the vehicle.)
■ Stopping the hybrid system
Stop the vehicle completely.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 177)
Press the “POWER” switch.
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that on the
multi-information display is off.
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

164 2-1. Driving procedures
■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 is
off.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the power outlet 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.

165
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a
position other than P
If 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
When the shift lever is in P, if the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode
with the hybrid system not operating for more than 20 minutes (ACCES-
SORY mode) or one hour (ON mode), the “POWER” switch will automati-
cally turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCES-
SORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 2 8
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 5 8
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving
conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 5 5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

166 2-1. Driving procedures
■Notes for the entry function
P. 5 6
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 110)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ 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.
● Check that the shift lever is securely set
in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is not securely in the P
position. “SHIFT TO P POSITION TO
START” will be displayed on the multi-
information 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.

167
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
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. 442
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 397
■ 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.

168 2-1. Driving procedures
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 a 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. Doing so
may cause activation of the steering lock which may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When “CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the system operat-
ing abnormally and possibly cause an accident or damage to the vehicle.
■ 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 3 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 486)
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.