2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C traction motor

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Vehicle control and operation data recording
Your Toyota is equipped with sophisticated computers that record certain
information about your vehicle’s operation, such as:
• Engine speed
•
Electric motor speed (traction motor speed)
• Accelerator status
• Brake status
• Vehicle speed
• Shift position
The data recorded varies according to the grade level and options the vehi-
cle is equipped with. The computers do not record conversations, sound or
pictures.
●Data usage
Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-
tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality.
To y o t a
will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:
• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern-
ment agency
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner
Event data recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main pur-
pose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed
to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.

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1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from
conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-
acteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an
electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,
improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (Traction motor)

25
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
Vehicle Proximity Notification System
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to
warn pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of
the sound adjusts according to vehicle speed. When vehicle speed is
approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns
off.
■ When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start-off, the electric motor (tra ction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine
is stopped* and the motor is used.
*: However, when the hybrid battery (traction battery) needs to be charged or while the engine is being warmed up, the gasoline
engine may not stop automatically. ( P. 26)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (t raction battery) is added to that
of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
■ When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction mo tor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

26 1-1. Hybrid system
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.
■ EV drive indicator lamp
■ Conditions in which the g asoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● When the heater is switched on
The EV drive indicator lamp comes on
when driving the vehicle using only the
electric motor (traction motor).
Displayed when “ECO Score” or the
basic display of “ECO Savings” is
selected. ( P. 189)

28 1-1. Hybrid system
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift
lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is
open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal
is depressed.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of
the lower part of the rear left seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehi-
cles in the surrounding area to hear:
●When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front
of the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

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1
1-1. Hybrid system
Before driving
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 520 V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Electric motor (traction motor) Power control unit with DC/
DC converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
High voltage cables (orange)

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
CAUTION
■
Road accident cautions
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents, shift the
shift lever to P, apply the parking brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
( P. 148)
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables or connectors. Carefully check
to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( P. 425)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible and contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.

36 1-1. Hybrid system
Display Audio systemMulti-information display
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by the electric
motor (traction
motor)
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by the gasoline
engine
When the vehi-
cle is powered
by both the gas-
oline engine and
the electric
motor (traction
motor)
When the vehi-
cle is charging
the hybrid bat-
tery (traction
battery)
When there is
no energy flow