2012 TOYOTA PRIUS battery

38 1-1. Hybrid system
■If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light ( P. 498) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel,
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 1.9 gal. [7.1 L,
1.6 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

40 1-1. Hybrid system
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.
While depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake, shift the shift
position to P and turn the hybrid system off. Then, slowly release the brake
pedal.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● 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 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 an electricity leakage leading to a fire. ( P. 485)
● 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.
■ Hybrid battery (traction 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.

41
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
NOTICE
■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
●Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat and be damaged.
● Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
● Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● If the rear seat belt becomes separated from the guide ( P. 103), it could
obstruct the hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent. Set the rear seat belt
into the guide to use.

44 1-1. Hybrid system
These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low Full

47
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low Full

48 1-1. Hybrid system
Multi-information displayPress the “DISP” button to dis-
play the energy monitor.
■ Names and meaning of each icons
Gasoline engine
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Electric motor (traction motor)
ConditionDisplay
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)

49
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low
Full

54 1-1. Hybrid system
Eco savings record display
By setting the comparison consumption and the gasoline value
beforehand (P. 231), the difference is calculated when the actual
consumption is less than the comparison consumption, and the
amount of money saved is displayed
*1.
If the comparison consumption is set to 0, the consumption cost is
displayed
*1.
*1: The displayed amount is intended only as a guide and may differ from the actual amount.
Savings or consumption costs
for the previous 6 months
EV indicator
*2
Eco Driving Indicator Light*2
Driving distance for each
month
*2: P. 225
■ Remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge display
The charge amount of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is automatically
controlled by the hybrid system. For this reason, even if electricity is recov-
ered via the regenerative braking, or electricity is generated via the gasoline
engine, the displayed hybrid battery (traction battery) charge amount may
not reach the highest level (level 8). However, this does not indicate a mal-
function.