2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

209
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 590)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ For the shift lever
Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
■ P position switch
Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, directly before stopping the vehicle), the vehicle may stop sud-
denly when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.

210 2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period of time.
■ Situations where P position control system malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, P position control system malfunc-
tions are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-
ing brake, and then contact your Toyota dealer.
●When the “P LOCK MALFUNCTION” warning message appears on the
multi-information display. ( P. 509)
● When the shift position indicator remains off.
■ Notes regarding shift lever an d P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily
possible to shift the shift position other than P. If this happens, please wait
for a while before attempting to change the shift position again.

211
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intention of
the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The right hand signals will
flash until you release the
lever.
Lane change to the left
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.

212
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
P. 493
■ Usage in winter time
P. 317
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.
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake
pedal with your left foot while
depressing the brake pedal
with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
U.S.A.
Canada

213
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 117)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

214
2-2.Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the display may differ depending on the target
region.
The following gauges and meters and display illuminate when the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode:
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Instantaneous fuel consumption
Displays the current rate of fuel consumption.
Shift position indicators
Displays the shift position.
Multi-information display
Presents the driver with a variety of driving-related data. ( P. 223)

215
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Touch tracer display (if equipped)
When the audio control switches,
climate control switches, “DISP”
button or “TRIP” button of the
steering wheel are touched, the
touch tracer display will appear
in front of the gauges, with the
touched button highlighted to
allow the driver to identify the
button that is being operated.
The button can then be operated
by further presses.
If an audio/navigation system is
used that is not compatible with
the steering switches in this vehi-
cle, the audio switch display may
not operate correctly.

216 2-2. Instrument cluster
MPH or km/h buttonThe speed units can be selected MPH or km/h.
Press the button to switch the
display between MPH and km/h.