2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PHV battery

46 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Hybrid warning messageA message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an impr oper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. ( P. 546)
■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. 537) 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.)

47
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
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) (lithium-ion battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity (the ability to hold a charge)
reduces with time and use in the same way as other rechargeable batteries.
The extent at which capacity reduces changes drastically depending on the
environment (ambient temperature, etc.) and usage conditions, such as \
how
the vehicle is driven and how the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
This is a natural characteristic of lithium-ion batteries, and is not a malfunc-
tion. Also, even though the EV driving range decreases when the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) capacity reduces, vehicle performance does not
significantly become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of the capacity reducing, follow the direc-
tions listed on P. 93, “Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)”.

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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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.
● Do not touch the battery if liquid is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic electrolyte) from the hybrid battery
(traction battery) comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event that it comes into contact
with the eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water,
and seek immediate medical attention.
● If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do not
approach the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is dam-
aged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a large amount of
electrolyte from leaking out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out
will give off an acidic vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and eyes and
could cause acute poisoning if inhaled.
● Do not bring burning or high-temperat ure items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.
● 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.

50 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
●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 a fire. ( P. 525)
● 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) (lit hium-ion battery) replacement and
disposal
Do not replace, dispose of, modify, or reuse the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) and do not use it for anything other than its intended use. Contact your
Toyota dealer for replacement or disposal.
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) is replaced, disposed of, modify or
reused in an improper way, or if the hybrid battery (traction battery) is used in
a way it is not intended for, there is a risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in death or serious injury.
Also, improper handling of the hybrid battery (traction battery) can lead to
environmental hazards.

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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
● Do not put foreign objects near the air vents. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery (traction
battery) output or a malfunction.
● Clean the air vents regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
● Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents 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. 150), it could
obstruct the hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent. Set the rear seat belt
into the guide to use.
■ Notice about fuel
For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal.(20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 6 months (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 6-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.

54 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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

58 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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)
EV driving range
Displays the approximate driving
range using only the electric
motor (traction motor) when in EV
mode or when enough power is
remaining for EV mode. The dis-
play turns off if the charge level of
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) reduces and HV mode is
selected.
(The display will not turn off if HV
mode is selected using the EV/
HV mode selection switch.)