2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PHV air conditioning

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
1Before driving
Information on the plug-in hybrid system and adjusting
and operating features such as door locks, mirrors, and
steering column
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Air conditioning system ...... 358
Using the steering wheel climate remote control
switches ........................... 369
Remote Air Conditioning System ............................. 371
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers
switch ............................... 375
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types ............ 376
Using the AUX port/USB port .......................... 381
3-3. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 382
• Front interior lights ........... 383
• Personal lights ................. 383
• Rear interior light .............. 384 3-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features ....... 385
• Glove boxes ..................... 386
• Console box ..................... 387
• Cup holders ...................... 388
• Bottle holders ................... 390
• Auxiliary boxes ................. 391
3-5. Other interior features Sun visors ........................... 392
Vanity mirrors ..................... 393
Outside temperature display .............................. 394
Power outlets ...................... 395
Seat heaters ....................... 397
Armrest ............................... 399
Assist grips ......................... 400
Floor mats........................... 401
Luggage compartment features ............................ 403
Garage door opener ........... 407
Safety Connect ................... 415
3Interior features

19
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Air conditioning system P. 358
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers switch
P. 375
D
EV/HV mode selection switch
Eco drive mode switch
Power mode switch
P. 37
P. 247
P. 247
Emergency flasher switch P. 524
Shift lever P. 245
P position switch P. 248
: If equipped

32
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system features
The plug-in hybrid system is a system that has the features of both
electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
●Electricity received by charging from an external power
source can be used, and the v ehicle can also be driven as an
electric vehicle by driv ing over certain distances
* using only
the electric motor (traction motor).
● If the amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) becomes low, the vehicle is automatically
controlled in such a way that it can be driven as a hybrid vehi-
cle through the joint use of the gasoline engine.
*: The driving range will vary in accord ance with conditions such as vehi-
cle speed, the amount of charge remaining in the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) and the usage of the air conditioning system. The gasoline
engine may also be used simultaneously in accordance with driving
conditions.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor)

42 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■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
position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating, and are not a malfunction.
● The brake system operation sound heard from the front of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● 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 you press the
brake pedal or release the accelerator pedal.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent. ( P. 45)
● The operation sound of the air conditioning system (air conditioning com-
pressor, blower motor).

44
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Service plug
Caution label
Power control unit and DC/
DC converter
Electric motor (traction
motor)Air conditioning compressor
High voltage cables (orange)
Battery charger
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Charging inlet

67
1
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
■ Using EV mode and HV mode effectively
Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV
mode when driving on highways (or freeways) can help con-
serve fuel and electricity. ( P. 3 7 )
■ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, a torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving fuel a nd electricity economy. ( P. 247)
■ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 268)
■ When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-
ing down.
■ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before l eaving and avoid delays as much
as possible. When encountering a delay, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electric ity and fuel consumption.

68 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be reta ined when slowing down.
Electricity consumptio n will increase substantially when driving
at high speeds in EV mode. If ther e will be a long distance to the
next external charging point afte r leaving a freeway, driving in
HV mode while on the freeway and in EV mode after leaving the
freeway is recommended.
■ Air conditioning on/off
●Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not
needed. Doing so can help cont rol excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air con-
ditioner and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoli ne engine will not automatically
cut out until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle
are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
● For efficiency, use the Remo te Air Conditioning System
before departing while the c harging cable is connected.