2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN Owners Manual

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Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. (→P. 5 4 6 )
■If a warning light comes on, a warning 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. 5 3 7 ) g o o f f . I f t h e r e i s o n l y a s m a l l a m o u n t o f f u e l ,
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.)

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■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.
●Yo u r v e h i c l e m a y c a u s e s o u n d i n t e r f e r e n c e i n s o m e t h i r d p a r t y - p r o d u c e d
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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CAUTION
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located in the luggage
compartment. The service plug is used
only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.

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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 vehic le 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-temperature 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.

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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. 5 2 5 )
●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) (lithium-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
To y o t a d e a l e r f o r r e p l a c e m e n t o r d i s p o s a l .
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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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. 1 5 0 ) , i t c o u l d
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.

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Energy monitor/consumption screen
Energy monitor
Displays the flow of energy as it changes in accordance with driving
conditions.
Display Audio system
Press “CAR”.
If the “Consumption” screen is
displayed, touch “Energy”.
Yo u c a n v i e w t h e s ta t u s o f y o u r h ybrid system on the Display Audio
system screen, the navigation system screen or the multi-informa-
tion display.
Display Audio system
screen or navigation system
screen
Multi-information display

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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)
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine