2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN Owners Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
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When driving
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid
light and the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting nor-
mally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if
the engine is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops auto-
matically in accordance with the state of the vehicle.)
■Stopping the hybrid system
St op th e veh i cle co mp lete ly.
Set the parking brake. (→P. 2 5 5 )
Shift the shift position to P.
(→P. 2 4 8 )
Check that the shift position
indicator shows P. (→P. 2 4 5 )
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system will stop.
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator
on the “POWER” switch is off.
STEP 5
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

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■Changing “POWER” switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the “POWER” switch with the
brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
Off
The emergency flashers can
be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.

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When driving
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift position in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off. However,
this function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging. Do
not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode
for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
→P. 4 2
■Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 1 2 3
■When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving
conditions
The “READY” indicator may flash for a long time when the hybrid system is
starting. Driving will become possible once the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated. Wait until the “READY” indicator has illuminated.
■Conditions affecting operation
→P. 1 1 9
■Notes for the entry function
→P. 1 2 0
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 1 7 9 )
Contact your Toyota dealer.
●The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. (→P. 9 1 )

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■When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
To y o t a d e a l e r i m m e d i a t e l y.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”
switch with the shift position in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→P. 5 3 5
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 4 9 3
■Operation of the “POWER” switch
●When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If
the switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the
“POWER” switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases.
After turning the “POWER” switch off, please wait a few seconds before
restarting the hybrid system.
■Automatically P position selection function
→P. 2 5 0

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When driving
■When the P position control system malfunctions
The “POWER” switch will not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the
switch can be turned off after applying the parking brake.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■Ending display
When the “POWER” switch is turned off, each of the following will be dis-
played on the multi-information display, and will extinguish after approxi-
mately 30 seconds.
●The driving distance, driving time and consumption since the hybrid sys-
tem was started.
●The odometer
●The clock
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any cir-
cumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession. (→P. 6 0 7 )
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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NOTICE
■To p r e v e n t 1 2 - v o l t b a t t e r y d i s c h a r g e
●Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid system on.
●If the hybrid system is off, but the indicator on the “POWER” switch is illu-
minated, this indicates that the “POWER” switch is still turned on. When
exiting the vehicle, always check that the “POWER” switch is off.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer immediately.

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When driving
Hybrid transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
When shifting to the D or R positions, move the shift lever
along the shift gate.
To s h i f t t o t h e N p o s i t i o n , s l i d e t h e s h i f t l e v e r t o t h e l e f t a n d h o l d
it. The shift position will change to N.
Shifting to B is only possible when shift position D is selected.
The shift lever will always return to this original position after a
shifting operation.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure
that the brake pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationary.

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Shift position indicator
The position of the frame on the shift position indicator changes in
accordance with the current shift position.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward
B and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indica-
tor provided on the instrument cluster.
■Shift position purpose
*:For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usu-
ally be used.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BApplying moderate engine braking when driving
down hills or on steep slopes