2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN engine

261
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To p r e v e n t a n a c c i d e n t
NOTICE
■To p r e v e n t d a m a g e t o t h e e n g i n e a n d i ts c o m p o n e n ts
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning light
comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 6 0 0 )
Do not place anything or attach a sticker
in front of the instrument cluster. The item
may obscure or obstruct the display, or
could reflect off the display, possibly
causing an accident.
Instrument cluster

269
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■Reading Hybrid System Indicator
When EV Mode
Charge area
EV driving area
Power area
As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: If the gasoline engine is operated (for example when driving at high
speeds or using the heater), the EV indicator may turn off even if the bar
is in the EV driving area. (→P. 4 0 )
Multi-information display*1
Charge area:
Shows that energy is being
recovered via the regenera-
tive braking system. (→P. 3 4 )
EV driving area:
Shows that the vehicle is
being powered only by elec-
tric motor
(traction motor).*2
Power area:
Shows that the gasoline
engine is used as auxiliary
power (during full power driv-
ing etc.).

270
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
When HV Mode
Charge area
Eco area
Power area
Hybrid Eco area
As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under various
conditions.
Hybrid System Indicator*1
Charge area:
Shows regenerative charging.
(→P. 3 9 )
Hybrid Eco area:
Shows that gasoline engine
power is not being used very
often.*2
Eco area:
Shows that the vehicle is
driven in Eco-friendly.
Power area:
Shows that the driving power
is more than the upper limit of
Eco driving (during full power
driving etc.).

272
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Meaning of each icons
Percentage driven in EV mode
using the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) only
The percentage is shown as a
green bar.
Percentage driven in EV mode
jointly using the gasoline
engine and in HV mode
The percentage is shown as a red
bar.
Fuel consumption amount
Gives an indication of the amount
of fuel that has been consumed
by driving in .
Electricity consumption amount
Gives an indication of the amount
of electricity that has been con-
sumed by driving in .
Fuel amount conserved by
charging
Gives an indication of the amount
of fuel that has been conserved
by driving in .

283
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■Driving in Eco drive mode
The multi-information display will automatically switch the display to Hybrid
System Indicator, regardless of which display is currently being shown.
(→P. 2 6 8 )
■To u c h t r a c e r d i s p l a y ( i f e q u i p p e d )
●The touch tracer display can be set to not display even if the steering
switches are touched.
●Only the circular, rubber-covered switches have a built-in touch sensor.
To u c h i n g a n y o f t h e o t h e r s w i t c h e s w i l l n o t d i s p l a y t h e t o u c h t r a c e r d i s -
play.
■Display settings can be changed when
The vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
■Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc. There are times
when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehicle oper-
ation and driving conditions are the same.
■When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The following data will be reset.
●Average fuel consumption
●Distance to empty
●Average vehicle speed
●EV driving ratio
●Clock
●Display settings
●Trip meter

330
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
•Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
•A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
•The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
•The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid
system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light
→P. 5 4 0

349
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
•Engine oil
•Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

352
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the size specified.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.