2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

217 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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. 7 7
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. 7 3
Notes for the entry function
P. 7 4
If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 143)

218 2-1. Driving procedures
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When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
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
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 470
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 430
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. 229

219 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Meter display
When the “POWER” switch is turned off, each display will extinguish as fol-
lows.
The shift position indicator will extinguish after approximately 2 seconds.
The odometer, clock, etc. will extinguish after approximately 30 seconds.
(Each display will also extinguish immediately if a door is locked before 30
seconds has elapsed)
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 3 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
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.

220 2-1. Driving procedures
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NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.

221
2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at night, or in
indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and exhaust gas
emissions.
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned
on, the EV drive mode indica-
tor will come on.
Pressing the switch when in
EV drive mode will return the
vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and elec-
tric motor [traction motor]).

222 2-1. Driving procedures
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Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations.
*
If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver.
The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 0
C (32F)
for a long period of time etc.
The gasoline engine is warming up.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
When the amount of remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
displayed on the meter is low. (P. 236)
Vehicle speed is high.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
The windshield defogger is in use.
*: Depending on the circumstances, EV drive mode may also not be
switched to in situations other than those above.
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm
up. In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.

223 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer
will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
Vehicle speed becomes high.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up to about 2 km (1.3 mile) if driving
at a speed of about 45 km/h (28 mph) or less. (The distance that is possible
depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)
Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV drive mode can be used in conjunction with Eco drive mode and power
mode.
However, EV drive mode may be automatically canceled when used in con-
junction with power mode.
Fuel economy
PRIUS + is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
CAUTION
While driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

224
2-1. Driving procedures
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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 shift to the N position, slide the shift lever to the left (left-
hand drive vehicles) or right (right-hand drive vehicles) and
hold 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.