2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS Owners Manual

225 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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

226 2-1. Driving procedures
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Selecting a driving mode
The following modes can be selected to suit driving conditions:
Eco drive mode
Suitable for improving the fuel economy, because the torque cor-
responding to the accelerator pedal depression amount can be
generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions and the
operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be
minimized.
When the “ECO MODE” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator
comes on.
Power mode
Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable,
such as when driving in mountainous regions or when overtak-
ing.
When the power mode switch is pressed, the power mode indicator
comes on.

227 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
P position switch
When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set the
parking brake, and then press
the P position switch.
When the shift position is
changed to P, the switch indicator
comes on.
Check that the P position is illumi-
nated on the shift position indica-
tor.
Shifting the shift position from P to other positions
While depressing the brake pedal firmly, operate the shift lever.
If the shift lever is operated without depressing the brake pedal,
the buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift posi-
tion has been changed to the desired position by checking the
shift position indicator provided on the instrument cluster.
The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.

228 2-1. Driving procedures
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Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. (P. 226) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
For the shift positions
When the “POWER” switch is off, the shift position cannot be changed.
When the “POWER” switch is in ON mode (the hybrid system is not oper-
ating), the shift position can only be changed to N. The shift position will
be changed to N even if the shift lever is shifted to D or R and held in that
position.
When the “READY” indicator is on, the shift position can be changed
from P to D, N or R.
When the “READY” indicator is flashing, the shift position cannot be
changed from P to other position even if the shift lever is operated. Wait
until the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing to a solid light, and
then operate the shift lever again.
The shift position can only be changed to B directly from D.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change the shift position by moving the
shift lever or by pressing the P position switch in any of the following situa-
tions, the buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled or the
shift position will automatically change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
Situations where the shifting operation will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to other
position by moving the shift lever without depressing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to B
by moving the shift lever.

229 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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Situations where the shift position will automatically change to N:
• When the P position switch is pressed while the vehicle is running.
*1
• When an attempt is made to select the R position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving forward.
*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from R to B by
moving the shift lever.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when driving at extremely low
speeds.
*2: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.
*3: Shift position may be changed to D when driving at low speeds.
Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
position is in R.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed while the shift position is in N
A buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift position is in N.
Automatically P position selection function
When the shift position is in a position other than P, pressing the “POWER”
switch with the vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to
change to P automatically, and then the “POWER” switch will turn off.
If the shift position cannot be shifted from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt
battery in this situation. (P. 522)

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About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator pedal will apply
engine braking.
When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gaso-
line-fueled vehicles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that
of other vehicles.
The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, shift the shift position to D.
When canceling Eco drive mode/power mode
Press the switch again. Also, power mode will be canceled automatically
when the “POWER” switch is turned off. However, Eco drive mode will
not be canceled automatically until the switch is pressed, even if the
“POWER” switch is turned off.
When in Eco drive mode, if the power mode switch is pressed or the
operation is reversed, the mode will switch to that of the last switch to be
pressed.
Switching the drive mode when in EV drive mode
P. 223
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 415
Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 554)

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When driving
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CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
For the shift lever
Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
P position switch
Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, directly before stopping the vehicle), the vehicle may stop sud-
denly when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.

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NOTICE
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period of time.
Situations where P position control system malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, P position control system malfunc-
tions are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-
ing brake, and then contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
When the “WHEN PARKING, APPLY PARKING BRAKE SECURELY”
warning message appears on the instrument cluster. (P. 473)
When the parking lock system warning light is illuminated.
When everything except the shift position indicator selection frame is illu-
minated.
When the shift position indicator remains off.
Notes regarding shift lever and P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily
possible to shift the shift position other than P. If this happens, please wait
for a while before attempting to change the shift position again.