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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.
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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.
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230 2-1. Driving procedures
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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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237 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
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Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Hybrid battery (traction battery) status
The amount of charge remaining in the hybrid battery (traction battery)
is shown by 8 bars.
Trip information display
Displays fuel consumption, driving range, etc.
Odometer and trip meter display
Odometer: Displays the total distance that the vehicle has been
driven.
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven
since the meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and
“B” can be used to record and display different dis-
tances independently.
Clock
P. 364
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241 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
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Trip information display
Current fuel consumption
Average fuel consumptionDisplays the instant fuel consumption.
The average fuel consumption is displayed on
both the odometer and the trip meter.
• While the odometer is being displayed, or
when the odometer/trip meter are not being
displayed, the average fuel consumption
since the hybrid system was started will be
displayed.
• While the trip meter is being displayed, the
average fuel consumption will be displayed
in accordance with the trip meter distance
from the last reset.
• Use the displayed average fuel consumption
as a reference.
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242 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)Cruising range
“SET” screenDisplays the estimated maximum distance that
can be driven with the quantity of fuel remain-
ing.
• This distance is computed based on your
average fuel consumption.
As a result, the actual distance that can be
driven may differ from that displayed.
• When only a small amount of fuel is added to
the tank, the display may not be updated.
When refueling, turn the “POWER” switch
off. If the vehicle is refueled without turning
the “POWER” switch off, the display may not
be updated.
The items displayed on Hybrid System Indica-
tor can be setup. (P. 245)
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247 2-2. Instrument cluster
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When driving
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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 operation and driving conditions are the same.
Brightness of the instrument cluster light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument cluster lights will dim.
When disconnecting and reconnecting 12-volt battery terminals
The average fuel consumption and cruising range will be reset.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
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. 528)
The trip information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.