2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V warning

190 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
●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 shiftlever when the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from R to B bymoving the shift lever.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when driving at extremely lowspeeds.
*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. 481)

191
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
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. 184
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
 P. 386
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 525)

193
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
Hybrid battery (tract ion 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 contro l 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 your Toyota dealer.
● When the “P LOCK MALFUNCTION WHEN PARKING, PARK IN FLAT
PLACE AND APPLY PARKING BRAKE SECURELY” warning message
appears on the instrument cluster. ( P. 448)
● 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 an d 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.

195
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
 P. 444
■ Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. ( P. 273)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake
pedal with your left foot while
depressing the brake pedal
with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
U.S.A.
Canada

207
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
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 panel light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument panel lights will dim.
■ When disconnecting and reconnect ing 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. 487)
■ The trip information disp lay 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.

208
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
Indicators and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster inform the
driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems.
Instrument cluster
Some indicators and the units used on the trip information display
etc. may differ depending on the target region.
Center panel

210 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
*1: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to the ONmode to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will
turn off after the hybrid system is on, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if the
lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
*3: The light comes on when the system is turned off. The light flashesfaster than usual to indicate that the system is operating.
EV indicator ( P. 203)
(if equipped)
“PCS” warning
(P. 259)
EV drive mode indica-
tor ( P. 182)
SRS airbag on-off
indicator ( P. 138)
Shift position indicators
(P. 185)
*1, 3

211
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS v_U (OM47784U)
2
When driving
■
Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 444)
*1: These lights turn on when the “POWER” switch is turned to ON
mode to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will
turn off after the hybrid system is on, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if
the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada) (red)
(yellow)(if equipped)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)(if equipped)(yellow)(if equipped)(yellow)
(U.S.A.)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1, 2*1*1*1
*1