2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID Owners Manual

169
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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 early in the morn-
ing and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern
for noises and gas emissions.
However, when the Vehicle Proximity Notification System is active,
the vehicle may produce sound.
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 electric motor [trac-
tion motor]).

170 2-1. Driving procedures
■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.
■ Situations in which EV dri ve 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 and a message will be shown on
the multi-information display.
● 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 68
F (20C)
for a long period of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
low. ( P. 41)
● Vehicle speed is about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
■
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.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is
low. ( P. 41)
● Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred yards
(a few hundred meters) to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). Driving is possible
at speeds of less than approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). However, depend-
ing on vehicle conditions, there are situations when EV drive mode cannot
be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
Your Toyota is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during
normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the Vehicle Proximity Notifi-
cation System is active.

172
2-1. Driving procedures
Hybrid transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “POWER” switch is in ON mode, move the shift
lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.
■ Shift position Purpose
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving
BPosition for engine braking

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Operation of the air conditio ning 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. 240) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■ When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 466
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ Selecting Eco drive mode
When the vehicle is driven in Eco drive mode, vehicle driving
force and operation of the air co nditioning system (heating/cool-
ing) is controlled to improve fuel efficiency.
Eco drive mode
When eco drive mode is turned
on, the “ECO MODE” indicator
will come on.
Pressing the “ECO MODE”
switch again turns eco drive
mode off.

174
2-1. Driving procedures
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicators flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
■ If the turn signals stop flashing be fore a lane change has been per-
formed
Operate the lever again.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intentions
of the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(move the lever partway
and release it)
The right hand signals will
flash 3 times.
Lane change to the left
(move the lever partway
and release it)
The left hand signals will flash
3 times.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
To discontinue flashing of the tu rn signals during a lane change
Operate the lever in the opposite direction.
■ Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be
changed. (Customizable feature P. 510)

176
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. ( P. 233)
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.)
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