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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 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 32
F (0C)
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. 44)
● 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.
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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.
● 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 1.3 mile (2 km) if driving
at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) 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 normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driv-
ing 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.
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When driving
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
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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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■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 driving with cruise control or radar cruise control activated
Even if switching the driving mode to power mode with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or
radar cruise control will not be canceled.
■ 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. 203
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 439
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When driving
■
Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 596)
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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CAUTION
■To prevent an accident
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. 556)
Do not place anything or attach a sticker
in front of the instrument cluster. The item
may obscure or obstruct the display, or
could reflect off the display, possibly
causing an accident.Instrument cluster
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CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these
systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could
result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 499)
*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)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)(if equipped)
(if equipped)
(if equipped)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1*1*1, 2*1*2
*2*1*1
*2