Page 39 of 640

39
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
There is an air intake vent on the
right side of the rear seatback for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat, leading to a
reduction in hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) output.
Emergency shut off system When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off syst em blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize t he risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage. If the emergency shut off sy stem activates, your vehicle will
not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displa yed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an impr oper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. ( P. 513)
Page 40 of 640

40 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
■If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light ( P. 504) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel,
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 1.9 gal. [7.1 L,
1.6 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.
Page 42 of 640

42 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents.
While depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake, shift the shift
position to P and turn the hybrid system off. Then, slowly release the brake
pedal.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( P. 491)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Your vehicle contains a sealed nicke l-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
Page 43 of 640
43
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
NOTICE
■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
●Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction
battery) may overheat and be damaged.
● Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
● Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● If the rear seat belt becomes separated from the guide ( P. 105), it could
obstruct the hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent. Set the rear seat belt
into the guide to use.
Page 46 of 640
46 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low Full
Page 49 of 640
49
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low Full
Page 50 of 640
50 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
Multi-information displayPress the “DISP” button to dis-
play the energy monitor.
■ Names and meaning of each icons
Gasoline engine
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Electric motor (traction motor)
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is powered by
the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
both the gasoline engine and the
electric motor (traction motor)
Page 51 of 640
51
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47857U_DVD_(U)
These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status Low Full