Page 2 of 688

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
1-1. Plug-in hybrid systemPlug-in hybrid system features ..............................  32
Plug-in hybrid system  precautions ........................  44
Energy monitor/consumption  screen ................................  52
Plug-in hybrid vehicle  driving tips ..........................  67
EV driving range...................  70
Plug-in Hybrid  Applications ........................  74
1-2. Charging Charging equipment .............  77
Power sources that can be used ...................................  81
How to charge ......................  84
When normal charging  cannot be carried out .......  102
Inspecting the charging  cable ................................  107
1-3. Key information Keys ...................................  109 1-4. Opening, closing and 
locking the doors
Smart key system  (with entry function) ..........  112
Smart key system  (without entry function) .....  130
Wireless remote control ......  136
Side doors ..........................  138
Back door ...........................  144
1-5. Adjustable components  (seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel)
Front seats..........................  150
Rear seats ..........................  153
Head restraints ...................  156
Seat belts............................  160
Steering wheel ....................  169
Inside rear view mirror ........  170
Outside rear view mirrors ...  173
1-6. Opening and closing  the windows
Power windows...................  175
1-7. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap...  178
1-8. Theft deterrent system Immobilizer system .............  183
1Before driving 
         
        
        
     
        
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Before driving1
31
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
1-2. ChargingCharging equipment...........  77
Power sources that can be used .................................  81
How to charge ....................  84
When normal charging  cannot be carried out .....  102
Inspecting the charging  cable ..............................  107
1-3. Key information Keys .................................  109
1-4. Opening, closing and  locking the doors
Smart key system  (with entry function) .......  112
Smart key system  (without entry 
function) .........................  130
Wireless remote control ...  136
Side doors ........................  138
Back door .........................  144 1-5. Adjustable components 
(seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel)
Front seats .......................  150
Rear seats........................  153
Head restraints.................  156
Seat belts .........................  160
Steering wheel .................  169
Inside rear view mirror .....  170
Outside rear view  mirrors ............................  173
1-6. Opening and closing  the windows
Power windows ................  175
1-7. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap .................................  178
1-8. Theft deterrent system Immobilizer system ..........  183
1-9. Safety information Correct driving posture.....  185
SRS airbags .....................  187
Front passenger occupant classification system ......  201
Child restraint systems.....  207
Installing child restraints...  212 
         
        
        
     
        
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123
1-4. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
■
Conditions aff ecting operation
The smart key system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system use
weak radio waves. In the following situations, the communication between
the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected, preventing the smart key
system, wireless remote control and immobilizer system from operating
properly. (Ways of coping:  P. 594)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
● When other wireless key (that emit radio waves) is being used nearby
● When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio
waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window 
         
        
        
     
        
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183
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
1-8. Theft deterrent system
Immobilizer system
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type immobilizer system.
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
Depending on the surrounding environment and conditions, the immobilizer
system may not operate properly. This may prevent the hybrid system from
starting. ( P. 123)
The  vehicle’s  keys  have  built-in  tr ansponder  chips  that  prevent  the
hybrid  system  from  starting  if  a  key  has  not  been  previously  regis-
tered in the vehicle’s  on-board computer. 
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
This system is designed to help  prevent vehicle theft but does not
guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.
The indicator light flashes after
the “POWER” switch has been
turned off to indicate that the
system is operating.
The indicator light stops flash-
ing after the “POWER” switch
has been turned to ACCES-
SORY or ON mode to indicate
that the system has been can-
celed. 
         
        
        
     
        
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184 1-8. Theft deterrent system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
■Certifications for the immobilizer system 
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
FCC ID: NI4TMIMB-1
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING: 
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS stan-
dard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device. 
NOTICE
■To ensure the system operates correctly
Do not modify or remove the system. 
If modified or removed, the proper operation of the system cannot be guar-
anteed. 
         
        
        
     
        
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243
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift position in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off. However,
this function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging. Do
not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode
for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P.  4 2
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 127
■ When  the  ambient  temperature  is  low,  such  as  during  winter  driving
conditions
The “READY” indicator may flash for a long time when the hybrid system\
 is
starting. Driving will become possible once the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated. Wait until the “READY” indicator has illuminated.
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
P. 123
■ Notes for the entry function
P. 124
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 183)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
● The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. ( P. 95) 
         
        
        
     
        
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5
When trouble arises
527
5-1. Essential information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating  but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If there is a malfunction in the P position control system, the smart
key system or the immobilizer system , or if the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be tow ed with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be  locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your  Toyota  dealer  or  a  commerci al  towing  service,  using  a  lift-type
truck or flat bed truck.
Use  a  safety  chain  system  for  all  to wing,  and  abide  by  all  state/pro-
vincial and local laws. 
         
        
        
     
        
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5
When trouble arises
591
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47856U_(U)
If the hybrid system will not start
Reasons  for  the  hybrid  system  not  starting  vary depending  on  the
situation.  Check  the  following  a nd  perform  the  appropriate  proce-
dure: 
■ The  hybrid  system  will  not  start  even  though  the  correct
starting procedure is being followed ( P. 240)
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The charging cable may be attached to the vehicle. ( P. 95)
● The electronic key may not be functioning properly.
* 
(  P. 594)
● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle. ( P.  4 6 )
● There may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system.
* 
(  P. 183)
● There may be a malfunction in the P position control system.
*
( P. 245, 550)
*: It may not be possible to shift the shift position from P to other posi-
tion.
■ The interior lights and headlight s are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
● The 12-volt battery may be discharged. ( P. 597)
● The 12-volt battery terminal c onnections may be loose or cor-
roded.