841-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent under the right-
hand front seat.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
861-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
There is an air intake vent under
the right-hand front seat for the
purpose of cooling the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery). If the vent
becomes blocked, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) may over-
heat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid battery (traction battery)
output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions. (→P. 388)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message (vehicles with a multi-information dis-
play)
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
Driving mode select switch
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 oper-
ation of the air conditioning system
(heating/cooling) will be minimized.
When the “ECO” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on
in the instrument cluster.
Power mode*
Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as when
driving in mountainous regions or when overtaking.
When the “PWR” switch is pressed, the “PWR MODE” indicator comes on
in the instrument cluster.
*: When Eco drive mode and power mode are canceled, the system uses
normal mode for optimal everyday driving.
■ Operation of the air conditioning 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. 276). To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■ 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 “PWR” 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. 207
The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
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2624-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (→P. 247)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 116)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
2765-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)■
When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” button is
pressed.
■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
● To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
• Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. ( →P. 468)
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air condi tioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
→ P. 347
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C auto switching operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 465)
3126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■ When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indica-
tor are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom-
fort, consult a doctor.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( →P. 324)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
3176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
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Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
■12-volt battery
→ P. 327
Engine coolant reservoir
(→ P. 323)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 319)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 321)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 323) Fuse box (
→P. 353)
Radiator ( →P. 324)
Condenser ( →P. 324)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 325)1
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3236-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS +_OM_OM47888E_(EE)
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Maintenance and care
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the full (“FULL” or “F”)
and low (“LOW” or “L”) lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system
is cold.
■Engine coolant reservoirReservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. ( →P. 444)
■
Power control unit coolant reservoir Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F”
line. ( →P. 444)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non- nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 °C [-31 °F])
For more details about coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Coolant
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