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Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent
There is an air intake vent under
the rear seat for the purpose of
cooling the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery). If the vent becomes
blocked, the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) may overheat, lead-
ing to a reduction in hybrid
battery (traction 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.
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38 1-1. Hybrid system
PRIUS v_OM_OM47840U_(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. 451) 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 1.8 gal. [7 L,
1.5 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.
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40 1-1. Hybrid system
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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. 437)
● 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.
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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.
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44 1-1. Hybrid system
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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
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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
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■
If the smart key system does not operate properly
● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 479)
● Starting the hybrid system: P. 480
■ Electronic key battery depletion
●The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years.
● As the electronic key always receives radio waves, the battery will
become depleted even if the electronic key is not used. The following
symptoms indicate that the electronic key battery may be depleted.
Replace the battery when necessary. ( P. 407)
• The smart key system or the wireless remote control does not operate.
• The detection area becomes smaller.
• The LED indicator on the key surface does not turn on.
● To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 3 ft.
(1 m) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field:
•TVs
• Personal computers
• Cellular phones, cordless phones and battery chargers
• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones
• Induction cookers
• Table lamps
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
P. 407
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. smart key system) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 525)
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■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 498)
■ For efficient use
●Shift the shift position to D when driving.
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated. The hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, requiring
unnecessary engine power to recharge.
● 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 acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving
with the accelerator pedal slightly released.
● Shift the shift position to P when parking.
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.
Leaving the shift position in the N position for an extended period of time
may discharge the hybrid battery (traction battery). The vehicle cannot
run if the hybrid battery (traction battery) is discharged.
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid sys-
tem operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.