Page 74 of 552
741-2. Hybrid system
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Charging the hybrid ba ttery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will
slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once
every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 480
■ After the 12-volt battery has dischar ged or when the terminal has been
removed and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your
Toyota dealer.
Page 75 of 552

751-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
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 lever 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) under the
rear seats 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), under 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 on the side of the
lower part of the rear left seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area to hear:
● When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front of
the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■ Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e. g. the volume of Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound)
can be changed. (Customizable features: P. 514)
Page 82 of 552

82
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
1-3. Theft deterrent system
Vehicles without a smart key system
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed from
the engine switch to indicate that
the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing
after the registered key has been
inserted into the engine switch to
indicate that the system has been
canceled.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The indicator light flashes after the “POWER” switch has been turned
off to indicate that the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing after the “POWER” switch has been
turned to ACCESSORY or ON mode to indicate that the system has
been canceled.
■ System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type immobilizer system.
■ Conditions affecting operation
Depending on the surrounding environment and conditions, the immobilizer
system may not operate properly. This may prevent the hybrid system from
starting. ( P. 140)
Immobilizer system
The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent
the hybrid system from starting if a key has not been previously
registered in the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehi-
cle.
This system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft but does
not guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.
: If equipped
Page 88 of 552
882. Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
*: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position(vehicles without a smart key system) or the “POWER” switch is turned to
ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) 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 the lights
do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
Page 89 of 552

892. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the vehicle’s
various systems.
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position(vehicles without a smart key system) or the “POWER” switch is turned to
ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) 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 the lights
do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
Indicators
Turn signal indicator
(P. 199) EV drive mode indicator
(
P. 193)
Headlight high beam
indicator (P. 201)
Shift position indicator
( P. 197)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(P. 201) “ECO MODE” indicator
(
P. 197)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 201)EV drive indicator lamp
( P. 73)
(if equipped)
Front fog light indicator
(P. 205)
(if equipped)
Cruise control indicator
( P. 218)
(if equipped)
Immobilizer system indi-
cator ( P. 82)
(if equipped)
Cruise control set indica-
tor (P. 218)
*1, 2
Slip indicator ( P. 233)
“READY” indicator
( P. 182, 186)
*1VSC OFF indicator
( P. 233)
SRS airbag
on-off indica-
tor ( P. 5 0 )*1
Page 92 of 552
922. Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted by turn-
ing the dial.Brighter
Darker
■The meters and multi-information display illuminate when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ The brightness of the instrument panel lights
When the tail lights are turned on, the brightness will be reduced slightly
unless the control dial is turned up fully.
■ Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even
when vehicle operation and driving conditions are the same.
■ Unit of measure of the speedometer (on some models)
P. 9 7
Instrument panel light control
1
2
Page 93 of 552
932. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
This vehicle is not installed with an engine coolant temperature gauge.
Instead, is shown on the multi-information display. The engine may
be overheating if is shown on the multi-information display. In this
case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. ( P. 483)
Page 100 of 552

1002. Instrument cluster
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Cruising range
Displays the estimated maximum distance that can be driven
with the quantity of fuel remaining.
• This distance is computed based on your average fuel consumption.As a result, the actual distance that can be driven may differ from that
displayed.
• When only a small amount of fuel is added to the tank, the display may not be updated.
Vehicles without a smart key system:
when refueling, turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position. If the
vehicle is refueled without turning the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position, the display may not be updated.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
when refueling, turn the “POWER” switch off. If the vehicle is refueled
without turning the “POWER” switch off, the display may not be
updated.
Outside temperature
P. 3 5 7
■“ECO Score”
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge level display
EV drive indicator lamp
Illuminates when only the elec-
tric motor is used to drive the
vehicle
Hybrid System Indicator
Hybrid System Indicator repre-
sents the hybrid system power
output and regenerative charg-
ing. ( P. 102)
Eco driving conditions display
Driving conditions are displayed in 5 stages and divided into 3 catego-
ries: start, cruise and stop. Every time the vehicle is stopped, the score
is displayed. (Every time the vehicle is accelerated the score that was
last displayed is reset. Accumulative scores are not calculated.)
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