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1924-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If is displayed on the multi-information display, the “POWER”
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the “POWER” switch off.
● Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
“POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery
discharge may occur.
■ When starting the hybrid system
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 194 of 552
1944-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
■Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically after a shor t period of time in order to warm up.
In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■ Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it
cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds,
etc.
● The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 68
F (20C) for
a long period of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
When the amount of remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge dis-
played on the meter or multimedia system is low. ( P. 108)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
Page 195 of 552
1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gas oline engine may automatically restart
in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound
Even when EV drive mode is turned on, the Vehicle Proximity Notification
System may produce a sound. ( P. 72)
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them even
if the Vehicle Proximity Notification System is active. Therefore, take extra
care while driving.
Page 197 of 552
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
*: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the Dposition for normal driving.
Suitable for enhancing the fuel economy, because the torque corre-
sponding to the accelerator pedal depression amount can be gener-
ated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions and the operation
of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized.
Eco drive mode
When Eco drive mode is turned on,
the “ECO MODE” indicator will
come on.
Pressing the Eco drive mode
switch again turns Eco drive mode
off.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BPosition for engine braking
Selecting Eco drive mode
Page 198 of 552
1984-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
■Operation of the air conditio ning 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. 345) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the temperature setting or fan speed, or turn
off Eco drive mode.
■ When the accelerator pedal is depressed while the shift position is in N
A buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift position is in N.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 475
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. T herefore, if the vehicle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may re sult in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Page 203 of 552
2034-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the hybrid system is started
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed
for use at night.
For type A: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.
● Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve
fuel economy.
■ Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” or “ACC”
position and the driver's door is opened while the lights are turned on.
Vehicles with a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the “POWER” switch is turned off or turned to
ACCESSORY mode and the driver's door is opened while the lights are
turned on.
■ 12-volt battery-saving function
In the following conditions, the remaining lights will go off automatically after
20 minutes in order to prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged:
●The headlights and/or tail lights are on.
● The engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (vehicles with-
out a smart key system) or the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off (vehicles with a smart key system).
This function will be canceled in any of the following situations:
● 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).
● When the light switch is operated.
● When the door is opened or closed.
Page 209 of 552
2094-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated 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.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
7
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
Page 238 of 552
238
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
4-6. 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. 340)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 102)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever 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 generated. 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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
