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 77 of 552

771-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
There is an air intake vent on the
side of the lower part of the rear
left seat for the purpose of cooling
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery). If the vent becomes
blocked, the hybrid battery may
overheat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid 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 your Toyota dealer.
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. 449)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message
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 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:
Page 455 of 552
4558-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
PRIUS c_U (OM52E68U)
*1: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s ManualSupplement” for the maintenance interval applicable to your vehicle.
*2: For the EV drive mode operating conditions:P. 194
Carrying out the corresponding action turns the message off.
Indicates that the shift lever is shifted while the
accelerator pedal is being depressed A buzzer also sounds.
Release the accelerator pedal.
Other displayed message
Displayed messageDetails/Actions
Maintenance of the hybrid system (traction bat-
tery) cooling component is required
The filter may be clogged, the air vent may be
blocked or there may be a gap in the duct.
Have maintenance performed on the hybrid
system (traction battery) cooling component
at your Toyota dealer.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)