
243
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
2
When driving
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid
light and the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting nor-
mally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if
the engine is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops auto-
matically in accordance with the state of the vehicle.)
■Stopping the hybrid system
St op th e veh i cle co mp lete ly.
Set the parking brake. ( oP. 2 6 0 )
Shift the shift position to P.
( oP. 2 5 2 )
Check that the shift position
indicator shows P. ( oP. 2 6 2 )
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system will stop.
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator
on the “POWER” switch is off.
STEP 5
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

300
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Tu r n i n g o n t h e h i g h b e a m h e a d l i g h ts
With the headlights on, push
the lever away from you to
turn on the high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the
center position to turn the high
beams off.
Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high
beams once.
Yo u c a n f l a s h t h e h i g h b e a m s
with the headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system
●For the U.S.A.: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the
daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system
is started and the parking brake is released.
Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch. (if
equipped)
For Canada: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the day-
time running lights 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 Canada: 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.

335
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
2
When driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
•Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
•A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
•The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
•The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid
system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
oP. 5 4 4

338
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
●The system operates in the following situations:
•The shift position is in a position other than P.
•The parking brake is not applied.
•The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●Hill-start assist control cannot be operated while the slip indicator light is
illuminated.
■Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stoplight turn on.
●Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal
is released.
●If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when
the brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal (do not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check if the operat-
ing conditions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To e n g a g e h i l l - s t a r t a s s i s t c o n -
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is acti-
vated. The slip indicator will
also start flashing.

339
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
2
When driving
■Hill-start assist control buzzer
●When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
●In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
•No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal.
•Push the P position switch.
•The parking brake is applied.
•The brake pedal is depressed again.
•The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3
minutes.
■If the slip indicator light comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on extremely steep inclines or roads covered
in ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended
period of time, as doing so may lead to an accident.