Page 140 of 588

1403-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)■
Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations, the
communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be affected,
preventing the smart key system, wireless remote control and immobilizer
system from operating properly.
(Ways of coping: P. 5 1 1 )
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical
noise
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
● When other wireless keys (that emit radio waves) are being used nearby
● When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• A portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless com-
munication device
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to the
rear window
● When the electronic key is placed near a battery charger or electronic
devices
Page 197 of 588
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
*: 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 588

1984-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
■Operation of the air conditioning 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. 375) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the temperature setting or fan speed, o\
r 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. 510
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 (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, 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 result in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Page 221 of 588

2214-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
■Front sensor
The front sensor uses lasers to detect vehicles ahead of your vehicle. The
front sensor is classified as class 1M laser product according to the IEC
60825-1 standard. Under normal usage conditions, these lasers are not
harmful to the naked eye. However, it is necessary to observe the following
precautions.
Failure to do so may result in the loss of eyesight or severe visual impair-
ment.
●To avoid hazardous laser radiation exposure, never attempt to disassem-
ble the front sensor (e.g. remove the lenses). When disassembled, the
front sensor is classified as a class 3B laser product according to the IEC
60825-1 standard. Class 3B lasers are hazardous and pose a risk of eye
injury under direct exposure.
● Do not attempt to look into the front sensor with a magnifying glass, micro-
scope or other optical instrument within a distance of less than 100 mm
(3.9 in.).
Laser classification label
Laser explanatory label
Laser emission data Maximum average power: 45 mW
Pulse duration: 33 ns
Wave length: 905 nm
Divergence (horizontal x vertical): 28° x 12°
Page 226 of 588

2264-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
●While driving, such as when driving through a railway crossing, the system
may determine that the possibility of a collision with an object, such as rail-
way crossing barrier, is high and operate the pre-collision braking function.
To move the vehicle in an emergency, such as if the system operates in a
railway crossing, perform the following operations and then take the nec-
essary measures to ensure your safety.
• If the vehicle has been stopped, depress the accelerator pedal.
• If the vehicle is decelerating, fully depress the accelerator pedal.
(P. 228)
• Disable the pre-collision system. ( P. 227)
■ When to disable the pre-collision system
In the following situations, disable the system, as it may not operate prop-
erly, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
●When the vehicle is being towed
● When your vehicle is towing another vehicle
● When transporting the vehicle via truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
● When the vehicle is raised on a lift with the hybrid system on and the tires
are allowed to rotate freely
● When inspecting the vehicle using a drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer
● If the vehicle cannot be driven in a stable manner, such as when the vehi-
cle has been in an accident or is malfunctioning
● When the vehicle is driven in a sporty manner or off-road
● When the condition of the tires is poor and they do not perform well
( P. 428, 439)
● When tires of a size other than specified are installed
● When tire chains are installed
● When a compact spare tire or an emergency tire puncture repair kit is used
Page 238 of 588

2384-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
WARNING
■Before using the LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. LDA is not a system which auto-
matically drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by always paying careful attention to the sur-
rounding conditions and operate the steering wheel to correct the path of
the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks when fatigued, such
as from driving for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ To avoid operating the LDA by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the system off.
■ Preventing LDA system malfunctions and operations performed by
mistake
● Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the
lights.
● Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be
replaced, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
● If your windshield needs repairs, contact your Toyota dealer.
Page 267 of 588

267
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
4-7. 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 (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 370)
◆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 el ectricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerati on 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 driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 268 of 588

2684-7. Driving tips
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fu el economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoi ding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the br akes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline eng ine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehi cle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire infl ation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.