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 141 of 588

1413-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
3
Operation of each component
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)■
Notes for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the effective range (detection areas),
the system may not operate properly in the following cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the window or outside door handle, near
the ground, or in a high place when the doors are locked or unlocked.
• The electronic key is on the instrument panel, luggage cover or floor, in
the door pockets or glove box when the hybrid system is started or
“POWER” switch modes are changed.
● Do not exit the vehicle with the electronic key placed on the instrument
panel or near the door pockets. Depending on the radio wave reception con-
ditions, it may be detected by the antenna outside the cabin and the door
will become lockable from the outside, possibly trapping the electronic key
inside the vehicle.
● As long as the electronic key is within the effective range, the doors may be
locked or unlocked by anyone. However, only the doors detecting the elec-
tronic key can be used to unlock the vehicle.
● Whether or not the electronic key is inside the vehicle, the hybrid system
could be started if the electronic key is near the window.
● The doors may unlock if a large amount of water splashes on the door han-
dle, such as in the rain or in a car wash when the electronic key is within the
effective range. (The door will automatically be locked after approximately
60 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.)
● The lock and unlock sensors may not work properly if they come into con-
tact with ice, snow, mud, etc. Clean the sensors and attempt to operate
them again.
● If the wireless remote control is used to lock the doors when the electronic
key is near the vehicle, there is a possibility that the door may not be
unlocked by the entry function. (Using the wireless remote control to unlock
the doors may resume the function.)
● If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effec-
tive range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the
following correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
• Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. (2 m) or more away from the
vehicle. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
• Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key system. ( P. 139)
Page 185 of 588
1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 188 of 588

1884-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, the “POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to
turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that is displayed on t he multi-information display and
then press the “POWER” switch once.
Check that on the multi-information display is off.
■ Auto power off function
When the shift lever is in P, if the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode
with the hybrid system not operating for more than 20 minutes (ACCESSORY
mode) or one hour (ON mode), the “POWER” switch will automatically turn
off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge.
Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON
mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 7 5
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 121
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 140
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 190 of 588
1904-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)■
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 483
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 444
■ Operation of the “POWER” switch
●When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the
switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the
“POWER” switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After
turning the “POWER” switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting
the hybrid system.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 5 1 1
Page 192 of 588

1924-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
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 193 of 588
1934-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
the EV drive mode indicator will
come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV
drive mode will return the vehicle to
normal driving (using the gasoline
engine and electric motor [traction
motor]).
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions.
However, when the vehicle proximity notification system is
active, the vehicle may produce sound.
Page 194 of 588

1944-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52F96U)
■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 short 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 dri ve mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situati\
ons. 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. 109)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.