811-3. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
■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 position 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) 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), behind 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. ( P. 83)
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
● In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
831-3. Hybrid system
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1
For safety and security
There is an air intake vent under
the right side of the rear seat for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) may
overheat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid battery (traction 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.
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message
881-3. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47A29U_(U)
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
● Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. The hybrid battery (traction battery) may
overheat and be damaged.
● When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, clean it with a vac-
uum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.
● Do not get water or foreign materials in the air intake vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● A filter is installed to the air intake vent. When the filter remains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement
is recommended. When cleaning or replacing the filter, contact your Toy-
ota dealer.
When “Maintenance Required for Hybrid Battery Cooling Parts at Your
Dealer” is shown on the multi-information display, the filter may be
clogged. Have the filter cleaned or replaced at your Toyota dealer.
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4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Hybrid vehicle 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. 320)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 1 1 9 )
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when sto pped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the sh ift position 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 gener-
ated. Also, when using the air condi tioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction batter y) 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.
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
5206-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set
to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing outside air from
entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the recircu-
lated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
● To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off Eco drive mode
● Even when the drive mode is set to Eco drive mode, the air conditioning eco
mode can be turned off by pressing the .
■ When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when button is
pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let the flesh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● In order to suppress odors that occur when the air conditioning system
starts, fresh air is automatically taken in when parked.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 621
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 752)
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tire inflation
pressure
(P. 615)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 603)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■ When working on the engine compartment
●Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indica-
tor are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 597)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
ItemsParts and tools
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 595)
Fuse boxes ( P. 631)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 592)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 593)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 601) 12-volt battery (
P. 598)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 595)
Radiator ( P. 597)
Condenser ( P. 597)
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank ( P. 603)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.