Page 143 of 596

1433-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
3
Operation of each component
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
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. 141)
Page 187 of 596
1874-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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 th e hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 190 of 596

1904-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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 7
■ Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 123
■ 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. 142
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 192 of 596
1924-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
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. 487
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 448
■ Operation of the “POWER” switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the “POWER” switch mode
may not change or the hybrid system may not start.
● 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, pleas e wait a few seconds before restarting
the hybrid system.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
→P. 516
Page 194 of 596

1944-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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 195 of 596
1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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 196 of 596

1964-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■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 (20°C) 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. 111 )
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
Page 197 of 596

1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Automatic cancelatio n of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart
in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound
Even when EV drive mode is turned on, the Vehicle Proximity Notification
System may produce a sound. ( →P. 74)
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them even
if the Vehicle Proximity Notification System is active. Therefore, take extra
care while driving.