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1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
*: 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.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning 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. 379) 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.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BPosition for engine braking
Selecting Eco drive mode
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2064-3. Operating the lights and wipers
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■Daytime running light system
●Type A: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid
system is started and the parking brake is released with the headlight switch
in the or position. (Illuminate dimmer than the headlights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.
● Type B: To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid
system is started and the parking brake is released with the headlight switch
in the or position. (Illuminate dimmer than the headlights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
● 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.
■ Automatic light off system
Vehicles without a smart key system
● When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and a
door is opened and closed. (Vehicles with a wireless remote control: The
lights turn off immediately if on the key is pressed after all the doors
are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to “ON” position, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
Vehicles with a smart key system
● When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned
off and a door is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediately if
on the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
“POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the
driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the “POWER” switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
Page 217 of 596
217
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
4-4. Refueling
●Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOC K” poison and ensure that all the
doors and windows are closed.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Turn the “POWER” switch off and ensure that all the doors and win-
dows are closed.
● Confirm the type of fuel.
■Fuel types
→P. 541
■ Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehicle has a fuel tank opening that
only accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.
Opening the fuel tank cap
Perform the following steps to open the fuel tank cap:
Before refueling the vehicle
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2184-4. Refueling
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so may result in death or serious injury.
● After exiting the vehicle and before opening the fuel door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refueling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors to ignite while refueling.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition
hazard.
■ When refueling
Observe the following precautions to prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel
tank:
● Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the fuel filler neck.
● Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off.
● Do not top off the fuel tank.
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the emission control
system to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the
vehicle's painted surface.
Page 219 of 596
2194-4. Refueling
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Pull up the opener to open the
fuel filler door.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly to
remove it and hang it on the
back of the fuel filler door.
After refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap until you hear a click. Once
the cap is released, it will turn
slightly in the opposite direction.
Opening the fuel tank cap
1
2
Closing the fuel tank cap
Page 220 of 596
2204-4. Refueling
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in
death or serious injury.
Page 270 of 596

270
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
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. 374)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 104)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift le ver to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but elec tricity 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 271 of 596

2714-7. Driving tips
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
◆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 fuel 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 larg e amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.