Page 119 of 509

1192. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
Remaining hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge display
The charge amount of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is automatically
controlled by the hybrid system. For this reason, even if electricity is recov-
ered via the regenerative braking, or el ectricity is generated via the gasoline
engine, the displayed hybrid battery (traction battery) charge amount may not
reach the highest level (level 8). However, this does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.
■ Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
■ Brightness of the instrument panel light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument cluster lights will dim.
■ When disconnecting and reconnect ing 12-volt battery terminals
The fuel consumption display and average vehicle speed will be reset.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning
light comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( →P. 457)
■ The trip information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
Page 123 of 509
1232. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
How to read the energy monitor
Energy monitor
When the vehicle is powered by
the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
both the gasoline engine and
the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine
Page 134 of 509
1342. Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
Audio system screen
When the vehicle is powered by
the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
both the gasoline engine and
the electric motor (traction
motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine
Page 204 of 509

2044-1. Before driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent t he pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may re sult in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
● Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than
the seatbacks.
● When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
● Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened.
● Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
● Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■ Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
● Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deteriorati on of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.
Page 208 of 509
2084-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
Press the power switch shortly
and firmly.
When operating the power switch,
one short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,
the hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started
from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accor-
dance with the state of the vehicle.)
3
4
Page 214 of 509

2144-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
EV drive mode
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]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. 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 0 °C (32 °F) for a
long period of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(→ P. 112, 133)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
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 late at night,
or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and
exhaust gas emissions.
Page 215 of 509

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
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.
■ Automatic cancelation 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.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(→ P. 112, 133)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a
prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.
■ 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 km (0.6 mile). 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.)
■ Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV drive mode can be used in conjunction with Eco drive mode and power
mode.
However, EV drive mode may be automatically canceled when used in con-
junction with power mode.
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasol ine engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
WARNING
■ Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay s pecial attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehi-
cle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.
Page 219 of 509

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)■
About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, rel easing the accelerator pedal will apply
engine braking.
• When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gasoline- fueled vehicles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that of
other vehicles.
• The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, select the D position.
■ Automatically P position selection function
When the shift position is in a position other than P, pressing the power switch
with the vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to change to
P automatically, and then the power switch will turn off.
■ If the shift position cannot be shifted from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt
battery in this situation. ( →P. 452)
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
→ P. 338
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 477)
WARNING
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ For the shift lever
Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota
shift lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
■ P position switch
Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, directly before stopping the vehicle), the vehicle may stop sud-
denly when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.