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
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.
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.
2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usuallybe used.
→ P. 2 5 5
■When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set
the parking brake, and then
press the P position switch.
When the shift position is
changed to P, the switch indica-
tor comes on.
Check that the P position is illu-
minated on the shift position
indicator.
■
Shifting the shift position from P to other positions
● While depressing the brake pedal firmly, operate the shift lever. If
the shift lever is operated without depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled.
● When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift posi-
tion has been changed to the desired position by checking the
shift position indicator provided on the instrument cluster.
● The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*
B
Applying engine braking or strong braking when
the accelerator pedal has been released on steep downward slopes etc.
Selecting a driving mode
P position switch
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.
2584-5. Using the driving support systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
● A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
● The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
● The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is operated.
● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when 1-2 minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
→ P. 388
271
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (→P. 255)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 118)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift 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 conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration 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 driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
2724-6. Driving tips
PRIUS +_OM_OM47B24E_(EE)
◆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 avoiding 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 brakes. 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 engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.