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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
1694-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●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 properly 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
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
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PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
position in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent the 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. 1 1 8
■ 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. 133
■ Note for the entry function
P. 134
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 83)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When “SMART KEY SYSTEM CHEC K HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED
BY A DEALER” is displayed on th e multi-information display (if
equipped) or the smart key system wa rning light flashes in yellow (if
equipped)
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ 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. 492, 508
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 464
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180
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If the smart key system indicator light (green) is illuminated (vehicles with-
out multi-information display), or “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-
information display (vehicles with multi-information display) the hybrid sys-
tem is not off. When exiting the vehicle, always check that the power
switch is off.
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malf unction 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. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 187 of 624
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
1874-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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.
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188
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period of time.
■ Situations where shift control system malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, shift control system malfunctions
are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-
ing brake, and then contact your Toyota dealer.
● Vehicles without multi-information display:
When the “P LOCK MALFUNCTION W H E N PA R K I N G, PA R K I N F L AT
PLACE AND APPLY PARKING BRAKE SECURELY” warning message
appears on the instrument cluster. ( P. 494)
● Vehicles without multi-information display:
When the parking lock system warning light is illuminated.
● Vehicles with multi-information display:
When the warning message indicating the shift control system appears on
the multi-information display. ( P. 508)
● When everything except the shift position indicator selection frame is illu-
minated.
● When the shift position indicator remains off.
■ Notes regarding shift lever and P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily
possible to shift the shift position other than P. If this happens, please wait
for approximately 20 seconds before attempting to change the shift position
again.
Page 195 of 624
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
1954-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 577)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.
Page 203 of 624
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
2034-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
Ty p e BTurns the fog lights off
Turns the fog lights on
■Fog lights can be used when
The headlights are on in low beam.
1
2
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.
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206
PRIUS v_OM_OM47B23U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
7
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged\
.
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybrid system
is off.