2018 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID Owners Manual

3535-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with the brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
Off
The emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“Accessory” is displayed on the
main display.
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“Ignition ON” is displayed on the
main display.
■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. 107
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 274
■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.
●When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -30C [-22F]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may
not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery increases due to
the outside temperature increase etc.
Changing power switch modes
1
2
3

3545-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)■Conditions affecting operation
P. 290
■Note for the entry function
P. 291
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 7 5 )
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer.
●The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. (P. 156)
●If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instructions.
■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 any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-
ately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 680
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 646
■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, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.
■Automatic P position selection function
P. 360
■When the shift control system malfunctions
When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a malfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to ACCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by applying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

3555-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
■Meter display
When the power switch is turned off, each display will turn off as follows.
● The shift position indicator will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.
● The multi-information display, clock, etc. will turn off after approximately 30
seconds.
(Each display will also turn off immediately if a door is locked before 30 sec-
onds has elapsed.)
■ If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized
setting
 P. 709
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
● If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 663)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
● If the power switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning
message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer
sounds.
● When restarting the hybrid system after an emergency shutdown while
driving, press the power switch. When restarting the hybrid system after
stopping the vehicle, change the shift position to P and then press the
power switch.

3565-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
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 “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (P. 215) is displayed on
the main display while the hybrid system is not operating, the power switch
is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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. Contact any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

3575-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
Hybrid transmission
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
Release the shift lever after each shifting operation to allow it to return to
the position.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure that
the brake pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationary.
Shift position indicator
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward B
and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instrument cluster.
Shifting the shift lever
1
When shifting to the D or R, move the shift lever along the shift
gate.
To shift to the N, slide the shift lever to the left (left-hand drive
vehicle) or right (right-hand driv e vehicle) and hold it. The shift
position will change to N.
To shift to the B, pull the shift lever down. Shifting to B is only pos-
sible when shift position D is selected.
2

3585-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
P. 4 3 7
■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
highlighted 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

3595-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)
5
Driving
■For the shift positions
●When the power switch is off, the shift position cannot be changed.
●When the power switch is in ON mode (the hybrid system is not operating),
the shift position can only be changed to N. The shift position will be
changed to N even if the shift lever is shifted to D or R and held in that posi-
tion.
●When the “READY” indicator is on, the shift position can be changed from P
to D, N or R.
●When the “READY” indicator is flashing, the shift position cannot be
changed from P to another position even if the shift lever is operated. Wait
until the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing to a solid light, and then
operate the shift lever again.
●The shift position can only be changed to B directly from D.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change the shift position by moving the
shift lever or by pressing the P position switch in any of the following situa-
tions, the buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled or the
shift position will automatically change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
●Situations where the shifting operation will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to another
position by moving the shift lever without depressing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to B by
moving the shift lever.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to another
position by moving the shift lever while the charging cable is connected to
the vehicle.
●Situations where the shift position will automatically change to N:
• When the P position switch is pressed while the vehicle is running.
*1
• When an attempt is made to select the R position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving forward.
*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from R to B by
moving the shift lever.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when driving at extremely low
speeds.
*2: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.
*3: Shift position may be changed to D when driving at low speeds.
●If N is selected while driving at a certain speed, even if the shift lever is not
held in the N position, the shift position changes to N. In this situation, the
buzzer sounds and a confirmation message is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display to inform the driver that the shift position has changed to N.

3605-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47C99E_(EE)■Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
position is in R.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
P. 338
■Automatic P position selection function
●If the power switch is on and the shift position is not already P, completely
stopping the vehicle and pressing the power switch causes the shift position
to automatically switch to P and the power switch to turn off
*.
●The shift position may also automatically switch to P if one of the following
conditions is detected while the vehicle is stopped by dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range.
• Driver’s seat belt is not fastened
• Driver’s door is opened
• Approximately 3 minutes elapse after the vehicle stopped
*: If the power switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, just before the vehicle stops), the shift position may automatically
switch to P. Press the power switch after completely stopping the vehicle to
prevent unexpected sudden stopping of the vehicle.
■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. 712)
■About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, releasing 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.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 601