Page 193 of 596

1934-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U■
Notes for the entry function
P. 142
■ If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 86)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system . After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning. ● Check that the shift lever is securely set
in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is not securely in the P
position. “SHIFT INTO P POSITION TO
START” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
“STEERING LOCK ACTIVE” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Press the power switch while turning the
steering wheel left and right.
Page 194 of 596
1944-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U■
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even a fter perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact you r Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 486
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 449
■ Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power swit ch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after tu rning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. Afte r turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting t he hybrid sys-
tem.
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 517
Page 195 of 596

1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s se at. 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 in jury.
■ Caution while driving
If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Doing so
may cause activation of the steering lock which may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When “CHECK SMART KEY SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. Failure to do so may lead to the sys tem operat-
ing abnormally and possibly cause an accident or damage to the vehicle.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while dri ving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 second s, or press
it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 467)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cau se loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steer ing will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so yo u should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 196 of 596

1964-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
● Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If is displayed on the multi-information display, the power sw itch is
not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
● Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to AC CESSORY
mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery dis-
charge may occur.
■ When starting the hybrid system
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
● If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer 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 malfunctio n. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 197 of 596
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
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]).
EV drive mode
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 early in the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions.
However, when the Vehicle Proximity Notification System is
active, the vehicle may produce sound.
Page 198 of 596

1984-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U
■Situations in which EV dri ve 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 68
F (20C) 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 dis play is low.
( P. 110)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
■ Switching to EV drive mode whe n 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 h as illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engin e starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
Page 199 of 596

1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automati cally 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 dis play is low.
( P. 110)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hun dred meters
to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). However, depending on vehicl e conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [t raction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric m otor [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 no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approachin g them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the Vehicle Pr oximity Notifi-
cation System is active.
Page 200 of 596
2004-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U
Vehicles without a smart key system: While the power switch
is in the “ON” position, move the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
Vehicles with a smart key system: While the power switch is in
ON mode, move the shift lever with the brake pedal
depressed.
When shifting from P to another position; from D to R or P; or from R
to P, D or B; ensure that the brake pedal is being depressed an d the
vehicle is stationary.
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever