
186
PRIUS c_U
4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set. 
Check that the shift lever is in P. 
Firmly depress the brake pedal. 
Turn  the  power  switch  to  the
“START”  position  to  start  the
hybrid system.
If  the  “READY”  indicator  turns  on,
the  hybrid  system  will  operate  nor-
mally.
Continue  depressing  the  brake
pedal  until  the  “READY”  indicator
is illuminated.
Check that the “R EADY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a sol id light and a
beep sound, 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 t he engine
is  stopped.  (The  engine  starts  or  stops  automatically  in  accord ance  with
the state of the vehicle.)
Power (ignition) switch (vehicles without a 
smart key system)
Starting the hybrid system
1
2
3
4
5 

1884-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U■
If the hybrid system does not star t (vehicles with immobilizer system)
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 86) 
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering  lock cannot be released
■ 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
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the power  switch is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. When  starting  the  hybrid  system,  the
power  switch  may  seem  stuck  in  the
“LOCK”  position.  To  free  it,  turn  the  key
while  turning  the  steering  wheel  slightly
left and right.
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 when driving
Do  not  turn  the  power  switch  to  the  “LOCK”  position  while  drivi ng. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the power switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the hy brid system.
An accident may result if the hybrid system is stopped while dr iving. 
( P. 467) 

1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a sol id light and a
beep sound, 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 t he engine
is  stopped.  (The  engine  starts  or  stops  automatically  in  accord ance  with
the state of the vehicle.)
Stop the vehicl e completely.
Set the parking brake ( P. 205), and shift the shift lever to P.
Press the power switch.
Release  the  brake  pedal  and  c heck  that    on  the  multi-infor-
mation display is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with brake pe dal
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 power outlet can be used.
  will  be  displayed  on  the
multi-information display.
ON mode
All  electrical  components  can  be
used. 
  will  be  displayed  on  the
multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning  off the hybrid sys-
tem, the power switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.
Stopping the hybrid system
Changing power switch modes
5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3 

1924-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U
If  the  hybrid  system  is  stopped with  the  shift  lever  in  a  position  other
than P, the power sw itch will not be turned  off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY  mode.  Perform  the  following  procedure  to  turn  the
switch off:
Check that the park ing brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that   is displ ayed on the multi-information display and
then press the power switch once.
Check that   on the  multi-information display is off.
■Auto power off function
When the shift lever is in P, if the vehicle is left in ACCESSO RY or ON mode
with the hybrid system not operating for more than 20 minutes ( ACCESSORY
mode)  or  one  hour  (ON  mode),  the  power  switch  will  automaticall y  turn  off.
However,  this  function  cannot  entirely  prevent  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 sp ecific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 78
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 121
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driv ing con-
ditions
When  starting  the  hybrid  system,  the  flashing  time  of  the  “READ Y”  indicator
may  be  long.  Leave  the  vehicle  as  it  is  until  the  “READY”  indic ator  is  steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 141
When  stopping  the  hybrid  system  with  the  shift  lever  in  a  posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4 

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. 

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. 

2634-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corre-
sponding to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock  Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenl y,
or if the brakes are applied while  driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake p edal
is depressed when the system de tects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps  the  driver  to  control  skidding  when  swerving  suddenly  or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps  to  maintain  drive  power  and  prevent  the  drive  wheels  from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when start -
ing on an uphill
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed  to
turn the steering wheel 
Driving assist systems
To  keep  driving  safety  and  perf ormance,  the  following  systems
operate  automatically  in  respon se  to  various  driving  situations.
Be  aware,  however,  that  these  systems  are  supplementary  and
should  not  be  relied  upon  too  heav ily  when  operating  the  vehi-
cle.  

2654-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold   for more  than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRAC OFF” wil l be shown
on the multi-information display.
*
Press   again to turn the system back on.
*: When the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, pre-collision brake assist
and pre-collision braking will be disabled and the PCS warning  light will illu-
minate. ( P. 238)
■ When  the  message  is  displayed  on  the  multi-information  display show-
ing that TRAC has been disab led even if   has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Operating conditions of  hill-start assist control
When  the  following  four  conditions  are  met,  the  hill-start  assi st  control  will
operate:
● The  shift  lever  is  in  a  position  other  than  P  or  N  (when  starting  off  forward/
backward on an upward incline)
● The vehicle is stopped
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed
● The parking brake is not engaged
■ Automatic system cancelation  of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the follo wing situations:
● The shift lever is shifted to P or N
● The accelerator pedal is depressed
● The parking brake is engaged
● 2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is  depressed  repeatedly,  when the  hybrid  system is started or just  after  the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a mal function has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any  of  the  following  conditions  may  occur  when  the  above  system s  are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occur red. 
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a s top.