Page 194 of 600

1944-2. 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. 80
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 123
■ 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. 143
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 196 of 600
1964-2. 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. 489
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 451
■ 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 tu rning 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 t he hybrid sys-
tem.
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 520
Page 198 of 600

1984-2. 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 199 of 600
1994-2. 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 Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is active,
the vehicle may produce sound.
Page 200 of 600

2004-2. 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. 112)
● 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 201 of 600

2014-2. 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. 112)
● 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 vehicle 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 Acoustic V ehicle Alerting
System is active.
Page 205 of 600

2054-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to se t the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of t he brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift le ver is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to a n accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction batter y) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehi cle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Page 211 of 600

2114-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U
Vehicles with a smart key system
● When the headlights are on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 sec-
onds after the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turn ed off
and a door is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediate ly if on
the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights are on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light
switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
■ Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned to the “LOCK” o r “ACC”
position and the driver's door is opened while the lights are t urned on.
Vehicles with a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned t o ACCES-
SORY mode and the driver's door is opened while the lights are turned on.
■ 12-volt battery-saving function
In the following conditions, the remaining lights will go off automatically after
20 minutes in order to prevent the vehicle battery from being d ischarged:
● The headlights and/or tail lights are on.
● The power switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (veh icles with-
out a smart key system) or the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off (vehicles with a smart key system).
This function will be canceled in any of the following situatio ns:
● When the power switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) or the power switch is turned to ON mode (veh icles with
a smart key system).
● When the light switch is operated.
● When the door is opened or closed.
■ Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer
Setting (e.g. daytime running light system) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 560)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybri d system is
off.