
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2534-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■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.
■ 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. 128, 166)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on  a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a
prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information displa y.
■ 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 0.6 mile (1 km). However, depending on vehicle  conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The di stance that
is  possible  depends  on  the  hybrid  battery  [traction  battery]  le vel  and  driving
conditions.)
■ Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV  drive  mode  can  be  used  in  conjunction  with  Eco  drive  mode  and  power
mode.
However,  EV  drive  mode  may  be  automatically  canceled  when  used  in  con-
junction with power mode.
■ 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. 

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PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
 P.   3 4 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 f irmly, operate the shift lever.   I f
the shift lever is operated withou t 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  pos i-
tion  has  been  changed  to  the  desired  position  by  checking  the
shift position indica tor provided on the in strument 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 down-
ward slopes etc.
Selecting a driving mode
P position switch 

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PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■Restraining sudden start  (Drive-Start Control)
P. 230
■ 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 s hift 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 (if equipped).
• 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  aut omatically
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. 650)
■ About engine braking
When  shift  position  B  is  selected,  releasing  the  accelerator  pe dal  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 t han that of other
vehicles.
● The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is se lected.
If  the  vehicle  is  driven  continuously  in  the  B  position,  fuel  e fficiency  will
become low. Usually, select the D position.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 525
■ When  a  message  related  to  shift  op erations  is  displayed  on  the multi-
information display
When the shift position does not switch due to a mistaken opera tion, system
conditions,  etc.,  or  when  the  attempted  shift  operation  is  invalid,  a  message
indicating  the  correct  operation  or  the  reason  why  switching  cannot  be  per-
formed  is  shown  on  the  multi-information  display.  In  these  case s,  follow  the
instructions and retry the operation.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. reverse warning buzzer) can be changed. 
(Customizable features:  P. 690) 

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PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Daytime running light system
●The  daytime  running  lights  illuminate  using  the  same  lights  as  the  head-
lights, and illuminate dimmer than the headlights.
● To  make  your  vehicle  more  visible  to  other  drivers  during  dayti me  driving,
the  daytime  running  lights  turn  on  automatically  when  all  of  the  following
conditions are met. (The daytime running lights are not designe d for use at
night.)
• The hybrid system is operating
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the  ,  ,   or 
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after they illuminate, eve n if the park-
ing brake is set again.
● For  the  U.S.A.:  Daytime  running  lights  can  be  turned  off  by  ope rating  the
switch.
● Compared  to  turning  on  the  headlights,  the  daytime  running  ligh t  system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it  can help improve
fuel economy.
■ Headlight control sensor (if equipped)
■ Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights tur n off 30 sec-
onds  after  a  door  is  opened  and  closed  if  the  power  switch  is  t urned  to
ACCESSORY  mode  or  turned  off.  (The  lights  turn  off  immediately  if    on
the key is pressed after all the doors are locked.)
● When only the tail lights come 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 to the  ,  ,   or   position once and then back to the
 or   position. 
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that  blocks  the  sensor  is  affixed  to  the
windshield. 
Doing  so  interferes  with  the  sensor
detecting  the  level  of  ambient  light  and
may  cause  the  automatic  headlight  sys-
tem to malfunction. 
Air  conditioning  operation  may  also  be
interrupted. 

283
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-4. Refueling
4
Driving
Opening the fuel tank cap
●Turn  the  power  switch  off  and  ensure  that  all  the  doors  and  win -
dows are closed.
● Confirm the type of fuel.
■Fuel types
P. 675
■ Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To  help  prevent  incorrect  fueling,  your  vehicle  has  a  fuel  tank   opening  that
only accommodates the special nozzle on unleaded fuel pumps.
■ Gasoline price setting screen
After  refueling more than  approximately 1.3  gal.  (5  L,  1.1 Imp. gal.) and  turn-
ing  the  power  switch  to  ON  mode,  the  gasoline  price  setting  screen  will  be
automatically displayed on the multi-information display. ( P. 101)
The  fuel  tank  of  your  vehicle  has  a  special  structure,  which
requires a reduction in fuel tank  pressure before refueling. After
the opener switch has been pressed, it will take several second s
until the vehicle is r eady for refueling.
Before refueling the vehicle 

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PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-4. Refueling
WARNING
■When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so may result in death or serious injury.
● After  exiting  the  vehicle  and  before  opening  the  fuel  door,  tou ch  an
unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity. It  is important to
discharge  static  electricity  before  refueling  because  sparks  re sulting  from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors to ignite while refuel ing.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly t o remove it. 
A  whooshing  sound  may  be  heard  when  the  fuel  tank  cap  is  loosen ed.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out of the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do  not  allow  anyone  that  has  not  discharged  static  electricity  from  their
body to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that  is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a p ossible ignition
hazard.
■ When refueling
Observe  the following precautions to  prevent  fuel  overflowing f rom the  fuel
tank:
● Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the fuel filler neck.
● Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically click s off.
● Do not top off the fuel tank. 

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2854-4. Refueling
4
Driving
Press  the  opener  to  open  the
fuel filler door.
The  fuel  filler  door  will  open  within
about  10  seconds  of  the  switch
being  pressed.  Before  refueling  is
possible, a message will be shown
on  the  multi-information  display  in
the  instrument  cluster  to  indicate
the  progress  of  the  fuel  filler  door
opener.
Turn  the fuel tank cap  slowly to
open and hang it on the back of
the fuel filler door.
NOTICE
■Refueling
● Finish  refueling  within  30  minutes.  If  more  than  30  minutes  passes,  the
internal valve closes. In this condition, fuel may overflow dur ing the refuel-
ing process. 
Press the fuel filler door opener switch again.
● Do not spill fuel during refueling. 
Doing  so  may  damage  the  vehicle,  such  as  causing  the  emission  c ontrol
system to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components  or the
vehicle’s painted surface.
Opening the fuel tank cap
1
2 

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PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-4. Refueling
■When the fuel filler door cannot be opened by pressing the insi de switch
Using  the  lever  to  open  the  fuel  filler  door  may  not  allow  for  an  adequate
reduction  in  fuel  tank  pressure  before  refueling. To  prevent  fuel  from  spilling
out, turn the cap slowly when removing it. 
During refueling, fuel may spill out from the filler opening du e to air being dis-
charged  from  inside  the  fuel  tank.  Therefore,  fill  the  fuel  tan k  carefully  and
slowly. Open  the  back  door  and  remove  the
cover underneath the luggage compart-
ment light.
Pull  the  lever  backward  and  check  that
the fuel lid opens.
NOTICE
■
When refueling
1
2
When  refueling  your  vehicle,  make  sure
that the fuel filler door lock is not pushed
by  the  fuel  nozzle  boot,  etc.,  as  this  may
cause a valve to close, possibly resulting
in a fuel spill.
If  the  fuel  filler  door  lock  has  been
pushed,  operate  the  fuel  filler  door
opener  switch  in  the  vehicle  before  con-
tinuing to refuel.