228
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle
P. 2 4 5
With the brake pedal depressed , shift the shift position to D.
( P. 255)
Check that the shift position indicator shows D.
Release the parking brake. ( P. 2 6 2 )
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accele ra-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
With the shift position in D , depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
position to P. (
P. 256)
Stop the vehicl e completely.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 2 6 2 )
Shift the shift position to P. ( P. 256)
Check that the shift position indicator shows P.
Press the power switch to stop the hybrid system.
Slowly release th e brake pedal.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe
driving:
Starting the hybrid system
Driving
Stopping
Parking the vehicle
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2354-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is parked
● Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft d rink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may le ad to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray ov er the
interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s
electrical components.
● Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit acci dentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
● Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do n ot place con-
tainers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashb oard. Adhe-
sive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.
● Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coate d with a
metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunligh t may cause
the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.
● Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift position to P, stop the hybrid
system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift position in P but the p arking brake is
not set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.
● Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the “READY” indicator is illuminated
or immediately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
238
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. D oing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle i s flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the e ngine, hybrid
transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (whe re possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to
shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. Wh en the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels will
lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transp ort the vehi-
cle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted. ( P. 584)
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2414-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed pr operly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting t he driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever poss i-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment highe r
than the seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be pla ced
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is no t
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with t heir seat
belts properly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rea r seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehic le
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, d o not apply the load unevenly. I mproper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Automatic hybrid system shut off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the hybrid
system when the shift position is in P with the hybrid system operating for an
extended period.
● The hybrid system will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it
has been left running while the shift position is in P.
● The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will reset if the
brake pedal is depressed or if the shift position is in a posit ion other than P.
● After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch
(P. 187) from the inside or the mechanical key ( P. 647) from the outside,
the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for
the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s
door is opened.
■ Automatic P position selection function
P. 258
■ When the shift contr ol system malfunctions
When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a m alfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to A CCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by ap plying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota d ealer immedi-
ately.
■ 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 seconds has elapsed.)
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 648
266
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.
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2794-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep (vehicles with rain-sensing win dshield
wipers)
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers op erate one
more time after a short delay to prevent dripping. However, thi s function will
not operate while driving.
■ Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●If the wiper switch is turned to the position while the power switch is in
ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is acti-
vated.
● If the wiper sensitivity is adjusted to higher, the wiper may o perate once to
indicate the change of sensitivity.
● If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 185 F (85 C) or higher, or 5°F
(-15°C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this ca se, operate
the wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked, if there is wash er fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
■ Customization
Settings of AUTO mode operation can be changed. (Customizable f eatures:
P. 690) ● The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs, etc.
are present on the windshield.
280
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of win dshield wipers in AUTO mode (ve hi-
cles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fin-
gers, etc. do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshie ld becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visi bility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle w ill be damaged.
■ To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than necessary when the hybri d system
is off.