Page 97 of 808

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
972-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■If the vehicle is not used for a long time
●The 12-volt battery may discharge. In this event, charge the 12 -volt battery.
( P. 605)
In order to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in charge, charge the hybrid battery (traction ba ttery) from
external power source or start the hybrid system at least once every 2 or 3
months, and turn the power switch off after the gasoline engine has
stopped automatically. (If the gasoline engine does not start up even after
approximately 10 seconds have pass ed since the “READY” indicator came
on, the power switch can be turned to off without any further action.)
● When the vehicle is left with the charging cable connected, the electricity
consumption amount of the 12-volt battery increases due to cont rols, such
as the system checking, operating. When the charging cable is n ot needed,
immediately remove it from the vehicle.
■ Sounds and vibrations sp ecific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehic le is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, app ly the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parke d.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid sy stem is
operating and are not a malfunction.
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emi tted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents. ( P. 100)
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification syst em may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
● In very noisy areas
● In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
Page 98 of 808

98
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
■When “Proximity Notification System Malfunction Visit Your Deal er” is
displayed on the multi-information display
The vehicle proximity notification system may be malfunctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recyc ling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
WARNING
■ When using the hybrid battery ( traction battery) charge mode
Observe the following precautions when using the hybrid battery (traction
battery) charge mode while parking.
Failure to do so may lead to death or serious health hazard, as the gasoline
engine operates when in the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode.
● Do not stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
● Do not use the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode in a closed
area where ventilation is insufficient, such as in a garage or area with
snow buildup.
Page 99 of 808
99
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 600V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when th e hybrid system is operating.
Obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Charging inlet
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Power control unit and DC/DC
converter Electric motor (traction motor)
High voltage c
ables (orange)
Onboard traction battery char-
ger
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Page 100 of 808
100
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
There are air intake vents on both
sides of the rear seatback for the
purpose of cooling the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery). If the vents
are blocked, charging/discharg-
ing of the hybrid battery (traction
battery) may become limited.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor , the
emergency shut off system block s off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and f uel leak-
age. If the emergency shut off s ystem activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid s ystem, contact your Toyota deal er.
A message is automatically displ ayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message
Page 101 of 808

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
1012-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dea ler.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cann ot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the lo w fuel level
warning light ( P. 673) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the
hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about
2.0 gal. [7.5 L, 1.7 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when th e vehicle is
inclined.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporat e electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-p roduced
radio parts.
■ Effect of magnetic forces
If objects that generate strong magnetic forces, such as large speakers, are
placed inside the luggage compartment or installed nearby, the generated
magnetic forces may negatively affect the hybrid system.
■ Hybrid battery (traction batt ery) (lithium-ion battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service lif e.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity (the ability to hold a charge)
reduces with time and use in the same way as other rechargeable batteries.
The extent at which capacity reduces changes drastically depending on the
environment (ambient temperature, etc.) and usage conditions, such as how
the vehicle is driven and how the hybrid battery (traction batt ery) is charged.
This is a natural characteristic of lithium-ion batteries, and is not a malfunc-
tion. Also, even though the distance that can be driven in EV m ode decreases
when the hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity reduces, ve hicle perfor-
mance does not significantly become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of the capacity reducing, fo llow the directions
listed on P. 144, “Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (tr action battery)”.
■ Starting the hybrid system in a n extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (b elow approxi-
mately -22 F [-30C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may
not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery increases due to the
outside temperature increase etc.
Page 102 of 808
102
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause sev ere
burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious in jury.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage pa rts,
cables or their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
● Never try to open the service plug
access hole located in the luggage
compartment. The service plug is used
only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.
Page 103 of 808

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
1032-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death o r serious
injury:
● Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift posi-
tion to P, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● Do not touch the battery if liquid is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic electrolyte) from the hy brid battery
(traction battery) comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event that it comes into contact
with the eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water,
and seek immediate medical attention.
● If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction bat tery), do not
approach the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction ba ttery) is dam-
aged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a l arge amount of
electrolyte from leaking out. However, any electrolyte that doe s leak out
will give off a vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and eyes and could
cause acute poisoning if inhaled.
● Do not bring burning or high-tem perature items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. Th is may
cause a fire. ( P. 664)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
Page 104 of 808

104
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47E74U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
● Your vehicle contains a sealed lithium-ion battery.
● Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To preven t accidents,
hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are col-
lected through Toyota dealer. Do not dispose of the battery you rself.
Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, resulting
in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is haz-
ardous to the environment or someone may touch a high voltage p art,
resulting in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with you r hybrid
vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified
in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke
generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an acci-
dent is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may
not be aware of these dangers.
● If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery havin g been
removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high vo ltage parts,
cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by your Toy-
ota dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed
of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in dea th or serious
injury.