
2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■Switching to EV drive mode when 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 has illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically 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 display is low.
(P. 131, 168)
●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 display.
■Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1 km (0.6 mile). 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 [traction battery] level 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 motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.

2524-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehi-
cle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

2544-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
P. 3 5 1
■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 firmly, operate the shift lever. If
the shift lever is operated without 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 posi-
tion has been changed to the desired position by checking the
shift position indicator provided on the instrument 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
downward slopes etc.
Selecting a driving mode
P position switch

2564-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
P. 222
■Automatic P position selection function
In the following situations, the shift position is automatically changed to P.
●When pressing the power switch with the vehicle stopped while the power
switch is in ON mode and the shift position is in a position other than P (after
the shift position has changed to P, the power switch will turn off)
*
●If the driver’s door is opened and all of the following conditions are met,
while the shift position is in a position other than P
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
• The brake pedal is not depressed.
To start off the vehicle after the shift position is changed to P, operate the
shift lever again.
*: When the power switch is pressed while driving at extremely slow speeds,
such as immediately before stopping the vehicle, the shift position may
automatically change to P. Make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped
before pressing the power switch.
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 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. 639)
■About engine braking
When shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator pedal 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 than that of other
vehicles.
●The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, select the D position.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 523

2574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
■ When a message related to shift operations is displayed on the multi-
information display
When the shift position does not switch due to a mistaken operation, 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 cases, follow the
instructions and retry the operation.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 670)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ Shift lever and P position switch
● Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota
shift lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
● Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, just before the vehicle stops), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.
● In order to prevent the shift position from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift lever when not using them.

3894-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
■ Objects which the system may not properly detect
The shape of the object may prevent the sensor from detecting it. Pay partic-
ular attention to the following objects:
● Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
● Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
● Sharply-angled objects
● Low objects
● Tall objects with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
■ Situations in which the system may not operate properly
Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect objects. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
● There is dirt, snow, water drops or ice on a sensor. (Cleaning the sensors
will resolve this problem.)
● A sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.) In espe-
cially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the sensor display may be displayed
abnormally, or objects, such as a wall, may not be detected.
● On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
● When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of
large vehicles, the clearance sonar of ot her vehicles or other devices which
produce ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
● A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
● If objects draw too close to the sensor.
● When a pedestrian is wearing clothing that does not reflect ultrasonic waves
(ex. skirts with gathers or frills).
● When objects that are not perpendicular to the ground, not perpendicular to
the vehicle traveling direction, uneven, or waving are in the detection range.
● Strong wind is blowing
● When driving in inclement weather such as fog, snow or a sandstorm
● When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a
detected object
● If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front
of the vehicle or runs out from the side of the vehicle
● When a sensor or the area around a
sensor is extremely hot or cold.

3914-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
● When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of
large vehicles, the clearance sonar of ot her vehicles or other devices which
produce ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
● If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
● If the orientation of a sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact
● Driving close to columns (H-shaped steel beams, etc.) in multi-story parking
garages, construction sites, etc.
● If the vehicle cannot be driven in a stable manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunctioning
● When tire chains, a compact spare tire or an emergency tire puncture repair
kit are used.
● On an extremely bumpy road, on an
incline, on gravel, or on grass

4394-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
●Observe the following precautions, as the sensors may stop functioning
properly which may lead to an accident.
• Do not subject the sensor to strong shocks by hitting it, etc. The sen-
sors may not function properly.
• When using a high-pressure washer to wash the vehicle, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. Equipment may not function properly if
subjected to an impact from strong water pressure. If the vehicle
bumper strikes something, equipment may not operate properly due to
a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected at any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authoriz ed repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● In the following situations, the sensors may not operate normally and may
lead to an accident. Drive carefully.
• Obstacles cannot be detected in the side areas until a scan of the side
areas is completed. ( P. 388)
• Even after the scan of the side areas is completed, obstacles such as
other vehicles, people or animals that approach from the sides cannot
be detected.
• The sensor is frozen (if it thaws, the system returns to normal).
A warning message may display at particularly low temperatures due to
the sensor freezing and it may not detect parked vehicles.
• The sensor is blocked by someone’s hand.
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount.
• The temperature is extremely hot or cold.
• The vehicle is driven on undulating roads, slopes, gravel roads, in areas
with tall grass, etc.
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or sensors of
another vehicle, a motorcycle engine or the air brake of a large vehicle.
• Heavy rain or a water strikes the vehicle.
• The angle of the sensor may be deviated when assist control starts
even if there is a parked vehicle in the target parking spot. Have the
vehicle inspected at any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
• Do not install any accessories within the sensor detection range.