Page 213 of 818
2113. Instrument cluster
3
Instrument cluster
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
WARNING
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS warning light not
come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these sys-
tems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result
in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer imme-
diately if this occurs.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning
light comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 705)
Page 225 of 818

2233. Instrument cluster
3
Instrument cluster
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
◆Energy monitor
The energy monitor can be used to check the vehicle drive status,
hybrid system operation status and energy regeneration status.
While charging from the external power source, the flow of electrical
energy while charging is displayed.
On vehicles with solar charging system, the approximate power genera-
tion level is also displayed.
When energy is flowing, an arrow appears and a bright point of light
moves to show the direction of the flow of energy. When energy is
not flowing, the bright point of light is not displayed.
●The arrows from the image of the engine to that of the electric
motor (traction motor) or tires are displayed in red.
●The arrow indicating energy consumption is displayed in yellow,
and the arrow indicating energy regeneration or charging is dis-
played in green. Also, the color around the image of the hybrid
battery (traction battery) is changed.
As an example, all arrows are shown in the illustration, but the actual
contents of the display will differ.
Page 315 of 818

3135-1. Before driving
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Use engine braking (shift position B instead of shift position D) to maintain
a safe speed when driving down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 3 3 0 )
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, head or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.
● Do not drive across river crossings or through other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/electronic components to short circuit, damage
the hybrid system or cause other serious damage to the vehicle.
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
● After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.
Page 317 of 818

3155-1. Before driving
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as
possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle w hen the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the shift position is in any position other than P or N, the vehicle may
accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
● In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated, and apply the parking brake as necessary.
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
● Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
Page 321 of 818

3195-1. Before driving
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing 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 is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where 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. When 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. In this case, transport the vehicle with both front wheels or all four
wheels lifted. ( P. 652)
Page 325 of 818

3235-2. Driving procedures
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
5
Driving
Power (ignition) switch
Check that the charging cable is disconnected. (P. 155)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
When the shift position is N, the
hybrid system cannot start. Shift
the shift position to P when starting
the hybrid system. (P. 330)
Press the power switch shortly
and firmly.
When operating the power switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold
the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,
the hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accor-
dance with the state of the vehicle.)
Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes
power switch modes.
Starting the hybrid system
1
2
3
4
5
Page 332 of 818

3305-2. Driving procedures
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
P. 4 1 8
■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
Page 334 of 818

3325-2. Driving procedures
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47F38E_(EE)
●If N is selected while driving at a certain speed, even if the shift lever is not
held in the N position, the shift position changes to N. In this situation, the
buzzer sounds and a confirmation message is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display to inform the driver that the shift position has changed to N.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
P. 310
■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.
●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. 699)
■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. 595