Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2017 year). Manual - part 20
5-1. Before driving
323
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 dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional 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
5
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, transport the vehi-
cle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
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324
5-1. Before driving
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than
the seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■ Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
●Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.
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5-1. Before driving
325
NOTICE
■ If luggage is loaded on the roof (vehicles with solar charging system)
Observe the following precautions. Failure to observe them could lead to
the solar roof being damaged, or the roof rack falling off.
●Do not install a roof rack which inter-
feres with the solar roof.
●Do not load luggage directly onto the
solar roof.
5
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326
5-1. Before driving
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch
or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-
cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the
use of tow hitch mounted carriers.
IO51PH002
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5-2. Driving procedures
327
Power (ignition) switch
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
Check that the charging cable is disconnected. (P. 148)
2
Check that the parking brake is set.
3
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
5
the hybrid system. (P. 334)
4
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.
5
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.)
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328
5-2. Driving procedures
Stopping the hybrid system
1
Stop the vehicle completely.
2
Set the parking brake. (P. 340)
3
Shift the shift position to P.
(P. 334)
Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P. (P. 333)
Press the power switch.
4
The hybrid system will stop.
5
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the
display on the
instrument cluster is off.
The meter display sequentially turns off after the hybrid system stops.
(P. 331)
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5-2. Driving procedures
329
Changing power switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with the brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
1
Off
The emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
2
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“Accessory” is displayed on the
main display.
3
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“Ignition ON” is displayed on the
main display.
■ Auto power off function
5
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
position in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods
of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 99
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 266
■ When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions
● When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
● When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -30C [-22F]) 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.
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330
5-2. Driving procedures
■ Conditions affecting operation
P. 282
■ Note for the entry function
P. 283
■ If the hybrid system does not start
● The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 75)
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
● The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. (P. 148)
● If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instructions.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 650
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 616
■ Operation of the power switch
● If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.
■ Automatic P position selection function
P. 336
■ When the shift control system malfunctions
When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a malfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to ACCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by applying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional imme-
diately.
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5-2. Driving procedures
331
■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 sec-
onds has elapsed.)
■ If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized
setting
P. 679
WARNING
■ When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
5
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (P. 633)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
●If the power switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning
message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer
sounds.
● When restarting the hybrid system after an emergency shutdown while
driving, press the power switch. When restarting the hybrid system after
stopping the vehicle, change the shift position to P and then press the
power switch.
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332
5-2. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (P. 207) is displayed on
the main display while the hybrid system is not operating, the power switch
is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
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5-2. Driving procedures
333
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever
1
Shift lever
5
Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
Release the shift lever after each shifting operation to allow it to return to
the
position.
When shifting to the D or R, move the shift lever along the shift
gate.
To shift to the N, slide the shift lever to the left (left-hand drive
vehicle) or right (right-hand drive vehicle) and hold it. The shift
position will change to N.
To shift to the B, pull the shift lever down. Shifting to B is only pos-
sible when shift position D is selected.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure that
the brake pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationary.
Shift position indicator
2
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward B
and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instrument cluster.
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334
5-2. Driving procedures
Shift position purpose
Shift position
Objective or function
P
Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
R
Reversing
Neutral
N
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
D
Normal driving*
Applying engine braking or strong braking when
B
the accelerator pedal has been released on steep
downward slopes etc.
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
Selecting a driving mode
P. 412
P position switch
■ 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.
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5-2. Driving procedures
335
■ For the shift positions
● When the power switch is off, the shift position cannot be changed.
● When the power switch is in ON mode (the hybrid system is not operating),
the shift position can only be changed to N. The shift position will be
changed to N even if the shift lever is shifted to D or R and held in that posi-
tion.
● When the “READY” indicator is on, the shift position can be changed from P
to D, N or R.
● When the “READY” indicator is flashing, the shift position cannot be
changed from P to another position even if the shift lever is operated. Wait
until the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing to a solid light, and then
operate the shift lever again.
● The shift position can only be changed to B directly from D.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change the shift position by moving the
shift lever or by pressing the P position switch in any of the following situa-
tions, the buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled or the
shift position will automatically change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
●Situations where the shifting operation will be disabled:
5
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to another
position by moving the shift lever without depressing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to B by
moving the shift lever.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to another
position by moving the shift lever while the charging cable is connected to
the vehicle.
●Situations where the shift position will automatically change to N:
• When the P position switch is pressed while the vehicle is running.*1
• When an attempt is made to select the R position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving forward.*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D position by moving the shift
lever when the vehicle is moving in reverse.*3
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from R to B by
moving the shift lever.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when driving at extremely low
speeds.
*2: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.
*3: Shift position may be changed to D when driving at low speeds.
●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.
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336
5-2. Driving procedures
■ Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift
position is in R.
■ Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is performed, the hybrid system output
may be restrained.
● When the shift position is shifted from R to D, D/B to R, N to R, P to D, P to
R with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on the
multi-information display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display, read the message and follow the instructions.
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in
reverse.
■ 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 shift 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.
• 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 automatically
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. 682)
■ 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. 575
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5-2. Driving procedures
337
■ 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. 708)
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
5
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 shift lever or P position switch when not using them.
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5-2. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period of time.
■ Situations where shift control system malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, shift control system malfunctions
are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-
ing brake, and then contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
● When the warning message indicating the shift control system appears on
the multi-information display. (P. 650)
●The display indicates that no shift position is selected for more than a few
seconds.
■ Notes regarding shift lever and P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily
possible to shift the shift position other than P. If this happens, please wait
for approximately 20 seconds before attempting to change the shift position
again.
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5-2. Driving procedures
339
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions
1
Right turn
2
Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3
Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4
Left turn
■ Turn signals can be operated when
5
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
■ If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been per-
formed
Operate the lever again.
■ Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be
changed. (Customizable features: P. 708)
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