Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018 year). Manual - part 14

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4-2. Driving procedures

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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” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information
display, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power
switch off.

●

Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery dis-
charge may occur.

■

When starting the hybrid system 

●

Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.

●

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer 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
your Toyota dealer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on,
the EV drive mode indicator will
come on. Pressing the switch
when in EV drive mode will return
the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]).

■

Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it
cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is high. 
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds,
etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is low. 
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32

°F (0°C) for a

long period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(

→P. 135)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to drive the vehicle.

This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and gas emissions.
However, when the vehicle proximity notification system is
active, the vehicle may produce sound.

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■

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 on the multi-
information display is low. (

→P. 135)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 0.9 miles (1 km). 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.)

■

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.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on the multi-information display
The EV drive mode is not available. The reason the EV drive mode is not
available (the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher
than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is
depressed too much) may be displayed. Use the EV drive mode when it
becomes available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on the multi-information display
The EV drive mode has been automatically canceled. The reason the EV
drive mode is not available (the battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher
than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is
depressed too much) may be displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while before
attempting to turn on the EV drive mode again.

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4-2. Driving procedures

WARNING

■

Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the vehicle proximity notifica-
tion system is active.

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While the power switch is in ON mode and the brake pedal
depressed

*

, shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release

button on the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on
the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever normally.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed. 

*

: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be

depressed before the shift release button is pushed. If the shift
release button is pushed first, the shift lock will not be released.

Hybrid transmission

Shifting the shift lever

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4-2. Driving procedures

*

1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for

normal driving.

*

2

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force

and engine braking force.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

D

Normal driving

*

1

S

S mode driving

*

2

 (

→P. 215)

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→P. 333

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever or paddle shift
switches (vehicles with 4.2-inch display) can be operated as follows:

Upshifting

Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to S5 or S4
according to vehicle speed.

*

1

: Vehicles with 4.2-inch display

*

2

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

■

Shift ranges and their functions
● You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine

braking force.

● A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and

engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.

● If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may auto-

matically increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Selecting the driving mode

Changing shift ranges in S mode



Shift lever



Paddle shift switches (vehicles
with 4.2-inch display)

*

1

*

2

1
2

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4-2. Driving procedures

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle
shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-”
and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restric-
tion of the highest gear, preventing upshifting and enabling the level of
engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1
to D6 will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

■

When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D
position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force
that is suitable to driving conditions.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situ-
ations:

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to S6.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically
occur.

■

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.) 

Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)

1
2

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■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate because radar cruise control with full
speed range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4. 
(

→

P. 270)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. (

→

P. 333)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-start Control)

→

P. 192

■

Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in the ON
mode, the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release button is pushed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed. 
If the shift lever cannot be shifted even though the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is pushed, there may be a problem with the shift
lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

Set the parking brake.

Turn the power switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover
the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press and hold the shift lock override
button and then push the button on the
shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while the
both buttons are pressed.

1

2

3

4

5

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4-2. Driving procedures

■

If the S indicator does not come on or the D indicator is displayed even
after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly. 
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge precaution
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to
start.

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Right turn

Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The right hand signals will flash 3
times.

Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The left hand signals will flash 3
times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when
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.

■

To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change
Operate the lever in the opposite direction.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

1
2

3

4

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4-2. Driving procedures

The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the
shift lever operation. 
Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and
released manually. (

→P. 221)

Turns automatic mode on
(while the vehicle is stopped,
pull and hold the parking brake
switch until a message is
shown on the multi-information
display)

• When the shift lever is moved

out of P, the parking brake will
be released, and the parking
brake indicator light and parking
brake light turn off.

• When the shift lever is moved

into P, the parking brake will be
set, and the parking brake indi-
cator light and parking brake
light turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.

Turns automatic mode off
(while the vehicle is stopped,
press and hold the parking
brake switch until a message is
shown on the multi-information
display)

*

1

: For  U.S.A.

*

2

: For Canada

Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes.

Automatic mode

*

1

*

2

Parking 
brake light

1

2

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The parking brake can be set and released manually. 

Sets the parking brake

The parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light will turn on.

Pull and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.

Releases the parking brake

Operate the parking brake switch
while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light or parking brake light
turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light flashes,
operate the switch again. 
(

→P. 481)

*

1

: For  U.S.A.

*

2

: For Canada

Manual mode

*

1

*

2

Parking 
brake light

1

2

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■

Parking the vehicle
→P. 190

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the power switch is not in ON mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.

●

When the power switch is not in ON mode, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not available.

■

Automatic release function
The parking brake is automatically released when slowly depress the acceler-
ator pedal.

The parking brake will be released automatically under the following condi-
tions:

●

The driver’s door is closed.

●

The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.

●

Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.

●

The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illumi-
nated.

If the automatic release function does not operate, manually release the park-
ing brake.

■

If “Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-
information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the
system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain
from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1
minute.

■

If “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after
operating the switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light

●

Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light will turn on and stay on as described below:

ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.

●

When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking
brake indicator light and parking brake light will stay on for about 15 sec-
onds. This does not indicate a malfunction.

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■

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged.
“Release Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-information display.

■

Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

■

If the brake system warning light comes on
→P. 480

■

Usage in winter time
→P. 338

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be
released unintentionally and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that
may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake
and make sure that the vehicle does not move.

■

When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.

■

When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately if this occurs.

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4-2. Driving procedures

Turns the brake hold system on

The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the sys-
tem is holding the brake, the brake
hold operated indicator (yellow)
comes on.

*

1

: Brake hold standby indicator

*

2

: Brake hold operated indicator

■

Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on in the following conditions:

●

The driver’s door is not closed.

●

The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

If any of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is
enabled, the system will turn off and the brake hold standby indicator light will
go off. In addition, if any of the conditions are detected while the system is
holding the brake, a warning buzzer will sound and a message will be shown
on the multi-information display. The parking brake will then be set automati-
cally.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift
lever is in D, S or N with the system on and the brake pedal has
been depressed to stop the vehicle. The system releases the
brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed with the shift
lever in D or S to allow smooth start off.

*

1

*

2