fuel TOYOTA PRIUS PHV 2012 Owner's Manual

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1
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
■ Using EV mode and HV mode effectively
Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV
mode when driving on highways (or freeways) can help con-
serve fuel and electricity. ( P. 3 7 )
■ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, a torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving fuel a nd electricity economy. ( P. 247)
■ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 268)
■ When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-
ing down.
■ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before l eaving and avoid delays as much
as possible. When encountering a delay, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electric ity and fuel consumption.

68 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be reta ined when slowing down.
Electricity consumptio n will increase substantially when driving
at high speeds in EV mode. If ther e will be a long distance to the
next external charging point afte r leaving a freeway, driving in
HV mode while on the freeway and in EV mode after leaving the
freeway is recommended.
■ Air conditioning on/off
●Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not
needed. Doing so can help cont rol excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air con-
ditioner and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoli ne engine will not automatically
cut out until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle
are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
● For efficiency, use the Remo te Air Conditioning System
before departing while the c harging cable is connected.

69
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If there
is improper tire inflation pressure in the tires, the driving range
when in EV mode will become shorter, and fuel consumption
when in HV mode will increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause lar ge amounts of friction, their use
on dry roads can lead to increas ed fuel and electricity consump-
tion.
■ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can require excessive energy. Avoid
leaving unnecessary lu ggage in the vehicle.
Also, equipping a large roof rack can cause excessive energy
consumption in the same way as carrying heavy luggage.
■ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.

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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
1-7. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap
The fuel tank of your vehicle has a special structure, which requires
a reduction in fuel tank pressure before refueling. After the opener
switch has been pressed, it will take several seconds until the vehi-
cle is ready for refueling.
■ Before refueling the vehicle
●Turn the “POWER” switch off and close all the doors and win-
dows.
● Confirm the type of fuel. ( P. 176)
■ Opening the fuel tank cap
Press the fuel filler door
opener switch.
The screen to the left is dis-
played for a short period. Wait
until “REFUEL READY” is dis-
played, then proceed to the
next step.
STEP 1
STEP 2

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1-7. Refueling
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Closing the fuel tank cap
After refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap until you hear a click. Once
the cap is released, it will turn
slightly in the opposite direction.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly
to open.
Hang the fuel tank cap on the
back of the fuel filler door.STEP 3
STEP 4

176 1-7. Refueling
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Fuel types
Use unleaded gasoline. (Octane rating 87 [Research Octane Number 91] or
higher)
■ If the fuel filler door opener is inoperable
If the fuel filler door opener switch cannot be operated, contact your Toyota
dealer. In the event that urgent refueling is required, follow the procedure
below.
Remove the cap slowly. Take care to prevent fuel from spilling
out, as fuel tank pressure may not have been adequately
reduced.
Fill the fuel tank carefully and sl owly. Use caution, as air being
discharged from inside the fuel tank may cause fuel to spray out
from the filler opening during refueling.
Open the fuel filler door using the lever in
the luggage compartment.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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1-7. Refueling
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■
When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so may result in death or serious injury.
● After exiting the vehicle and before opening the fuel filler door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge any st atic electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refueling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors to ignite while refueling.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out of the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition
hazard.
■ When refueling
Observe the following precautions to prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel
tank:
● Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the fuel filler neck
● Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off
● Do not top off the fuel tank
■ When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in
death or serious injury.

178 1-7. Refueling
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
NOTICE
■Refueling
● Finish refueling within 30 minutes. If more than 30 minutes passes, the
internal valve closes. In this condition, fuel may spill out if you continue to
refuel the vehicle. About 5 minutes after the valve is closed, a message
“CLOSE FUEL LID” will appear on the multi-information display. To refuel
the vehicle again, tighten fuel tank cap and close the fuel filler door, and
then press the fuel filler door opener switch again.
● Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the emission control
system to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the
vehicle’s painted surface.
■ Notice about fuel
For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal.(20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 6 months (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 6-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.

227
2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 613)
■ For efficient use
● Shift the shift position to D when driving.
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be
generated. The hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, requiring
unnecessary engine power to charge.
● Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effective use of the electric motor (traction
motor) without having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving
with the accelerator pedal slightly released.
● Shift the shift position to P when parking.
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not charge.
Leaving the shift position in the N position for an extended period of time
may discharge the hybrid battery (traction battery). The vehicle cannot
run if the hybrid battery (traction battery) is discharged.

246 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Shift position indicator
The position of the frame on the shift position indicator changes in
accordance with the current shift position.
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 indica-
tor provided on the instrument cluster.
■ Shift position purpose
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usu-
ally be used.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BApplying moderate engine braking when driving down hills or on steep slopes