engine TOYOTA PRIUS PHV 2012 Owner's Guide

269
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Reading Hybrid System Indicator
When EV Mode
Charge area
EV driving area
Power area
As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi- tions.
*2: If the gasoline engine is operated (for example when driving at highspeeds or using the heater), the EV indicator may turn off even if the bar
is in the EV driving area. ( P. 40)
Multi-information display*1
Charge area:
Shows that energy is being
recovered via the regenera-
tive braking system. ( P. 34)
EV driving area:
Shows that the vehicle is
being powered only by elec-
tric motor
(traction motor).
*2
Power area:
Shows that the gasoline
engine is used as auxiliary
power (during full power driv-
ing etc.).

270 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
When HV ModeCharge area
Eco area
Power area
Hybrid Eco area
As shown below, the driving condit ions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator bar.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under variousconditions.
Hybrid System Indicator*1
Charge area:
Shows regenerative charging.
(P. 39)
Hybrid Eco area:
Shows that gasoline engine
power is not being used very
often.
*2
Eco area:
Shows that the vehicle is
driven in Eco-friendly.
Power area:
Shows that the driving power
is more than the upper limit of
Eco driving (during full power
driving etc.).

272 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Meaning of each icons
Percentage driven in EV mode
using the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) only
The percentage is shown as a
green bar.
Percentage driven in EV mode
jointly using the gasoline
engine and in HV mode
The percentage is shown as a red
bar.
Fuel consumption amount
Gives an indication of the amount
of fuel that has been consumed
by driving in
.
Electricity consumption amount
Gives an indication of the amount
of electricity that has been con-
sumed by driving in
.
Fuel amount conserved by
charging
Gives an indication of the amount
of fuel that has been conserved
by driving in
.

283
2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
■
Driving in Eco drive mode
The multi-information display will automatically switch the display to Hybrid
System Indicator, regardless of which display is currently being shown.
(P. 268)
■ Touch tracer display (if equipped)
● The touch tracer display can be set to not display even if the steering
switches are touched.
● Only the circular, rubber-covered switches have a built-in touch sensor.
Touching any of the other switches will not display the touch tracer dis-
play.
■ Display settings can be changed when
The vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
■ Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help
improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc. There are times
when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehicle oper-
ation and driving conditions are the same.
■ When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The following data will be reset.
● Average fuel consumption
● Distance to empty
● Average vehicle speed
● EV driving ratio
● Clock
● Display settings
● Trip meter

330 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid
system is started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal
is depressed forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid
system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Electric power steering system warning light
 P. 540

349
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

352 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

362 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Defogging the windshield
Press .
The air conditioning system con-
trol operates automatically.
(The gasoline engine may oper-
ate during EV mode driving,
depending on vehicle conditions.)
Recirculated air mode will auto-
matically switch to outside air
mode.
Micro dust and pollen filter
Press .
Outside air mode switches to recirculated air mode. Pollen is removed
from the air and the air flows to the upper part of the body.
Usually the system will turn off automatically approximately 3 minutes
later.
To stop the operation, press again.

366 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Window defogger feature
● Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in
situations where the windows need to be defogged.
● When the outside air temperature is low, it may take a while for the con-
densation to clear from the windshield.
● When is turned ON, the gasoline engine may operate depending
on driving conditions. After that, even if is turned OFF, the fan
does not stop and a state in which it is easy for the gasoline engine to
operate continues. After defogging the windows, press as neces-
sary to turn off the fan.
■ When is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the temperature setting.
■ Micro dust and pollen filter
● In order to prevent the windows from fogging up when the outside air is
cold, the following may occur.
• Outside air mode does not switch to recirculated air mode.
• The air conditioning system operates automatically.
• The operation cancels after 1 minute.
● In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
● Condensation may appear on the windows if this mode is used in abnor-
mally high levels of humidity.
● Pollen will be collected by the filter even when micro dust and pollen f\
ilter
mode is OFF.
■ Maintenance of the air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be cleaned or changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency according to the maintenance schedule. In dusty
areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required.
(For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement/ Scheduled Maintenance Guide”.)
When inspecting, cleaning and replacing the air conditioning filter, contact
your Toyota dealer.

367
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
3
Interior features
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to
prioritize fuel efficiency:
● Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode ( P. 247)
● Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. ( P. 639)
■ When outside air temperature is below 32 °F (0 °C)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when
is pressed.
■ Air conditioning odors
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. enable/disable automatic operation of the air conditioning
compressor when the “AUTO” switch ON) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 639)