engine TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 2012 1.G Owners Manual

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3. Basic operation
PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
How to operate the power (ignition) switch
■ Starting the hybrid system
Check that the charging cable is disconnected.
Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Check that the “POWER” switch indicator turns green. If the indica-
tor does not turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid system cannot start. Shift the
shift position to P when starting the hybrid system.
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system can be started
from any “POWER” switch mode.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the hybrid system is
completely started.
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.
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 accordance with the state of the vehicle.)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

28 3. Basic operation
PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
■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 gaso-
line-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, shift the shift position to D.
NOTICE
■ Hybrid battery (tract ion 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.

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PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
4. Things you must know
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D
or B.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or
B.
■ Gasoline engine operation in EV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range is being displayed, the gasoline
engine may operate automatically in the following circumstances (EV driving
will be returned to automatically after EV driving becomes possible again):
● When the heater etc. is in use.
● When 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.
● When 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.
● When power is needed temporarily, for example when accelerating sud-
denly.
● When vehicle speed is more than approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill
etc.
● When the outside temperature is low (less than 14 °F [-10 °C])
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.

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4. Things you must know
PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
■
When continually using EV mode only
After driving for approximately 124 miles (200 km) with the gasoline engine
off, the gasoline engine may start for a short amount of time in order to pro-
tect the system.
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions
*:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
CAUTION
■ While driving
Because there is no engine noise when the vehicle is being driven using the
electric motor, pedestrians in the vicinity may not notice the vehicle. Even
though the vehicle is equipped with the vehicle proximity notification system,
drive with care as pedestrians in the vicinity may still not notice the vehicle if
the surrounding area is noisy.