ECO mode TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 User Guide

217 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Auto power off function
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 function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging. 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. 4 2
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 7 7
When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving
conditions
The “READY” indicator may flash for a long time when the hybrid system is
starting. Driving will become possible once the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated. Wait until the “READY” indicator has illuminated.
Conditions affecting operation
P. 7 3
Notes for the entry function
P. 7 4
If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 143)

218 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”
switch with the shift position in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 470
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 430
Operation of the “POWER” switch
When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If
the switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
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 system.
Automatically P position selection function
P. 229

222 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 to inform the driver.
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 0
C (32F)
for a long period of time etc.
The gasoline engine is warming up.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
When the amount of remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
displayed on the meter is low. (P. 236)
Vehicle speed is high.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
The windshield defogger is in use.
*: Depending on the circumstances, EV drive mode may also not be
switched to in situations other than those above.
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.

223 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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.
Vehicle speed becomes high.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up to about 2 km (1.3 mile) if driving
at a speed of about 45 km/h (28 mph) or less. (The distance that is possible
depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)
Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV drive mode can be used in conjunction with Eco drive mode and power
mode.
However, EV drive mode may be automatically canceled when used in con-
junction with power mode.
Fuel economy
PRIUS + is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
CAUTION
While driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the
vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

225 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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

226 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Selecting a driving mode
The following modes can be selected to suit driving conditions:
Eco drive mode
Suitable for improving the fuel economy, because the torque cor-
responding to the accelerator pedal depression amount can be
generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions and the
operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be
minimized.
When the “ECO MODE” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator
comes on.
Power mode
Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable,
such as when driving in mountainous regions or when overtak-
ing.
When the power mode switch is pressed, the power mode indicator
comes on.

228 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. (P. 226) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
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 oper-
ating), 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
position.
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 other 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:
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to other
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.

230 2-1. Driving procedures
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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.
When canceling Eco drive mode/power mode
Press the switch again. Also, power mode will be canceled automatically
when the “POWER” switch is turned off. However, Eco drive mode will
not be canceled automatically until the switch is pressed, even if the
“POWER” switch is turned off.
When in Eco drive mode, if the power mode switch is pressed or the
operation is reversed, the mode will switch to that of the last switch to be
pressed.
Switching the drive mode when in EV drive mode
P. 223
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 415
Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 554)

246 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)Press and hold the “DISP” button for 1 second or more to
complete the setup.
If setup is not completed by pressing and holding the “DISP” button
for 1 second or more, or if nothing is operated within approximately
10 seconds, the screen will return and the settings will be lost.
Eco Driving Indicator Light
Eco Driving Indicator Light will turn on when driving power is lower than the
upper limit of Eco driving. It will turn off when the acceleration exceeds the
Eco driving accelerator upper limit or when the vehicle is stopped.
Eco Driving Indicator Light will not operate in the following conditions:
The shift position is anything other than D.
The driving mode is set to power mode or EV drive mode. (P. 221, 226)
The vehicle speed is approximately 130 km/h (80 mph) or higher.
Eco Driving Indicator Light can be set to activated or deactivated.
(P. 245)
Remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge display
The charge amount of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is automatically
controlled by the hybrid system. For this reason, even if electricity is recov-
ered via the regenerative braking, or electricity is generated via the gasoline
engine, the displayed hybrid battery (traction battery) charge amount may
not reach the highest level (level 8). However, this does not indicate a mal-
function.
STEP 3

249 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 233)“ECO MODE”
indicator (P. 226)
Tail light indicator
(P. 261)Power mode indicator
(P. 226)
Headlight high beam
indicator (P. 262)
(if equipped)(green)
Cruise control indicator
(P. 275, 280)
(if equipped)
Front fog light indicator
(P. 266)
(if equipped)(green)
Radar cruise control
indicator (P. 280)
Rear fog light indicator
( P. 266)“SET” indicator
(P. 275, 280)
Security indicator
(P. 143, 150)Slip indicator
(P. 300, 304)
“READY” indicator
(P. 214)EV indicator (P. 243)
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