ESP TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 User Guide

205 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When driving the vehicle
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-
culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the
vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and acceler-
ator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
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.
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
Do not let the vehicle roll backward while a forward driving position is
selected, or roll forward while the shift position is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehi-
cle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a
serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional immediately.

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.

247 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 operation and driving conditions are the same.
Brightness of the instrument cluster light
If the headlight switch is turned to ON while the surrounding area is dark, the
instrument cluster lights will dim.
When disconnecting and reconnecting 12-volt battery terminals
The average fuel consumption and cruising range will be reset.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the high coolant temperature warning light
comes on or flashes. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 528)
The trip information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.

259 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)Press the display position adjust-
ment switch to select ON or OFF.
Press and hold the “SET” switch.
STEP 3
System check display
After switching the “POWER” switch to ON mode, “welcome to PRIUS +” is
displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check is
complete, the normal screen will return.
When driving on snowy roads or in other bright environments
When the highest level of brightness has been reached, the display can be
made even brighter by pressing and holding “” on the brightness control
button.
Pressing “” on the brightness control button or turning the “POWER” switch
off will cause the brightness level to revert to the original level.
Head-up display
The head-up display may seem dark and hard to see when viewed
through sunglasses, especially polarized sunglasses.
Adjust the brightness of the head-up display or remove your sunglasses.
When the head-up display is turned off, it will remain off even if the power
switch is turned to ON mode after the power switch has been turned off.
When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The head-up display settings will be reset.
STEP 4

283 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes
the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance as follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle
mark will also be displayed.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with
vehicle speed.
Preceding vehicle mark
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)

298
2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel

302 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

346 3-2. Using the audio system
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
About Bluetooth® (vehicles with “touch screen”)
Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular
phone is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is
operating.
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary with the hybrid sys-
tem is not operating.
To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids over the audio system.
Bluetooth is a registered trade mark of
Bluetooth SIG. Inc.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are
owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any
use of such marks by Panasonic Corpo-
ration is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are
those of their respective owners.

376 3-5. Other interior features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause the driver’s floor mat to slip, possibly interfering
with the pedals while driving. An unexpectedly high speed may result or it may
become difficult to stop the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
When installing the driver’s floor mat
Do not use floor mats designed for other models or different model year
vehicles, even if they are Toyota Genuine floor mats.
Only use floor mats designed for the driver’s seat.
Always install the floor mat securely using the retaining hooks (clips) pro-
vided.
Do not use two or more floor mats on top of each other.
Do not place the floor mat bottom-side up or upside-down.
Before driving
Check that the floor mat is securely
fixed in the correct place with all the
provided retaining hooks (clips). Be
especially careful to perform this check
after cleaning the floor.
With the hybrid system stopped and the
shift position in P, fully depress each
pedal to the floor to make sure it does
not interfere with the floor mat.

388 4-1. Maintenance and care
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year
to maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a
sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use
water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by
keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
Water in the vehicle
Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents, and in the luggage compartment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery), electrical compo-
nents, etc. to malfunction or catch fire.
Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(P. 160)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off
the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.