TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 Owners Manual

211 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or
fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,
leading to death or a serious health hazard.
When braking
When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
If the electronically controlled assist function does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require
braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the
systems fails, the others will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will
increase. If this happens, do not continue to drive the vehicle. If the brake
system warning light (red indicator) comes on while driving, immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

212 2-1. Driving procedures
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NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (P. 482, 494)

213 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
NOTICE
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid for the
hybrid system, etc.
Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the P position control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possi-
ble to shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift
position cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels
will lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on
the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the
vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.

214
2-1. Driving procedures
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Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes “POWER”
switch modes.
Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Check that the “POWER” switch indicator turns green. If the indi-
cator 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. (P. 227)
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.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

215 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 nor-
mally.
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 auto-
matically in accordance with the state of the vehicle.)
Stopping the hybrid system
Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (P. 234)
Shift the shift position to P. (P. 227)
Check that the shift position indicator shows P. (P. 224)
Press the “POWER” switch.
The hybrid system will stop.
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator
on the “POWER” switch is off.
STEP 4
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

216 2-1. Driving procedures
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Changing “POWER” switch modes
Modes can be changed by pressing the “POWER” switch with the
brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
Off
The emergency flashers can
be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.

217 2-1. Driving procedures
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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
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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

219 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
When the P position control system malfunctions
The “POWER” switch will not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the
switch can be turned off after applying the parking brake.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Meter display
When the “POWER” switch is turned off, each display will extinguish as fol-
lows.
The shift position indicator will extinguish after approximately 2 seconds.
The odometer, clock, etc. will extinguish after approximately 30 seconds.
(Each display will also extinguish immediately if a door is locked before 30
seconds has elapsed)
CAUTION
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any cir-
cumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

220 2-1. Driving procedures
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NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid system on.
If the hybrid system is off, but the indicator on the “POWER” switch is illu-
minated, this indicates that the “POWER” switch is still turned on. When
exiting the vehicle, always check that the “POWER” switch is off.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Con-
tact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.