engine TOYOTA PRIUS PLUS 2012 Owner's Manual

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
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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

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)

231 2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift position suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
For the shift lever
Do not remove the shift lever knob or use anything but a genuine Toyota shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.
P position switch
Do not press the P position switch while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when driving at very low speeds (for
example, directly before stopping the vehicle), the vehicle may stop sud-
denly when the shift position switches to P, which could lead to an accident.

244 2-2. Instrument cluster
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)As shown below, the driving conditions of the vehicle can be con-
firmed by checking the status of the indicator.
*1: The images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
*2: The displayed status is intended as a guide, and may differ from the
actual status.
*3: The gasoline engine will automatically stop and restart under various
conditions.
Hybrid System Indicator statusDisplay*1
Charge area:
Shows regenerative charging.
*2 (P. 39)
Eco area:
Shows that the vehicle is driven in Eco-friendly.
Hybrid Eco area:
Shows that gasoline engine power is not being
used very often.
*3
Power area:
Shows that the driving power is more than the
upper limit of Eco driving (during full power driv-
ing etc.).

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

247 2-2. Instrument cluster
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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.

300 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC
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.

319
2-5. Driving information
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When driving
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
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 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.

337 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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Interior features
PRIUS +_OM_OM47821E_(EE)
Pollen removal mode
In order to prevent the windshield 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 .
Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 25 km/h [16 mph])
When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/
exit of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
Operation of the air conditioning 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 and temperature
Turn off Eco drive mode (P. 226)
Customize the air conditioning control of Eco drive mode. (P. 554)
When outside air temperature is below 0 C (32 F)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when
is pressed.