Toyota Prius (2022 year). Manual in english - page 5

1-3. Emergency assistance

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Certifications for the Safety Connect

Hybrid system features

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.

Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)

: AWD models only

Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with
the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and
an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.

◆

When stopped/during start off

The gasoline engine stops

when the vehicle is stopped. During

start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is
stopped

and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.

When shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not
being charged.

: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine

is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop.
(

P. 87)

◆

During normal driving

The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as nec-
essary.

◆

When accelerating sharply

When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline
engine via the electric motor (traction motor).

◆

When braking (regenerative braking)

The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power
generator, and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.

When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).

Vehicle proximity notification system

This system operates based on the driving situation and traffic infor-
mation to enhance fuel economy.
For details about Predictive efficient drive, refer to “NAVIGATION
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.

●

When the vehicle approaches to Predictive deceleration support
points registered in the navigation system, the “ECO Accelerator
Guidance” (

P. 130) on the multi-information display will be turned

off to encourage the driver to reduce excessive acceleration.

●

The engine braking force will be increased according to the driving
conditions to more efficiently charge the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) after the accelerator pedal is released.

: This function can only be used in the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be used in

other states and territories, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Predictive efficient drive (Predictive deceleration support) (vehi-
cles with navigation system)

“ECO Accelerator Guidance”

■

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.

■

Hybrid System Indicator

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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

●

During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging

●

When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low

●

When the heater is switched on

: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop

automatically in situations other than those above.

■

Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will
slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once
every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.

■

Charging the 12-volt battery

P. 648

■

After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been
removed and installed during exchange, etc.

The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your
Toyota dealer.

Hybrid System Indicator represents the
hybrid system power output and regener-
ative charging. (



P. 129)

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:

●

Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.

●

Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under the
rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.

●

Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), under the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.

●

Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.

●

Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.

●

Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.

●

Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.

●

Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.

●

Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent. (

P. 90)

■

Vehicle proximity notification system

In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.

●

In very noisy areas

●

In the wind or the rain

Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.

■

When “Proximity Notification System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multi-information display

The vehicle proximity notification system may be malfunctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

Hybrid system precautions

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high volt-
age system (about 600 V at maximum) as well as contains parts
that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating.
Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.

Warning label
Service plug
Rear inverter (traction motor)

Rear electric motor (traction
motor)

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction
motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor

: AWD models only

There  is  an  air  intake  vent  under
the  right  side  of  the  rear  seat  for
the  purpose  of  cooling  the  hybrid
battery  (traction  battery).  If  the
vent  is  blocked,  charging/dis-
charging  of  the  hybrid  battery
(traction battery) may become lim-
ited.

When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.

A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

Emergency shut off system

Hybrid warning message

■

If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the
12-volt battery is disconnected

The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.

■

Running out of fuel

When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level
warning light (

P. 590) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the

hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about
2.0 gal. [7.5 L, 1.7 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is
inclined.)

■

Electromagnetic waves

●

High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromag-
netic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of elec-
tromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.

●

Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

■

Starting the hybrid system in an extremely cold environment

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may
not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery increases due to the
outside temperature increase etc.

WARNING

■

High voltage precautions

This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe
burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.

●

Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.

●

The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.

●

Never try to open the service plug
access hole located under the right side
of the rear seat. The service plug is
used only when the vehicle is serviced
and is subject to high voltage.

Fo
r safety and secu

WARNING

■

Road accident cautions

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:

●

Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift posi-
tion to P, and turn the hybrid system off.

●

Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.

●

If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.

●

If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.

●

If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels (2WD models)
or four wheels (AWD models) raised. If the wheels connected to the elec-
tric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may
continue to generate electricity. This may cause a fire. (



P. 580)

●

Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.



AWD models

●

If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.



2WD models

●

Do not touch the battery if liquid is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic electrolyte) from the hybrid battery
(traction battery) comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event that it comes into contact
with the eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water,
and seek immediate medical attention.

●

If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do not
approach the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is dam-
aged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a large amount of
electrolyte from leaking out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out
will give off a vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and eyes and could
cause acute poisoning if inhaled.

●

Do not bring burning or high-temperature items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.

WARNING

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

●

2WD models: Your vehicle contains a sealed lithium-ion battery.

●

Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent accidents,
hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are col-
lected through Toyota dealer. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, resulting
in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is haz-

ardous to the environment or someone may touch a high voltage part,
resulting in an electric shock.

• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid

vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified
in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke
generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.

When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident
is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be
aware of these dangers.

●

If  your  vehicle  is  disposed  of  without  the  hybrid  battery  having  been
removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts,
cables  and  their  connectors  are  touched.  In  the  event  that  your  vehicle
must  be  disposed  of,  the  hybrid  battery  must  be  disposed  of  by  your
Toyota dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not dis-
posed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or
serious injury.