Toyota Camry Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english

208

4-2. Driving procedures

Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with 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.
A message indicating how to start
the hybrid system will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

ON mode

All electrical components can be
used.
A message indicating how to start
the hybrid system will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the hybrid sys-

tem, the power switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, a message indicating to shift the shift lever to P will be dis-
played on the multi-information display. At this time, the power switch
will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode.
Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Power Off” is displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Power Off” on the multi-information display is
turned off.

Changing power switch modes

When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P

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4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (with the hybrid system not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehi-
cle 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. 81

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P. 152

■

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions

●

When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady
on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.

●

AXVH70 model vehicles

: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is

extremely cold (below approximately -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.

: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. (



P. 545)

■

Conditions affecting operation



P. 167

■

Notes for the entry function



P. 168

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 89)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not
start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instructions.

210

4-2. Driving procedures

■

When a message requesting the smart key system be inspected is dis-
played on the multi-information display

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

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on the multi-information display



P. 245

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer
immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P. 83

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted



P. 470

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.

●

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, wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting



P. 527

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4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

WARNING

■

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
circumstances.
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
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (



P. 491)

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, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

●

If the power switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning
message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer
sounds.

●

When restarting the hybrid system after an emergency shutdown while
driving, press the power switch. When restarting the hybrid system after
stopping the vehicle, change the shift position to P and then press the
power switch.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may
lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a
serious health hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system operating for a long time. If
such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and
ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.

●

Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the
hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.

212

4-2. Driving procedures

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●

Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information
display, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power
switch off.

●

Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery dis-
charge may occur.

■

When starting the hybrid system

●

Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.

●

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

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. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on,
the  EV  drive  mode  indicator  will
come  on.  Pressing  the  switch
when  in  EV  drive  mode  will  return
the vehicle to normal driving (using
the  gasoline  engine  and  electric
motor [traction motor]).

■

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 and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display.

●

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 68



F (20



C) for

a long period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(



P. 142)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid bat-
tery  (traction  battery),  and  only  the  electric  motor  (traction
motor) is used to drive the vehicle.
This  mode  allows  you  to  drive  in  residential  areas  early  in  the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and gas emissions.
However,  when  the Acoustic  Vehicle Alerting  System  is  active,
the vehicle may produce sound.

214

4-2. Driving procedures

■

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.

■

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.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor on the multi-
information display is low. (



P. 142)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 0.9 miles (1 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)

■

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on the multi-information display

The  EV  drive  mode  is  not  available. The  reason  the  EV  drive  mode  is  not
available (the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher
than  the  EV  drive  mode  operating  speed  range  or  accelerator  pedal  is
depressed  too  much)  may  be  displayed.  Use  the  EV  drive  mode  when  it
becomes available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically canceled. The reason the EV
drive mode is not available (the battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher
than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is
depressed too much) may be displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while before
attempting to turn on the EV drive mode again.

215

4-2. Driving procedures

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WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them.
Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System is active.

216

4-2. Driving procedures

While the power switch is in ON mode and the brake pedal
depressed

, shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release

button on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on
the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever normally.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be

depressed before the shift release button is pushed. If the shift
release button is pushed first, the shift lock will not be released.

Hybrid transmission

Shifting the shift lever

217

4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for

normal driving.

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force

and engine braking force.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

(



P. 218)

218

4-2. Driving procedures



P. 355

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever or paddle shift
switches (if equipped) can be operated as follows:

Upshifting
Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to S5 or S4
according to vehicle speed.

: Vehicles with 4.2-inch display

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

■

Shift ranges and their functions

●

You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine
braking force.

●

A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.

●

If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may auto-
matically increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Selecting the driving mode

Changing shift ranges in S mode



Shift lever



Paddle shift switches (if
equipped)

219

4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle
shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-”
and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restric-
tion of the highest gear, preventing upshifting and enabling the level of
engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1
to D6 will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

: Vehicles with 4.2-inch display

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

■

When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D
position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)

The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force
that is suitable to driving conditions.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position (vehi-
cles with paddle shift switches)

Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situ-
ations:

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to S6.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically
occur.

■

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)

Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)

220

4-2. Driving procedures

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
activated

Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not occur because dynamic radar cruise control
with full speed range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4. (



P. 287)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. (



P. 355)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-start Control)



P. 194

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in the ON
mode, the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release button is pushed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted even though the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is pushed, there may be a problem with the shift
lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Set the parking brake.
Turn the power switch off.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover
the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press and hold the shift lock override
button and then push the button on the
shift knob.
The shift lever can be shifted while both
buttons are pressed.

221

4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

■

If the S indicator does not come on or the D indicator is displayed even
after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge precaution

If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left
with the shift lever in N for a certain amount of time, the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able
to start.

222

4-2. Driving procedures

Right turn
Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The right hand signals will flash 3
times.

Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)

The left hand signals will flash 3
times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when

The power switch is in ON mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been per-
formed

Operate the lever again.

■

To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change

Operate the lever in the opposite direction.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

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4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the
shift lever operation.
Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and
released manually. (



P. 224)

Turns  automatic  mode  on
(while  the  vehicle  is  stopped,
pull and hold the parking brake
switch  until  a  message  is
shown  on  the  multi-information
display)

• When the shift lever is moved

out of P, the parking brake will
be released, and the parking
brake indicator light and parking
brake light turn off.

• When the shift lever is moved

into P, the parking brake will be
set, and the parking brake indi-
cator light and parking brake
light turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.

Turns  automatic  mode  off
(while  the  vehicle  is  stopped,
press  and  hold  the  parking
brake switch until a message is
shown  on  the  multi-information
display)
Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.

: For U.S.A.

: For Canada

Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes.

Automatic mode

Parking
brake light

Toyota Camry Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 13