Toyota Venza Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english

193

4-1. Before driving

ing

WARNING

●

Always apply the parking brake,

shift the shift lever to P, stop the

hybrid system and lock the vehi-

cle.

Do not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the “READY” indi-

cator is illuminated.

If the vehicle is parked with the

shift lever in P but the parking

brake is not set, the vehicle may

start to move, possibly leading

to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes

while the “READY” indicator is

illuminated or immediately after

turning the hybrid system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

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. Addi-

tionally, if the vehicle is parked in

a poorly ventilated area, exhaust

gases may collect and enter the

vehicle, leading to death or a seri-

ous 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

brake system does not operate,

do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp

turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still pos-

sible, but the brake pedal

should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have

your brakes fixed immediately.

●

The brake system consists of 2

or more individual hydraulic sys-

tems; if one of the systems fails,

the other(s) will still operate. In

this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more

firmly than usual and the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have

your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels exces-

sively when any of the tires is up

in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud, etc. This may damage

the driveline components or pro-

pel the vehicle forward or back-

ward, causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator

and brake pedals at the same

time during driving, as this may

restrain the hybrid system out-

put.

●

Do not use the accelerator

pedal or depress the accelera-

tor and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on

a hill.

194

4-1. Before driving

When the following unusual
operation is performed with the
accelerator pedal depressed,
the hybrid system output may be
restrained.



When the shift lever is shifted
to R



When the shift lever is shifted
from P or R to forward drive
shift position such as D

When the system operates, a
message appears on the multi-
information display. Read the
message and follow the instruc-
tion.

: Depending on the situation, the

shift position may not be
changed.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

●

When the TRAC is turned off

NOTICE

■

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 driv-

ing

A flat or damaged tire may cause

the following situations. Hold the

steering wheel firmly and gradu-

ally 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 abnor-

mally.

Information on what to do in case

of a flat tire (



P.456)

■

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 your

Toyota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality

of oil and fluid used for the

engine, hybrid transaxle (front

and rear), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bear-

ings and suspension joints

(where possible), and the func-

tion of all joints, bearings, etc.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and

shift the shift lever to P. Failure to

do so may cause the vehicle to

move or the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly if the accelerator

pedal is accidentally depressed.

Sudden start restraint
control (Drive-Start Con-
trol [DSC])

195

4-1. Before driving

ing

(



P.307), sudden start restraint

control also does not operate. If

your vehicle have trouble escap-

ing from the mud or fresh snow

due to sudden start restraint con-

trol operation, deactivate TRAC

(



P.307) so that the vehicle may

become able to escape from the

mud or fresh snow.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following
information about storage
precautions, cargo capacity
and load:

WARNING

■

Things that must not be car-

ried in the luggage compart-

ment

The following things may cause a

fire if loaded in the luggage com-

partment:

●

Receptacles containing gaso-

line

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may prevent the

pedals from being depressed

properly, may block the driver’s

vision, or may result in items hit-

ting the driver or passengers, pos-

sibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment when-

ever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage

in the luggage compartment

higher than the seatbacks.

●

When you fold down the rear

seats, long items should not be

placed directly behind the front

seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in

the luggage compartment. It is

not designed for passengers.

They should ride in their seats

with their seat belts properly

fastened.

196

4-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity depends on the
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load
capacity) - (Total weight of occu-
pants)

Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit



(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and passen-
gers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and

WARNING

●

Do not place cargo or luggage

in or on the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear

seats (when stacking items)

• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant

compartment.

■

When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Observe the following precau-

tions:

●

Place the cargo so that its

weight is distributed evenly

between the front and rear

axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo,

never exceed the vehicle overall

length or width. (



P.480)

●

Before driving, make sure the

cargo is securely fastened on

the roof luggage carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier will make the cen-

ter of gravity of the vehicle

higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-

den starts, sharp turns, sudden

braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of

control or vehicle rollover due to

failure to operate this vehicle

correctly and result in death or

serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on

rough roads, or at high speeds,

stop the vehicle now and then

during the trip to make sure the

cargo remains in its place.

●

Do not exceed 176.4 lb. (80 kg)

cargo weight on the roof lug-

gage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Be careful not to scratch the sur-

face of the panoramic fixed moon

roof with one-touch frosted glass

control (if equipped).

Capacity and distribution

197

4-1. Before driving

ing

there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 -
750 (5



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
(



P.198)

Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed for
trailer towing.

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P.480)

When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a
total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity will
be C lb. (kg) as follows:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb.

(kg)

:A = Weight of people

:B = Total load capacity

:C = Available cargo and luggage

load

In this condition, if 3 more passen-
gers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo
and luggage load will be reduced E
lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb.

(kg)

:D = Additional weight of people

:E = Available cargo and luggage

WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum

axle weight rating or the total

vehicle weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occu-

pant’s weight and the cargo

load is less than the total load

capacity, do not apply the load

unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering

or braking control which may

cause death or serious injury.

Calculation formula for
your vehicle

198

4-1. Before driving

load

As shown in the example above,
if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and lug-
gage load will be reduced by an
amount that equals the
increased weight due to the
additional occupants. In other
words, if an increase in the num-
ber of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity
(combined weight of occupants
plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and
luggage on your vehicle.

■

Total load capacity and seating

capacity

These details are also described on

the tire and loading information

label. (



P.412)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include
total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity
and cargo capacity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.480

Total load capacity means the
combined weight of occu-
pants, cargo and luggage.



Seating capacity:



P.480

Seating capacity means the
maximum number of occu-
pants whose estimated aver-
age weight is 150 lb. (68 kg)
per person.



Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase
or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of
occupants.

201

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

4-2.Driving procedures

Pull the parking brake switch
to check that the parking
brake is set. (



P.213)

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

Check that the shift lever is in
P.

Firmly depress the brake
pedal.

and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid sys-

tem cannot be started.

Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.

When operating the power switch,

one short, firm press is enough. It is

not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,

the hybrid system will operate nor-

mally.
Continue depressing the brake

pedal until the “READY” indicator is

illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started

from any power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the

power switch illumination operates

as follows.

●

When driver’s door or front pas-

senger’s door is opened, the

power switch illumination illumi-

nates.

●

When the power switch is in OFF

and depressing the brake pedal

with carrying the electronic key on

your person, the power switch illu-

mination blinks.

●

When the power switch is in ACC

or ON, the power switch illumina-

tion illuminates.

●

When the power switch mode is

changed from ACC or ON to OFF,

the power switch illumination illu-

minates for a certain amount of

time. Afterwards, the power switch

illumination turns off.

■

If the hybrid system does not

start

●

The immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (



P.80)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is

shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and fol-

low the instructions.

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 sys-
tem

202

4-2. Driving procedures

■

When the ambient temperature

is low, such as during winter

driving conditions

●

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.

●

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 possi-

ble to start the hybrid system. In

this case, try to start the hybrid

system again after the tempera-

ture of the hybrid battery

increases due to the outside tem-

perature increase etc.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific

to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle



P.72

■

If the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged

The hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart key system.

Refer to P.468 to restart the hybrid

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.134

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.156

■

Note for the entry function



P.157

■

If there is a malfunction in the

smart key system

If “Smart Key System Malfunction

See Owner’s Manual” is displayed

on the multi-information display, the

system may be malfunctioning.

Have the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does

not come on

In the event that the “READY” indi-

cator does not come on even after

performing the proper procedures

for starting the vehicle, contact your

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-

played on the multi-information

display



P.233

■

If the hybrid system is malfunc-

tioning



P.79

■

Electronic key battery



P.424

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly

and firmly, the power switch mode

may not change or the hybrid sys-

tem may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid

system immediately after turning

the power switch to OFF, the

hybrid system may not start in

some cases. After turning the

power switch to OFF, please wait

a few seconds before restarting

the hybrid system.

■

Customization

If the smart key system has been

deactivated in a customized setting,

refer to P.467.

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

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.

203

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, set the parking
brake. (



P.213)

Check the parking brake indicator

is illuminated.

Shift the shift lever to P.
(



P.209)

Do not press the shift lever button

after shifting the shift lever to P.

Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.

The hybrid system will stop, and the

meter display will be extinguished.
Release the shift lever when press-

ing the power switch.

Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown
on the multi-information dis-
play.

■

Automatic hybrid system shut

off feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a

feature that automatically shuts off

the hybrid system when the shift

lever is in P with the hybrid system

operating for an extended period.

●

The hybrid system will automati-

cally shut off after approximately 1

hour if it has been left operating

while the shift lever is in P.

●

The message asking if you wish to

enable/disable the automatic

hybrid system shut off feature will

sometimes be displayed on the

multi-information display.

Leaving the vehicle as is or select-

ing “Perform Auto Off” keeps the

automatic hybrid system shut off

feature enabled, and selecting

“Keep Vehicle On” disables the

automatic hybrid system shut off

feature.

●

The timer for the automatic hybrid

system shut off feature will reset if

the brake pedal is depressed or if

the shift lever is in a position other

than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the

door is locked with the door lock

switch (



P.140) from the inside

or the mechanical key (



P.467)

from the outside, the automatic

hybrid system shut off feature will

be disabled. The timer for the

automatic hybrid system shut off

feature will be re-enabled if the

driver’s door is opened.

NOTICE

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

If the hybrid system becomes diffi-

cult to start, have your vehicle

checked by your Toyota dealer

immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a mal-

function 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.

Stopping the hybrid sys-
tem

204

4-2. Driving procedures

Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)

WARNING

■

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 suc-

cession. (



P.433)

However, do not touch the

power switch while driving

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing the hybrid system off while

driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control.

However, power assist for the

steering wheel may be lost mak-

ing it difficult to steer smoothly

before stopping the vehicle

depending on the remaining

charge in the 12-volt battery or

usage conditions. In this situa-

tion, 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 sys-

tem after an emergency shut-

down, shift the shift lever to N

and press the power switch

shortly and firmly.

■

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 venti-

lated 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 sys-

tem is operating, exhaust gases

may collect and enter the vehi-

cle.

Changing power switch
modes

205

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

OFF

The emergency flashers can be
used.

ACC

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

All electrical components can be
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

: If the shift lever is in a position

other than P or the shift lever but-
ton is pressed when turning off
the hybrid system, the power
switch will remain ON, will not
turn to OFF.

■

Auto power off function

●

If the vehicle is left in ACC or ON

(the hybrid system is not operat-

ing) for more than 20 minutes with

the shift lever is in P or the shift

lever button is not pressed, the

power switch will automatically

turn to OFF.

●

If the 12-volt battery is low with the

shift lever is in P or the shift lever

button is not pressed, and the

power switch is in ACC or ON (the

hybrid system is not operating), a

buzzer sounds and a message will

be displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display. If this continues, the

power switch is automatically turn

to OFF.

However, this function cannot

entirely prevent the 12-volt battery

discharge. Do not leave the vehicle

with the power switch in ACC or ON

for long periods of time when the

hybrid system is not operating.

If the hybrid system is stopped
with the shift lever in a position
other than P, the power switch
will not be turned to OFF. Per-
form the following procedure to
turn the switch to OFF:

Check that the parking brake
is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “IGNITION ON” is
displayed on the multi-infor-

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

●

Do not leave the power switch

in ACC or ON for long periods of

time without the hybrid system

on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the multi-

information display, the power

switch is not in OFF. Exit the

vehicle after turning the power

switch to OFF.

When stopping the hybrid
system with the shift lever
in a position other than P

206

4-2. Driving procedures

mation display and press the
power switch shortly and
firmly.

Check that “ACCESSORY”
or “IGNITION ON” on the
multi-information display is
off.

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]).

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not stop the hybrid system

with the shift lever in a position

other P or the shift lever button

pressed. If the hybrid system is

stopped with the shift lever in a

position other than P or the shift

lever button pressed, the power

switch will not be turned to OFF

but instead remain ON. If the

vehicle is left in ON, 12-volt bat-

tery discharge may occur.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric
power is supplied by the
hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), 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 Acous-
tic Vehicle Alerting System
is active, the vehicle may
produce sound.

Operating instructions

207

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

■

Situations in which EV drive

mode cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV

drive mode on in the following situa-

tions. If it cannot be turned on, a

buzzer will sound and a message

will be shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid sys-

tem is high.

The vehicle has been left in the

sun, driven on a hill, driven at high

speeds, etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid sys-

tem is low.

The vehicle has been left in tem-

peratures lower than about

68°F(20°C) for a long period of

time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming

up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) is low.

The remaining battery level indi-

cated in the Energy monitor dis-

play is low. (



P.128)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is

depressed firmly or the vehicle is

on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

Use the EV drive mode when it
becomes available.

■

Switching to EV drive mode

when the gasoline engine is

cold

If the hybrid system is started while

the gasoline engine is cold, the gas-

oline 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 illuminated,

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, the EV drive

mode indicator will flash and go off

and a message will be shown on the

multi-information display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) becomes low.

The remaining battery level indi-

cated in the Energy monitor dis-

play is low. (



P.128)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is

depressed firmly or the vehicle is

on a hill etc.

Drive the vehicle for a while before

attempting to turn on the EV drive

mode again.

■

Possible driving distance when

driving in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving

distance ranges from a few hundred

meters to approximately 0.6 mile (1

km). However, depending on vehi-

cle conditions, there are situations

when EV drive mode cannot be

used.

(The distance that is possible

depends on the hybrid battery [trac-

tion battery] level and driving condi-

tions.)

■

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to

achieve the best possible fuel econ-

omy during normal driving (using

the gasoline engine and electric

motor [traction motor]). Driving in

EV drive mode more than neces-

sary may lower fuel economy.

208

4-2. Driving procedures

: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 accelerat-
ing force and engine braking
force.

■

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 activate because dynamic radar

cruise control with full-speed range

will not be canceled.

●

While driving in S mode, down-

shifting to 5 or 4. (



P.210)

●

When switching the driving mode

to sport mode while driving in D

position. (



P.304)

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode,

pay special attention to the area

around the vehicle. Because

there is no engine noise, pedestri-

ans, people riding bicycles 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.

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position
depending on your purpose
and situation.

Shift position purpose
and functions

Shift

position

Objective or function

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the hybrid

system

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

Toyota Venza Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 12