Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english

1-4. Hybrid system

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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.

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2
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1-4. Hybrid system

◆

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. 81)

◆

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 25 km/h (16 mph).

Vehicle proximity notification system

1-4. Hybrid system

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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

●

Vehicles with GPF system: While the GPF system (



P. 440) is operating to

regenerate the exhaust gas filter, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may
not be recharged.

■

Hybrid System Indicator

■

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 16 km (10 miles). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

Charging the 12-volt battery



P. 641

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



P. 132)

1-4. Hybrid system

■

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 any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

■

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. 85)

■

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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.

1-4. Hybrid system

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Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do
not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

1-4. Hybrid system

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

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1-4. Hybrid system

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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 any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

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

1-4. Hybrid system

■

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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

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. 583) 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
7.5 L [2.0 gal., 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.

■

Declaration of conformity

This model conforms to hydrogen emissions according to regulation ECE100
(Battery electric vehicle safety).

1-4. Hybrid system

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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.

1-4. Hybrid system

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 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.

●

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. 572)

●

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.

1-4. Hybrid system

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WARNING

■

Hybrid battery (traction 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 any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer. 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 any autho-
rized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer
or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly,
it may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.

1-4. Hybrid system

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

●

Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the vent is blocked, the charging/dis-
charging of the hybrid battery (traction battery) may become limited.

●

When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, clean it with a vac-
uum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.

●

Do not get water or foreign materials in the air intake vent as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).

●

Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

●

There is a filter installed to the air intake vent. When the filter remains
noticeably dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or
replacement is recommended. For information regarding filter cleaning or
replacement, refer to P. 545.

●

If “Maintenance Required for Traction Battery Cooling Parts See Owner's
Manual” is shown on the multi-information display, the air intake vent and
filter may be clogged. Refer to P. 545 for information on how to clean the
air intake vent.

1-5. Theft deterrent system

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Immobilizer system

The indicator light flashes after
the power switch has been turned
off to indicate that the system is
operating.
The indicator light stops flashing
after the power switch has been
turned to ACCESSORY or ON
mode to indicate that the system
has been canceled.

■

System maintenance

The vehicle has a maintenance-free type immobilizer system.

■

Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction

●

If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object

●

If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key registered to the security
system (key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle

The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent
the hybrid system from starting if a key has not been previously
registered in the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehi-
cle.

This system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft but does not
guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.

NOTICE

■

To ensure the system operates correctly

Do not modify or remove the system. If modified or removed, the proper
operation of the system cannot be guaranteed.

1-5. Theft deterrent system

Double locking system



Vehicles employing this system
have labels on the window glass
of both front doors.

Turn the power switch off, have all the passengers exit the vehicle and
ensure that all the doors are closed.
Using the entry function:
Touch the sensor area on the driver’s outside door handle or front
passenger’s door handle (if equipped with the sensor) twice within 5
seconds.
Using the wireless remote control:
Press

twice within 5 seconds.

Using the entry function: Hold the outside door handle on the driver
side or front passenger side (if equipped with the sensor).
Using the wireless remote control: Press



: If equipped

Unauthorized access to the vehicle is prevented by disabling the
door unlocking function from both the interior and exterior of
the vehicle.

Setting the double locking system

Canceling the double locking system

WARNING

■

Double locking system precaution

Never activate the double locking system when there are people in the vehi-
cle, because all the doors cannot be opened from inside the vehicle.

1-5. Theft deterrent system

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Alarm



The alarm uses light and sound to give an alert when an intrusion is
detected.
The alarm is triggered in the following situations when the alarm is
set:

●

A locked door or back door is unlocked or opened in any way other
than using the entry function or wireless remote control. (The doors
will lock again automatically.)

●

The hood is opened.

●

If equipped, the intrusion sensor detects something moving inside
the vehicle. (An intruder gets in the vehicle.)

Close the doors and hood, and
lock all the doors using the entry
function or wireless remote con-
trol. The system will be set auto-
matically after 30 seconds.

The indicator light changes from
being on to flashing when the sys-
tem is set.

Do one of the following to deactivate or stop the alarm.

●

Unlock the doors using the entry function or wireless remote con-
trol.

●

Start the hybrid system. (The alarm will be deactivated or stopped
after a few seconds.)



: If equipped

The alarm

Setting the alarm system

Deactivating or stopping the alarm

1-5. Theft deterrent system

■

System maintenance

The vehicle has a maintenance-free type alarm system.

■

Items to check before locking the vehicle

To prevent unexpected triggering of the alarm and vehicle theft, make sure of
the following.

●

Nobody is in the vehicle.

●

The side windows and moon roof (if equipped) are closed before the alarm
is set.

●

No valuables or other personal items are left in the vehicle.

■

Triggering of the alarm

The alarm may be triggered in the following situations:
(Stopping the alarm deactivates the alarm system.)

●

The doors are unlocked using the
mechanical key.

●

A person inside the vehicle opens a door
or hood, or unlocks the vehicle using an
inside lock button.

●

The 12-volt battery is recharged or
replaced when the vehicle is locked.
(



P. 639)

Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english - page 5