Toyota Prius (2023 year). Manual in english - page 15

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4-1. Before driving

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Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:

■

Checking connections between trailer and lights

Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.

■

Practicing driving with a coupled trailer

●

Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.

●

When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.

■

Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance

At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.

NOTICE

■

When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum

Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.

Guidance

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4-1. Before driving

■

Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering

Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.

■

Important points regarding turning

The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.

■

Important points regarding stability

Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.

■

Passing other vehicles

Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.

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■

Transmission information

To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D. Shift the shift position to B.

■

If the engine overheats

Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30



C (85



F) may result in the engine overheating. If the

engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (



P. 645)

■

When parking the vehicle

Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift position to
P.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Follow all the instructions described in this section. 
Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Trailer towing precautions

When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(



P. 234)

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Vehicles with a compact spare tire:
Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.

●

Vehicles with the emergency tire puncture repair kit:
Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency
tire puncture repair kit.

●

Do not use cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range when trailer towing. (if equipped)

■

Vehicle speed in towing

Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.

■

Before descending hills or long declines

Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.

■

Operation of the brake pedal

Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time. 
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

NOTICE

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

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Trailer towing (AWD models)

Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle. Toyota also does not rec-
ommend the installation of a
tow hitch or the use of a tow
hitch carrier for a wheelchair,
scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for
trailer towing or for the use of
tow hitch mounted carriers.

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4-2. Driving procedures

Power (ignition) switch

Check that the parking brake is set. 

Firmly depress the brake pedal. 

 and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-
play. 
When the shift position is N, the
hybrid system cannot start. Shift
the shift position to P when starting
the hybrid system. (



P. 254)

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 illumi-
nated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally. 
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off. 
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accor-
dance with the state of the vehicle.)

Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes
power switch modes.

Starting the hybrid system

1

2

3

4

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (



P. 260)

Shift the shift position to P. 
(



P. 254)

Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P. (



P. 253)

Press the power switch.

The hybrid system will stop.

Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the display on the
instrument cluster is off.

The meter display sequentially turns off after the hybrid system stops. 
(



P. 248)

Stopping the hybrid system

1

2

3

4

5

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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.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be
used. 

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“Accessory” is displayed on the
main display.

ON mode 

All electrical components can be
used.
“Ignition ON” is displayed on the
main display.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
position in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle 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. 82

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P. 174

Changing power switch modes

1

2

3

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■

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.

■

Conditions affecting operation



P. 190

■

Note for the entry function



P. 191

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 91) 

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

●

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

■

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 any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-
ately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P. 85

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted



P. 554

■

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, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.

■

Automatic P position selection function



P. 256

■

When the shift control system malfunctions

When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a malfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to ACCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by applying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

■

Meter display

When the power switch is turned off, each display will turn off as follows.

●

The shift position indicator will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.

●

The multi-information display, clock, etc. will turn off after approximately 30
seconds. (Each display will also turn off immediately if a door is locked
before 30 seconds has elapsed.)

■

If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized
setting



P. 637

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. 569)

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.

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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”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (



P. 121) is displayed on

the main display while the hybrid system is not operating, the power switch
is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.

■

When starting the hybrid system

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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 any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

EV drive mode

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 0



C (32



F) 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. 131, 168)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

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

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

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 late at night,
or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and
exhaust gas emissions.

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■

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 display is low.
(



P. 131, 168)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

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

When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a
prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1 km (0.6 mile). 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.)

■

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

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.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehi-
cle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

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Hybrid transmission

Shift lever

Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
Release the shift lever after each shifting operation to allow it to return to
the  

position.

When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure that
the brake pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationary.

Shift position indicator

The current shift position is highlighted.
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
indicator provided on the instrument cluster.

Shifting the shift lever

1

When shifting to the D or R, move the shift lever along the shift
gate.

To shift to the N, slide the shift lever to the left (left-hand drive
vehicle) or right (right-hand drive vehicle) and hold it. The shift
position will change to N.
To shift to the B, pull the shift lever down. Shifting to B is only pos-
sible when shift position D is selected.

2

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4-2. Driving procedures

*

: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually

be used.



P. 351

■

When shifting the shift position to P

Fully stop the vehicle and set
the parking brake, and then
press the P position switch.

When the shift position is
changed to P, the switch indica-
tor comes on.
Check that the P position is
highlighted on the shift position
indicator.

■

Shifting the shift position from P to other positions

●

While depressing the brake pedal firmly, operate the shift lever. If
the shift lever is operated without depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled.

●

When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift posi-
tion has been changed to the desired position by checking the
shift position indicator provided on the instrument cluster.

●

The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*

B

Applying engine braking or strong braking when 

the accelerator pedal has been released on steep 

downward slopes etc.

Selecting a driving mode

P position switch