Toyota Prius User-Guide First Edition for the 2010-2011 models Tire Pressure . 8 DRIVING . 2 Just Drive It !. 2 Modes. 2 Eco-Meter . 3 Energy Monitor . 4 Consumption . 6 Trip Info . 7 Battery Info . 8 Brake Assist . 8 BUTTONS . 9 Steering-Wheel . 9 Voice . 11 Cabin Air . 11 Window Defog . 12 Fan Options . 12 Other Buttons . 14 Rear Hatch . 15 Grille Blocking . 16 OTHER . 17 External Cargo . 17 EDUCATION . 19 Operational Info . 19 GLOSSARY . 22 HELPFUL TIPS . 15 Fuel Door . 15 Disclaimer: All the information stated in this document was provided by Prius owners. None were affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation, except as customers. This document is not sanctioned by Toyota Motor Corporation or any of its affiliates. The ideas, suggestions, and opinions offered in this document have not been endorsed by the manufacturer of those specific components or Toyota Motor Corporation. Any harm or damage that may result from the application of or the following of any ideas, suggestions, or opinions contained in this document is the sole responsibility of the individual that applied or followed said ideas, suggestions or opinions. The authors of this document hereby declare that they cannot and will not be held liable, in any fashion, for the content or the use of this document. DRIVING Just Drive It ! Vital Info The “Just Drive It” advice isn’t needed anymore. A decade ago when Prius was new, there were many misconceptions about the technology. Back then, new owners were unfamiliar with hybrid behavior, such as the engine shutting off when coming to a stop. Now that Prius is a mainstream vehicle, those concerns have vanished and the hybrid system is well proven. There’s no need to do anything special to achieve high efficiency. Drive the car just as you would any other vehicle. But still take a moment to enjoy the smooth & quiet operation. Modes Choices There are actually 4 available. 3 are activated by pressing the button provided for it. The 4th is the “Normal” mode; that choice is when none of the other 3 modes are selected. ECO Mode This indicator illuminates when the ECO MODE button is pressed. Vehicle efficiency is directly affected by outside temperature. In both extreme hot and extreme cold driving conditions, you’ll benefit from using this mode. It instructs the hybrid system to operate the A/C in a manner which uses less electricity than normal, when it’s hot. When it’s cold, the window defroster will operate like the A/C and the heater will allow the engine to shut of sooner. Vehicle efficiency is also affected by how you drive. This mode increases the sensitivity of the accelerator-pedal, allowing easier control for opportunities when you wish to adjust acceleration rate. PWR Mode This indicator illuminates when the PWR MODE button is pressed. When power is needed quickly, using this mode can be beneficial. It prevents the engine from shutting off as soon as it normally would to provide maximum acceleration without delay. Vehicle efficiency is reduced when using this mode, even if you don’t take advantage of the rapid power it can offer. The accelerator-pedal sensitivity is decreased and initial thrust from the electric-motor is noticeably more responsive. So, feel free to indulge at times. The hybrid system will still deliver impressive MPG even in this mode. Prius User-Guide (2010-2011) 2 of 26 Last Updated: 4/21/2011 EV Mode This indicator illuminates when the EV button is pressed. This mode allows the electric-motor to provide additional thrust without the gas-engine starting. On the Eco-Meter, you’ll see the energy usage exceed the usual GREEN zone threshold, allowing engine-off (zero RPM) driving in both the WHITE and RED zones. The catch is the emissions system must be hot (at least 155°F) and speed cannot exceed 24 MPH. If either of the criteria is not met, the EV mode will disengage but the engine may still remain off (often referred to as “Stealth” mode). Normal When no other indicators lights are illuminated, this is the mode Prius is in. Use this mode for the most average driving experience. All hybrid features will operate within the regular tolerances, providing a nice balance of power & efficiency. Eco-Meter The “Hybrid System Indicator”, commonly referred to as the Eco-Meter, provides an assortment of information for the driver. This is the source of detailed data not available from the classic “Energy Monitor”, making it the preferred choice after becoming accustomed to how the hybrid system operates. The energy-bar displayed in the center points out the amount energy being consumed & captured in addition to indicating the engine-on threshold. Green The first zone is that green area illuminated in the photo of the energy-bar above. It identifies the most efficient vehicle operation. Up to the center dividing line, the engine will remain off. For the mode referred to as “Stealth”, driving up to 46 MPH using only electricity indicated by that green. White The second zone is the white area which follows the green. This indicates when additional power is being consumed. When EV mode is active, this illustrates the amount electricity being drawn. When beyond the EV mode (24 MPH) or “Stealth” mode (46 MPH) thresholds, this illustrates the amount of thrust contributed by the gas engine. Prius User-Guide (2010-2011) 3 of 26 Last Updated: 4/21/2011 Red The third zone is the red area. It indicates when high power demand is requested. This specific zone should be used only briefly, to avoid inefficient driving. To make status easier to notice, like during hard acceleration, the ECO symbol above the energy-bar disappears with red is active. Charge When electricity is being captured by regenerative braking, the energy-bar will indicate it by illuminating the area with the CHG label. Status will move to the left to illustrate an energy gain, rather than to the right to illustrate energy consumption. The most efficient braking is when the indicator is kept within that zone; exceeding it means some energy is lost by the friction brakes. Energy Monitor This screen available on the Multi-Information Display is an educational tool for new owners. It provides real-time information about what the hybrid system is doing while you drive. Seeing the variety & frequency of gas engine, electric motor, and battery interactions is a very effective way of understanding how the system achieves such high efficiency. Stealth Mode The mode, also known as “Battery Drive”, is when all thrust is provided by the electric motor and all power is provided by the battery-pack. Regeneration Charge As you approach a stop or just slow down, the excess kinetic energy is used to turn the generator. This creates electricity, which is used to charge the battery-pack. Prius User-Guide (2010-2011) 4 of 26 Last Updated: 4/21/2011 Engine & Motor Drive There are times when the battery-pack isn't needed, the engine will directly provide electricity for the motor. Engine Drive + Charge The engine provides thrust for the wheels along with electricity for charging the battery-pack. Engine & Motor Drive + Charge The engine provides thrust to the wheels as well as electricity for both feeding the motor and charging the battery-pack, all at the same time. Full Power or Gradual Slowing Both rapid acceleration and moderate deceleration take full advantage of the hybrid system to achieve maximum efficiency. Startup Charge or Engine Heat When you first startup a Prius, you will typically see this before shifting into drive or reverse. It also occurs when additional heat is needed. Prius User-Guide (2010-2011) 5 of 26 Last Updated: 4/21/2011