Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual — part 21

328

5-1. Before driving

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 output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift position to P. Failure to do
so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if
the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

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 driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire:

P. 680

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NOTICE

■

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
transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to
shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels will
lock, and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the
ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the vehi-
cle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted. (

P. 655)

330

5-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)
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 passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers 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 calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. (

P. 333)

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

vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.

Capacity and distribution

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Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (

P. 718)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding 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:
B

*

2

lb. (kg)

 A

*

1

lb. (kg) = C

*

3

lb. (kg)

*

1

: A = Weight of people

*

2

: B = Total load capacity

*

3

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers 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

*

4

lb. (kg) = E

*

5

lb. (kg)

*

4

: D = Additional weight of people

*

5

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage 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 number 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.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1
2

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5-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-

ment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,

may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or

passengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●

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.

●

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.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’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.

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Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):

P. 718

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.

◆

Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆

Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

◆

Cargo capacity

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

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

(

P. 611)

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

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering

and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

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5-1. Before driving

Trailer towing

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

IO51PH002

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Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels
on the ground) behind a motor home.

IO51PH003

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

336

5-2. Driving procedures

Power (ignition) switch

Check that the charging cable is disconnected. (

P. 146)

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. 343)

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

5

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5-2. Driving procedures

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Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (

P. 349)

Shift the shift position to P.
(

P. 343)

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

P. 342)

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. 340)

Stopping the hybrid system

1

2

3

4

5

338

5-2. 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. 96

■

Electronic key battery depletion
P. 276

■

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.

●

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -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.

Changing power switch modes

1

2

3

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■

Conditions affecting operation
P. 293

■

Note for the entry function
P. 294

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 83)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

The charging cable may be connected to the vehicle. (

P. 142)

●

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 your Toyota dealer
immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 99

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 635

■

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. 345

■

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 your Toyota dealer immedi-
ately.

340

5-2. 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 key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 700

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. 653)

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. 211) 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
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.

342

5-2. Driving procedures

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 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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*

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

be used.

P. 419

■

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 down-

ward slopes etc.

Selecting a driving mode

P position switch