Page 2 - DRIVING; Vital Info; Startup; Step On the Brake
DRIVING Just Drive It ! Vital Info Ignore all the advanced technology! It's too easy to get preoccupied with everything Prius automatically does for you, especially with the Multi-Display providing constant performance information. The hybrid system was designed so you could to drive it like a tradi...
Page 3 - Shutdown
Engine Warm-Up Reducing Emissions is the highest priority for Prius. It strives to remain a AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology - Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) at all times, which means the catalytic-converter must be kept warm even if it requires consuming some gas to accomplish that. Fortunately, you st...
Page 4 - Reverse; Beeper Disable
Reverse Beeper Disable Some people find the reverse beeper distracting. Although there isn't a method to change the repetitive beeping to just a short warning, there is a way to disable it completely. To do that, carefully follow these steps: 1. Switch to the odometer/trip value to display "ODO&...
Page 6 - Stealth Driving; Engine Off
Stealth Driving Engine Off While the gasoline engine is off and you’re driving using just battery power, the mode you’re in is called "stealth" (since movement is totally silent). Invoking "stealth" is easy once the engine has warmed up (and you aren't running the A/C or Heater too h...
Page 7 - Radio; CD
Radio Channel Scan Press the " SCAN " button by the radio tuner knob. It will begin scanning for radio channels. When it does finds a station, a few seconds will play, then it will automatically scan for the next. Press the "SCAN" button again when you want the scanning to stop. If y...
Page 8 - Outside Air; Vent
Outside Air Vent Changing the "Air Conditioner" mode to draw in air directly from the outside for cooling rather than allowing it to be influenced by the heater-core isn’t an obvious process, but it is surprisingly easily once you know how. Many people call this "opening the vent" an...
Page 9 - UNDERSTANDING; MPG Measurement; Lifetime; Sudden Drop; Increasing MPG
UNDERSTANDING MPG Measurement Lifetime LIFETIME is the most useful measurement. Total miles driven, divided by total gallons consumed, informs you how efficiently the car has performed overall. Tank TANK is the measurement between each fill up. You press the RESET button when the tank is full. The r...
Page 10 - Driving; 7 Octane Gas
On the Highway Just like with traditional vehicles, efficiency drops the faster you drive on a highway. 60 MPH (96 km/h) is more efficient than 70 MPH (113 km/h). Speeding up to 75 MPH (121 km/h), you'll observe MPG drop even more. It pays to drive slower (obey the speed-limit). Think of it this way...
Page 11 - External Loads; Synthetic Oil
External Loads Hitch Racks & Roof Carriers cause aerodynamic drag. So, expect a MPG drop when you use one. Engine Warm-Up Short Trips are horribly inefficient for all vehicles. Prius is no exception; however, it’s far more noticeable since the Multi-Display provides immediate feedback to actuall...
Page 12 - EPA Estimates; Purpose
EPA Estimates Purpose The intent of the EPA efficiency values posted on each new vehicle window-sticker is only to provide a basis for comparison, not an actual MPG expectation... as commonly believed. Read the fine-print on this scan of a 2004 Prius window-sticker: Don’t be mislead by the big numbe...
Page 14 - Seasonal Cycles; Vehicle Types
Seasonal Cycles Vehicle Types Seasonal cycles affect all types of vehicles, not just hybrid. But with Prius, you are much more aware of the MPG changes due to having a Multi-Display constantly informing you of efficiency performance. With traditional vehicles, owners typically are not aware how much...
Page 15 - Emissions; Prius; Measurements
Emissions Prius Prius (HSD model) has earned a CARB emission rating of: AT-PZEV Categories Just because a vehicle is labeled as a "Hybrid", that does not mean the vehicle is actually any cleaner. In fact, some hybrids emit the same amount of smog-related pollution as a common traditional veh...
Page 16 - NURTURING; Filling the Gas Tank; Fill Speed
NURTURING Filling the Gas Tank Fill Speed It is best to use the slowest setting (the farthest latch on the pump-handle); otherwise, the pump could shut off prematurely giving you an inaccurate indication of "full". Topping Off Don't! Once the pump automatically stops, don't trying squeezing ...
Page 19 - PSI convenience
PSI convenience Tire pressure needs to be routinely checked (for all vehicles, not just Prius). Temperature drops cause PSI to decrease. Heat caused by driving increases PSI, making measurements inaccurate until cool. MPG & Safety are directly dependent on properly maintained PSI. Prius owners h...
Page 20 - Upgrade Tires; Revs
Upgrade Tires HSD Prius comes with standard, run-of-the-mill tires. In other words, they are fairly typical. So some owners are pleased with them and others choose to upgrade. DISCLAIMER: The ideas, suggestions, and opinions offered here have not been endorsed by the manufacturer of those specific c...
Page 21 - Original Tire; Goodyear Integrity; Michelin HydroEdge; Upgrade Tire; Goodyear TripleTred
Original Tire Goodyear Integrity HSD Prius comes with these tires standard. They are sometimes referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires. 185 / 65 R15 44 PSI (3.0 bar) maximum 1168 lbs. (530 kg) load maximum Standard Rolling Resistance 855 Revs per mile 10/32 inch Tread-Depth 86S Sp...
Page 22 - Michelin Harmony; Goodyear ComforTred; Washing; Antenna; Valet Use; Valet Card
Upgrade Tire Michelin Harmony 185 / 65 R15 44 PSI (3.0 bar) maximum 1168 lbs. (530 kg) load maximum Standard Rolling Resistance 848 Revs per mile 11/32 inch Tread-Depth 86S Speed & Load Rating " A " Traction " B " Temperature 740 Treadwear 80,000 (128,748 km) Mile Warranty Upgrad...
Page 23 - MAINTENANCE; Oil Changes; Oil; or; Months
MAINTENANCE Oil Changes Oil Refer to the " Increasing MPG "section. 5,000 Miles or 6 Months 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Having the engine shut off frequently and not using it as the sole propulsion source will allow oil to last longer than in traditional vehicl...
Page 24 - Overfilling
Overfilling This is an unfortunate reality that far too much owners have to face. Oil pumped from bulk barrels into your engine is commonly not carefully measured by dealers and quick oil-change places. So make sure to check the level yourself after the service is complete. If the oil-level is beyon...
Page 25 - Window Wipers; Front Blades
Window Wipers Front Blades Replacing the two wiper blades (every 30,000 to 35,000 miles) in the front is surprisingly easy. You don’t even have to remove the wiper assembly from the car (though you can, if you want). Just carefully squeeze the rubber at the far left (shown above) and pull inward a l...
Page 26 - Rear Blade
Rear Blade To pivot the wiper arm upward, all you have to do is remove the clamp. It is the 2.5 inch (6 cm) piece of flexible plastic at the base, where it connects to the window. Just pull both sides out and slide it toward you. With that plastic off, the access to the blade is now possible. You ca...
Page 27 - Filter Access
Air-Conditioning Filter Access There is a hepa filter for the Air-Conditioning system behind the glove-box: Open the bottom glove-box, and then remove all the contents (since they will end up falling out all over the floor otherwise). To the right of glove-box is an attached small plastic hydraulic ...
Page 28 - OPTIONS; Touchless Unlock
OPTIONS (SE) Smart-Entry It is proximity detection system that automatically senses a wireless transmitter (called a "key-fob") in your pocket or purse, allowing you to unlock the doors & hatch without the need to use a physical key or push a button on a remote. Touchless Unlock Reaching...
Page 29 - Homelink; Garage Door; Bluetooth; Phone Type; Adding a Phone; More Info
Homelink It is a set of buttons on the rear-view mirror available for custom programming, to supplement your other remotes. Garage Door To program a Homelink button on your mirror to open & close your garage-door, do the following: 1) If the mirror is off, turn it on. (The indicator light will b...
Page 30 - Navigation; Adaptive Volume; Electrochromic Mirror; Making it Darker
Navigation Adaptive Volume Increases the volume of the Navigation System's guidance information when going over 50 MPH (80 km/h). Mark Button When you get to a common destination or one that was particularly difficult to find, take advantage of the "Mark" button on the Multi-Display (only vi...
Page 31 - Help; Navigation - Commands
VOICE-RECOGNITION Help Command Help Command List Help Navigation - Commands I'm Hungry POI Off Route Overview Compass Mode Heading Up North Up Louder Softer Repeat Repeat Voice Cancel No Yes Short Mark Mark This Point Zoom In Zoom Out Lexus Dealer Lexus Dealership Toyota Dealer Toyota Dealership Pre...
Page 32 - Navigation - Locations
Navigation - Locations Airport American Food American Restaurant Amusement Park ATM Auto Club Auto Service Auto Service and Maintenance Automobile Club Bank Barber Shops Beauty and Barber Shops Botanical Garden Bus Station Business Facility Campground Car Wash Casino Chinese Food Chinese Restaurant ...
Page 33 - Climate; Screen
Audio Audio Audio On Audio Off Radio AM AM Radio FM FM Radio FM1 FM2 Program Seek Down Seek Up CD CD Changer Disc Down Disc Up Next Disc Next Track Previous Disc Previous Track Skip Backward Track Down Track Up SAT SAT1 SAT2 SAT3 Satellite Radio Satellite Radio 1 Satellite Radio 2 Satellite Radio 3 ...
Page 34 - OTHER; Rear Hatch
OTHER Battery-Pack Replacement The power management system was designed to maximize battery life. It rigorously works to always keep the charge-level at optimum, by never fully draining or fully recharging it. And you can clearly see that by watching the indicator on the Multi-Display. Lab testing h...
Page 35 - Hidden Release
Hidden Release From inside the hidden storage area underneath the floorboard, remove the tiny black panel on the side closest to the hatch, and then poke your finger through that hole into the metal casing. There's a smooth tiny metal latch there. (Toyota definitely wanted to make that inaccessible ...
Page 36 - Side Mirrors
Side Mirrors Blind-Spot As with most all vehicles, Prius has a blind-spot immediately to the left-rear of the driver. The solution to that is carefully aiming the mirror on the side. You can also add a blind-spot mirror to it, the very same way as with other vehicles. The photo above shows a blind-s...
Page 37 - Transmission; Information Sources
Transmission CVT Type " Planetary " is the type of CVT that Prius uses. It has nothing in common with the other type of CVT currently available, called " Cone & Belt ". Design Technically, Prius really doesn’t have a transmission since nothing ever shifts. There are no gears. The...
Page 38 - Yahoo Groups; Yahoo Searching; Informational Materials
Yahoo Groups There are many. These are the main groups: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius-2G http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius_Technical_Stuff Yahoo Searching On http://google.com use the following search key: " Prius site:autos.gr...
Page 39 - Energy Flow
Energy Flow This is a document available for downloading that provides information about energy flow within the Prius hybrid system. Each of the major components is identified and their connection to each other is explained in an easy to read summary. http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-energy.htm Powe...
Page 40 - FULL
Type: FULL This is a document available for downloading that provides information about the type of hybrid known as "Full". http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full.htm FULL (details) This is a document available for downloading that provides an illustration with more detail, a supplement...
Page 41 - ASSIST
Type: TWO-MODE This is a document available for downloading that provides information about the type of full hybrid known as "Two-Mode". http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_two-mode.htm Type: ASSIST This is a document available for downloading that provides information about the type of h...
Page 42 - GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY ABS Anti-Lock Braking System AC All modes of conditioning air inside the passenger area of the vehicle: Heating, Cooling, Venting A/C Condensing of air to cool it and to remove humidity. Assist Hybrid system with a small battery-pack and a single small electric-motor that provides peak powe...