Before driving -> Hybrid system for Your Toyota Auris 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

1-1. Hybrid system  
Hybrid system  
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from  
conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-  
acteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.  
The hybrid system combines a gasoline engine and an electric  
motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving  
fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.  
Gasoline engine  
Electric motor (Traction motor)  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
When stopped/during take-off  
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During  
take-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 motor is used.  
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During normal driving  
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor  
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as  
necessary.  
When accelerating sharply  
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via  
electric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.  
When braking (Regenerative brake)  
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery  
(traction battery).  
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 shift position D or B  
selected.  
The brake pedal is depressed while driving with shift position D or B  
selected.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop  
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, the followings  
are examples of conditions under which the engine may not stop automati-  
cally:  
The gasoline engine is warming up.  
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is being charged.  
The hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature is low or high.  
The temperature setting of the air conditioning system is high.  
Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)  
As the gasoline engine or regenerative brake charges the hybrid battery  
(traction battery), the battery does not need to be charged from an out-  
side source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the  
hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the  
vehicle at least once every several months for at least 30 minutes or 16  
km (10 miles). If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and you are  
unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact any  
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and  
equipped professional.  
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be  
charged. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift  
position in D or B to avoid discharging the battery.  
Charging the 12-volt battery  
P. 478  
After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or  
removed  
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid  
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact any autho-  
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-  
fessional.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle  
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able  
to move. Always push the P position switch and set the parking brake when  
parked.  
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is  
operating, and are not a malfunction.  
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Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.  
Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind  
the rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.  
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 brake when you press the  
brake pedal or release the accelerator pedal.  
Other sounds, such as motors and mechanical noises, may be heard  
from the brake system when the brake pedal is depressed.  
Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.  
You may hear cooling fan sounds coming from the air intake vents behind  
the rear seat.  
Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal  
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified  
and equipped professional regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-  
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
High voltage components  
Air conditioning compressor  
Service plug  
High voltage cables  
(orange color)  
Hybrid battery  
(Traction battery)  
Power control unit and  
DC/DC converter  
Electric motor  
(Traction motor)  
Caution label  
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high volt-  
age system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as parts that become  
extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution  
labels attached to the vehicle.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
Hybrid battery air vent  
There is an air intake vent on the  
side of the rear right seatback for  
the purpose of cooling the hybrid  
battery (traction battery). If the  
vent becomes blocked, the  
hybrid battery may overheat,  
leading to a reduction in hybrid  
battery output.  
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Emergency shut off system  
The emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current  
and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel  
leakage when a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sen-  
sor. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not  
restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact any authorized Toyota  
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-  
sional.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
Energy monitor  
You can view the status of your  
hybrid system on the multi-infor-  
mation display (P. 200).  
The following images are exam-  
ples only, and may vary slightly  
from actual conditions.  
Press the “DISP” switch on the steering wheel several times to  
select the energy monitor display.  
When the vehicle is powered by the  
electric motor (traction motor)  
When the vehicle is powered by both  
the gasoline engine and the electric  
motor (traction motor)  
When the vehicle is powered by the  
gasoline engine  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
When the vehicle is charging the hybrid  
battery (traction battery)  
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When there is no energy flow  
Low  
Full  
Hybrid battery (traction battery) status  
Hybrid warning message  
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. (P. 436)  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
If a warning light comes on or a warning message is displayed, or the  
12-volt battery is disconnected  
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If  
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact any authorized Toyota  
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.  
Electromagnetic waves  
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-  
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount  
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or  
home electronic appliances.  
Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced  
radio parts.  
Consult any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-  
fied and equipped professional before installing or removing third party-  
produced radio parts.  
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 go off (P. 433). If there is only a small amount of fuel,  
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to  
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 12 L [3.2 gal., 2.7  
Imp. gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when  
the vehicle is on a slope.)  
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.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
CAUTION  
High voltage precautions  
The 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.  
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Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,  
cables and 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 caution labels attached to the vehicle.  
Never try to open the service plug  
access hole located in the luggage  
compartment. The service plug is used  
only when the vehicle is serviced and is  
subject to high voltage.  
Do not subject the service plug to  
strong impacts. Also, avoid splashing  
large amount of water onto the luggage  
compartment, for example while in a  
high-pressure car wash.  
Hybrid battery (traction battery)  
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of  
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe  
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
CAUTION  
Emergency shut off system  
Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.  
Never touch the parts or cables. (P. 34)  
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.  
Road accident cautions  
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautions  
to reduce the risk of injury.  
Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents. While  
depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake and push the P posi-  
tion switch to stop the hybrid system. Then, slowly release the brake  
pedal.  
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 it 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 pos-  
sible, 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 the front wheels raised. If the  
wheels with the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when  
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an  
electricity leakage leading to a fire. (P. 423)  
Nickel-metal hydride battery  
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of  
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe  
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.  
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1-1. Hybrid system  
NOTICE  
Hybrid battery air vent  
Do not put foreign objects over the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction  
battery) may overheat and be damaged.  
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Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)  
from overheating.  
Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may  
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).  
Do not load a large amount of water such as an aquarium into the vehicle.  
If water spills over the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be  
damaged.  
When the rear seat belts are in use, make sure to pass them through the  
guides (P. 82). Otherwise, the rear seat belts may cover the hybrid bat-  
tery air vents.  
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