When driving -> Driving procedures for Your Toyota Auris 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

2-1. Driving procedures  
Driving the vehicle  
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driv-  
ing.  
Starting the hybrid system  
P. 175  
Driving  
STEP  
1
With the brake pedal depressed, select the D position.  
(P. 183)  
(P. 191)  
STEP  
STEP  
2
3
Release the parking brake.  
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the  
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.  
Stopping  
STEP  
STEP  
1
2
With the shift position in D, depress the brake pedal.  
If necessary, set the parking brake.  
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, push  
the P position switch.  
(P. 185)  
Parking the vehicle  
STEP  
STEP  
STEP  
1
2
3
With the shift position in D, depress the brake pedal.  
Set the parking brake.  
(P. 191)  
(P. 185)  
Push the P position switch.  
Check that the shift position indicator shows P.  
STEP  
STEP  
4
5
Turn the “POWER” switch off to stop the hybrid system.  
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator  
on the “POWER” switch is off.  
STEP  
6
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your  
person.  
When parking on a hill, if necessary, block the wheels.  
164  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Starting on a steep uphill  
STEP  
STEP  
STEP  
1
2
3
Firmly set the parking brake and then select the D position.  
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.  
Release the parking brake.  
Driving in the rain  
Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the  
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.  
2
Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be  
especially slippery.  
Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,  
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road  
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.  
Breaking in your new Toyota  
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended  
to observe:  
For the first 300 km (200 miles):  
Avoid sudden stops.  
For the first 2000 km (1200 miles):  
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.  
• Avoid sudden acceleration.  
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.  
165  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Operating your vehicle in a foreign country  
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability  
of the correct fuel. (P. 494)  
For efficient use  
Select the D position when driving.  
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be  
generated.  
The hybrid battery (traction battery) will be discharged requiring unnec-  
essary engine power to recharge.  
Drive your vehicle smoothly.  
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and  
deceleration will make more effective use of the traction motor without  
having to use gasoline engine power.  
Avoid repeated acceleration.  
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,  
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving  
with the accelerator pedal slightly released.  
Push the P position switch when parking.  
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.  
Leaving the N position selected for an extended period of the time may  
discharge the hybrid battery. The vehicle cannot run if the hybrid battery  
is discharged.  
166  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Eco-friendly driving  
Eco-friendly driving can be achieved by driving with Hybrid System Indicator.  
(P. 195)  
Brake actuator  
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump to power-assist  
the brakes. If the brake actuator fails during driving, the brake system warn-  
ing light comes on and the buzzer sounds intermittently. In this case, the  
brakes may not work properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake  
pedal firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately stop  
your vehicle and contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another  
duly qualified and equipped professional.  
2
In the following conditions, you may hear a sound in the engine compart-  
ment. This is not a malfunction.  
The driver’s door is opened with the hybrid system turned off.  
The brake pedal is depressed with the hybrid system turned off.  
After the hybrid system is turned on.  
The brake pedal is depressed repeatedly with the hybrid system turned  
on.  
After the hybrid system is turned off.  
The brake pedal may be hard to depress or the brake pedal stroke may be  
short before turning the hybrid system on. This is not a malfunction.  
When braking the vehicle  
When applying brakes, you may hear a sound coming from the motor gener-  
ator.  
However, this does not indicate any trouble.  
167  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
When starting the vehicle  
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid sys-  
tem operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.  
When driving the vehicle  
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-  
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.  
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake  
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident  
that could result in death or serious injury.  
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-  
culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.  
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the  
vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator  
pedals properly.  
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake  
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-  
ing in an accident.  
The driver should pay attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is pow-  
ered only by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no hybrid  
system sounds, the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.  
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.  
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may  
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.  
Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while a forward driving position is  
selected, or roll forward while R is selected.  
Doing so may cause the hybrid system not to operate or lead to poor  
brake and steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the  
vehicle.  
168  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and  
check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehi-  
cle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a  
serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized  
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-  
sional, immediately.  
Do not shift the shift position to P while the vehicle is moving.  
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle  
control.  
2
Do not shift the shift position to R while the vehicle is moving forward.  
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle  
control.  
Do not shift the shift position to D while the vehicle is moving backward.  
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle  
control.  
Moving the shift position to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage  
the hybrid system. Engine braking is not available with the hybrid system  
disengaged.  
During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid  
system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control,  
but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more  
difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as  
soon as it is safe to do so.  
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible  
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 488  
To help maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep hill, apply  
engine braking (use the B position for engine braking).  
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose  
effectiveness. (P. 183)  
When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking  
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing  
an accident.  
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake  
pedals together to hold the vehicle on a hill.  
169  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
Do not adjust the display, the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or  
the inside or outside rear view mirrors while driving.  
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents  
that may result in death or serious injury.  
Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their bod-  
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.  
When driving on slippery road surfaces  
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and  
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.  
Abrupt changes from shift position D to B and rapid changes in the engine  
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.  
After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make  
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent  
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet  
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in  
an accident.  
When changing the shift position  
Be careful not to change the shift position with the accelerator pedal  
depressed.  
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may  
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.  
After the shift lever is operated, make sure to check the current shift position  
using the shift position indicator. (P. 193)  
When the vehicle is stopped  
Do not race the hybrid system.  
If the vehicle is in any shift position other than P or N, the vehicle may  
accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.  
Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time.  
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space  
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.  
Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the hybrid system is operating  
to prevent an accident caused by the vehicle moving.  
170  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
When the vehicle is parked  
Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in  
the vehicle when it is in the sun.  
Doing so may result in the following.  
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a  
fire.  
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and  
plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.  
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the  
interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehi-  
cle's electrical components.  
2
Always apply the parking brake, push the P position switch, turn the hybrid  
system off and lock the vehicle.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.  
Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the hybrid system is operating or  
immediately after turning the hybrid system off.  
Doing so may cause burns.  
Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or  
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the  
hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehi-  
cle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.  
When parking the vehicle  
Be sure to firmly apply the parking brake and push the P position switch.  
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may acceler-  
ate suddenly, resulting in an accident if the accelerator pedal is accidentally  
depressed.  
171  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
Exhaust gases  
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and  
odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-  
ard.  
If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a  
closed area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the  
vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.  
The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack  
caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be  
sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by any authorized Toyota  
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.  
Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in  
death or a serious health hazard.  
When taking a nap in the vehicle  
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the  
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident  
or fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked  
in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle,  
leading to death or a serious health hazard.  
When braking the vehicle  
When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. Braking distance  
increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of the vehicle  
to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may not  
securely hold the vehicle.  
If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other  
vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require braking.  
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the  
pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.  
The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the  
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal  
should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance  
becomes longer.  
If this happens, do not continue to drive the vehicle. Have your brakes  
fixed immediately.  
172  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
NOTICE  
When driving the vehicle  
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during  
driving. If the brake pedal is depressed while driving with the accelerator  
pedal depressed, driving torque may be restrained.  
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake  
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.  
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts  
2
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a  
long 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 hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)  
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota dealer  
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as soon as  
possible.  
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.  
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads  
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.  
If the vehicle will not shift out of the P position  
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt  
battery in this situation.  
173  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
NOTICE  
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 press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.  
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.  
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.  
The vehicle will behave abnormally.  
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (P. 447, 459)  
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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-  
fied and equipped professional check the following.  
Brake function  
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid  
system, transmission, etc.  
Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-  
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.  
As flooding may damage components involved in P position control, the  
parking lock may jam in the locked position.  
174  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Power (ignition) switch  
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic  
key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes “POWER”  
switch modes.  
Starting the hybrid system  
STEP  
STEP  
1
2
Check that the parking brake is set.  
Firmly depress the brake pedal.  
The “POWER” switch indicator will turn green. If the indicator  
does not turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.  
2
When shift position N is selected, the hybrid system cannot start.  
Select the P position when starting the hybrid system. (P. 185)  
Press the “POWER” switch.  
STEP  
3
After  
a
few seconds, the  
“READY” indicator comes on  
with a beep sound.  
The vehicle can move when  
the “READY” indicator is on,  
even if the engine is stopped.  
Continue depressing the brake  
pedal until the hybrid system is  
completely started.  
The hybrid system can be  
started from any “POWER”  
switch mode.  
STEP  
4
Check that the “READY” indicator is on.  
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.  
175  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Stopping the hybrid system  
STEP  
1
Stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.  
Set the parking brake. (P. 191)  
STEP  
STEP  
2
3
Push the P position switch to shift into P. (P. 185)  
Check that the shift position indicator on the instrument cluster  
shows P. (P. 193)  
STEP  
STEP  
4
5
Press the “POWER” switch.  
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator  
on the “POWER” switch is off.  
If you stop the hybrid system without setting the shift position to P,  
the shift position will be changed to P automatically. You can also  
change the shift position to P by pushing the P position switch.  
Changing “POWER” switch modes  
Modes can be changed by pressing the “POWER” switch with the  
brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is  
pressed.)  
Off  
Emergency flashers can be  
used.  
ACCESSORY mode  
Some electrical components  
such as the audio system can  
be used.  
The “POWER” switch indicator  
turns amber.  
ON mode  
All electrical components can  
be used.  
The “POWER” switch indicator  
turns amber.  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
If the hybrid system does not start  
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 107)  
If the “READY” indicator does not come on  
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER”  
switch with the shift position in P and the brake pedal pressed, contact any  
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped  
professional immediately.  
When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber  
2
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any  
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped  
professional, immediately.  
Auto power off function  
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode (hybrid system is not oper-  
ating) for more than an hour with the shift position in P, the “POWER” switch  
will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 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.  
Operation of the “POWER” switch  
When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If  
the switch is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the  
“POWER” switch mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and  
hold the switch.  
If an attempt is made to restart the hybrid system immediately after turn-  
ing the “POWER” switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some  
cases. After turning the “POWER” switch off, wait a few seconds before  
restarting the hybrid system.  
When leaving the vehicle  
If the indicator on the “POWER” switch stays on, the “POWER” switch is not  
yet off.  
Turn the “POWER” switch off before you leave the vehicle.  
177  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Automatic P position selection function  
When the shift position is other than P, pressing the “POWER” switch  
with the vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to  
change to P automatically, and then the “POWER” switch will turn off.  
When turning the “POWER” switch off from a position other than P, firmly  
depress the brake pedal and confirm that the shift position* has changed  
to P before slowly releasing the brake pedal.  
*: Even after the instrument panel display has been turned off, the shift  
position indicator will continue to be displayed for several seconds.  
If the P position control system malfunctions, the “POWER” switch will  
not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the switch can be turned off  
by applying the parking brake.  
When the system malfunctions, immediately have your vehicle serviced  
by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and  
equipped professional immediately.  
When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving  
conditions  
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.  
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle  
P. 33  
When the hybrid system is malfunctioning  
P. 432, 436  
Key battery depletion  
P. 49, 62  
When the electronic key battery is depleted  
P. 397  
Conditions affecting operation  
P. 48, 61  
Note for the entry function  
P. 50  
178  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
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 cir-  
cumstances. 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 vehi-  
cle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds.  
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, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.  
This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over  
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
2
NOTICE  
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge  
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long  
periods if the hybrid system is not operating.  
If the hybrid system is off, but the indicator on the “POWER” switch is illu-  
minated, this indicates that the “POWER” switch is still turned on. When  
exiting the vehicle, always check that the “POWER” switch is off.  
When starting the hybrid system  
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have the hybrid system  
checked immediately.  
179  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
EV-Drive Mode  
In EV-Drive Mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the  
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.  
On/off  
When EV-Drive Mode is turned  
on, the EV-Drive Mode indica-  
tor will come on. Pressing the  
switch when in EV-Drive Mode  
will return to normal driving  
(using the gasoline engine and  
electric motor [traction motor]).  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
Situations in which EV-Drive Mode cannot be turned on  
The followings are examples of situations under which the EV-Drive Mode  
may not be turned on. 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 freezing temperatures for a long period of  
time etc.  
2
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. 36)  
Vehicle speed is high.  
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.  
The windshield defogger is in use.  
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” switch before the gasoline engine starts to switch to  
EV-Drive Mode.  
Automatic cancellation 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. 36)  
Vehicle speed becomes high.  
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode  
Possible driving distance when driving in EV-Drive Mode is up to about 1 km  
(1/2 mile) if driven at a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or less. (Possible  
driving distance 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  
Your Toyota 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  
economy.  
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 vehicle  
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.  
182  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Transmission  
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.  
Shifting the shift lever  
2
Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.  
When shifting to the D or R positions, move the shift lever  
along the shift gate.  
To shift to the N position, slide the shift lever to the left and  
hold it. The shift position will change to N.  
Shifting to B is only possible when shift position D is  
selected.  
The shift lever will always return to this position after a shift-  
ing operation.  
When shifting from P to D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure  
that the brake pedal is being depressed and that the vehicle is sta-  
tionary.  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
When selecting a 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 panel.  
When a shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow  
toward B disappears from the shift position indicator.  
Shift position purpose  
Shift position  
Function  
P
R
N
D
Parking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system  
Reversing  
Neutral  
Normal driving*  
Applying moderate engine braking when driving  
down hills or on steep slopes  
B
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usu-  
ally be used.  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
P position switch  
The shift position can be changed to P through the use of the P  
position switch.  
Fully stop the vehicle and  
keep depressing the brake  
pedal, and then push the P  
position switch.  
2
When the shift position is  
changed to P, the switch indi-  
cator comes on.  
Check that the P position indi-  
cator is illuminated on the shift  
position indicator.  
Changing 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, a buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will  
be disabled.  
• After the shift lever is operated, make sure to use the shift  
position indicator for checking that the desired shift position  
has been attained. (P. 193)  
• The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.  
185  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Selecting a driving mode  
The following modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.  
Eco drive mode  
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips  
that involve frequent accelerating and braking. The operation of the air  
conditioning system will be minimized.  
Press the “ECO MODE” switch once more to cancel the Eco drive  
mode.  
Eco drive mode will not be canceled until the “ECO MODE” switch is  
pressed, even if the “POWER” switch is turned off.  
Press the “PWR MODE” switch to change the driving mode to power  
mode.  
Power mode  
Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as  
when driving in mountainous regions or when overtaking.  
Press the “PWR MODE” switch once more to cancel the power mode.  
Turning the “POWER” switch off will cancel power mode.  
Press the “ECO MODE” switch to change the driving mode to Eco drive  
mode.  
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2-1. Driving procedures  
Using engine braking  
To use engine braking, select the B position.  
During high speed driving, you may feel that deceleration by engine brak-  
ing is less than that of a conventional vehicle.  
Do not continue normal driving with the transmission in B for a long time.  
This may cause decreased fuel economy. To prevent this, use D for nor-  
mal driving.  
Reverse warning buzzer  
2
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to inform the driver that the shift  
lever is in R.  
Eco drive mode  
When the accelerator pedal is depressed in Eco drive mode, it may take  
more time to accelerate than usual. This is normal operation.  
Alarms  
If the shift position is changed in any of the following situations, a buzzer will  
sound and the shifting operation will be disabled or the shift position will  
automatically change to N. When this happens, select an appropriate shift  
position.  
Situations where the shifting operation will be disabled:  
• When the shift lever is changed from P to another position without  
depressing the brake pedal.  
• When the shift position is changed from P or N to B.  
Situations where the shift position will automatically change to N:  
• When the P position switch is pushed while the vehicle is moving.  
• When shift position R is selected while the vehicle is moving forward.  
• When shift position D is selected while the vehicle is moving in reverse.  
• When the shift position is changed from R to B.  
187  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
CAUTION  
When driving on slippery road surfaces  
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.  
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,  
resulting in an accident.  
Shift lever precautions  
Do not hang anything on the shift lever.  
Doing so could prevent the shift lever from returning to position, causing  
unexpected accidents to occur when the vehicle is in motion.  
NOTICE  
Situations where P position control system malfunctions are possible  
If any of the following situations occurs, P position control system malfunc-  
tions are possible.  
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the park-  
ing brake, and then contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or  
another duly qualified and equipped professional.  
When a warning message indicating malfunction appears on the multi-  
information display. (P. 437)  
When the P position switch indicator flashes.  
When the shift position symbols (such as P and R) are flashing on the shift  
position indicator.  
When the shift position indicator remains off.  
When in heavy traffic  
If shift position N is selected, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be  
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N  
position selected for an extended period of time.  
188  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
NOTICE  
If the vehicle cannot be shifted out of P  
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt  
battery in this situation.  
Notes regarding shift lever and P position switch operation  
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick suc-  
cession. The system protection function may activate and temporarily pre-  
vent the vehicle from shifting out of P. If this happens, wait for around 15  
seconds before attempting to change the shift position again.  
2
189  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Turn signal lever  
Right turn  
Left turn  
Move and hold the lever  
partway to signal a lane  
change.  
The right hand signal will flash  
until you release the lever.  
Move and hold the lever  
partway to signal a lane  
change.  
The left hand signal will flash  
until you release the lever.  
Turn signals can be operated when  
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.  
If the indicators flash faster than usual  
Check that a light bulb in the turn signal lights has not burned out.  
190  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Parking brake  
2
Setting the parking brake  
Fully set the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal.  
Releasing the parking brake  
Slightly raise the lever and then lower it completely while pressing the  
button.  
Usage in winter time  
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 236)  
NOTICE  
Before driving  
Fully release the parking brake.  
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components  
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake  
wear.  
191  
 
 
2-1. Driving procedures  
Horn  
To sound the horn, press on or  
close to the mark.  
After adjusting the steering wheel  
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.  
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.  
(P. 91)  
192