STARTING AND DRIVING -> How to start the hybrid system for Your Toyota Prius 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2009)

How to start the hybrid  
system— (a) Before starting  
the hybrid system  
(b) Turning on the hybrid  
system (Using the smart  
function—on some models)  
Before starting the hybrid  
system  
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-  
fore entering it.  
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.  
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-  
sories.  
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle,  
head restraint height and steering  
wheel angle.  
3. Depress the brake pedal and hold it  
to the floor until driving off.  
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view  
mirrors.  
4. Lock all doors.  
5. Fasten seat belts.  
When you get in the vehicle, check  
whether the “READY” light is on or  
not.  
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure  
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before  
starting the hybrid system”.  
CAUTION  
Your vehicle does not produce any  
noise or vibration when the vehicle is  
ready to be driven with the “READY”  
light on. Move your foot carefully  
from the brake pedal to the accelera-  
tion pedal when driving.  
Normal starting procedure  
Carry the key and press the “POWER”  
switch briefly and firmly with the brake  
pedal depressed. The “READY” light starts  
blinking. After a few seconds, the blinking  
“READY” light remains on and two beeps  
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,  
such as during winter driving conditions,  
it may take time until the “READY” light  
is on.)  
The engine may not start even with the  
“READY” light on.  
348  
(b) Turning on the hybrid  
system (Using the key)  
You may hear a motor sound in the en-  
gine compartment when the brake pedal is  
depressed with the hybrid system off.  
NOTICE  
z The hybrid system cannot be  
started when the shift position is  
“N”. Be sure to put it in “P” and  
then start the system.  
When the hybrid system is started or  
stopped, you may hear a sound coming  
from the hybrid battery in the luggage  
compartment. However, this does not indi-  
cate any trouble.  
z If any warning light comes on (See  
page 125 for details.) or the 12 volt  
battery is disconnected, the hybrid  
system may not start by pushing  
the “POWER” switch. In that case,  
push it once again. If the “READY”  
light does not come on, contact  
your Toyota dealer.  
If there is a problem somewhere in the  
hybrid system, the hybrid system malfunc-  
tion warning light will come on in place of  
the “READY” light. If this happens, contact  
your Toyota dealer.  
Before starting the hybrid system, be sure  
to follow the instructions in “(a) Before  
starting the hybrid system”.  
CAUTION  
z When you start the hybrid system  
at a lowered outside temperature, it  
may take longer before the blinking  
“READY” light changes to stay on.  
Never start the hybrid system from  
outside the vehicle, or an accident  
may occur. Be sure to sit on the driv-  
er seat, then start the system when  
driving.  
Normal starting procedure  
Insert the key and press the “POWER”  
switch briefly and firmly with the brake  
pedal depressed. The “READY” light starts  
blinking. After a few seconds, the blinking  
“READY” light remains on and two beeps  
sound. (If the ambient temperature is low,  
such as during winter driving conditions,  
it may take time until the “READY” light  
is on.)  
The engine may not start even with the  
“READY” light on.  
349