Toyota Prius HSD 2004, Owner'S Manual

Page: 23 / 330

11
Your vehicle is equipped with push but-
ton start. The hybrid system will start
automatically by pressing the “POWER”
switch briefly with the brake pedal de-
pressed.
Without smart function
1. Insert the key.
2. Press the “POWER” switch briefly with
the brake pedal depressed.
With smart function
1. Carry the key with you.
2. Press the “POWER” switch briefly with
the brake pedal depressed.
The “READY” light flashes and stays on.
A beep sounds after a few seconds, and
the hybrid system will start. (If the ambi-
ent temperature is low such as during
winter, it may take time until the “READY”
light comes on.) You cannot start your
vehicle when the brake pedal is not de-
pressed. (For details, see “How to start
the hybrid system—” on page 230.)
The engine may not start even with the
“READY” light on.
Drive your vehicle with a smooth accel-
eration and deceleration.
! While driving, energy is recovered
through the regenerative brake as the
vehicle decelerates. However, for more
efficient use, do not accelerate or de-
celerate your vehicle more than neces-
sary.
!
Avoid abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion.
! The remaining capacity of the hybrid
vehicle battery can be confirmed on
the energy monitor screen of the multi
−
information display. See “Information”
on page 150 for details. Gradual or
non
− abrupt acceleration or deceleration
will more effectively use the benefits of
an electric motor without having to use
gasoline engine power.
When parking, be sure to put the hy-
brid transaxle in “P”. While driving, use
the hybrid transaxle in “D”.
!
In “N”, the gasoline engine operates
but electricity cannot be generated. The
battery will be discharged requiring un-
necessary engine power to recharge.
!
The hybrid system automatically re-
charges the hybrid vehicle battery
when the remaining battery power is
reduced. However, the charging is not
available if the hybrid transaxle is “N”.
Starting your vehicle
For efficient use of your
vehicle