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Toyota Prius User-Guide
Seventh Edition, Fourth Revision

Table of Contents:

DRIVING .................................... 2
Just Drive It ! ........................ 2
Startup ................................... 2
Shutdown .............................. 2
Hybrid Driving...................... 3
Stealth Driving ...................... 4
Cruise-Control ...................... 4
MPG Measurement ............... 5
Brakes ................................... 5
Increasing MPG .................... 6
"B" Mode .............................. 8
Radio ..................................... 9
NURTURING ........................... 10
Filling the Gas Tank ........... 10
Tire Care ............................. 11
Alternate Tires .................... 12
Multi-Display Care ............. 16
Washing .............................. 16
Polishing ............................. 17
Long-Term Storage ............. 17
Valet Use ............................ 17
MAINTENANCE ..................... 18
Dealer Service ..................... 18
Oil Changes ........................ 18
OTHER STUFF ....................... 19
Keys .................................... 19
After-Market Items ............. 19
Transmission ....................... 20
Information Sources ............ 21
GLOSSARY .............................. 29
Prius User-Guide (Classic)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclaimer:
 
All the information stated in this document was provided
 
by Prius owners. None were affiliated with Toyota Motor
 
Corporation, except as customers.
 
 
This document is not sanctioned by Toyota Motor
 
Corporation or any of its affiliates.
 
 
The ideas, suggestions, and opinions offered in this
 
document have not been endorsed by the manufacturer of
 
those specific components or Toyota Motor Corporation.
 
Any harm or damage that may result from the application
 
of or the following of any ideas, suggestions, or opinions
 
contained in this document is the sole responsibility of the
individual that applied or followed said ideas, suggestions
 
or opinions.
 
 
The authors of this document hereby declare that they
 
cannot and will not be held liable, in any fashion, for the
 
content or the use of this document.
 
 
for the CLASSIC (2001-2003) model
1 of 33
Last Updated: 3/04/2009

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Summary of Contents for Toyota Prius

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

      Radio ........9 All the information stated in this document was provided   NURTURING ......10 by Prius owners. None were affiliated with Toyota Motor   Filling the Gas Tank ... 10 Corporation, except as customers.   Tire Care ......11  ...
  • Page 2: Driving

    If they didn't, the internal overhead light may remain on. That will drain the small 12-volt auxiliary battery if left that way long enough in a 2001 or 2002 Prius. Beginning with the 2003 model, the light will automatically shut itself off even if a door is left ajar.
  • Page 3: Hybrid Driving

    Using the multi-display and large digital speedometer helps you discover when gains from that are possible. When you place the Prius in Park after "stealth" driving, the engine may startup. This is just simple Parking process needed to insure the engine optimally tuned. If you don't want to wait the 10 to 20 seconds for engine shut off, you may immediately do it yourself.
  • Page 4: Stealth Driving

    Another way to invoke stealth is to just stop completely, that will make the engine shut off. The 33 kW electric motor is designed to propel the Prius up to 42 MPH (68 km/h). It takes a steady Up to 42 MPH foot though.
  • Page 5: Mpg Measurement

    The brake pads & shoes are not used as much as in a traditional vehicle. This not only makes the Prius more efficient, it also indicates the brakes will last longer.
  • Page 6: Increasing Mpg

    42/40 PSI (2.9/2.8 bar) is what many Prius owners strongly recommend. The original tires for the Tire Care Classic Prius support a maximum cold pressure of 50 PSI (3.4 bar) and for the Iconic Prius 44 PSI (3.0 bar). So that pressure increase is well within the design specifications. Many of the alternate tires available support a maximum cold pressure of 44 PSI (3.0 bar) too.
  • Page 7 Short Trips are horribly inefficient for all vehicles. Prius is no exception; however, it’s far more Engine Warm-Up noticeable since the Multi-Display provides immediate feedback showing you lower MPG. The efficiency benefits of the system are not utilized until after warm-up is complete, that usually takes about 10 minutes.
  • Page 8: B" Mode

    Reading this quote provided by the EPA about Prius reveals why: "Actual Mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of vehicles with these estimates will achieve between 44 and 60 mpg in the city and between 38 and 52 on the highway."...
  • Page 9: Radio

    Press the "SCAN" button again when you want the scanning to stop. If you press then hold the "SCAN" button, only your preset radio channels will be scanned. Prius User-Guide (Classic) 9 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...
  • Page 10: Nurturing

    (a pollution control device) due to sulfur build up. This also extends the life of the emission components. 90% Gasoline mixed with 10% Ethanol, known as E10, will not harm any part of the Prius fuel or 10% Ethanol Mix emission system.
  • Page 11: Tire Care

    Gas Cap & Door sensor. After all, Prius wouldn't be so clean if vapor were allowed to leak out. In the event of an alert, turn off the Prius and tighten the cap. Normal status should return after you restart.
  • Page 12: Alternate Tires

    Below is a summary of that information. DISCLAIMER: The ideas, suggestions, and opinions offered here have not been endorsed by the manufacturer of those specific components or Toyota Motor Corporation. Any harm or damage that may result from the application of or the following of any ideas, suggestions, or opinions contained in this document is the sole responsibility of the individual that applied or followed said ideas, suggestions or opinions.
  • Page 13 Michelin & Dunlop 185/65R14 tires appear to similar, but the revs numbers aren't.) 902 is the Revs value for Classic Prius tires. When selecting an alternate, a number very close to that is required to insure the speedometer and odometer remain accurate. (Being off by a small amount is acceptable since that value will change as tread wears down anyway.)
  • Page 14 Alternate Tire Michelin HydroEdge This is a popular choice for the Iconic Prius, an excellent choice for those wanting improved traction and much longer tread life. It can be used on the Classic model too; however, only the larger size is available. The size & rubber difference will reduce MPG a little bit. PSI higher than 35 may be used to compensate for this.
  • Page 15 Alternate Tire Dunlop SP Sport A2 There are 2 size choices available for this Classic Prius tire; size, speed rating, maximum load, and revs differ. So you are not limited to particular specifications, though neither is the exact size as the original tire (Potenza).
  • Page 16: Multi-Display Care

    The design prevents water entry. So there isn’t any need for concern. When washing the Prius by hand, avoid spraying water directly at the vent. Though difficult, it could still be possible for you to aim a high-pressure water stream in a way that water may enter.
  • Page 17: Polishing

    Keeping the engine running could prevent a mishap. Valets may repeatedly turn the key trying to start the Prius not realizing it's already running. Or worse, they may get out while the Prius is still in "Drive" because they think it’s off. To minimize this risk, set the defroster to the maximum cold or hot setting.
  • Page 18: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE Dealer Service Based on the free maintenance covered by the warranty included for United States Prius models Air Filters 2001, 2002, and 2003, both air filters will be replaced for you. The 22,500 mile (36,210 km) service (using the standard schedule) is when the air-conditioner filter should be replaced. The 30,000 mile (48,280 km) service (using the standard schedule) is when the engine air filter should be replaced.
  • Page 19: Other Stuff

    OTHER STUFF Keys Prius is fitted with a very powerful security system. This means that if you lose all the Master Vital Info (black) keys, you're in a lot of trouble. Losing all your master keys means the computer has to be replaced, that will cost you over $1000.
  • Page 20: Transmission

    Type It has nothing in common with the other type of CVT currently available, called “Cone & Belt”. Technically, Prius really doesn’t have a transmission since nothing ever shifts. There are no gears. Design There are only power-carriers. All they do is rotate, and they are permanently engaged.
  • Page 21: Information Sources

    This is a very large Prius owner website. As of 2/14/2009 the combined Classic & Iconic Prius content (172,275 miles combined) available consisted of: 876 webpages, 1683 digital photos, 1878 offline pages of personal logs, 83 animations, 66 wallpapers, 17 spreadsheets with graphs, 38 documents, 6 screen-savers, and 5 printable calendars, along with a few other Prius related items.
  • Page 22: Informational Materials

    Energy Flow For a basic understanding of the energy flow within the Prius hybrid system, download a copy of this document. Each of the major components are identified and the connection of each is explained in an easy to read format.
  • Page 23 Reading this will provide some insight. It is a summary of behaviors observed within online forums, based on several years of discussion messages posted about hybrids. http://john1701a.com/prius/anti-hybrid_analysis.htm Prius User-Guide (Classic) 23 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...
  • Page 24 The most dynamic of the hybrid types is known as "Full", since it includes a second electric motor to provide some abilities not available from lesser designs. Prius is this type of hybrid. http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full.htm FULL (details) For a more detailed illustration of the "Full"...
  • Page 25 Type: SERIES A type of hybrid vehicle currently being concept tested. This document portrays the possible operational behavior it may deliver. http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_series.htm Prius User-Guide (Classic) 25 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...
  • Page 26 Misconceptions: HIGHWAY Specific details about hybrid misconceptions related to operation while on the highway. http://john1701a.com/prius/prius- misconceptions_highway.htm Misconceptions: WINTER Specific details about hybrid misconceptions related to conditions during the winter. http://john1701a.com/prius/prius- misconceptions_winter.htm Prius User-Guide (Classic) 26 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...
  • Page 27 FULL (operation) For an in-depth breakdown of how "Full" hybrids operate, download a copy of this document. http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full_operation.htm Owner Summary Data from 5 years of Iconic Prius ownership summarized into charts & graphs. http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-ownersummary.htm Being Green Information you should be aware of when researching &...
  • Page 28 Requirements Criteria that define genuine progress, the advancements required to significantly reduce emissions & consumption. http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-requirements.htm Prius User-Guide (Classic) 28 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...
  • Page 29: Glossary

    Blended engine fuel, 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline Electronics Control Unit, the amazing computer that monitors and controls the two motor-generators, the gas engine, the motion of the planetary gear set, the battery pack power levels etc. to provide the Prius' smooth acceleration and speed control.
  • Page 30 Hybrid system with a large battery-pack, a small electric-motor, at least one large electric-motor, and a Full gasoline-engine that combined provide a wide variety of combustion & electric propulsion abilities. Global Positioning System, this is the part of the Prius Navigation System that identifies your exact location on Earth. Greenwash To intentionally mislead with respect to environmental benefits.
  • Page 31 Original Equipment Manufacturer, components directly from the automaker OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Original The term used to identify the 1998 - 2000 model years of Prius (which were only available in Japan). Priustoric All that transpired before the Prius PHEV...
  • Page 32 Driving a Classic Prius with the battery-pack extremely drained of electricity, in conditions too hot (typically Turtle above 105 F degrees), or conditions too cold (typically below -10 F degrees), so that an orange "turtle" icon displays near the speedometer. This warns the driver to avoid forceful acceleration.
  • Page 33 Tire Diameter Battery-Pack Energy 1250 1250 (W/kg) Battery-Pack Voltage 273.6 201.6 201.6 Battery-Pack Weight (lbs) Battery-Pack Section D-Cell Module Module Module (type) Battery-Pack Section (count) Hybrid-System HP Hybrid-System kW Hybrid-System Voltage 273.6 Prius User-Guide (Classic) 33 of 33 Last Updated: 3/04/2009...

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