Toyota Prius 2009 Owner's Manual

2009 Quick Reference Guide

POWERED

BY

2009
Prius

This Quick Reference Guide is a summary of basic vehicle
operations. It contains brief descriptions of fundamental
operations so you can locate and use the vehicle’s main
equipment quickly and easily.

The Quick Reference Guide is not intended as a substitute for the
Owner’s Manual located in the vehicle’s glove box. We strongly
encourage you to review the Owner’s Manual and supplementary
manuals so you will have a better understanding of the vehicle’s
capabilities and limitations.

Your dealership and the entire staff of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.,
Inc. wish you many years of satisfied driving in your new Prius.

A word about safe vehicle operations

!

This Quick Reference Guide is not a full description of Prius
operations. Every Prius owner should review the Owner’s
Manual that accompanies this vehicle.

Pay special attention to the boxed information highlighted in
color throughout the Owner’s Manual. Each box contains safe
operating instructions to help you avoid injury or equipment
malfunction.

All information in this Quick Reference Guide is current at
the time of printing. Toyota reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice.

INDEX

BASIC HYBRID VEHICLE

OPERATION

OVERVIEW

FEATURES/OPERATIONS

Hybrid Synergy Drive System 2

Keyless entry

1

6

Key fob 3
Parking & turning OFF the Hybrid System 9
Shifting 8
Smart Key system 4-5

Smart Key unlock functions

1

5

Tu rnin g the Hybrid System ON 7

Engine maintenance 15
Fuel tank door opener and cap 14
Hood release 15

Indicator symbols 12-13
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument panel 10-11

Light control-Instrument panel 14
Rear hatch 14

Air Conditioning/Heating 20-21
Audio 22-23

Clock 25
Cruise control 21
Cup and bottle holders 25
Garage door opener (HomeLink®)

2

17
Lights & turn signals 16
Luggage storage box 24

Parking brake 25
Power outlets 25
Seat adjustments-Front 18
Seat adjustments-Rear 18
Seats-Head restraints 18
Te lep h o n e controls (Bluetooth®) 24
Tilt steering wheel 19
Windows 19
Windshield wipers & washers 17

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATI ON FEATU RES/OPERATI ONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEAT URES

SAFETY AND

EMERGENCY FEATURES

Door locks 26
Doors-Child safety locks 26
Emergency flashers 27
Jump starting 28
Rear air vent 27

Seat belts 26
Seat belts-Shoulder belt anchor 26
Spare tire & tools 29
Tire Pressure Monitoring (warning) System 27

1

Programmable by customer. For dealer-programmable features, please visit your

Toyota dealer.

2

HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

1

BASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION

Hybrid Synergy Drive System

The Hybrid Synergy Drive System utilizes a computer controlled gasoline
engine and electric motor to provide the most efficient combination of
power for the vehicle. To conserve energy, when the brakes are applied,
braking force generates electricity which is then sent to the traction
battery. In addition, the engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped. The
benefits are better fuel economy, reduced vehicle emissions and improved
performance.

Note: Fuel consumption and energy information of the Hybrid System

are shown on the multi-information display. Refer to this screen
for important driving information and feedback to maximize
energy use/creation and conserve fuel.

Tips for improved fuel economy

-Ensure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner's
Manual.

-If possible, link trips to reduce engine cold starts.

-Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on

the highway.

-When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize regenerative braking
energy.

-Minimize use of the Air Conditioning.

Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.

2

Key fob

Master key

Ignition key

Mechanical key*

* Lock/Unlock the driver’s door only

Slide

Pull out

Master key Ignition key & wireless remote.
Mechanical key Fits into master key and can be removed to manually

lock/unlock driver door only.
Ignition key slot When inserting, push completely in. When removing,
gently pull; key will be pushed out by a spring. DO NOT FORCE THE KEY.
If it cannot be removed, push it all the way in again, then pull it out.
To remove or replace mechanical key Slide the lock knob in the
direction of the arrow.

(key fob) slot

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

3

BASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION

Smart Key system (if equipped)

Carrying a Smart Key allows the vehicle to be locked, unlocked and the
Hybrid System engaged without handling the key.

Locking operation

Front door

Push

Rear hatch

Push

Unlocking operation

Front door

Rear hatch

NOTE: After unlocking, if a door is not opened within 60 seconds, all doors

will relock for safety. Refer to your Owner’s Manual and the following
section of this guide for Smart Key unlocking programmable options.

4

Smart Key system cancel switch

Push

Enabled

Disabled

NOTE: To conserve battery power, turn the Smart Key system “OFF” when

not using the vehicle for prolonged periods of time. For more battery saving
information, refer to the

Smart Key unlock functions

The Smart Key unlocking function can be programmed to operate in three
different modes when Smart Key is activated. In all modes, grasping the
front passenger’s door handle will unlock all doors.

-To unlock driver’s door only, grasp driver’s door handle.

-To unlock all doors, grasp any door handle except rear doors.

-To unlock driver’s door or hatch independently, grasp the handle.

Owner’s Manual for more details.

(if equipped)

Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more information on this feature, and
how to change modes.

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

5

BASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION

Keyless entry

Locking operation

Unlocking operation

Push

Push ONCE: Driver door

TWICE: All doors

NOTE: After unlocking, if a door is not opened within 60 seconds, all doors

will relock for safety.

Panic button

Push and hold

6

Turning the Hybrid System ON

Start function

(1)

(2)

(3)

(1) Insert key.*
(2) Depress the brake pedal and push the “POWER” button briefly and

firmly.

(3) The “READY” light will blink. After a few seconds, when the light

remains ON and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.

Note: The brake pedal must be depressed to turn the Hybrid System on.

* It is not necessary to insert the ignition key (key fob) if Smart Key

system is installed and activated.

Changing operation modes

Pressing “POWER” without depressing the brake pedal while the Hybrid
System is OFF will change the operation mode in succession from:

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

ACCESSORY

ON

OFF

Ignition is on; Hybrid System is not engaged.

All systems OFF.

Accessories such as the radio will operate.

7

BASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION

Shifting

Park button

Shift position

Shift lever

Park button

Reverse (buzzer sounds)

Neutral

Drive

Engine brake

Brake pedal must be depressed when shifting to or from the Park
position. If brake is not applied, a beep will sound and the vehicle cannot
be shifted.

NOTE: The shift lever will always return to its original position after
shifting. ALWAYS CONFIRM SHIFT POSITION BY CHECKING INDICATOR

SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.

* The engine brake is the equivalent of downshifting. Shift to “B” when

engine braking is desired (i.e. downhill driving, coasting to a stop, etc.).

8

*

Parking & turning OFF the Hybrid System

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(1) When the vehicle is at a complete stop, keep brake pedal depressed

and push Park button above the shift lever.

(2) Push the “POWER” button to turn off the system.
(3) Fully depress the parking brake.
(4) Remove the key fob if inserted.*

WARNING: If the “POWER” button is held for longer than three seconds
while the vehicle is moving, the Hybrid System will shut off.

* It is not necessary to insert the ignition key (key fob) if Smart Key

system is installed and activated.

Information

In some instances when the engine starts, and/or on a short trip after the

engine is stopped, the engine water pump may continue operating for a
short time. This is a standard operation of the vehicle to ensure optimum
performance and shouldn’t be a concern.

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

9

OVERVIEW

Instrument panel

Headlight, turn signal and front fog light1controls
Wiper and washer controls
“POWER” button
Clock
“AUDIO” switch (multi-information display control)
“CLIMATE” switch (multi-information display control)
Multi-information display
“DISPLAY” sw i t ch (multi-information display control)
“INFO” switch (multi-information display control)
Mph or km/h button
Trip meter reset

Emergency flasher button

10

Without navigation system

With navigation system

1,2

Audio system
12V DC Power outlet

Park button
Electronic shift lever
Ignition key (key fob) slot
Cruise control

1

Tire Pressure Monitoring (warning) System
Smart Key system cancel

1

Steering wheel climate control
Instrument panel light control
Steering wheel audio control

1

If equipped

2

For details, refer to the Navigation System Owner’s Manual.

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATI ON FEATU RES/OPERATI ONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEAT URES

11

OVERVIEW

Instrument cluster

Service indicators and reminder
Speedometer

Fuel gauge
Odometer and two trip meters

Indicator symbols

Brake system warning

Driver seat belt reminder
(alarm will sound if speed is over 12 mph)

Front passenger seat belt reminder
(alarm will sound if speed is over 12 mph)

Charging system warning

1

1

1

1

Malfunction/Check Engine indicator

Low engine oil pressure warning

Low fuel level indicator

Master warning

1

1

High coolant temperature warning

Open door warning

Airbag SRS warning

Low Tire Pressure Warning

1

1

1

Vehicle Stability Control warning

Engine oil replacement reminder

Traction battery warning

1

For details, refer to Section 5-2, 2009 Owner’s Manual.

2

If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” Section 2-4, 2009 Owner’s Manual.

1

1

1

1

1

1

12

Electric power steering system warning

1

Smart Key system warning

1

Turn signal indicator

Headlight high beam indicator

Headlight indicator

Slip indicator

Automatic headlight leveling system warning

Cruise control indicator

Hybrid System warning

Running mode position indicator

2

1

3

1

Driving ready light

Automatic Air Conditioner indicator

Recirculate mode indicator

Windshield airflow indicator

Rear window and outside rearview mirror defogger indicator

Hybrid vehicle immobilizer/Theft deterrent system indicator

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

Front passenger occupant classification indicator

Anti-lock Brake System warning

Yellow: Brake System warning

3

For details, refer to “Transmission” Section 2-1, 2009 Owner’s Manual.

1

1

13

OVERVIEW

Fuel tank door opener and cap

Driver seat

Tu rn

NOTE: Tighten until one click is heard. If the cap is not tightened enough,
Check Engine “ ” indicator may illuminate.

NOTE: MAINTAIN GASOLINE IN THE TANK AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS

DAMAGE TO THE HYBRID SYSTEM CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE
RUNS OUT OF GASOLINE.

Pull up

Store

Rear hatch

Pull

To open the rear hatch, grasp the handle and pull up.

Light control-Instrument panel

+

-

14

Brightness control

Hood release

Pull

Pull up latch and
raise hood

Engine maintenance

Windshield washer fluid tank

Engine oil filler cap
Engine coolant reservoir
Engine oil level dipstick

Note: Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, will

help extend the life of your vehicle and maintain performance.

Please refer to the “Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet,”

“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual

Supplement.”

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

15

FEATURES/OPERATIONS

Lights & turn signals

Headlights

AUTO*

Head lights

Parking light

Low beam

High beam

* If equipped

Automatic light cutoff system Automatically turns off lights when the
driver’s door is opened with the Hybrid System “OFF.”

High beam flasher

Front fog lights (if equipped)

Tu rn

Front fog lights come on only when the headlights are on low beam.

Turn signals

Right turn

Lane change

Lane change

Left turn

16

Windshield wipers & washers

Front

Single wipe

Adjust interval*

Interval wipe

Slow

Fast

Pull to wash and wipe

* Intermittent windshield wiper interval adjustment

Rotate to increase/decrease wipe frequency.

Rear

Wash and wipe

Wipe

Interval wipe

Wash and wipe

Garage door opener (HomeLink®)
(if equipped)

Indicator

Buttons

Garage door openers manufactured under license from HomeLink®* can be

programmed to operate garage doors, estate gates, security lighting, etc.

Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
For programming assistance, contact the Toyota Customer Experience
Center at 1-800-331-4331, or visit http://www.homelink.com.

* HomeLink®is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

17

FEATURES/OPERAT IONS

Seat adjustments-Front

Position

Seat adjustments-Rear

(1) Remove the seat belt

Seats-Head restraints

Seatback angle

(2) Push down

(3) Fold down

Lock release button

18

Tilt steering wheel

Angle

Lock release lever

Hold wheel, push lever down, set angle and return lever.

Note: Do not attempt to adjust while the vehicle is in motion.

Windows

Driver side

Down

Up

Window lock switch

Down

Up

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

Window operation

Automatic operation (driver side only) Push the switch completely down

or pull it completely up and release to fully open or close. To stop window
midway, lightly push the switch in the opposite direction.

Window lock switch Deactivates all passenger windows. Driver’s window
remains operable.

NOTE: If 12V battery is disconnected, the driver’s window will need to be
reinitialized. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.

19

FEATURES/OPERAT IONS

Air Conditioning/Heating

Typ e 1 functions

Type 2 functions

With navigation system*

Passenger compartment temperature
Outside temperature
Temperature selector
Airflow vent
Fan speed
Automatic climate control ON

Fresh or recirculated cabin air
Rear window and outside rearview mirror defogger

Windshield airflow
Air Conditioning ON/OFF

Climate control OFF
Display the operation screen

* For details, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual.”

20

Steering wheel switches

Auto A/C ON/OFF
Temperature selector
Air intake selector
Windshield vent
Rear window and outside rearview mirror defogger

Cruise control (if equipped)

Turning system ON/OFF

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

System ON/OFF

Setting a speed

2

/Increase speed

1

Cancel

1

The set speed may also be cancelled by depressing the brake pedal.

2

If vehicle speed falls below 25 mph, the set speed will not be resumed.

Resume

Set/Decrease speed

21

FEATURES/OPERAT IONS

Audio

Typ e 1

Audio

Push to turn ON/OFF

Seek station/CD track select

Type 2 additional functions

With
navigation
system*

Load CD(s)

Push to turn ON/OFF

Seek station/CD track
or audio file select

Mode

Station/CD track scan

CD/AUX mode select

Eject CD

Audio file search

* For details, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual.”

Audio operation screen

Audio operation screen

Push

RADIO

To preset a station Tune in the desired station and touch a station

selector icon (1-6) until you hear a beep.

To scan for stations Push “SCAN.” Push again to hold selection.

22

CD PLAYER

To scan tracks on a disc Touch “SCAN” icon on the display. Push again to

hold selection.

CD changer (Type 2 only)

-To load one disc Push “LOAD” and insert one disc.

-To load multiple discs Push and hold “LOAD” until you hear a beep.

Insert one disc. Shutter will close and then re-open for next disc.

To select a file (MP3/WMA only) Tu r n “ T U NE•FILE.”

Steering wheel switches

Volume control

“MODE”

Push to turn audio ON and select an audio mode.
Push and hold to turn the audio system OFF.

>

>

“ ” switch

In radio mode Push to select a preset station; push and hold to seek
the next strong station.

In CD mode Push to skip up or down to next/previous track.

AUX audio jack (if equipped)

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

Center console

By inserting a mini plug into the AUX audio jack, you can listen to music

from a portable audio device through the vehicle’s speaker system while
in AUX mode.

23

FEATURES/OPERAT IONS

Luggage storage box

Unlock

Telephone controls (Bluetooth®)
(if equipped)

Unlock

Display

Steering wheel telephone switches

Volume

Bluetooth®technology allows dialing or receipt of calls without taking

hands from the steering wheel or using a cable to connect the telephone
and the system.

Refer to “Hands-free system (for cellular phone),” Section 3-4 in the
Owner’s Manual for more details.

Microphone

Voice command button

End call

Start call

24

Cup and bottle holders

Cup holder-Front Cup holder-Rear

Bottle holder

Front door

Power outlets

Instrument panel (12V)

Center console box (12V)

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

The Hybrid System must be in “ACC” or “IG-ON.”

Parking brake

Clock

H-Hour set
M-Minute set

25

Set: Depress
Release: Depress again

SAFETY AND
EMERGENCY FEATURES

Door locks

Lock

Unlock

Doors-Child safety locks

Rear door

Moving the lever to “LOCK” will allow the door to be opened only from
the outside.

Seat belts

Take up slack

Too high

Keep as low on
hips as possible

If belt is fully extended, then retracted even slightly, it cannot be
re-extended beyond that point, unless fully retracted again. This feature
is used to help hold child restraint systems securely.

To find more information about seat belts, and how to install a child
restraint system, refer to the Owner’s Manual.

Seat belts-Shoulder belt anchor

Push up, or squeeze lock
release to lower

26

Emergency flashers

Push

Rear air vent

Note: The air vent on the right side of the rear seatback is designed

to assist in cooling the Hybrid vehicle battery. DO NOT BLOCK

OR COVER THIS VENT, as it may cause overheating, resulting in

reduced vehicle performance.

Tire Pressure Monitoring (warning)
System

System reset initialization

1. Push and hold “ SET” button
until the indicator blinks
three times.

2. Wait a few minutes to allow
initialization to complete.

OVERVIEWBASIC HYBRID VEHICLE OPERAT ION FEAT URES/OPERAT IONS SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATU RES

After adjusting tire pressures, or after tires have been rotated or
replaced, turn the ignition switch to “ON” and press and hold the
“SET” button until indicator blinks three times. Let the vehicle sit for a
few minutes to allow initialization to complete.

Refer to the load label on the door jamb or the Owner’s Manual for tire
inflation specifications.

If the tire pressure indicator flashes for more than 60 seconds and then
remains on, take the vehicle to your local Toyota dealer.

Note: The warning light may come on due to temperature changes or
changes in tire pressure from natural air leakage. If the system has not
been initialized recently, setting the tire pressures to factory
specifications should turn off the light.

27

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES

Jump starting

Jump start terminal

Exclusive jump start
terminal cover

The jump start terminal is in the fuse box. To access the terminal, open
the fuse block cover and the jump start terminal cover.

Connecting jumper cables

(4)

(1)

(4)

(2)

Recommended

connecting point

(3)

(1) Connect positive (red) jumper cable to the jump start terminal.
(2) Connect positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the

booster battery.

(3) Connect negative (black) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal on

the booster battery.

(4) Connect negative (black) jumper cable to the recommended

connecting point of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

(5) Depress brake pedal, and press “POWER” button to start the vehicle.

Refer to the “Owner’s Manual” for more details.

28