www.juicedhybrid.com

Vital Info

Ignore all the advanced technology!

It's too easy to get preoccupied with everything Prius automatically does for you, especially with the Multi-Display providing constant performance information. The hybrid system was designed so you could to drive it like a traditional car. That way, you can enjoy the remarkably smooth & quiet ride. Let the computer worry about how to save gas and reduce emissions.

Step On the Brake

New owners sometimes fall victim to this, not being able to figure out why the car won’t start. For safety, stepping on the brake before starting has always been highly recommended in all types of vehicles anyway. But in Prius, it is required. Because if you don’t, you’ll find that only the accessories will power-up. The hybrid system itself won’t until you push the power button while also stepping on the brake at the same time.

Engine Warm-Up

Reducing Emissions

Winter Heat

Creating heat for the emissions system and heat to keep you warm is fastest and most efficient if you simply drive gently immediately after starting the Prius in the winter. Allowing the engine to run while the Prius is parked takes longer and is less efficient. "Just Drive It !"

Once the heater warms up, resist the temptation to turn up the fan-speed on too high. That will actually decrease the potential heat. Air blasting over the fins of the core too quickly prevents the opportunity to absorb as much heat as possible. Slower air doesn’t. In other words, don't exceed the medium speed setting.

12-Volt Jumping

If the 12-volt auxiliary battery is ever drained completely, you can jump it similar to a traditional vehicle. With the Prius OFF (hybrid system & lights), connect the positive-cable to the jump-start terminal (within the black plastic fuse-box, under the Prius hood) then to the positive-terminal on the 12-volt battery of the supplying vehicle (as it is running). Next, connect the negative-cable to the negative-terminal on the 12-volt battery of the supplying vehicle. Then the other end of the negative-cable can be connected to an unpainted metal component under the hood; a very good place for this is the support attaching the engine & motor to the body of the vehicle in the front driver's side corner under the Prius hood. At this point, start the hybrid system. When "READY" appears on the Prius speedometer cluster, you should then disconnect the cables following the opposite order they were connected.

For safety information, greater detail, and illustrations, please refer to your Owner's Manual.

A very simple way to confirm you have a good electrical connection before attempting to start is to just turn on the ceiling light. If it illuminates brightly, you know that the supply coming from the donor vehicle is sufficient to successfully jump the Prius. If the light is dim, the connection is bad and you must fix it before proceeding.

Off Confirm

Use the remote or push a door-button (or the one on the hatch) when leaving your Prius. That will confirm that all the doors really did get shut tightly and the power for the hybrid system is off. If you don't, the 12-volt auxiliary battery may get drained completely or the alarm might not be able to protect the car.

Whirring Sound

There is a small electric-pump that pumps 3 liters of coolant into a thermal container (to keep it hot) every time you turn the hybrid system power OFF. When the power is turned back ON, the coolant is pump back into the engine. This process reduces emissions, by achieving warm-up much faster than with an engine that would normally have to heat itself up. This process also helps to reduce wear & tear on the engine.

24 MPH minimum

Slowing down to less than 24 MPH (39 km/h) will cause the cruise-control "resume" memory to reset. So if you have to slow down or stop, you'll need to set the speed again.

MPG

Some owners have observed an increase in MPG from using the cruise-control, others have not. Results vary depending on your particular driving habits and road conditions.

Stealth

If you don't have a sensitive enough foot but would still like to enjoy stealth driving on a light traffic road, just set the cruise-control. This can be done all the way up to 42 MPH (68 km/h) on flat or declining terrain without making the engine startup.

Smoooooth

The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission, "Planetary" type) makes the cruise-control in Prius remarkably smooth. You'll notice the "no shifting" characteristic of the drive when going up hills and accelerating aggressively. Many consider this smoothness as a luxury feature.

No Engine

To shift into neutral and keep it there without any chance of the engine starting, do the following:

1. 1. Insert the FOB (not necessary if you have SE/SS).
2. 2. Without stepping on the brake pedal, press the "Power" button twice.
3. 3. Use the lever to shift in the Neutral position.

Beeper Disable

Some people find the reverse beeper distracting. Although there isn't a method to change the repetitive beeping to just a short warning, there is a way to disable it completely. To do that, carefully follow these steps:

From a Stop

The gasoline engine is most efficient when running around 70% maximum. So if you can't press lightly enough on the pedal to accelerate using only electricity, go ahead and press a little harder than usual. That brisk (but not aggressive) increase in speed will save a small amount of gas, resulting in an overall efficiency gain.

Climbing Hills

The hybrid system has 2 electric motors. When you encounter a large hill, those motors are automatically taken advantage of. The gasoline engine will rev to its most efficient high-power RPM. That provides thrust directly to the tires, generates electricity for the motor, and recharges the battery-pack all at the same time. So to the surprise of many new owners, large hills don’t drain the system. You’ll still have plenty of reserve power available when you reach the top.

On the Highway

Just like with traditional vehicles, efficiency drops the faster you drive on the highway. 60 MPH (96 km/h) is more efficient than 70 MPH (113 km/h). Speeding up to 75 MPH (121 km/h), you'll observe MPG drop even more. It pays to drive slower.

Without the Pack

The electric motor doesn't actually need electricity from the battery-pack. The gasoline engine creates electricity immediately while you drive. So quite frequently, on the multi-display you'll see that the motor is being fed directly from the engine and the battery-pack isn't even being used. And sometimes, while both the engine and motor are providing thrust, the engine will also recharge the battery-pack at the same time.

A/C Instead

At highway speeds, using the A/C (air-conditioner, cold setting) or vent to remain cool will likely result in slightly higher MPG than having the windows open.

Cruising

A beneficial technique for efficient cruising is to feather the accelerator pedal at particular times.

Learning to do this is simple and will quickly become second nature with very little practice. (In fact, you may already have that foot control if you in-line skate or bicycle occasionally.) To do it, just lightly reduce pressure on the accelerator-pedal whenever you encounter a section of road that’s perfectly flat or has a slight decline. The MPG indicator will sometimes jump all the way to the +100 mark, even though your speed ends up dropping only 1 MPH. Then lightly push the accelerator-pedal to efficiently regain that speed afterward. Overall, MPG will climb a little bit when each time you do that.

You’ll end up taking advantage of the hybrid design. Changes in the road pitch naturally cause changes in speed anyway. Using the multi-display and large digital speedometer helps you discover when gains from that are possible.

Regenerator

When you reduce pressure on the accelerator-pedal or use the brake-pedal, excess speed turns a motor, causing regeneration of electricity to recharge the battery-pack. The regenerator takes advantage of the kinetic energy that would have otherwise been lost. 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.

Engine Off

While the gasoline engine is off and you’re driving using just battery power, the mode you’re in is called "stealth" (since movement is completely silent).

Invoking "stealth" is easy once the engine has warmed up (and you aren't running the A/C or Heater too heavily). While driving, just find a street section without any inclines then lift your foot from the accelerator-pedal. The engine will shut off within a few moments. Once it does, lightly place your foot back on the accelerator-pedal to continue driving with only electricity. Another way to invoke stealth is to just stop completely, that will make the engine shut off.

Up to 42 MPH

The 50 kW electric motor is designed to propel the Prius up to 42 MPH (68 km/h). It takes a steady foot though. Slower speeds, like 35 MPH (56 km/h) and 30 MPH (48 km/h), are easier. Beyond that maximum speed or in conditions when additional power is needed, the motor works in combination with the gasoline engine. Though, you will discover above 42 MPH (68 km/h) that there are times when the engine will spin (pistons in motion) without any fuel being consumed; it is a normal function of the Planetary-CVT.

Acceleration

Accelerating in "stealth" can be very slow. Also using the gasoline engine is both quicker and (surprisingly) more efficient, so don't be afraid to consume a little bit of gas. Remember that even if you use the battery and get "+100 MPG", the engine must run later to recharge it. So short-term gains may actually result in an overall loss.

A/C & Heater

Only the lowest setting for the air-conditioner & heater work in "stealth". Higher settings and airflow durations longer than a minute or two will require the gasoline engine to run.

Be Careful !

Be careful while driving in "stealth", especially in parking lots. Some people use only their ears to verify that it's safe, not their eyes! So having a car that's completely silent means you'll probably have someone step out in front of it without even realizing you’re driving right at him or her.

On/Off Anytime

You can engage or disengage engine-braking at anytime while driving.

Engine-Braking

Avoid using this mode unless absolutely necessary, since it will cause MPG to drop. There is no charging benefit over regular braking either.

The "B" mode works like an exhaust brake on a large truck (except, it's totally silent). The engine is used to slow down the vehicle, allowing you to reduce reliance on the regular brakes. So for steep declines, like driving down a mountain, it's a great way to avoid overheating caused by friction from the brake drums & shoes.

Winter Slowing

A special use of "B" is the ability to shift into it on-the-fly without having to take your eyes off the road. Finding yourself taking a turn on snow or ice a little bit too fast, you'll discover "B" does an absolutely fantastic job of slowing the car down enough to retain traction without any risk whatsoever of the wheels slipping from braking too hard... since you aren't using the brakes at all.

Lifetime

LIFETIME is the most useful measurement. Total miles driven, divided by total gallons consumed, informs you how efficiently the car has performed overall.

Tank

TANK is the measurement between each fill up. You press the RESET button when the tank is full. The results are informative, but not perfectly accurate. In cold weather, the bladder inside the gas tank shrinks. This reduces the overall capacity making the "full" level variable. Also, "full" can be misrepresented if the pump doesn't shut off at the proper time. These factors make calculations based on fill-up less accurate.

Trip

TRIP is mostly for fun, since a multitude of variables can affect the measurement to a single destination. Watch the 5-minute summary segments shown on the multi-display. Remember though, if you were to start a drive downhill, with a tail wind, a warm engine, a fully charged battery-pack, and a warm outside temperature, the MPG would be very

Sudden Drop

Tire pressure may have dropped. For every 10 F degrees colder, pressure will automatically drop 1 PSI. Verify you still have as much air in the tires as you think they do.

Increased use of the heater or air-conditioner (which includes the defroster) will force the engine to run more often. Try a less demanding setting.

When the temperature drops below freezing, you may notice the engine has to run quite a bit longer to warm up the catalytic-converter. This is to keep the Prius emissions Super-Ultra low. Avoid driving short trips; instead, take advantage of the time after warm up is complete by running several errands at once.

Tire Break-In

Don’t forget that new tires require a break-in period. Before that the tire surface and tread edges will be rough, causing MPG to be lower than you expect. It takes about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before enough wear (barely visible to a trained eye) occurs to allow less abrasive contact with the road. And since front tires wear more than those in the rear, expect another break-in period the first time the rear tires are rotated to the front. Fortunately, that reduced MPG will only last a few hundred miles.

Driving

Brisk Acceleration

Coast

Look Ahead

Tire Care

42/40 PSI

Every 5,000

Check Often

On the Highway

Just like with traditional vehicles, efficiency drops the faster you drive on a highway. 60 MPH (96 km/h) is more efficient than 70 MPH (113 km/h). Speeding up to 75 MPH (121 km/h), you'll observe MPG drop even more. It pays to drive slower (obey the speed-limit). Think of it this way, pedaling a bicycle rapidly takes much more energy than pedaling at a moderate rate.

A/C & Heater

Minimal use is the key. Using the Heater or the A/C (which includes the defroster) on anything but a low setting may prevent the engine from shutting off. That will reduce MPG. So, try to avoid high demand use. Fortunately, on the highway using the A/C is still more efficient than opening the windows.

87 Octane Gas

Prius was designed to run with 87 Octane gasoline (85 in high altitudes). Some owners have experimented with higher octanes, but found there wasn't any MPG improvement. Also, bear in mind that higher octane gasoline may trigger an emission sensor alert. So just save money and continue using the less expensive 87 octane gas.

Engine Warm-Up

Short Trips

PZEV

External Loads

Hitch Racks & Roof Carriers cause a lot of aerodynamic drag. So, expect a MPG drop when you use one.

"B" Mode

Avoid using this mode unless absolutely necessary; it will cause MPG to drop.

5W-30 Oil

5W-30 oil is strongly recommended (real or synthetic).

If a service person puts 10W-30 in by mistake, you may complain since it will negatively impact your MPG slightly and may affect performance in below freezing temperatures. The text on the engine oil cap clearly states 5W-30 should be used.

Synthetic Oil

Owners have observed minor MPG improvements by switching to synthetic oil.

Plus, since it protects the engine better than real oil and makes extremely cold startups even easier, switching from real oil should be a simple choice.

Oil Level

Too much oil can decrease MPG. Verify the level is never above the max mark on the dipstick.

Unfortunately, overfilling is a problem commonly overlooked. Oil change services routinely pump oil from large barrels, rather than using quart-size bottles. That makes overfilling very easy to do. Taking a moment afterward to check afterward is truly beneficial.

YMMV

"Your Mileage May Vary"

ALSO NOTE:

Measurement

The multi-display averages optimistically, so it will usually read about 2 MPG too high for most owners. The "bladder effect" (caused by the bladder in the gas tank shrinking due to temperatures below freezing), which is very noticeable in the Spring & Fall, causes the readout value and manual calculations to vary greatly for individual measurements. Averaging several fill up amounts documented at the gas station will provide the actual MPG you've been getting. For an example of how to do this, refer to this webpage...

Break-In

For the first

Channel Scan

Press the "

CD Change

Holding the track-change button on the steering-wheel, rather than just quickly pressing it, will cause the CD to be changed instead.

Audio Button

Pressing the "Audio" button next to the Multi-Display will reveal the Radio Preset or CD Control screen, depending on what is playing at that moment. Pressing the "Audio" button another time will return you to the screen you were previously viewing, "Consumption" or "Energy Monitor" or "Navigation".

Mode Button

Pressing the "Mode" button on the Steering-Wheel toggles between the AM, FM1, FM2, and CD modes of the audio system.

Holding the "Mode" button for a few seconds will toggle the power for the audio system on & off.

Fill Speed

It is best to use the slowest setting (the farthest latch on the pump-handle); otherwise, the pump could shut off prematurely giving you an inaccurate indication of "full".

Topping Off

Don't!

87 Octane Gas

Prius was designed to run with 87 Octane gasoline (85 in high altitudes). Several owners have experimented with 90 & 93 Octane; however, there wasn't any improvement to MPG. Since engine knocking is non-existent with Prius, there's no benefit in that respect either. Additionally, higher octane may trigger an emission sensor alert. Therefore, save some money by using 87 Octane.

Low-Sulfur Gas

Without the loss of performance or power, low sulfur gasoline helps to reduce emissions by preventing efficiency loss within the catalytic-converter (a pollution control device) due to sulfur build up. This also extends the life of the emission components. All gasoline sold in the United States is mandated to be low-sulfur by January 2006.

10% Ethanol

90% Gasoline mixed with 10% Ethanol, better known as E10, will not harm any part of the Prius fuel or emission system. Owners in the metro area of Minnesota, where E10 is required by law, have used this type of fuel in their Prius for many years without experiencing any problems at all. So there is no need for concern.

Empty

Don't ever run out of gas!

Not having the engine available makes driving a Prius using just electricity very risky. Without gasoline it is very easy to push the motor & battery-pack beyond the tolerances they were designed to operate. The motor is never supposed to exceed 42 MPH (68 km/h) all by itself and the battery-pack is never supposed to be fully depleted. Also, without gas there's no way to prevent certain mechanical & electrical components from overheating. Since Prius can go quite a bit further between fill-ups than most vehicles, there's really no reason you should ever run out of gas anyway. But if you do, drive very slowly and just enough to get out of harm's way.

Another Gauge

When there is less than half a tank of gas remaining, the gas gauge is less accurate due to the flexible nature of the bladder within. A helpful measurement alternative is to base refill timing on the mileage you drive. Just reset one of the three odometers (A, B, or the one on the multi-display) every time you get gas.

450 miles

Emission Bladder

Inside the gas tank is a flexible bladder. It contracts and expands to fill the empty void that would otherwise be filled with vapor as gasoline is consumed. The reduction of vapor emissions helps to keep Prius extraordinarily clean.

Overfilling should be avoided, since adding gas after the pump automatically stops can create pressure within the bladder. This could cause gas to be expelled afterward. So just don't top off.

Capacity reduces during the winter since cold temperatures cause the bladder to contract, up to 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) in extreme conditions (below 0F / -18C degrees). That means you'll have to fill up sooner. But when temperatures are that dangerously low, you should really fill up at the halfway point anyway.

Gas Cap & Door

Twist the cap until it clicks. If it is not tightly secured, you may trigger an alert from the emission 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.

Tuck the tether holding the cap to the car into the interior. Simply allowing it to be pushed by the door may cause a tangle making the door hard to open later.

Lubricate the hinge. After extended exposure to dust, sand, and salt, the spring may struggle to open the door due to the hinge being dry.

Adjust the latch. It’s possible to accidentally bend it. Too much can make the door difficult to open. You may need to straighten it.

Cleaning

The best way to remove fingerprints from the touch-screen is actually simpler that some owners realize. You don't need a special solvent or material. Just a plain old soft cotton fabric, like an old clean t-shirt or handkerchief, and some purified drinking water is all you need.

Also, make sure to only clean when the Multi-Display is off (or even better, the Prius itself is off). This will make the fingerprints easy to see and will prevent the "Reset" button from accidentally being pushed.

Less than 3 Weeks

Nothing is needed, at room temperature. The engine should startup just fine. Be aware that this duration can be shortened by the age of the auxiliary-battery and the extreme cold.

More than 3 Weeks

If you have SS/SE, press the button underneath the steering-wheel to disable it. The proximity detector actually only causes a continuous draw from that 12-volt auxiliary battery for the first 10 days of storage, then it automatically disables itself. But it is better to just do it yourself immediately.

If you have an alarm system, it is best to manually disconnect the 12-volt auxiliary battery passenger side in the hatch area. With it disconnected, that continuous drain will be eliminated. (Make note of the radio buttons you have programmed, since you'll need to manually restore them after reconnecting the 12-volt auxiliary battery.)

Draining the 201.6-volt battery-pack while in long-term storage is never a concern. When you shut off the Prius, an electric-relay automatically deactivates to cut the connection to the hybrid system. So it isn’t even connected to the rest of the system until you turn the key again.

Owner Tests

"Nu Finish" has worked well. The great polished look lasts for about 6 months, enough to get through an entire winter. But when you wipe the dried residue off, it actually leaves lightly faded streaks at first. Don't let that deter you. It disappears, leaving a protective layer after a few days.

Monthly Checking

At the very least

Front Bias

Prius is a little heavier in front. To properly support that weight load, you must make sure the front tires have 2 PSI more in them than the ones in the rear.

Turning

Never

Rotation

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) the tires should be rotated, for best lifetime performance. Rotation should be in a "roll-back, cross-forward" pattern. (That's front tires to the rear without switching sides, and rear tires to front switching sides.)

Lug Nuts

When initially tightening the lug nuts after having put a wheel back on and when you retorque them after having driven around 100 miles, make certain the pressure you use is 76 ft-lb (103Nm).

Alignment

0.05 DEGREES of Toe IN each side, for a total of 0.10 DEGREES.

If steering feels like it wanders at high speeds, it's probably because the alignment isn't adjusted correctly. Remember, "within factory-specified tolerance" is an answer you

PSI minimum

35/33 PSI (2.4/2.3 bar) is the PSI for the Prius tires (noted on the driver's door-jam of the car itself).

42/40 PSI

Note 1:

Note 2:

PSI convenience

Tire pressure needs to be routinely checked (for all vehicles, not just Prius). Temperature drops cause PSI to decrease. Heat caused by driving increases PSI, making measurements inaccurate until cool. MPG & Safety are directly dependent on properly maintained PSI. Prius owners have found a way to make this simple: use a cordless inflator.

Cordless inflators cost about $40 (as shown below). They are small & powerful, allowing you to increase PSI in the convenience & comfort of your own garage when the tires are still cool. As an added bonus, the battery in the cordless inflator can be used as a portable12-volt power-supply to plug your automotive accessories into. Some even offer additional features, like a built-in light and even the ability to jump-start a vehicle.

Make sure to purchase a high-quality tire-gauge. For about $30 (as show above), you’ll find that it is both easier to hold and easier to read than a less expensive one. That price will also deliver a 0.5 PSI accuracy that you can depend on for many years and a tough case to protect it.

PSI

HSD Prius is average weight, exactly what you'd expect a vehicle that size to weigh. It does not need special tires, since there is nothing extra to support. (In other words, XL rated tires are not required.)

Like with many vehicles, a minimum of 35 PSI (2.4 bar) is required for tire-pressure. Less than that will cause premature wear.

42/40 PSI

LRR

HSD Prius comes with standard tires. There are not LRR (Low Rolling Resistance), as many people believe. If you desire, you may switch to LRR tires. That will maximize MPG, offering a minor improvement over most standard tires.

Treadwear

460

Revs

Revs (Revolutions per Mile) indicate the precise "rolling" size of the tire. This measurement is needed since not all tires with the same specification are actually the same.

855 is the Revs value for the standard HSD 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.)

Size

185 / 65 R15

Original Tire

Goodyear Integrity

HSD Prius comes with these tires standard. They are sometimes referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires.

185 / 65 R15 44 PSI

Upgrade Tire

Michelin HydroEdge

These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used on a HSD Prius.

185 / 65 R15 44 PSI

Personal experiences with these tires are documented here...

Upgrade Tire

Goodyear TripleTred

These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used on a HSD Prius. (Unfortunately, they are not available in the standard size. So you have to use an alternate instead.)

190 / 60 R 15 44 PSI

Upgrade Tire

Upgrade Tire

Antenna

Removing the antenna is easy; just unscrew it (counter-clockwise). Then you don't have to worry about it while going through an automatic car wash.

Valet Card

Providing the valet with a "Valet Card" Toyota includes with the purchase of a new Prius is highly recommended. It illustrates how to start the hybrid system in very simple steps.

Engine On

Stealth can confuse valet drivers, since they expect noise & vibration rather than dead silence. Keeping the engine running could prevent a mishap. Valets may repeatedly try to start the Prius not realizing it's already running. Or worse, they may get out while the Prius is still in "D" (Drive) because they think it’s off. To minimize this risk, set the defroster to the maximum cold or hot setting. This forces the engine to continue running.

Oil

Refer to the "

5,000 Miles or 6 Months

5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Having the engine shut off frequently and not using it as the sole propulsion source will allow oil to last longer than in traditional vehicles. It simply isn't exposed to the strenuous engine conditions found with. Nonetheless, it is still important to routinely change the oil & oil-filter.

Reminder Light

After 4,500 miles (7,250 km), an indicator light will flash for 12 seconds after starting, then it will turn off.

After 5,000 miles (8,000 km), an indicator light will flash for 12 seconds after starting, then it will change to a steady glow and remain on.

If you change the oil (and filter) yourself, here's how to reset the light so it will stay off until the next change is interval has expired:

1. 1) With the power on, switch to the odometer/trip-meter to display "ODO".
2. 2) Power OFF (push the "Power" button).
3. 3) Power ON, while holding the button for "ODO".
4. 4) Wait for the reminder light to stop flashing, then release. While the reset is taking place, you'll see the odometer value change to 5 dashes. Then each will be disappear, one at a time from the left. When finished, 7 zeroes will briefly appear, indicating the process is complete before the previous odometer mileage returns.

Illustrated Document

Oil Filter

Plug Gasket

http://john1701a.com/prius/prius_oil-change.htm

That link above is for an illustrated document, which provides details about the oil-change process for a Prius. Download a copy to see the underneath of the vehicle along with the along with the components involved and the equipment you'll need to perform an oil-change yourself.

Overfilling

This is an unfortunate reality that far too much owners have to face. Oil pumped from bulk barrels into your engine is commonly not carefully measured by dealers and quick oil-change places. So make sure to check the level yourself after the service is complete. If the oil-level is beyond "full", insist that they remove the excess.

The ideal level is 1/4" (one-quarter inch or 6 millimeters) below the "full" mark, which is between the

Front Blades

Replacing the two wiper blades (every 30,000 to 35,000 miles) in the front is surprisingly easy. You don’t even have to remove the wiper assembly from the car (though you can, if you want).

Just carefully squeeze the rubber at the far left (shown above) and pull inward a little bit. It will bend just enough to allow you to slide it out of the clamp (shown below). With that unsecured, the remainder of the wiper blade can be removed entirely just by pulling on it lightly, since none of the other clamps lock it in place.

http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-wiperblades.htm

Front Driver Wiper

Front Passenger Wiper

Rear Blade

To pivot the wiper arm upward, all you have to do is remove the clamp. It is the 2.5 inch (6 cm) piece of flexible plastic at the base, where it connects to the window. Just pull both sides out and slide it toward you. With that plastic off, the access to the blade is now possible. You can lift the arm up to get at the underside of it.

This photo shows that plastic clamp removed (the black object in the lower-right corner) and the arm of the rear wiper lifted up.

Rear Hatch Wiper

Filter Access

There is a hepa filter for the Air-Conditioning system behind the glove-box:

Open the bottom glove-box, then remove all the contents (since they will end up falling out all over the floor otherwise).

To the right of glove-box is an attached small plastic hydraulic arm (to add a resistance feel). Pull on that arm so it separates itself from the glove-box. Then hold onto the left and right sides of the glove-box while squeezing inwards. This will allow you to pull the glove-box downward, beyond the usual stopping point. Having accomplished that, you may let go. Just let it hang there, like this:

The air-flow assembling will then be completely visible and very easy to access. You’ll see the filter at the top, lying horizontal along the entire width of that white plastic air-duct. Just pull on both sides to slide it out. Then you can easily inspect it and replace it (when needed).

For details and more illustrations, refer to

Touchless Unlock

Reaching into the handle area on the outside of the Driver's door, you'll trigger the sensor to unlock just that door.

Reaching into the handle area on the outside of the Passenger's door, you'll trigger the sensor to unlock all the doors.

Reaching into the handle area on the outside of the Hatch, you'll trigger the sensor to unlock the all the doors as well as the hatch.

Automatic Disable

Leaving the key-fob inserted into the dashboard-slot for more than 10 minutes after power OFF will cause the SE to be disabled. To enable it again, press the button under the steering-wheel.

Key-Fob Battery

That small key inside the key-fob can be removed and used to open the driver's door manually, when the battery wears out due to excessive age. The battery isn't necessary to start the Prius when the key-fob is inserted into the dashboard slot; though, you will want to eventually replace the battery (CR2032).

Outside Locking

On both front door handles and the hatch in back, there are small black buttons. Pushing one of them will trigger a beep and flash the lights to inform you the SE/SS system has just locked the Prius. This ability prevents the need for you to

Key-Fob Battery

When the key-fob battery wears out due to excessive age, you can still start the hybrid system without replacing the battery (CR2032). Just insert the key-fob into the dashboard-slot manually. It will get sensed that way, even though the remote ability is not available.

Garage Door

To program a Homelink button on your mirror to open & close your garage-door, do the following:

1. 1) If the mirror is off, turn it on. (The indicator light will be a steady green.)
2. 2) Press the desired programmable-button (the left most three) on the mirror and continue holding it depressed throughout the entire programming process.
3. 3) With the garage-door remote held close to the mirror, press the button on it repeatedly.
4. 4) When the indicator light on the mirror changes to a rapid blinking red, stop pressing both the buttons on the mirror and the opener. Programming is complete.
5. 5) Test the newly programmed Homelink button. Pressing it for 1 second will change the indicator light from a steady green to a steady red, which will instruct your garage door to open or close just like your garage-door remote.

* Note: this programming is only available for remotes with non-rolling security codes.

Phone Type

Here's a sampling of the original Bluetooth-enabled cell-phones stated to work with Prius...

Motorola

Sony Ericsson

Adding a Phone

Here's abbreviated instructions for setting up the T610:

1. 1) On the Multi-Display, select "Telephone", "Settings", "Add Phone"
2. 2) On the phone, select Turn On Bluetooth", "Connectivity", "Bluetooth", "My Devices", "New Device", "Unknown"
3. 3) Enter the password/passkey "1212" when prompted.
4. 4) On the phone, select "OK", "Unknown", "Connect"

More Info

Refer to

Currently, detailed illustrated instructions for the T610 connection setup are available.

Adaptive Volume

Increases the volume of the Navigation System's guidance information when going over 50 MPH (80 km/h).

Mark Button

When you get to a common destination or one that was particularly difficult to find, take advantage of the "Mark" button on the Multi-Display (only visible when you have the extended menu shown). That will add it to the "Memory Points" menu. Up to 106 locations can be stored, so take advantage of this to make future navigation destination selection easier.

No Training

There is no training process for all the commands. The voice-recognition is remarkably adept the way it comes installed, so you can use it immediately.

Making it Darker

Some owners have discovered that the automatic dimming mirror doesn’t get dark enough for them at night. The solution to this high-tech problem is a surprisingly low-tech modification. All you have to do is trick the mirror into thinking it is darker outside by just covering the optical-sensor on the back with a piece of transparent plastic. That way, less light is detected. The response is a deeper shade of green, which makes the headlights behind you appear less intense.

This photo shows how the optical-sensor has been covered by a piece of blue transparent plastic, attached to the mirror using a piece of clear adhesive tape.

Command Help

Command List

Help

I'm Hungry

POI Off

Route Overview

Compass Mode

Heading Up

North Up

Louder

Softer

Repeat

Repeat Voice

Cancel

No

Yes

Short

Mark

Mark This Point

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Lexus Dealer

Lexus Dealership

Toyota Dealer

Toyota Dealership

Previous Start Point

Previous Starting Point

Right Map Direction

Right Map Heading Up

Right Map North Up

Right Map Zoom In

Right Map Zoom Out

Add to Destination

Cancel All Destinations

Cancel Final Destination

Cancel Next Destination

Delete All Destinations

Delete Final Destination

Delete Next Destination

Enter Destination

Previous Destination

Replace Destination

Arrow Guidance

Arrow Guide

Freeway Guidance

Freeway Guide

Guidance Screen on Freeway

Intersection Guidance

Intersection Guide

Lane Guidance

Repeat Guidance

Resume Guidance

Start Guidance

Stop Guidance

Suspend Guidance

Turn List Guidance

Turn List Guide

Dual Map

Entire Route

Entire Route Map

Fifth Destination Map

Final Destination Map

First Destination Map

Fourth Destination Map

Map

Map Direction

Next Destination Map

Second Destination Map

Single Map

Third Destination Map

Change to Arrow Guidance

Change to Arrow Guide

Change to Compass Mode

Change to Dual Map

Change to Freeway Guidance

Change to Freeway Guide

Change to Heading Up

Change to Intersection Guidance

Change to Intersection Guide

Change to Lane Guidance

Change to Map Direction

Change to North Up

Change to Single Map

Change to Turn List Guidance

Change to Turn List Guide

Go to Previous Destination

Go to Quick Access 1

Go to Quick Access 2

Go to Quick Access 3

Go to Quick Access 4

Go to Quick Access 5

Go to Quick Access Number 1

Go to Quick Access Number 2

Go to Quick Access Number 3

Go to Quick Access Number 4

Go to Quick Access Number 5

Go to Start Point

Go to Starting Point

Quick

Quick 1

Quick 2

Quick Access 1

Quick Access 2

Quick Access 3

Quick Access 4

Quick Access 5

Quick Access Number 1

Quick Access Number 2

Quick Access Number 3

Quick Access Number 4

Quick Access Number 5

Airport

American Food

American Restaurant

Amusement Park

ATM

Auto Club

Auto Service

Auto Service and Maintenance

Automobile Club

Bank

Barber Shops

Beauty and Barber Shops

Botanical Garden

Bus Station

Business Facility

Campground

Car Wash

Casino

Chinese Food

Chinese Restaurant

Cinema

City Center

City Hall

Civic Center

Coffee House

College

Community Center

Commuter Rail Station

Continental Food

Continental Restaurant

Convenience Store

Convention Center

Court House

Current Location

Current Position

Department Store

Detour

Detour Entire Route

Dry Cleaning

Exhibition Center

Fast Food

Ferry Terminal

Fitness Club

French Food

French Restaurant

Gas

Gas Station

Go Home

Golf

Golf Course

Government Offices

Grocery Store

Health and Fitness Club

Higher Education

Historical Monument

Home

Home and Garden

Horse Racing

Hospital

Hotel

Ice Cream Parlor

Italian Food

Italian Restaurant

Japanese Food

Japanese Restaurant

Library

Marina

Mexican Food

Mexican Restaurant

Museum

National and State Parks

National Parks

Other Automotive

Other Automotive Stores

Other Business

Other Business Facilities

Other Financial

Other Financial Services

Other Food

Other Restaurant

Other Retail

Other Retail Stores

Park

Park and Recreation

Parking

Parking Garage

Parking Lot

Performing Arts

Pharmacy

Police Station

Post Office

Rental Car

Agency

Rest Area

Rest Stop

Restaurant

School

Seafood

Seafood Restaurant

Service and Maintenance

Shopping

Shopping Mall

Ski Resort

Skiing

Specialty Food

Specialty Food Store

Speedway

Sports Complex

Stadium

Thai

Theater

Tourist Attraction

Tourist Information

Train Station

Triple A

University

Video Rental

Winery

Zoo

Zoological Garden

Audio

Audio On

Audio Off

Radio

AM

AM Radio

FM

FM Radio

FM1

FM2

Program

Seek Down

Seek Up

CD

CD Changer

Disc Down

Disc Up

Next Disc

Next Track

Previous Disc

Previous Track

Skip Backward

Track Down

Track Up

SAT

SAT1

SAT2

SAT3

Satellite Radio

Satellite Radio 1

Satellite Radio 2

Satellite Radio 3

Type Down

Type Up

Cassette

Tape

Fast Forward

Play

Reverse

Rewind

Automatic Air-Conditioning

Automatic Air-Conditioning Off

Automatic Air-Conditioning On

Cooler

Warmer

Lower Temperature

Raise Temperature

Temperature 65 Degrees

Temperature 66 Degrees

Temperature 67 Degrees

Temperature 68 Degrees

Temperature 69 Degrees

Temperature 70 Degrees

Temperature 71 Degrees

Temperature 72 Degrees

Temperature 73 Degrees

Temperature 74 Degrees

Temperature 75 Degrees

Temperature 76 Degrees

Temperature 77 Degrees

Temperature 78 Degrees

Temperature 79 Degrees

Temperature 80 Degrees

Temperature 81 Degrees

Temperature 82 Degrees

Temperature 83 Degrees

Temperature 84 Degrees

Temperature 85 Degrees

65 Degrees

66 Degrees

67 Degrees

68 Degrees

69 Degrees

70 Degrees

71 Degrees

72 Degrees

73 Degrees

74 Degrees

75 Degrees

76 Degrees

77 Degrees

78 Degrees

79 Degrees

80 Degrees

81 Degrees

82 Degrees

83 Degrees

84 Degrees

85 Degrees

Screen Off

Replacement

The power management system was designed to maximize battery life. It rigorously works to always keep the charge-level at optimum, by never fully draining or fully recharging it. And you can clearly see that by watching the indicator on the Multi-Display. Lab testing has demonstrated that the battery-pack will last an equivalent of 180,000 miles of driving without any deterioration. And the preliminary real-world data now available is confirming those findings. The battery-pack is expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle. So with normal wear & tear, Prius owners should not expect to ever have to replacement it.

Recycling

Toyota has had a recycling program in place for NiMH batteries ever since the electric version of the RAV4 was introduced back in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel-case and the wiring, is recycled. To ensure that batteries come back to Toyota, each battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling information and dealers are paid a $200 "bounty" for each pack collected.

Slam It!

The hatch door is designed to be slammed shut. So if you find you are not getting it to shut tight, don't feel afraid to use some muscle on it. Holding back isn't necessary. Grab the hand-hole (that cavity within the plastic, on the right as you face it)then... Slam It! Damn It!

Unlock

SE/SS won't unlock the hatch while the Prius is running. So to unlock the hatch, you need to press the unlock button on the inside either of the front doors.

Cargo Cover

The rollout "shade" that is used to cover the hatch (to conceal the contents, if any) uses plastic grips that lock into place with the body of the car. Each grip attaches to the cover using 2 screws. It is possible, after plenty of use, for a screw to come loose and eventually fall out. Don't let the inconvenience occur. Be proactive by tightening them annually. Make that part of your spring-cleaning routine.

Securing Cargo

There are 4 metal-rings, bolted to the frame of the vehicle, available for securing cargo. Each is located in a corner of the hatch area. Use them in conjunction with bungee-cords or rope to keep large or loose items from shifting while you drive. If you need addition locations when the back seats are up, simply raising a headrest to reveal metal rods that can be used. When the back seats are folded down, you may use the latch-loop that is normally used to secure the seat in place.

Cargo Nets

There are two types available. One lays flat (horizontal), connecting to each of the metal-rings. You just slip cargo underneath it to keep the cargo in place. The other is upright (vertical), connecting to the 2 metal-rings closest to the hatch and 2 connector-point which you add by drilling a simple hole in a location close to the window. This type works well for cargo such as grocery bags.

Hidden Release

From inside the hidden storage area underneath the floorboard, remove the tiny black panel on the side closest to the hatch, and then poke your finger through that hole into the metal casing. There's a smooth tiny metal latch there. (Toyota definitely wanted to make that inaccessible from outside.) Pulling it up pops the hatch open.

With the hidden storage area removed, the photo below shows the exact location of that metal latch, as indicated by the yellow "

Blind-Spot

As with most all vehicles, Prius has a blind-spot immediately to the left-rear of the driver. The solution to that is carefully aiming the mirror on the side. You can also add a blind-spot mirror to it, the very same way as with other vehicles.

The photo above shows a blind-spot mirror installed, outside the driver-side door. (There’s just an adhesive sticker on the back of it. So installation only takes a moment.) The upper-right corner is the least intrusive location, since you won’t normally see a vehicle positioned there anyway.

It is recommended that you purchase two (one for each side of the car) made from high-quality hard plastic. The cost is around $6 for a set of that nicer type. That makes it easier to see fine detail and more resistant to water spots. In fact, you’ll find that the plastic stays cleaner in the Winter than the glass of the big mirror.

CVT Type

"

Design

Technically, Prius really doesn’t have a transmission since nothing ever shifts. There are no gears. There are only power-carriers. All they do is rotate, and they are permanently engaged.

Operation

The physical components within the "Planetary" CVT bare a striking resemblance to those within a differential (the power-transfer mechanism found on all vehicles). In fact, they even serve the same purpose.

Lifetime

Due to the fact that the "Planetary" CVT is nearly identical to that of a differential, the expectation is that it will last just as long too. So you can confidently predict it will last the entire lifetime of the vehicle.

Toyota Website

Information directly from Toyota itself is available here...

Toyota Online

Repair Manual access & downloading for $10 per day at...

Toyota Manuals

Available via credit-card from 1-800-622-2033

1. • 2004 Prius Repair Manual, volume 1: RM1075U1

1. • 2004 Prius Repair Manual, volume 2: RM1075U2

1. • 2004 Prius Repair Manual, volume 3: RM1075U3

1. • 2004 Prius Electrical Wiring Diagram: WED555U

1. • Prius New Car Features, 2004: NCF255U

Coastal Electronic Technologies, Inc.

http://www.coastaletech.com

A source for purchasing many innovative after-market Prius accessories.

Recent News

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Prius&sa=N&tab=wn

Enthusiast Forums

Owner Webpages

Yahoo Groups

Yahoo Searching

On

Graham's website

http://home.earthlink.net/~graham1/Prius/Prius.htm

An owner’s website that thoroughly documents many aspects of the Prius.

john1701a's website

http://john1701a.com

This is a very large Prius owner website. As of 8/20/2005 the combined Classic & HSD Prius content available consisted of: 552 webpages, 1,275 digital photos, 940 offline-pages of blogs, 47 animations, 30 wallpapers, 13 spreadsheets with graphs, 26 documents, and 5 screen-savers, along with a few other Prius related items. There's also nature gallery with 151 photos.

ABS

Anti-Lock Braking System

A/C

Air-Conditioning

Assist

Hybrid system with a small battery-pack and a single small electric-motor that provides peak power for the gasoline-engine during periods of acceleration.

AT-PZEV

Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle

"B" Gear

Engine Braking, (it isn't actually a gear) when you shift the transmission to this setting the engine will be used to slow down the car, it works similar to an exhaust brake used on the large semi-trucks (except the one on Prius is totally silent).

C

Celsius, a measure of temperature, (C * 1.8) + 32 = F,

CARB

California Air Resources Board, an agency dictating emissions requirements for cars sold in California. (These are often more strict than Federal standards.)

CAT

Catalytic Converter, a vital component in the emissions system

CC

Cruise Control

Cd

Coefficient of drag (0.29 for the Original & Classic Prius, 0.26 for the HSD Prius)

CEL

Check Engine Light

Classic

The term used to identify the 2001, 2002, 2003 model years of Prius.

CVT

Continuously Variable Transmission, in Prius is a "Planetary" design using a power-split device, other CVT vehicles use a "Cone & Belt"

Dinosaur

A very large, gas-guzzling, high-emission vehicle based on 20th century technology.

DRL

Daytime Running Lights

DVD

Digital Versatile Disc, used for the Navigational system in Prius

ECU

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.

Engine

The common term used to refer to the power device which runs on gasoline.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, the group responsible for rating the emissions and gas mileage of vehicles sold in the United States.

EV

Electric Vehicle, powered exclusively by a battery-pack charged before use

F

Fahrenheit, a measure of temperature, (F - 32) / 1.8 = C,

FCHV

Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle, a fuel-cell vehicle that takes advantage of hybrid technology including the use of a battery-pack

FUD

Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt

Full

Hybrid system with a large battery-pack, a small electric-motor, at least one large electric-motor, and a gasoline-engine that combined provide a wide variety of combustion & electric propulsion abilities.

GPS

Global Positioning System, this is the part of the Prius Navigation System that identifies your exact location on Earth.

HEV

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

HID

High Intensity Discharge, bulbs used for headlights

HSD

Hybrid Synergy Drive - Toyota's modular hybrid design, currently implemented in the 2004 & 2005 Prius with many more vehicles planned to also use it.

HOV

High Occupancy Vehicle - used to describe the restricted "diamond" lanes on highways

HP

Horsepower, indicating a unit of power, a measurement different from torque

ICE

Internal Combustion Engine

IMA

Integrated Motor Assist - Honda's hybrid technology

Key-Fob

The device (introduced in 2004) used to unlock doors and start the hybrid system. By default, it works as a wireless remote for unlocking and is inserted into a slot in the dashboard for starting. As an option, it can be upgraded to control the Smart-Entry & Smart-Start feature. And note that there is actually a traditional key within which can be used for unlocking the driver's door manually.

km

Kilometer, a measure of distance, 1 kilometer is equal to 0.6214 mile

kW

Kilowatt, an electrical measurement unit used when describing Prius power consumption & storage

LEV

Low Emission Vehicle

L/100km

Liters per 100 kilometers

LMPG

Lifetime Miles Per Gallon

LRR

Low Rolling Resistant - used to describe minimum friction tires

M

Mile, a measure of distance, 1 mile = 1.6093 kilometers

MD

Multi-Display - the touch-sensitive liquid-crystal screen on the dashboard of Prius

MG

Motor Generator, an electric motor which can either provide motive power when electrically driven or generate electricity when mechanically driven.

MG1

This three-phase AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor/generator starts the ICE, controls the CVT, and generates the electricity (by using thrust from the ICE) to charge the HEV battery.

MG2

This three-phase AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor/generator drives the wheels, and generates electricity (from the regenerative braking, by recapturing the car's energy of motion) to charge the HEV battery.

Motor

The common term used to refer to the power device which runs on electricity.

MPG

Miles Per Gallon

MSRP

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

MY2001

Model Year 2001 (which became available in the United States the summer of 2000)

NAV

DVD-based GPS Navigation System, used in Prius

NiMH

Nickel-Metal Hydride, the type of modules used in the Prius battery-pack

NVH

Noise, Vibration, Harshness

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

OPEC

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

Original

The term used to identify the 1998, 1999, 2000 model years of Prius (which were only available in Japan).

Priustoric

All that transpired before the Prius

PHEV

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

PSD

Power-Split Device, the planetary gear set which divides power between the ICE and the two electric motor-generators, also functions as the continuously-variable transmission.

PZEV

Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. (A manufacturer must eliminate evaporative emissions and ensure that the vehicle will run cleanly for its entire projected life. Even if the vehicle is just sitting in the driveway, it is still polluting. The source of this pollution is hydrocarbons emitted from the gas tank as gasoline slowly evaporates. To achieve PZEV certification, all evaporative emissions must be eliminated.)

R&D

Research & Development

SE

Smart-Entry: It is proximity detection system that automatically senses a wireless transmitter (called a "key-fob") in your pocket or purse, allowing you to

SE/SS

Smart-Entry & Smart-Start

SOC

State Of Charge - indicating the amount of stored electricity available in the battery-pack

SS

Smart-Start: It is proximity detection system that automatically senses a wireless transmitter (called a "key-fob") in your pocket or purse, allowing you to

Stealth

Electric-Only driving (up to 42 MPH for Classic & HSD Prius) without the engine running.

SRS

Supplemental Restraint System, better known as Airbags

SULEV

Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (only a few vehicles qualify for this clean rating category, Prius is among them)

THS

Toyota Hybrid System - Toyota's hybrid design for the Classic Prius

Torque

Measurement value indicating wheel turning force, a strength value different from horsepower

TRAC

Toyota Rent-A-Car, a program by which some have shortened the waiting time: when the demo/rental units reach a time/mileage it permits the dealer to sell them.

Turtle

Driving a Prius with the battery-pack extremely drained of electricity, in conditions too hot (typically 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.

ULEV

Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (as of the 2003 model-year there were 90 vehicle models in the United States that met the rating criteria)

V

Volt or Voltage, an electrical measurement unit used when describing attributes of Prius propulsion components.

Vaporware

A term from the computer industry used to describe claims made by a company about a product that was never delivered. It sounded great in concept, but for whatever reason was impractical in the end. In other words, don't believe it until you actually see the product available for consumers to purchase.

VSC

Vehicle Stability Control, a safety feature that automatically engages side-specific braking for you when it detects the vehicle wheels slip; stepping on the brake is not necessary for the feature to work

ZEV

Zero Emission Vehicle