Toyota hybrid system
Toyota hybrid system
Toyota hybrid system combines a gasolineengine and electric motor power toimprove the fuel economy and minimizethe emissions as well as to providebetter power performance than the ordinarygasoline−powered vehicles.
Depending on the driving condition, thevehicle runs on the best combination of;
- Gasoline engine power
- Electric motor power generated bythe gasoline engine
- Electric motor power of the hybridbattery
Furthermore, the energy is efficiently usedin the following ways:
- When stopping the vehicle, the gasolineengine is automatically stopped.
- When applying the brakes or decelerating,electricity is converted from theturning force of the wheels and storedin the hybrid battery. (This is calledregenerative brake.)
Since the battery is charged by thegasoline engine as needed, it does notrequire charging from an outsidesource like an electric vehicle.
Toyota hybrid system operating condition
Basic operations are described below. Besides,Toyota hybrid system performs variouscontrols depending on the operatingcondition: The “Energy Monitor” screentells you which power is used currently.
When starting or backing up, etc., thevehicle runs on electric power from hybridbattery, because the gasoline engine efficiencyis low.
During normal driving, the vehicle runsmainly on gasoline power. However, theelectric motor, using electric power generatedby the gasoline engine, can supplementthe gasoline engine power.
The vehicle controls the optimum ratio ofthe gasoline and electric power to helpuse energy more efficiently.
When driving at full throttle, additionalelectric power is applied from the hybridbattery. Vehicle performance improves.
When decreasing speed or applying thebrakes, the turning force of the wheelsmakes the electric motor operate as agenerator and additional electricity isstored in the hybrid battery (regenerativebrake).
When stopping, the gasoline engine automaticallyshuts off.
Charging hybrid battery
When the hybrid battery power is insufficient,the gasoline engine charges the hybridbattery. The system always supplieselectricity at a constant level.
Starting your vehicle
Your vehicle is equipped with push buttonstart system. The hybrid systemwill start automatically by pressing the“POWER” switch briefly with the brakepedal depressed.
With smart function
1. Carry the key with you.
2. Press the “POWER” switch briefly withthe brake pedal depressed.
Without smart function
1. Insert the key.
2. Press the “POWER” switch briefly withthe brake pedal depressed.
The “READY” light flashes and stays on.Two beeps sound after a few seconds,and the hybrid system will start. (If theambient temperature is low such as duringwinter, it may take time until the “READY”light comes on.) You cannot start yourvehicle when the brake pedal is not depressed.(For details, see “How to startthe hybrid system—” on page 350.)
The engine may not start even with the“READY” light on.
For efficient use of your vehicle
Drive your vehicle with a smooth accelerationand deceleration.
- While driving, energy is recoveredthrough the regenerative brake as thevehicle decelerates. However, for moreefficient use, do not accelerate or decelerateyour vehicle more than necessary.
- Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
- The remaining capacity of the hybridbattery can be confirmed on the energymonitor screen of the multi−informationdisplay. See “Information” on page 166for details. Gradual or non−abrupt accelerationor deceleration will more effectivelyuse the benefits of an electricmotor without having to use gasolineengine power.
When parking, be sure to put the hybridtransaxle in “P”. While driving, usethe hybrid transaxle in “D”.
- In “N”, the gasoline engine operatesbut electricity cannot be generated. Thebattery will be discharged requiring unnecessaryengine power to recharge.
- The hybrid system automatically rechargesthe hybrid battery when theremaining battery power is reduced.However, the charging is not availableif the hybrid transaxle is “N”.
INFORMATION
The gasoline engine starts and stopsautomatically. (It stops during a lowload driving, deceleration or when thevehicle is stopped.)
If the “READY” light remains on, youcan start your vehicle using the electricmotor even with the gasoline enginestopped.
The gasoline engine may not stop automaticallyin the following conditions:
- During gasoline engine warm−up
- During hybrid battery charging
- During low or high hybrid batterytemperature
Precautions for use
The vehicle runs in combination withthe gasoline and electric power. Payspecial attention to the following items.
Be careful of high voltage and hightemperature.
Your vehicle is equipped with the orangecolored cables connected to the hybridbattery (about 200 V) and to other componentsthat are all high voltage.
CAUTION
Do not touch or come in contact withorange cables or battery terminals.Electric shock may cause serious injuryor death. Read all caution labels.
An electric motor, coolant radiator andsome other parts reach high temperaturewhile driving. Caution labels are applied tothese parts. Carefully observe the instructionson these caution labels.
CAUTION
Never remove or disassemble anyhigh voltage part, high voltage cables(orange color) and their connectors.It may cause death or serious injury.
Do not touch the service plug.
The service plug is installed in the leftside trim of the luggage compartment. Itis provided to disable high voltage currentfrom the hybrid battery when the vehicleis in need of repairs at your Toyotadealer.
CAUTION
- The shaded parts in the illustrationare subjected to high voltage.
- Inappropriate handling may causean electric shock resulting in seriousinjury or death. Never touchany item in shaded area.
These high voltage parts or cablesconsisting of an electromagneticshielding structure produce relativelythe same amount of electromagneticwaves as conventional gasoline−fueled vehicles or home electric appliances.
As unwanted noise may occur in thereception of mobile radios, contactyour Toyota dealer for installation orremoval.
Always keep your hybrid vehicle’s drivingcharacteristics in mind.
CAUTION
The driver should pay full attentionaround the vehicle especially when itis driven only by the electric motor(with the gasoline engine stopped).People in the immediate area mightmisjudge the hybrid vehicle movementbased on the absence of theregular engine noise.
- As the vehicle runs with both the gasolineengine and electric motor, you mayhear a motor sound coming from theengine compartment.
- When the hybrid system is started orstopped, you may hear a sound comingfrom the hybrid battery in the luggagecompartment. However, this does notindicate any trouble.
- If the “READY” light is on, you canstart even though the gasoline enginemay be off.
- When you shift the shift lever to “B”and release it to its original positionand your foot from the accelerator pedal,engine braking will be applied. However,during high speed driving youmay feel that deceleration by enginebraking is less than that of ordinaryvehicle.
Be sure to put the hybrid transaxle in“P” when parking.
In “N”, the hybrid battery assembly is notcharged, even if the gasoline engine isoperating. You cannot run your vehicle ifthe hybrid transaxle is left in “N” for along time because the hybrid battery assemblywill be discharged.
When you leave your vehicle, put thehybrid transaxle in “P” and set theparking brake. Be sure to carry the keywith you and lock all the doors.
If you leave the hybrid system in “ACC”or “IG−ON”, the hybrid system may notstart because the 12 volt battery will bedischarged.
If the vehicle is parked for a long time,the hybrid battery will discharge gradually.To keep the hybrid battery in good condition,drive the vehicle at least once everyseveral months for at least 30 minutes orten miles. If the hybrid battery becomesfully discharged and the vehicle will notstart even with a jump−start to the 12 voltbattery, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
When you leave your vehicle, besure to shut off the hybrid system.
Be sure to put the hybrid transaxlein “P” because the vehicle can startwith the “READY” light on and theengine stopped (no engine soundand vibration). When the “READY”light is on, if you leave your vehiclein shift position other than“P” and “N”, the vehicle will creepand start abruptly with the acceleratorpedal being depressed by mistake.This may cause death or seriousinjury.
Type 1
Type 2
When the multi−information displayshows this message, the master warninglight 
comes on in the instrumentcluster. Read the message andfollow the instruction.
- When you leave your vehicle, or stopor park for a while, put the hybridtransaxle in “P”.
- Charging is necessary. In “N”, chargingwill not be applied. The electric generatoroperates in “P”, “D” or “B”. If youcontinue driving, put the hybrid transaxlein “D” or “B” and depress theaccelerator pedal. Do not leave the hybridtransaxle in “N”. When driving intraffic jam, operate in “D”.
Do not allow anyone to lean against theside of the rear right seatback, nor putany luggage or other obstructions on it.
- An air vent is provided on the side ofthe rear right seatback to cool the hybridbattery. If this vent is covered, thehybrid battery will overheat resulting ina reduction of the output performanceof the hybrid system.
- The seat belt not properly set in theguide on the top of the rear seat mayblock the air vent. Be sure to pass theseat belt through the guide properly.
- Do not wet or put foreign objects overthe air vent. Otherwise, the hybrid batterymay be adversely affected and bedamaged.
- You may hear a cooling fan noise fromthe air vent.
- If water is used to wash the inside ofthe vehicle or inside the luggagecompartment, or a large volume of wateris spilled in these areas, the hybridbattery may be damaged, or a shortcircuit may occur.
For vehicle repairs or maintenance, besure to consult your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle is beyond repair becauseof accident or something, be sure toconsult your Toyota dealer.
As sealed Nickel−Metal hydride batteriesare used, be sure to consult your Toyotadealer when disposing of your vehicle.
CAUTION
If you are involved in an accident,follow these precautions.
- Move the vehicle to a safe placeand perform the followings to reducethe risk of high voltage electricityleakage.
- Depress the brake pedal and applythe parking brake.
- Press the “P” position switch andstop the hybrid system.
- If the key is inserted into key slot,remove it.
- If your vehicle has experienced majordamage, you may get an electricshock. To prevent this, never touchthe high voltage parts (hybrid batteryassembly, etc.) or cables(orange color) connecting theseparts. If some exposed electricwires are protruding inside or outsideof the vehicle, an electricshock may also occur. Never touchthem.
- If the fluid leaks or gets in somepart of the vehicle, never touch itbecause it may be electrolyte(strong alkali) from the hybrid battery.If it gets on your skin or eyes,wash off immediately with a largeamount of water, if possible, withboric acid solution, and get immediatemedical attention in order tohelp avoid serious injury.
- If a vehicle fire occurs, extinguishit using a fire extinguisher for theexclusive use on electric fires. Asa small amount of water may bedangerous, use a large amount ofwater, for example from a fire hydrant,or wait for a fire−fightingteam arrival.
- If your vehicle needs to be towed,do it with the front wheels or allfour wheels raised. If the frontwheels are on the ground whentowing, the electric motor may continueto generate electricity whichcould leak electricity. A fire couldoccur depending on the degree ofdamage. See “If your vehicle needsto be towed” on page 376.
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