Toyota 2003 Prius User manual

i
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value–conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble–free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
!U.S. OWNERS: Toyota Customer Assistance Center Toll–free:1–800–331–4331
!CANADIAN OWNERS: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Center Toll–free:1–888–TOYOTA–8 (1–888–869–6828)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
2002 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota
Motor Corporation.

ii
Important information about this manual
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle dam-
age warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to
avoid possible injury or damage.
The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are
used in this manual are explained as follows:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may
cause injury to people if the warning is ignored.
You are informed about what you must or must not
do in order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself
and others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may
cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the
warning is ignored. You are informed about what
you must or must not do in order to avoid or re-
duce the risk of damage to your vehicle and its
equipment.
Safety symbol
When you see the safety symbol shown
above, it means: “Do not...”; “Do not do
this”; or “Do not let this happen”.

iii
Important information about your Toyota
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota
limited warranties:
!New vehicle warranty
!Emission control systems warranty
!Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s
Warranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement”.
Your responsibility for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the speci-
fied maintenance is performed. Section 7 gives details of
these maintenance requirements. Also included in Sec-
tion 7 is general maintenance. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, please refer to the “Scheduled Main-
tenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non–genuine spare parts and accesso-
ries for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the
market. Using these spare parts and accessories which
are not genuine Toyota products may adversely affect
the safety of your vehicle, even though these parts may
be approved by certain authorities in your country.
Toyota therefore cannot accept any liability or guarantee
spare parts and accessories which are not genuine
Toyota products, nor for replacement or installation in-
volving such parts.
This vehicle should not be modified with non–genuine
To y ot a p r o d u c t s . M o d i f i c a t i on w i t h n o n– g en u i ne To y ot a
products could affect its performance, safety or durabili-
ty, and may even violate governmental regulations. In
addition, damage or performance problems resulting from
the modification may not be covered under warranty.

iv
Spark ignition system of your Toyota
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all re-
quirements of the Canadian Interference–Causing Equip-
ment Standard.
Installation of a mobile
two–way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two–way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as
multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system, anti–lock brake
system, SRS airbag system, seat belt pretensioner sys-
tem and Toyota hybrid system, be sure to check with
your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special
instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in
your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by the qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.
CAUTION
When your vehicle or battery needs to be dis-
posed of, be sure to consult your Toyota dealer.
Hybrid vehicle batteries must be collected
through Toyota dealers. If your vehicle is dis-
posed of without dismantling, someone could
receive an electric shock by touching the high
voltage parts of the hybrid vehicle battery. If the
battery is not disposed of properly, its contents
can cause death or serious injury.

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Hybrid vehicle battery
Hybrid vehicle battery has a limited service life. Call
your Toyota dealer for information concerning recycling
or disposal of hybrid vehicle battery and your vehicle.
CAUTION
Precautions for use
of hybrid vehicle
The vehicle has both high voltage DC and AC systems as
well as a 12–volt system. DC and AC high voltage are both
very dangerous and can cause death or serious injury, se-
vere burns and electric shock.
!In order to avoid personal injuries, do not touch
the high voltage cables (orange colored) and their
connectors.
!Follow the caution labels attached to the high volt-
age parts.
!Do not remove or replace the high voltage parts
such as the inverter unit (located in the engine
compartment), hybrid vehicle battery (located be-
tween rear seat and trunk), etc.
!Do not touch the service plug located in the left
side trim of the trunk without hybrid system tech-
nical training. (See “Precautions for use” on page
12 in Section 1–2.) This component is provided to
disable the high voltage system in case of servic-
ing at a Toyota dealer.

vi
CAUTION
If an accident occurs
!Pull your Toyota off the road, put the selector le-
ver in “P” and remove the ignition key.
!In order to avoid personal injuries, do not touch
any high voltage wirings and their connectors, and
high voltage parts (inverter unit, hybrid vehicle
battery, etc.).
!If some exposed electric wirings are protruding in-
side or outside of your Toyota, an electric shock
may occur. Never touch the electric wirings.
!If fluid leaks or gets in some parts of the vehicle,
never touch it because it may be electrolyte
(strong alkali) from the hybrid vehicle battery. If it
gets into your skin or eyes, wash off immediately
with a large amount of water, if possible, boric
acid solution, and get immediate medical attention
in order to help avoid serious injury.
!If a vehicle fire occurs, extinguish it using a fire
extinguisher for the exclusive use on electric fires.
Or, use a large amount of water to prevent flam-
mable gas from being generated from the batteries.
!When your Toyota needs to be towed, do it with
the front wheels raised. For details on towing, see
“If your vehicle needs to be towed” on page 182 in
Section 5.

vii
CAUTION
High Voltage
Your vehicle is equipped with cables connected to
parts of the vehicle subject to high voltage (about
300 V). There are some other parts which reach high
temperatures when you are driving. Never touch bat-
tery cables (wrapped in orange–colored harnesses)
and their connector since high voltages are applied
and they are dangerous. Caution labels are applied
to these parts to identify them. Carefully observe the
instructions on these caution labels.
00p001

1
FEATURES ON NEW TOYOTA VEHICLE
1.Overview of instruments and controls
Instrument panel overvieww2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster and multi–information display overview 4. . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel and multi–information
display 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 – 1

2
2.Instrument panel overview
1. Side vents
2. Side defroster outlets
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Running mode selector lever
6. Power door lock switches
7. Power window switches
8. Glove box
9. Auxiliary boxes
10. Tilt steering lock release lever
11. Hood lock release lever
12. Parking brake pedal
13. Window lock switch
11p003b

3
1. Headlight and turn signal switch
2. Wiper and washer switch
3. Rear window defogger switch
4. Trip meter reset button
5. Emergency flasher switch
6. Multi–information display
7. km/h or MPH button
8. Security indicator light
9. Clock
10. Car audio
11. Air conditioning controls
12. Auxiliary box
13. Power outlet
14. Ignition switch
15. Cruise control switch
16. Power rear view mirror control switch
17. Instrument panel light control dial
11p001g

4
1. Service reminder indicators and indica-
tor lights
2. Speedometer
3. Fuel gauge
4. Odometer and trip meter
5. Outside temperature display
3.Instrument cluster and multi–information display overview
11p002f

5
4.Indicator symbols on the instrument panel and Multi–information display
or
or Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Seat belt reminder light∗1
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Low coolant temperature indicator light
(in blue)∗1
High coolant temperature warning light (in red)∗1
Low fuel level indicator light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Open door warning light∗1
Master warning light∗1
Anti–lock brake system warning light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Headlight indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
SRS warning light∗1

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Tail light indicator light
Output control warning light∗1
Cruise control indicator light∗3
Running mode position indicator light
Driving ready light
Hybrid system warning light∗2
Power steering warning light∗2
Hybrid vehicle battery warning light∗2
∗1: For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers— —Instrument cluster” on page 92 in Section 2–4.
∗2: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers— —Multi–information display” on page 99 in Section
2–4.
∗3: If this light flashes, see ”Cruise control” on page 109 in
Section 2–5.

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FEATURES ON NEW TOYOTA VEHICLE
5.Toyota hybrid system
Toyot a hybrid sys t em 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toyota hybrid system operating conditionn8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting your vehicle 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For efficient use of your vehicle 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions for use 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 – 2

8
Toyota hybrid system combines the
gasoline engine and the electric motor
power to improve the fuel economy
largely and minimize the emissions as
well as to provide higher power perfor-
mance than the ordinary gasoline–pow-
ered vehicles.
Depending on the driving condition, the
vehicle runs on the best combination of;
!Gasoline engine power
!Electric motor power generated by
the gasoline engine
!Electric motor power of the hybrid
vehicle battery
Furthermore, the energy is effectively used
in the following ways:
!When stopping the vehicle, the gaso-
line engine is automatically stopped.
!When decreasing the speed by apply-
ing the brakes, electricity converted
from the turning force of the wheels is
stored in the hybrid vehicle battery.
(This is called regenerative brake.)
Since the battery is charged by the
gasoline engine as needed, it does not
require charging from the outside like
an electric vehicle.
In this way, greatly improved fuel economy
and reduced emissions are attained.
If you do not use the vehicle for a long
time (2 weeks or more), the hybrid ve-
hicle battery and auxiliary battery will dis-
charge and their condition is liable to de-
cline. Therefore, in order to make up for
discharging, charge them once in every 2
weeks for about 30 minutes by starting
the hybrid system with all electrical com-
ponents turned off.
Basic operations are described below. Be-
sides, Toyota hybrid system performs vari-
ous controls depending on the operating
condition, such as at the time of hybrid
system starting, at the time of charging
should be required, at the time of the air
conditioning is in use, etc.
6.Toyota hybrid system
7.Toyota hybrid system
operating condition

9
12p016a
Electric power
in use
When starting or backing up, etc., the
gasoline engine efficiency worsens, so
the vehicle runs on electric power from
hybrid vehicle battery.
12p017a
Gasoline power
in use
During normal driving, the vehicle runs
mainly on gasoline power. However, the
electric motor, using electric power gener-
ated by the gasoline engine, makes up for
any deficiency of gasoline power.
The vehicle controls the optimum ratio of
the gasoline and electric power to help
save energy more effectively.
12p018a
Electric and gasoline
power in use
When driving at full throttle, electric
power is further applied from the hybrid
vehicle battery. Vehicle performance impro-
ves.

10
12p019a
Storing electric power
When decreasing speed or applying the
brakes, the turning force of the wheels
makes the electric motor operate as a
generator and additional electricity is
stored in the hybrid vehicle battery (regen-
erative brake).
12p020a
Not in use
When stopping, the gasoline engine auto-
matically shuts off.
12p030
Charging hybrid vehicle battery
When the hybrid vehicle battery power is
insufficient, the gasoline engine charges
the hybrid vehicle battery. The system al-
ways supplies electricity at a constant lev-
el.

11
Turn the ignition key from “ON” to
“START” with the running mode selector
lever in “P” position only. When the
“READY” light flashes and stays on and
a beep sounds after a few seconds, the
hybrid system starts. (If the ambient tem-
perature is low such as during winter con-
ditions, it may take time until the
“READY” light is on.) Being different from
ordinary vehicles, you cannot start your
vehicle with the running mode selector le-
ver in “N” position. (For details, see “How
to start the hybrid system—” on page 164
in Section 4.)
Drive your vehicle with a smooth accel-
eration and deceleration.
!When driving, energy is effectively re-
covered through the regenerative brake
as the vehicle decelerates. However,
for more efficient use, do not acceler-
ate or decelerate your vehicle more
than necessary.
!By avoiding abrupt acceleration and de-
celeration, the remaining capacity of
the hybrid vehicle battery can be pre-
served and it makes it possible to run
the vehicle utilizing the gasoline engine
and the electric power from the hybrid
vehicle battery.
!The remaining capacity of the hybrid
vehicle battery can be confirmed on
the energy monitor screen of the multi–
information display. See “Information”
on 115 page in Section 2–6 for details.
As the way in which you drive may
decrease the remaining capacity of the
hybrid vehicle battery and reduce fuel
economy, drive your vehicle without
abrupt acceleration or deceleration.
Use the “A/C” mode (with the “A/C”
button only on) when you use the air
conditioning.
!As the gasoline engine starts and
stops automatically in this mode, eco-
nomical driving with less emissions is
possible.
!In the “MAX” mode (with the “A/C” but-
ton and “MAX” button on), the gasoline
engine is frequently used. Use this
mode only when you need to operate
the air conditioning fully such as when
you should dehumidify or when you are
under a burning sun.
When parking, be sure to put the run-
ning mode selector lever in “P” posi-
tion. While driving, use “D” position.
!With the selector lever in “N” position,
the gasoline engine operates but elec-
tricity cannot be generated. The
constant electrical power remaining in
the hybrid vehicle battery becomes in-
sufficient and the battery will be dis-
charged.
8.Starting your vehicle
9.For efficient use of your
vehicle

12
!The hybrid system automatically con-
trols the level of electrical power re-
maining in the hybrid vehicle battery.
With the selector lever in a position
other than “N”, electricity is generated
and charging occurs when the level of
electrical power in the hybrid vehicle
battery decreases. It is unnecessary to
charge the hybrid vehicle battery from
outside.
INFORMATION:
The gasoline engine starts and stops
automatically. (It stops during a low
load driving, deceleration or when the
vehicle stopped.)
If the “READY” light remains on, you
can start your vehicle using the electric
motor even with the gasoline engine
stopped.
The gasoline engine may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions:
" During under gasoline engine warm–
up
" During hybrid vehicle battery charg-
ing
" When the air conditioning is used in
the “MAX” mode, the gasoline engine
is frequently used.
If the output control warning light
( )
comes on in the instrument cluster, the
hybrid vehicle battery temperature is
low or high, or the hybrid vehicle bat-
tery capacity is decreased with the se-
lector lever at “R” during driving. As it
does not indicate the failure of the sys-
tem, you can continue driving but avoid
hard acceleration because the power is
insufficient (which is caused by the bat-
tery power deterioration).
The vehicle runs in combination with
the gasoline and electric power. Pay
special attention to the following items.
Be careful of a high voltage and high
temperature.
Your vehicle is equipped with the orange
colored cables connected to the hybrid
vehicle battery which contain a high volt-
age (about 300 V) and to other high volt-
age parts.
CAUTION
Do not touch or come in contact with
orange cables or battery terminals.
Electric shock may cause serious in-
jury or death. Read all caution labels.
A electric motor, coolant radiator and
some other parts reach high temperature
when you are driving. Caution labels are
applied to these parts. Carefully observe
the instructions on these caution labels.
10.Precautions for use

13
CAUTION
Never remove or disassemble the
high voltage parts, high voltage
cables (orange color) and their con-
nectors. It may cause death or seri-
ous injury. 12p007d
Inverter unit
Hybrid vehicle battery
Service
plug
High volt-
age cables
Do not touch the service plug.
The service plug is installed in the left
side trim of the trunk. It is provided to
shut out high voltage current of the hybrid
vehicle battery when the vehicle is in
need of repairs at a Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
!The shaded parts in the illustration
are subjected to a high voltage.
!Inappropriate handling may cause
an electric shock resulting in seri-
ous injury or death. Never touch
any item in shaded area.
Keep your hybrid vehicle’s driving char-
acteristics in mind.
!As the vehicle runs with both the gaso-
line engine and electric motor, you may
hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment.
!When the ignition switch is turned to
on or off, you may hear a sound com-
ing from the hybrid vehicle battery in
the trunk. However, this does not indi-
cate any trouble.
!If the “READY” light is on, you can
start even with the gasoline engine
stopped.
!When the hybrid vehicle battery tem-
perature is low or high, or the hybrid
vehicle battery capacity is decreased
with the selector lever at “R” during
driving, the output control warning light
comes on and the output might be lim-
ited for longer battery charge life.
!If the output control warning light is on,
drive your vehicle without hard accel-
eration. The output power will be limit-
ed particularly when backing up.