Toyota Camry Hybrid 2013 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before driving
Information on the hybrid system and adjusting and
operating features such as door locks, mirrors, and
steering column.
2When driving Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior fea-
tures
Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and care
Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arises
What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specifications Detailed vehicle information.
7For owners Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
Index Alphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

30
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid system
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from
conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-
acteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an
electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,
improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor)
■When stopped/during take-off
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During
start-off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine
is stopped and the motor is used.

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
Vehicle Proximity Notification System
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to
warn pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of
the sound adjusts according to vehicle speed. When vehicle speed is
approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns
off.
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that
of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
■When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

32
1-1. Hybrid system
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.
■EV indicator
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
●When the heater is switched on
The EV indicator comes on when driving
the vehicle using only the electric motor
(traction motor).

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid bat-
tery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehi-
cle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
●If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D
or B to avoid discharging the battery.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
→P. 4 7 3
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.

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1-1. Hybrid system
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. Always shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the hybrid system
starts or stops.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal
is depressed.
●Operational sounds and motor sounds may be heard when the brake
pedal is operated.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent beside the rear
left seat.
■Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehi-
cles in the surrounding area to hear:
●When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
●When it is raining or during strong winds
●When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front
of the vehicle
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

35
1
1-1. Hybrid system
Before driving
Hybrid system precautions
Air conditioning compressor
Power control unit with DC/
DC converter
High voltage cables (orange)
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Service plug
Electric motor (traction
motor)
Caution label
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.

36
1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid battery air vent
There is an air intake vent beside
the rear left seat for the purpose
of cooling the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If the vent
becomes blocked, the hybrid
battery may overheat, leading to
a reduction in hybrid battery out-
put.
Emergency shut off system
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will
not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. (→P. 4 3 3 )

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery has been disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light (→P. 4 2 6 ) g o o f f . I f t h e r e i s o n l y a s m a l l a m o u n t o f f u e l ,
the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to
add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 3.0 gal. [11.3 L,
2.5 Imp. gal.] when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

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1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located in the luggage
compartment. The service plug is used
only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.