2003 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 18

8.Starting your vehicle 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 temperature is low such as during winter conditions, 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 lever in "N" position. (For details, see "How to start the hybrid system-" on page 164 in Section 4.) 9.For efficient use of your vehicle Drive your vehicle with a smooth acceleration and deceleration. Use the "A/C" mode (with the "A/C" button only on) when you use the air conditioning. D When driving, energy is effectively recovered through the regenerative brake as the vehicle decelerates. However, for more efficient use, do not accelerate or decelerate your vehicle more than necessary. D As the gasoline engine starts and stops automatically in this mode, economical driving with less emissions is possible. D In the "MAX" mode (with the "A/C" button 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 running mode selector lever in "P" position. While driving, use "D" position. D By avoiding abrupt acceleration and deceleration, the remaining capacity of the hybrid vehicle battery can be preserved and it makes it possible to run the vehicle utilizing the gasoline engine and the electric power from the hybrid vehicle battery. D 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. D With the selector lever in "N" position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. The constant electrical power remaining in the hybrid vehicle battery becomes insufficient and the battery will be discharged. 11