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Engine Warm-Up
Reducing Emissions is the highest priority for Prius. It strives to remain a AT-PZEV (Advanced
Technology - Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) at all times, which means the catalytic-converter must
be kept warm even if it requires consuming some gas to accomplish that. Fortunately, you still get
better than average mileage, even if the engine doesn't shut off right away.
Shutdown
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.
Cruise-Control
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.
Smooooooth
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.
Neutral
No Engine
To shift into neutral and keep it there without any chance of the engine starting, do the following:
1. Insert the FOB (not necessary if you have SE/SS).
2. Without stepping on the brake pedal, press the "Power" button twice.
3. Use the lever to shift in the Neutral position.
Prius User-Guide 3 of 45 Last Updated: 2/07/2006