Filter
Top Products
OTHER
Battery-Pack
Replacement
The power management system was designed to maximize battery life. It rigorously works to
always keep the charge-level at optimum, by never fully draining or fully recharging it. And you
can clearly see that by watching the indicator on the Multi-Display. Lab testing has demonstrated
that the battery-pack will last an equivalent of 180,000 miles of driving without any deterioration.
And the preliminary real-world data now available is confirming those findings. The battery-pack
is expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle. So with normal wear & tear, Prius owners should not
expect to ever have to replacement it.
Recycling
Toyota has had a recycling program in place for NiMH batteries ever since the electric version of
the RAV4 was introduced back in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the
plastic, plates, steel-case and the wiring, is recycled. To ensure that batteries come back to Toyota,
each battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling information and dealers are paid a $200
"bounty" for each pack collected.
Rear Hatch
Slam It!
The hatch door is designed to be slammed shut. So if you find you are not getting it to shut tight,
don't feel afraid to use some muscle on it. Holding back isn't necessary. Grab the hand-hole (that
cavity within the plastic, on the right as you face it) then... Slam It! Damn It!
Unlock
SE/SS won't unlock the hatch while the Prius is running. So to unlock the hatch, you need to press
the unlock button on the inside either of the front doors.
Cargo Cover
The rollout "shade" that is used to cover the hatch (to conceal the contents, if any) uses plastic
grips that lock into place with the body of the car. Each grip attaches to the cover using 2 screws.
It is possible, after plenty of use, for a screw to come loose and eventually fall out. Don't let the
inconvenience occur. Be proactive by tightening them annually. Make that part of your spring-
cleaning routine.
Securing Cargo
There are 4 metal-rings, bolted to the frame of the vehicle, available for securing cargo. Each is
located in a corner of the hatch area. Use them in conjunction with bungee-cords or rope to keep
large or loose items from shifting while you drive. If you need addition locations when the back
seats are up, simply raising a headrest to reveal metal rods that can be used. When the back seats
are folded down, you may use the latch-loop that is normally used to secure the seat in place.
Cargo Nets
There are two types available. One lays flat (horizontal), connecting to each of the metal-rings.
You just slip cargo underneath it to keep the cargo in place. The other is upright (vertical),
connecting to the 2 metal-rings closest to the hatch and 2 connector-point which you add by
drilling a simple hole in a location close to the window. This type works well for cargo such as
grocery bags.
Prius User-Guide 34 of 45 Last Updated: 2/07/2006