Do's and Dont's for a new prius owner.

Don't wait for a flashing pip to fill up.

 

Make sure to press the "P"
Use the emergency brake.
Don't rely on the backup camera to show you everything.

 

Those are good points, but really apply to all cars. I think the overfilling/running out of gas comes mostly from over-zealous new Prius owners trying to maximize the most distance on a tank. Casual drivers would probably be less likely to commit these errors. Of course, driving on an empty tank is impossible in other cars, but merely bad for the battery in a Prius (if beyond a 1/2 mile or so, depending on conditions).

You might want to keep the valet cards handy (shows how to start up and stop the car). It's normal for the shift lever to return to the starting point after putting it in gear. If you have the SKS option, you might want to warn them about wandering away from the vehicle with the key fob while it's still on. A silent engine does not mean the car is off.

After that, the car can be driven like any other car, probably best not to confuse or frighten people too much.

That said, some people try to use the electric-only mode too much (starting really slowly at stop signs/lights). Except for special cases this doesn't help the mileage at all (battery power comes from the engine, after conversion losses), much better to accelerate at a decent pace. "Decent pace" means not floored (arrows from engine to wheels only if looking at the energy screen), just remind them to drive with normal good practices - gentle but effective starts & stops, look ahead for slowdowns if they want better mileage.

There is a guide for do's & don'ts when buying a car, I'm not sure if one exists for after you get it.

 

Flip the rear-view mirror upside down and then push it up as
high toward the ceiling as possible and then adjust tilt, for
the optimal rear visibility angle for most people. May not
work for extremely short/tall folks, but seems to help most.
.
Read up on pulse-n-glide. Make high MPG segments a little
informal contest for those who take the car out.
.
If you have your own fleet mechanics, get them into hybrid
training asap so you aren't relying on Toyota for every little
problem or service item.
.
Get good synthetic oil into it on the first change and thereafter.
.
Get the tires up to spec [44 or better].
.
_H*

 

These are some of the Do's & Don'ts specific to the Prius.

 

Get the clear floormats

 

Dont antagonize other drivers. They are already pissed off that you get twice or three times their mileage. They will be rude to you in traffic. get used to it.

They are jealous and angry that gas isnt 25 cents a gallon anymore. Some of them will try to take it out on you as if it is your fault.hwell:

 

As a new Prius owner her in the Pacific Northwest - home of the chronic "passive aggressive folks" - I can attest to this already.

Sheesh. Never had so many SUV and truck drivers "blast off" from the line when we happen to be 1st at a light. This does not happen to me when we are driving our other car (2002 Mazda)

 

I'd suggest John1701a's Info-Sheet for the basics of how the car works.

 

Do NOT enter the Neutral Zone to rescue the crew of the Kobayashi Maru.




Sorry. Just returned from Star Trek conference.

 

Guys, guys: the thumbnails above are for shop mechanics' use, and John's sheets are for prospective buyers. Complete info overload will cause casual users' eyes to glaze over.

For infrequent users it might be better to turn off the SKS. It's more obvious how to use the fob manually (the lock/unlock buttons and inserting it into the dash as though it were a key).

Here's a short list for infrequent Prius drivers:

- If the last pip/bar on the gas gauge starts to flash you *must* buy fuel immediately! It's better not to let the gauge get that low.

- Don't block the vent at the right of the rear seats! If you do the electrical system may overheat.

- Don't stab at the power button. Hold it in for a second. When the car is ready to drive the "Ready" light comes on.

- Don't let the car run in Neutral, it can drain the battery. Either leave the car running (ON, "Ready") and in Park, or turn it completely OFF.

- Use the parking brake when parking. If you are not familiar with a foot-operated parking brake, practice applying and releasing it a few times before driving.

- Always lock the car. If you have left any interior lights on or a door open it will give a long warning beep.

 

Don't drive in "B".

 

Don't give rides to pretty women! Your wife will find out!

I dont know how but she did know!

 

The Toyota TSB states to use their fancy-schmancy charger - Made by Associated - at the 10 amp position. If this has changed, could somebody post an updated TSB??

 

how about...........do be cautious about backing up or going forward in LOW speeds........people and animals DO NOT recognize there is a vehicle behind or on the side because the car is absolutely SILENT!!!!!!!!!!!!

my first encounter with a prius was when one was backing up, they didn't see me........and i didnt HEAR the engine.........never knew i could move that fast, but i did......wow!:nono::dizzy::flame:

 

Just to clarify the 10A switch position:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-t...017-charging-procedure-12-volt-battery-2.html

I did a search and found this newer TSB PD091-06. It is for '07 Prius. They are using the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station (P/N 00002–MCGR8) which supersedes the Automatic Trickle Charger (P/N 00002–YA122–01) and Fast Battery Chargers (Associated P/N ASE6003 and Christie P/N CAPPDQ). P/N 00002–YA122–01, ASE6003, and CAPPDQ are now obsolete.

There could be a newer TSB for the '08 according to this link:

2008 TOYOTA PRIUS Technical Service Bulletin NHTSA Safety

 

If the triangle of death starts blinking and beeps start after you start driving, check to make sure the doors are fully closed. The car is not really going to blow up.

 

Don't hit the park button at 50.

Actually I did this on a test drive. I asked the salesman what would happen and he said "I don't think it will do anything, go ahead and try it".