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Starting the Engine
(Automatic Engine Start/Stop)
The shift lever must be in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) for the vehicle to start. To restart
when the vehicle is already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift
into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is
stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed
goes down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and protects
components. If the key is turned to the
START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine continues
cranking for a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and
the key is held in START for many seconds,
cranking stops after 15 seconds to prevent
cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC or LOCK position.
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Automatic Engine Start/Stop
{CAUTION:
Exiting your vehicle, without rst shifting
into PARK (P), may cause the vehicle to
move, you or others may be injured.
Because your vehicle has the Automatic
Engine Start/Stop feature, your vehicle’s
engine might seem to be shut off,
however, once the brake pedal is
released, the engine could start up again.
Shift to PARK (P) and turn the ignition to
OFF, before exiting the vehicle.Your vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop
feature. After the engine is started and has
reached operating temperature, the AUTO STOP
feature may cause the engine to turn off when
you apply the brakes and come to a complete
stop. When you take your foot off the brake pedal
or press the accelerator pedal, the engine will
start. The engine will continue to run until the next
AUTO STOP.
The AUTO STOP symbol on the tachometer
signi es that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode.
SeeAuto Stop Mode on page 178for more
information. When the vehicle is turned off, the
tachometer will move to OFF. If the driver’s door is
opened while in AUTO STOP mode, a chime
will sound.
To restart the engine during the AUTO STOP,
release the brake pedal or press the accelerator
pedal. The engine starts immediately. The
vehicle continues to run until the next stop.
There are several conditions which may prevent
an AUTO STOP or cause an AUTO START.
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The Engine Will Remain Running When:
The engine, transaxle, or hybrid battery is
not warmed up yet.
The outside temperature is approximately
−4°F (−20°C).
When the A/C is in Normal Mode.
A/C is in Hybrid Mode and the climate control
system is working to cool the vehicle. See
Automatic Climate Control System on
page 154for more information.
Defrost is selected.
The shift lever is in PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N),
REVERSE (R), INTERMEDIATE (I) or
LOW (L).
The hybrid battery pack charge is low.
The 12V vehicle battery charge is low, or
loads are high.
The hood is not fully closed.
The Engine Will Restart When:
The brake pedal is released.
The accelerator pedal is applied.
When shifting out of DRIVE (D) to any
other gear.
If the A/C button is selected, the duration of
the AUTO STOP will depend on the outside
temperature. This economy mode improves
fuel economy by limiting the effects of the air
conditioning. The warmer it is outside, the
shorter the time before the engine is restarted
to provide cabin cooling.
The climate control system is turned from Off
to On (econ or normal A/C, or oor/
defog/defrost) SeeAutomatic Climate Control
System on page 154for more information.
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The engine is required to run for either heater
or climate control performance. See “Air
Conditioning Engine Start/Stop” under
Automatic Climate Control System on
page 154for more information.
The hybrid battery pack charge is low and
requires recharging.
Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have this feature. In very cold
weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum
of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also
have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the
cord. This will prevent operation of the engine
coolant heater when the temperature is at or above
0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several
different positions for
the automatic transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It
is the best position to use when you start the
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into PARK (P) on page 120.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You
have to fully apply the regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before shifting
from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in RUN. If
you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all
the way into PARK (P) while maintaining brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 122.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 241.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine
while your vehicle is already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when
your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is rmly on the brake
pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive
gear while your engine is running at high
speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving with
the automatic transaxle. It provides the best fuel
economy for your vehicle. If you need more power
for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going above 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator all the way down.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 226.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle
speed without using your brakes for slight
downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise
accelerate due to the steepness of the grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving up steep hills, this position can be used
to prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might
choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D)
when driving on hilly, winding roads, so that
there is less shifting between gears.The engine will not Auto Stop when the shifter is
in INTERMEDIATE (I). SeeStarting the Engine
(Automatic Engine Start/Stop) on page 110
for more information.
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed
more than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually
using the brakes. It can be used on very
steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift
into LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
The engine will not Auto Stop when the shifter is
in LOW (L). SeeStarting the Engine (Automatic
Engine Start/Stop) on page 110for more
information.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If
you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking
brake to hold the vehicle in place.
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system.
To shift out of PARK (P):
1. Apply the regular brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired gear.
If you are still unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press
the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
PARK (P), consult your dealer/retailer.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under your vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
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