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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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Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the enginestarts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts brie y but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transaxle gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your retailer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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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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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The engine coolant heater cord is
located near the air cleaner box on the
passenger side of the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 264for more information on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact your
retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
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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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