HYBRID OPERATION
The Hybrid is a whole new kind of SUV that combines electric and
gasoline propulsion without compromise, to provide breakthrough
performance and efficiency. It requires no special fuels and never has to
be plugged in. Familiarizing yourself with these unique characteristics
will help ensure optimal performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to the START position while your vehicle
is in Park (P). The gas engine will turn on,accompanied by the green
“ready indicator” light. Your engine may shut off shortly after starting,
depending on temperature and battery charge level. This is a natural
part of your Hybrid’s fuel-saving features. The “ready indicator” light will
stay on, and you do not need to restart the vehicle.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin for
occupant comfort.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•Driving request for moderate to rapid acceleration
•Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 kph)
•Ascending a hill
•ECON mode not selected (while Climate Control is ON)
•Selection of climate control defrost mode or defrost/floor mode
•Charge level of high voltage battery is low
•Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your Hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
Since your engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may
seem elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Neutral:It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in (N) Neutral for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Also, the engine cannot provide
power to the hybrid system in (N) Neutral.
Low Gear:Low gear (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. On long downhill grades, (L)
Low gear may produce high engine speeds to provide necessary engine
braking. This is normal and will not damage your vehicle. Response
during acceleration should be the same as in the (D) Drive position.
Reverse:(R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph
(35 km/h).
Unique Hybrid operating characteristics
Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery:Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery cooling
system in the rear of the vehicle. A cool battery ensures battery life and
provides the best possible performance. Your hybrid high voltage battery
may periodically re-condition itself to ensure maximum efficiency. You
may notice slight changes in drivability during this process, but it’s an
important part of your Hybrid’s high voltage battery optimization
features.
You may hear a series of clicks from the cargo area when you first turn
the key in the ignition. This sound is the high voltage contactors closing
to allow you to start your hybrid.
In addition, you may hear fan noise and a slight tapping sound from the
rear as the vent door operates. This fan may continue to operate for
short durations after the vehicle has been turned off. These noises are a
customary part of hybrid operation and do not require service.
If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle. For more information, refer toJump starting
your (Low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Engine:The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). This is characteristic of the Atkinson cycle engine
technology helping to maximize your hybrid’s fuel economy.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this “engine braking”, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. When this
occurs, and after reconnecting the low voltage (underhood) battery and
driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for 3-5 seconds
after the key is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position. This is a normal
condition, as the vehicle’s computers are relearning the operating
characteristics of your particular engine in order to operate it at
maximum efficiency.
Braking:Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.
You may hear a pumping sound when you unlock or enter the vehicle
and a venting sound a few minutes after shutting off the vehicle. This is
the hydraulic portion of your regenerative braking system charging and
discharging.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.
Climate Control:Your hybrid is equipped with an “ECON” button that
offers a more fuel efficient operation of your automatic temperature
control system.
When activated, the “ECON” feature allows the engine to shut down at
low speeds or when your vehicle is stopped.
If cooler temperature is desired, the “ECON” button can be turned off,
for better interior cooling but lower fuel economy.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
8
Question Answer
What is the fan noise and slight
tapping sound I hear from the rear
of my hybrid?The fan noise comes from two fans
located inside the high voltage
battery. These fans turn on when
the battery requires cooling air.
The fan speed, and associated
noise level, will change according
to the amount of cooling required
to maintain good performance.
How far can I go in Electric Drive
if I run out of gas?Running out of gas is not
recommended. However, you may
be able to go about one mile,
driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if the
battery has a normal state of
charge.
What is the engine oil change
service interval?The engine oil should be changed
every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
under normal operating conditions.
See theScheduled maintenance
guidechapter.
Can I put E10 or E85 in my
vehicle, and how will it affect my
fuel economy?Your hybrid vehicle can use E10
(10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) fuel,
but you may notice slightly
reduced fuel economy because
ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid
vehicle is not designed to use E85
(85% ethanol).
How long will my high voltage
battery last? Does it need
maintenance?The high voltage battery system is
designed to last the life of the
vehicle and requires no
maintenance.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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12.ECON:Press to activate/deactivate economy air conditioning
operation. ECON mode may provide improved fuel economy by
preventing the gasoline engine from running for the sole purpose of
providing A/C. When the gas engine turns off, the A/C compressor does
not operate to cool the cabin and comfort may be reduced. In ECON
mode, A/C operates as normal when the gasoline engine is running. To
prioritize cooling comfort over fuel economy, deactivate ECON. ECON
can not be selected in
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
13.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost). Selecting
ECON mode affects A/C operation. Refer to ECON information previously
in this section.
14.
Driver heated seat control (if equipped):Press to
activate/adjective the driver heated seat. SeeHeated seatsin the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
Outside temperature:The outside temperature will appear in the
display and is labeled EXT TEMP.
Temperature conversion:To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer toSetup menuin theMessage centersection of theDriver
Controlschapter.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats by blocking the air from the rear seat floor
vents.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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For maximum cooling performance:
•Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
•Manual operation:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select
or.
3. Select
(recirculated air) to provide colder airflow.
4. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
5. Set highest fan setting initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the rear right door is not
completely closed.
STOP SAFELY NOW.Displayed when the Master electrical hazard
warning lamp is illuminated indicating a Hybrid component failure. If this
warning occurs, the vehicle will soon shutdown without further warning,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine coolant
is overheating. Engine coolant temperature warning lamp will illuminate
indicating coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and
coolant level. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding coolant and
steam may shoot out under pressure and cause serious injury.
Do not remove the cooling system cap when the engine and radiator
are hot.
HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the motor
electronics are overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine and let it cool. Refer toEngine coolant and
motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED.
Displayed when the manual park brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5 km). If
the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
XXX MILES TO EMPTY FUEL LEVEL LOW.Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
LIFTGATE/GLASS AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate or liftgate glass
is not completely closed. Press RESET to reset display.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
reservoirin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
9 50A** ABS
10 30A** Front wipers
11 30A** PCM/Power sustain
12 40A** Blower motor
13 10A* A/C clutch
14 10A* Heater/Coolant pump
1550A** Traction Brake Control Module
(TBCM)
16 40A** Cooling fan 1
17 40A** Cooling fan 2
18 50A** ABS solenoid
19 30A** Power seats
20 — A/C clutch relay
21A — Rear defroster relay
21B — Not used
21C — Blower relay
21D — PCM relay
22 — Not used
23 5A* TBCM
24 20A* Fuel pump
25 15A* Ignition coils
26 5A* Interlock
27 10A* Cooling fan/TCM
28 15A* Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen
(HEGO) sensor
29 15A* PCM power
30A — Cooling fan 1 relay
30B — Power sustain relay
30C — Cooling fan main relay
30D — Cooling fan 2 relay
31A — Reverse lamp relay
2008 Mariner Hybrid(mhv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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