Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several different
positions for the automatic
transmission.
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).
SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-29.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission 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) when
the ignition key is in ON/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.
SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-31.
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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 steepness of 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 2-21
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually using the
brakes. Use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transmission
will not shift into LOW (L) until the vehicle is going
slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.Parking Brake
To set the parking brake,
push down the parking
brake pedal with your
left foot. If the ignition
is on, the brake system
warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System
Warning Light on
page 3-32.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down momentarily
on the parking brake pedal with your left foot until you
feel the pedal release. If the parking brake is not
released when you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will be on and a chime will sound warning
you that the parking brake is still on.
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The PUSH PARK PEDAL message will also appear
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) to remind you
to release the parking brake. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-46.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before driving.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of the energy from
the moving vehicle and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored back into the
vehicle’s hybrid battery system, contributing to
increased fuel efficiency.
The system works whenever you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal while your vehicle is moving
in a forward gear. This causes your vehicle to
slow down slightly faster. It may feel like the brake
pedal is being pressed, even when it is not.
Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the shift lever while pushing the shift
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF/LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-36for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are 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 position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
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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Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modi ed improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your
vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
There is something about your vehicle that can
make it move suddenly, and you or others can
be seriously injured. This can happen if the
vehicle is in the Auto Stop mode, and the shift
lever is in DRIVE (D). Because your vehicle has
the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, your
vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off
when you come to a complete stop. However,
if you then start to exit the vehicle, as soon as
you take your foot off the brake pedal, the
engine will start again and the vehicle can
move forward. If you are going to exit your
vehicle, rst shift to PARK (P) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. Then exit.
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Pull down the door on the back of the center console
to use the rear seat cupholders.
Center Console Storage
Your vehicle has a center console with two storage
areas. To access the upper tray storage, lift the
passenger side lever. To access the lower storage
area, lift the driver side lever.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net in the rear of
the vehicle. Store small loads as far forward as possible.
The net should not be used to store heavy loads.
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof,
the switch is located on
the headliner between
the map lamps.
The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or if Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-21.
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The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
D. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
E. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
F. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-30.
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
H. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43.I. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6.
J. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-72.
L. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
M. Automatic Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 3-19.
N. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6.
O. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
P. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-56.
Q. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-38.
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