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D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. 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 about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
D (Drive) or M (Manual Mode) can be used when towing
a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or for off-road driving. You may want to shift the
transmission to a lower gear selection if the transmission
shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding. See “Skidding” under “Loss of
Control” in the Index of the vehicle’s owner manual
for more information.
When temperatures are very cold, the transmission’s
gear shifting may be delayed, providing more stable
shifts until the engine warms up. Shifts may be more
noticeable with a cold transmission. This difference
in shifting is normal.M (Manual Mode):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see “Range
Selection Mode” later in this section.
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 the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that
adjusts the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts.
If the shift stabilization feature determines that a current
vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission
does not upshift. In some cases, this may appear to be a
delayed shift, however the transmission is operating
normally.
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Climate Controls
For more information on the vehicle’s climate control
system, see “Climate Control System” in the owner
manual.
Electric Air Conditioning Compressor
This hybrid vehicle has a electrically powered air
conditioning compressor. This allows for continuous
air conditioning operation and passenger comfort,
even while the hybrid engine cycles on and off.When operating the climate control system, select the
AUTO mode and the desired temperature setting.
The climate control system automatically adjusts the
fan speed and airflow direction. The climate control
system continues to adjust the climate control settings
chosen for best use of electrical power.
To get maximum engine off time, select a warmer
temperature setting or turn off the air conditioning to
shut off the compressor. Continuous air conditioning use
can cause the engine to autostart more frequently.
Some noise may be heard occasionally from the
compressor, especially when air conditioning use is
high and the engine has turned off.
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Tachometer
When the gas engine is off and the key is in the
ON/RUN position, the position of the tachometer
indicator shows the state of the vehicle:
•AUTO STOP position indicates that the vehicle is
still able to move and the engine could restart,
by an Auto Start, at any time.
•OFF position indicates that the engine is off.
When the engine is on, the tachometer indicator shows
the engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm).
Charging System Light
This light will come on
briefly when the
ignition is turned to
ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN, but the engine is
not running, as a check
to show it is working.
It should go out once the engine has been started. If it
stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be
a problem with the charging system. A charging system
Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-12
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are electrical problems. Have it checked right
away. If a short distance must be driven with the light
on, be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner. United States Version
shown, Canada similar
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2. Then keep turning the DMCM coolant surge tank
pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Add the pre-mixed DEX-COOL™, available at your
dealer/retailer, to the DMCM coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the
engine. The hybrid cooling pumps will run and
any trapped air will purge to the surge tank.5. Add the pre-mixed DEX-COOL™, available at your
dealer/retailer, until the coolant level is maintained
at the FULL COLD mark. This should take no
longer than two minutes of hybrid cooling pump
operation.
If the level cannot be kept at the FULL COLD
level, your vehicle may need service. See your
dealer/retailer.
6. Then replace the
DMCM coolant surge
tank pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure
cap is hand-tight
and fully seated.
Notice:Using tap water, cooling system sealers or
conditioners in an attempt to stop coolant leaks
can damage the DMCM and engine cooling systems.
Never use tap water, cooling system sealers or
conditioners in your cooling system.
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