Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
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
may 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.
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Introduction
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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 may allow 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.
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Introduction
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Frequently asked questions
Question Answer
What are the series of clicks from
the cargo area when I first turn
the key in the ignition?The high voltage battery is
electrically isolated from the rest
of the vehicle when the key is
OFF. When the key is turned ON,
high voltage contactors inside the
battery are closed to make the
electricity available to the
motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the
sound of these contactors as they
close and open during start up and
shut down.
Why does the engine always start
at key-on?Your engine is started at key-on
because the emission components
need to be warm in order to
minimize tailpipe emissions, and in
cooler climates for cabin heating
and windshield defrost
performance.
After I start my car in the
morning, why does it take a long
time before the engine shuts
down?There are several reasons the
engine stays on for an extended
amount of time when it is first
started. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions
components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the
climate gets cooler, this
“engine-ON” time is extended.
Why does my engine never shut
down above 40 mph (64 km/h)?The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transaxle hardware.
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Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Master vehicle electrical hazard
warning lamp:Indicates Hybrid
component fault/failure that will
cause the vehicle to shutdown or
fail to start.
Note: If the vehicle is still running, the vehicle may soon
shutdown without further warning and should be stopped safely.
If this lamp is lit, stop the vehicle, shift to P (Park), turn the key to the
Off position, and attempt to restart the vehicle. If the fault remains, the
vehicle may require refueling, jump starting, resetting of the shut-off
switches, or service. For information regardingLow voltage
[underhood] battery onlyandFuel pump/High voltage shut-off
switchesplease refer to theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
Ready indicator light:Illuminates
once the vehicle has successfully
started. Indicates the vehicle is
ready to drive even when you don’t
hear the engine running.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the 12V charging system is not
working properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine or motor electronic
coolant temperature:Illuminates
when the coolant temperature
exceeds the threshold. When the light is flashing or remains on, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
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Instrument Cluster
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Ambient lighting (if equipped)
Illuminates footwells, cupholders,
the console bin and the console tray
with a choice of seven colors. The
ambient lighting control switch is
located on the floor console. To
activate, press and release the
control switch to cycle through the
seven color choices plus the off
state.
The lights come on whenever the ignition is in either the on or accessory
position.
Note:The ambient lights will stay on until after the ignition is placed in
the off position and either of the front doors are opened or the delay
accessory timer expires.
Interior lighting battery saver
The interior lamps will automatically extinguish after 10 minutes when
the ignition key is in the off/lock position, a door has been left open or
the interior lamp controls are in the on position.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlamp condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, condensation can occur
when the temperature is cold. When normal condensation occurs, a thin
film of mist can form on the interior of the lens. The thin mist eventually
clears and exits through the vents during normal operation. Clearing
time may take as long as 48 hours under dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water
leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp
•Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of
the lens
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Lights
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The IKT allows you to:
•remotely unlock the vehicle
doors.
•remotely lock all the vehicle
doors.
•remotely open the power liftgate
glass.
•activate the personal alarm.
•operate the illuminated entry
feature.
The remote entry lock/unlock
feature operates in any ignition
position except while the key is held
in the start position. The panic
feature operates with the key in the off position.
If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take
ALL Integrated Keyhead Transmitterswith you to the authorized
dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the problem.
Two step door unlocking
1. Pressand release to unlock the driver’s door.Note:The interior
lamps will illuminate if the lamp is in the DOOR position.
2. Press
and release again within three seconds to unlock the
passenger doors, the liftgate and liftgate glass.
The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned to the off position.
One step door unlocking
If the one step door unlocking feature is activated, press
and release
once to unlock all of the doors, the liftgate and liftgate glass.Note:The
interior lamps will illuminate (refer toIlluminated entryinformation
later in this section), if the control on the overhead lamp is in the DOOR
position.
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Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
Unlocking can be switched between two step and one step door
unlocking by pressing and holding both
andbuttons
simultaneously on the remote entry transmitter for approximately
4 seconds. The turn signal will flash twice to indicate that the vehicle has
switched to one step unlocking. Repeat the procedure to switch back to
two step unlocking.
Locking the doors
1. Pressand release to lock all the doors. Assuming all vehicle doors
and the liftgate are properly closed and the park/turn lamps will flash
once.
2. Press
and release again within three seconds to confirm that all
the doors and liftgate are closed and locked.Note:The doors will lock
again and the horn will chirp once.
If any of the doors or the hood are not properly closed, the horn will
chirp twice and park/turn lamps will not flash when the
control is
pressed.
Opening the liftgate glass (if equipped)
Presstwice within three seconds to open the liftgate glass.
Car finder
Press
twice within three seconds. The horn will chirp and the turn
lamps will flash. It is recommended that this method be used to locate
your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm.
Sounding a panic alarm
Press
to activate the alarm. To deactivate the feature, press the
control again, turn the ignition to the on or start position, or wait for the
alarm to time out in approximately three minutes.
Note:The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the off
position.
Replacing the battery
The Integrated Keyhead Transmitter uses one coin type three-volt
lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent.
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