
7. If the engine is running, verify that the transfercase is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission
to R (Reverse) for one second, then shift the
transmission to D (Drive) for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will turn the engine off.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in P (Park).
10. Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
11. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of Neutral
To shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral): 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off, and shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Turn the transfer case dial to the desired transfer case shift position (Two-Wheel Drive High,
Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO).
After the transfer case has shifted out of
N (Neutral), the N (Neutral) light will go out. 4. Release the parking brake prior to moving the
vehicle.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the transfer case.
To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for
the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stop
flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
5. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired position.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the
different modes may cause the transfer case to enter
the shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer
case from possible damage and will only allow the
transfer case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds.
The transfer case may stay in this mode for up to
three minutes.
3-14

Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
With four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll, even if
the shift lever is in P (Park). So, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear—not in
N (Neutral). If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing
a Trailer on page 5‑8. 1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking
brake.
See Parking Brake in the index of the Owner
Manual for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear —not
in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,
the vehicle is in P (Park).
3-15

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and the transfer case
is in N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll,
even if the shift lever is in P (Park). So be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear—not in
N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch fire.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave the
vehicle with the engine running unless you
have to. If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you move
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If you
can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked
into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If parking on a hill and the transmission not shifted into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You
may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set
the parking brake and then shift into P (Park) properly
before you leave the driver seat. To find out how, see
Shifting Into Park on page 3‑15.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
then you will be able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
3-16

Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below−18°C (0°F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above −18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is secured to a wiring harness between
the engine and the Hybrid Auxiliary Underhood
Fuse Block with a clip. Carefully remove the wire
tie which secures the electrical cord. Do not cut the
electrical cord.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
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.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the
area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
3-17

Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking is a hybrid technology that
enables the electric drive motor to operate as a
generator when coasting or braking. Energy from the
moving vehicle recharges the hybrid battery.
The hydraulic disc brakes work with the regenerative
braking to insure effective braking, such as when a high
braking demand is requested.
The braking system is computer controlled and blends
the regenerative braking with the conventional hydraulic
disc brakes to meet any requirements for deceleration.
The controller interprets the braking request and uses
regenerative braking, conventional hydraulic braking or
a combination of both as necessary. Because the
controller applies the hydraulic brakes through its high
pressure accumulator, you may occasionally hear the
motor driven pump when it recharges the system.
This is normal.
In the event of a controller problem, the brake pedal
may be harder to push and the stopping distance may
be longer.
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.
{WARNING:
Exiting the vehicle, without first shifting into
P (Park), may cause the vehicle to move, and you
or others can be seriously injured. Because the
vehicle has the Automatic Engine Start/Stop
feature, the vehicle’s engine might seem to be
shut off when you come to a complete stop.
However, once the brake pedal is released,
the vehicle can move. The vehicle’s engine can
also restart at any time.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. See “Shifting Into Park” in the owner manual for
more information.
If pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer
on page 5‑8for
more information.
3-18

Section 4 Instrument Panel
Climate Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Instrument Panel Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Fuel Economy Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . 4-7
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Oil Pressure Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Fuel Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Navigation/Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
4-1

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. At mild temperatures, select a warmer air conditioner
temperature or turn the air conditioner off to get
maximum fuel economy. Continuous air conditioner use
can cause the vehicle to Auto Start more frequently.
During hot weather, driving with the windows closed and
the air conditioner set to Auto mode, will result in better
Hybrid system performance.
Some noise may be heard occasionally from the
compressor, especially when air conditioning use is
high and the engine has turned off.
4-2

Tachometer
United States Version
shown, Canada similar
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 vehicle is off.
When the engine is on, the tachometer indicator shows
the engine's revolutions per minute (rpm).
Charging System Light
This 12 V battery light
comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned to
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 12 V charging system. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. A 12 V charging
system Driver Information Center (DIC) message may
also appear. See DIC Warnings and Messages
on
page 4‑12for 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.
4-4