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Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located to the left of the
instrument panel cluster. You can choose among
five driving settings:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High):This setting is used for
driving in most street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive) : This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are
variable.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High): Use the four-wheel high
position when you need extra traction, such as on
snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. 4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :
This setting delivers
extra torque. You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if
you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep
snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.
N (Neutral) : Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing or Towing Your Vehicle
in the index of the Owner Manual.
See Four-Wheel Drive on page 3‑10.
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Safety Information
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery and a
high-voltage hybrid battery. Only a trained service
technician with the proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the hybrid battery. See your
dealer/retailer if the hybrid battery needs service.
The 12-volt battery cables, in the engine compartment,
are clearly labeled. In emergency situations, first
responders can cut those cables to disable the
high-voltage hybrid battery system.
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Page 20 of 120

Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument panel cluster.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
See“Range Selection Mode” later in this section.
P (Park) : This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle has
a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the effort to
shift out of P (Park). See “Shifting Into P (Park)”in the
Index of vehicle's owner manual for more information.
{WARNING:
It is 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.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park in the Owner Manual. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 5‑8.
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Page 28 of 120

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.
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Page 34 of 120

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.
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Page 90 of 120

Tire Chains
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension, or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on the vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, re‐adjust or remove the device if it
is contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire inflator kit. There is no spare tire,
no tire changing equipment, and no place to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly.
But, if you should ever have a blow out, here are a
few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under
control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer.
Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
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