Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle
is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed goes down as your
engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the key is
turned to the START position, and then released
when the engine begins cranking, the engine
continues cranking for a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and
the key is held in START, cranking stops after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To
prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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Automatic Engine Start/Stop
{WARNING:
Exiting the vehicle, without first shifting into
P (Park), may cause the vehicle to move, you or
others may be injured. Because the vehicle has
the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, the
vehicle’s engine might seem to be shut off,
however, once the brake pedal is released, the
engine will start up again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF, before exiting the vehicle.The vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature.
After the engine is started and has reached operating
temperature, the AUTO STOP feature may cause
the engine to turn off when you apply the brakes and
come to a complete stop. When you take your foot
off the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal, the
engine will start. The engine will continue to run until the
next AUTO STOP.
The AUTO STOP symbol on the tachometer signifies
that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. SeeAuto Stop
Mode on page 4-36for more information. When the
vehicle is turned off, the tachometer will move to OFF. If
the driver door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode,
a chime will sound.
To restart the engine during the AUTO STOP, release
the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The
engine starts immediately. The vehicle continues to run
until the next stop.
There are several conditions which may prevent an
AUTO STOP or cause an AUTO START.
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The Engine Will Remain Running When:
•
The engine, transmission, or hybrid battery is
not warmed up yet.
•The outside temperature is less than 5°F (−15°C).
•While the A/C is in Normal Mode.
•A/C is in Hybrid Mode and the climate control
system is working to cool the vehicle. SeeAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 4-16for more
information.
•Defrost is selected.
•The shift lever is in P (Park), N (Neutral),
R (Reverse), I (Intermediate) or L (Low).
•The hybrid battery pack charge is low.
•The 12V vehicle battery charge is low, or loads
are high.
•The hood is not fully closed.
The Engine Will Restart When:
•
The brake pedal is released.
•The accelerator pedal is applied.
•When shifting out of D (Drive) to any other gear.
•If the Hybrid A/C button is selected, the duration of
the AUTO STOP will depend on the outside
temperature. This economy mode improves fuel
economy by limiting the effects of the air
conditioning. The warmer it is outside, the shorter
the time before the engine is restarted to provide
cabin cooling.
•The climate control system is turned from Off to
Normal A/C or defrost SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 4-16for more information.
•The engine is required to run for either heater
or climate control performance. See “Air
Conditioning Engine Start/Stop” underAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 4-16for more
information.
•The hybrid battery pack charge is low and requires
recharging.
•Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
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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 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged
in at least four hours before starting. Some models may
have an internal thermostat in the cord which will
prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
engine coolant heater cord is located near the air
cleaner box on the passenger side of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 6-14for more information on location.
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.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several different
positions for the automatic
transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move easily.{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). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 3-30.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. Fully apply the
brake pedal, and then press the shift lever button before
shifting from P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all
the way into P (Park) while maintaining brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park on page 3-32.
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R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-19.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicles is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving with the
automatic transmission. 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 above 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator all the way down.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 5-12.
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I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using
the brakes for slight downgrades. If constant upshifting
or downshifting occurs while driving up steep hills,
this position can be used to prevent repetitive shifts. You
might choose I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive)
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
I (Intermediate). SeeStarting the Engine (Automatic
Engine Start/Stop) on page 3-22
L (Low):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than I (Intermediate) without actually using the brakes.
Use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in L (Low), the transmission will not
shift into L (Low) 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 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.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 4-27.
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 4-41.
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 the vehicle is moving in a
forward gear. This causes the vehicle to slow down
more quickly. It may feel like the brake pedal is being
pressed, even when it is not.
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.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) 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 the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
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