
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal.
ABS warning lampThe ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective.
(If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Regenerative braking system
Your vehicle uses a feature known as regenerative braking. This is used
to simulate the engine braking of an internal combustion engine and
assist the standard brake system while recovering some of the energy of
motion and storing it in the battery to improve fuel economy. The
standard brake system is designed to fully stop the car if regenerative
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braking is not available. During regenerative braking, the motor is spun
as a generator to create electrical current. This recharges the battery
and slows the vehicle. In effect, once the accelerator pedal is released,
the motor changes from an energy user to an energy producer.
When the accelerator pedal is released or the brake pedal is applied, the
brake controller automatically detects the amount of deceleration
requested and optimizes how much of the deceleration will be produced
by regenerative braking. The remaining portion is generated by standard
friction braking. When the battery is almost fully charged, the amount of
regenerative braking is limited to avoid overcharging, and the requested
deceleration is produced by standard friction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take the place of the standard friction
brakes; it only assists them. Regenerative braking has also been designed
to interact with the anti-lock brake system. Regenerative braking is
disabled when the anti-lock brake system is activated or the battery is
fully charged.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce motor power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the motor off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Parking brakeTo set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
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WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRAC STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTrac system provides the following stability enhancement
features for certain driving situations:
• Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
• Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides
WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire.
• uneven tire wear.
• loose or worn suspension components.
• loose or worn steering components.
• improper steering alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed, your charge cord
may be plugged into the vehicle, or there may be a fault with the
associated electrical system. If this is the case, you must follow the
instructions in your instrument cluster display before your vehicle will
start.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition on
and the brake pedal pressed, it is also possible that a fuse has blown or
the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and
relays in theRoadside Emergencies chapter.
If your charge cord is not connected and there is not a fault with the
associated electrical system, the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps
are working properly, the following procedure will allow you to move the
gearshift lever from P (Park): 1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the off position and
remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar tool),
carefully pry off and remove the
passenger side access cover. Remove the
fastener, then remove the console side
panel to expose the inside of the shifter
assembly.
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3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
4. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the white brake shift
interlock lever forward while pulling
the gearshift lever out of the P
(Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
5. Reinstall the console side panel and attach the fastener.
6. Reinstall the access cover.
7. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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SINGLE SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park).
The single-speed transmission is built specifically to handle the high RPM
range that comes with an all-electric motor. P (Park)
Note:The vehicle can only be
started in P (Park).
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
• Press the brake pedal.
• Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop.
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park).
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for your vehicle. The transmission operates
in a single gear built specifically to handle the high RPM range that
comes with an all-electric motor.
L (Low)
• Provides maximum motor braking.
• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in less miles per charge.
• The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.
PRNDL
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HILL START ASSIST
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
WARNING: You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING: During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING: If the motor is revved excessively, or if a malfunction
is detected when the hill start assist feature is active, the hill
start assist feature will be deactivated.
The hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is
on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill start
assist feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for
up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you
have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and
pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the motor has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope; for example from
a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space.
The hill start assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is
stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill start assist feature
operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The
hill start assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated.
To activate hill start assist, do the following:
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically.
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If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the motor is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Excessive rocking of the vehicle may eventually cause a loss of
power as the powertrain protects against overheating or damage.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at
parking speeds. Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air brakes,
and external motors and fans may also affect the function of the
sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
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