12
ES300h_QG_OM33A56U_(U)
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (t raction battery) will not be charged. Always put
the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the
vehicle with the shift lever in D or S to avoid discharging the battery.
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration
force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or S.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or S.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move. For
safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are
not a malfunction:
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid transmission when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from th e air intake vent on rear left seat.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light go off. If there is
only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum
amount of fuel to add to make the low fuel leve l warning light go out is about 3.0 gal. [11.3 L,
2.5 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is
on a slope.)
