HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
This hybrid vehicle combines electric
and gasoline propulsion to provide
performance and efficiency. It requires
no special fuels and you never have
to plug it in.
Note:
You may notice higher engine
speeds upon start-up. This temporary
condition is normal and necessary to
heat up the cabin and minimize
emissions. Starting: Switch the ignition
on while your transmission
selector is in position P. The
green ready indicator light will appear
in the instrument cluster, letting you
know that the vehicle is ready for
driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key
start. This fuel saving feature allows
your vehicle to be ready to drive
without requiring the gas engine to be
running. This indicator will remain on
while the vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not to indicate the
vehicle is capable of movement (using
its electric motor, engine, or both).
Typically, the engine will not start
unless the vehicle is cold, you make a
climate control change, or you press
the accelerator. Driving:
The gas engine
automatically starts and stops to
provide power when needed and to
save fuel when not needed. While
coasting at low speeds, coming to a
stop, or standing, the gas engine
normally shuts down and the vehicle
operates in electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine
to start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137
km/h) However, the maximum
speed for electric –only operation
may be lower while driving in hot
temperatures or on hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill
• Charge level of high voltage
battery is low
• Very high or low outside
temperature (to provide system
cooling or heating)
• Engine not warm enough to
provide passenger requested cabin
temperature.
Stopping:
The gas engine may shut
off to conserve fuel as you come to a
stop. Restarting the vehicle is not
required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to
drive.
Transmission Operation: Due to the
technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel
shift changes like those of a
non-hybrid vehicle.
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Note:
Since engine speed is controlled
by the transmission, it may seem
elevated at times. This is normal hybrid
operation and helps deliver fuel
efficiency and performance.
Neutral: It is not recommended to
idle the vehicle in position N for an
extended period of time because this
will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy.
The engine will not start, and cannot
provide power to the hybrid system in
position
N.
Low Gear:
Low gear (position L) is
designed to mimic the enhanced
engine braking available in non-hybrid
vehicles. Low gear will produce high
engine speeds to provide necessary
engine braking. This is normal and will
not damage your vehicle. In low gear,
the gas engine will remain on more
often than in position
D.
Unique Hybrid Operating
Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently
compared to a non-hybrid. Here is a
description of the major differences:
Battery: Your Hybrid is equipped with
a high voltage battery. A cool battery
ensures battery life and provides the
best possible performance. Your
hybrid high voltage battery may
periodically re-condition itself to
ensure maximum efficiency. You may
notice slight changes in driveability
during this process, but it is an
important part of your hybrid's high
voltage battery optimization features. Cabin air cools the high voltage
battery by pulling air through vents in
the rear package tray. Avoid placing
objects on the package tray which
could block air flow through the vents.
If you leave your vehicle inoperative
for over 31 days, it may be necessary
to jumpstart the vehicle. See
Roadside Emergencies
(page 250).
Engine:
The engine speed in your
hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle's engine
and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may
reach high engine speeds (up to 6000
RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you
may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is
intentional and maintains the battery
charge level. You may also notice
during extended downhill driving that
your engine continues to run instead
of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine
stays on, but it is not using any fuel.
You may also hear a slight whine or
whistle when operating your vehicle.
This is the normal operation of the
electric generator in the hybrid
system.
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During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt
battery may become disconnected or
disabled. Once the battery is
reconnected and after driving the
vehicle, the engine may continue to
operate for three to five seconds after
the key is turned to off. This is a
normal condition.
Braking: Your hybrid is equipped with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative
braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake
energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Note:
Having your engine running is
not always an indication of inefficiency.
In some cases, it is actually more
efficient than driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in
period. As with any vehicle, your
driving habits and accessory usage
can significantly impact your fuel
economy. For best results, keep in
mind these tips: •
Keep the tires properly inflated and
only use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, you can
achieve better fuel economy with
mild to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative
braking system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled
maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your
engine to warm up. The vehicle is
ready to drive immediately after
starting.
EV+ Mode
Your vehicle will recognize your
frequent destinations and allow for
more EV driving as you approach
them. For example, when nearing your
home it should be easier to stay in
electric mode. The EV indicator will
display EV+ when this mode is active.
You should see this about 1/8 mile
(200 meters) from a frequent
destination. See Information
Displays (page 103).
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Note:
Frequent destinations are
learned by your vehicle after two to
four weeks of use. You can clear these
destinations with a Driving History reset
through the Settings menu. Note:
The EV+ feature can be turned
on or off through the Driver Assist
section of the Settings menu.
Frequently asked questions Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electricallyisolated from the rest of the vehicle
when the key is off. When you turn the key to on, high voltage contactors
inside the battery are closed to make
the electricity available to the motor/ generator and enable the vehicle to
drive. The clicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the
cargo area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine
if an engine start is required at key-on.Silent key start will start the engine if
it is necessary for cabin heating, wind- shield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start
at key-on?
There are several reasons the enginestays on for an extended amount of time when you first start it. One
common reason is to ensure that the emissions components are warm
enough to minimize tailpipe emissions.
As the climate gets cooler, this engine- on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before
the engine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on above
this speed to protect the transmissionhardware.
Why does my engine never shut down
above 85 mph (137 km/h)?
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Answer
Question
In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating the cabin or defrosting the windshield as
soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine on is required to maintain the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it
is extremely cold outside?
Your vehicle's engine and transmissionare designed to deliver the power you need at the most efficient enginespeed. This may be higher than
expected during heavy accelerations,
and may fluctuate during steady state driving. These are characteristics ofthe Atkinson engine cycle and the
transmission technology that help
maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high
sometimes when I accelerate?
The fan noise comes from a fan
located outside the high voltage
battery. This fan turns on when the
battery requires cooling air. The fan
speed, and associated noise level, will change according to the amount of
What is the fan noise I hear from the
rear of my hybrid?
cooling required to maintain good
performance. Maintaining the battery temperature at optimal conditionsalso prolongs the useful life of the
battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy.
Running out of gas is not recom-
mended. However, you may be able to go about one mile, driving at 30 mph
(48 km/h), if the battery has a normal state of charge.
How far can I go in Electric Drive if I run
out of gas?
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Answer
Question
Change the engine oil every 10000
miles (16000 km) under normal oper- ating conditions. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 444).
What is the engine oil change service
interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel
economy because ethanol contains
less energy per gallon than gasoline.
Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and
how will it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is
designed to last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery
last? Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging
the high voltage battery from a power supply external to the vehicle.
Can you charge the battery with a plug
into an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flattowed without modification. See Towing
(page 244).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor
home with all four wheels down?
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The
pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel
spray and fire. The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing
sound near the fuel filler door (Easy
Fuel capless fuel system), do not
refuel until the sound stops.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which
could cause serious personal injury. Automotive fuels can cause
serious injury or death if misused
or mishandled. The flow of fuel through a fuel
pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if
fuel is pumped into an ungrounded
fuel container. Fuel ethanol and gasoline may
contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent. When refueling always shut the
engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler
neck. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is
extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Avoid inhaling excess
fumes. Observe the following guidelines
when handling automotive fuel: •
Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
refueling your vehicle.
• Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no symptoms
are immediately apparent. The
toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling
too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing
of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your
eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn),
flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to
seek proper medical attention
could lead to permanent injury.
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•
Fuels can also be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. If fuel
is splashed on the skin, clothing or
both, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and wash
skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact with fuel liquid or vapor
causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are
taking “Antabuse ” or other forms
of disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism. Breathing gasoline
vapors, or skin contact could cause
an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury
or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly
wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician
immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
FUEL QUALITY
Note: We recommend that you use
only high quality fuel without additives
or other engine treatments.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Note: Use of any fuel other than those
recommended may cause powertrain
damage, a loss of vehicle performance
and repairs may not be covered under
warranty. If your vehicle is not a flexible fuel
vehicle, then only use unleaded fuel
or unleaded fuel blended with a
maximum of 15% ethanol. Do not use
fuel ethanol (E85), diesel fuel, fuel
methanol, leaded fuel or any other
fuel because it could damage or
impair the emission control system.
The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by
law.
Your vehicle was not designed to use
fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including
manganese-based additives.
Octane Recommendations
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some fuel stations
offer fuels posted as regular with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in
high altitude areas. Fuels with octane
levels below 87 are not
recommended. Premium fuel will
provide improved performance and is
recommended for severe duty use
such as trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily while you are using
fuel with the recommended octane
rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect
on vehicle components.
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