Frequently asked questions
Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated 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 avail-
able 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 requiredat key-on. Silent key start will start the engine if it is necessary for
cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start at key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stays on for an extended amountof 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 thetransmission hardware.
Why does my engine never shut down above 85 mph (137 km/h)?
In order to ensure that the climate control system can begin heatingthe 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?
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics
