GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS
Extended idling at high enginespeeds can produce very hightemperatures in the engine andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire orother damage.
Do not park, idle or drive your vehicleon dry grass or other dry groundcover. The emission system heats upthe engine compartment and exhaustsystem, creating the risk of fire.
Do not start the vehicle in a closedgarage or in other enclosed areas.Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Alwaysopen the garage door before you start thevehicle.
If you smell exhaust fumes insideyour vehicle, have your vehiclechecked by an authorized dealerimmediately. Do not drive your vehicle ifyou smell exhaust fumes.
If you disconnect the battery, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics for approximately 5 miles(8 kilometers) after you reconnect it. Thisis because the engine management systemmust realign itself with the engine. You candisregard any unusual drivingcharacteristics during this period.
The powertrain control system meets allCanadian interference-causing equipmentstandard requirements regulating theimpulse electrical field or radio noise.
When you start the vehicle, avoid pressingthe accelerator pedal before and duringoperation. Only use the accelerator pedalwhen you have difficulty starting thevehicle.
IGNITION SWITCH
0 (off) - The ignition is off.
Note:When you switch the ignition off andleave your vehicle, do not leave your key inthe ignition. This could cause your vehiclebattery to lose charge.
I (accessory) - Allows the electricalaccessories, such as the radio, to operatewhile the engine is not running.
Note:Do not leave the ignition key in thisposition for too long. This could cause yourvehicle battery to lose charge.
II (on) - All electrical circuits areoperational and the warning lamps andindicators illuminate.
III (start) - starts the vehicle into Ready toDrive mode (indicated by the green "Readyto Drive" icon on the instrument cluster).
KEYLESS STARTING (If Equipped)
Note:The keyless starting system may notfunction if the key is close to metal objectsor electronic devices such as cellularphones.
Note:A valid key must be located insideyour vehicle to switch the ignition on andstart the vehicle.
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Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has threemodes:
•Off: Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button oncewhen the ignition is in the on mode,or when the vehicle is on but notmoving.
•On: All electrical circuits areoperational and the warning lamps andindicators illuminate.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button once.
•Start: Starts the vehicle into Ready toDrive mode (indicated by the green"Ready to Drive" icon on the instrumentcluster). The engine may not startwhen the vehicle starts.
•Press the brake pedal, and thenpress the button until the vehicleturns on.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When the engine starts for the first timeon your drive, the idle speed increases, thishelps to warm up the engine. If the engineidle speed does not slow downautomatically, have your vehicle checkedby an authorized dealer.
Before starting the vehicle, check thefollowing:
•Make sure all occupants have fastenedtheir safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps andelectrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Move the transmission selector leverto position P.
•Turn the ignition key to position II. Ifyour vehicle is equipped with a keylessignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position III to start thevehicle. Release the key when thevehicle starts.
Note:Cranking may last for up to 15seconds, or until the vehicle starts.
Note:If you cannot start the vehicle on thefirst try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric andgasoline propulsion to providebreakthrough performance and improvedefficiency.
Familiarizing yourself with these uniquecharacteristics will provide an optimaldriving experience from your new vehicle.
Note:You may notice higher engine speedsupon start-up. This temporary condition isnormal and necessary to heat up the cabinand minimize emissions.
Starting:
When you start your vehicle, agreen ready indicator light willappear in the lower right portionof the instrument cluster and a ready todrive message will appear in the middle ofthe left cluster screen, letting you knowthat your vehicle is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because thisvehicle is equipped with silent key start.This fuel saving feature allows your vehicleto be ready–to–drive without requiring thegas engine to be running. This indicator willremain on while your vehicle is on, whetherthe engine is running or not to indicate yourvehicle is capable of movement (using itselectric motor, engine, or both). Typically,the engine will not start unless the vehicleis cold, a climate control change isrequested, or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically starts andstops to provide power when needed andto save fuel when not needed. Whilecoasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,or standing, the gas engine normally shutsdown and your vehicle operates inelectric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine tostart up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•Vehicle speed above 85 mph(137 km/h). However, the maximumspeed for electric-only operation maybe lower while driving in hottemperatures or on hilly terrain.
•Ascending a hill.
•Charge level of high voltage battery islow.
•Very high or low outside temperature(to provide system cooling or heating).For Energi vehicles, climate controldemands by passengers may notdirectly cause the engine to run. Thisonly occurs when the high voltagebattery charge is low, or if the outsidetemperature is cold enough to requirethe engine to provide additional heatfor the cabin.
•Engine not warm enough to providepassenger requested cabintemperature.
Stopping:
The gas engine may shut off to conservefuel as you come to a stop. Restarting yourvehicle is not required. Simply step on theaccelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the technologically advanced,electronically-controlled continuouslyvariable transaxle, you will not feel shiftchanges like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note:Since engine speed is controlled bythe transmission, it may seem elevated attimes. This is normal hybrid operation andhelps deliver fuel efficiency andperformance.
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Neutral:
It is not recommended to idle the vehiclein neutral (N) for an extended period oftime because this will discharge your highvoltage battery and decrease fueleconomy. The engine will not start or stop,and cannot provide power to the hybridsystem in neutral (N).
Low:
Low (L) is designed to mimic the enhancedengine braking available in non-hybridvehicles. Low gear will produce high enginespeeds to provide necessary enginebraking. This is normal and will not damageyour vehicle. In low gear, the gas enginewill remain on more often than in drive (D).
Reverse:
In reverse (R), vehicle speed is limited to22 mph (35 km/h).
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltagebattery. A cool battery maintains batterylife and provides the best possibleperformance. The high voltage battery iscooled by cabin air drawn from vent holesin the trim panels behind the rear seats.Avoid placing objects at the vent holes thatblock airflow to the high voltage battery.
Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid is notdirectly tied to your vehicle speed. Yourvehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. Duringheavy accelerations, your hybrid may reachhigh engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you maysee the engine speed changing withoutyour input. This is intentional and maintainsthe battery charge level. You may alsonotice during extended downhill drivingthat your engine continues to run insteadof shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stayson, but it is not using any fuel. You may alsohear a slight whine or whistle whenoperating your vehicle. This is the normaloperation of the electric generator in thehybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicleservicing) your low voltage 12-volt batterymay become disconnected or disabled.Once the battery is reconnected and afterdriving the vehicle, the engine maycontinue to operate for three to fiveseconds after the key is turned to off. Thisis a normal condition.
Braking:
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in your high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepin mind these tips:
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•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
EV+ Mode
Your vehicle will recognize your frequentdestinations and allow for more EV drivingas you approach them. For example, whennearing your home it should be easier tostay in electric mode. The EV indicator willdisplay EV+ when this mode is active. Youshould see this approximately 1/8 mile(200 meters) from a frequent destination.See Information Displays (page 93).
Note:Frequent destinations are learned byyour vehicle after two to four weeks of use.To add a destination immediately, performthe following process: cycle the ignition onfor 2 seconds, but do not start your vehicle,then off for 2 seconds. Repeat the process10 times. This location is now programmedfor EV+. You can clear these destinationswith a Driving History reset through theSettings menu.
Note:You can switch the EV+ feature onor off through the Driver Assist section ofthe Settings menu.
PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION
Plug-in Power Mode and HybridMode
You must plug in your Energi vehicleregularly for optimal use of the highvoltage battery's extended rangecapability. Charging your vehicle addselectrical energy. This energy is used topropel the vehicle in plug-in power mode.
Estimated electric range is shown in bluenext to gasoline range at the bottom of theright information display. You can alsoconfigure MyView to include detailedvehicle range information. See Gauges(page 85).
The system maximizes the use ofelectric-only operation in plug-in powermode. System conditions may requireengine operation; however, the systemuses plug-in power whenever possible.
When your plug-in power is depleted, thepowertrain system will automaticallyswitch to hybrid mode. Your battery gaugewill transition to a simple battery graphicupon entering hybrid mode. Hybrid modeuses both the gasoline engine and electricmotor to power your vehicle and maximizefuel economy.
EV Modes
Your vehicle contains selectableEV modes through the EV buttonlocated on the center of theinstrument panel, below the climatecontrols.
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These modes are available when yourvehicle can run under high voltage batterypower. With your vehicle in driving mode,you can change EV modes with each pressof the EV button. The current mode will bedisplayed in the left-hand instrumentcluster screen.
Auto EV
This mode provides anautomatic use of high voltagebattery power during the drive,staying in electric mode when possible andrunning the engine when needed. Thismode will be the only one available if theplug-in power has been depleted.
EV Now
This mode provides an electriconly driving experience. Theleft-hand information displaychanges to a screen displaying youraverage miles or kilometers per chargealong with EV specific tools and functions.
Your vehicle may accelerate more slowlyand the top speed may be lower in EV Nowmode than in Auto EV mode.
You can enable your engine at any time byusing one of the following methods:
1.Press the OK button on the left 5–waysteering wheel control while viewingthe miles or kilometers per chargescreen. Your vehicle will enable theengine as needed, and willautomatically return to EV Now aftereight seconds or when the engine is nolonger needed.
2.Press the accelerator pedal fully. A popup message will appear. Press OK onthe left-hand steering wheel button toactivate as needed. The message willdisappear if you release the acceleratorpedal.
3. Press the EV button. This will changethe mode to EV Later and permitengine operation.
Your vehicle may automatically enterEngine Enabled mode if system conditionsrequire it. A engine enabled message willdisplay if this occurs. This is normalfunction, and your vehicle will return to EVNow when possible.
Your vehicle may enter Enable Enginemode if the climate control is in a defrostmode and the outside temperature is cold.A engine enabled message will display ifthis occurs. If defrost is not needed, selecta different climate control mode to permitEV Now.
When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icondisplays in the left-hand informationdisplay. If your vehicle is in the EngineEnabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when thePlug in power has been depleted.
EV Later
This mode saves most of thehigh voltage battery plug inpower for future use (forexample, your initial drive is at high speedson open roads, but later your drive will beat low speeds in an urban area whereplug-in power usage is most efficient).Your vehicle will run the engine as neededand keep most of the high voltage batteryplug in power for later use in Auto Mode orEV Now mode.
When you enable EV Later, a white EVLater icon appears on the left-handinformation display.
The EV Later mode will automatically resetto EV Auto mode when you power yourvehicle off. You may press the EV buttontwice during the next drive to return to EVLater mode, if desired.
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ECO Cruise
Note:ECO Cruise is available as a separatefeature on Energi vehicles only. On nonplug-in vehicles it is included in EcoSelect.
This feature saves vehicle energy byrelaxing acceleration compared tostandard cruise control. For example, yourvehicle may temporarily lose speed whengoing uphill. When set to on, ECO appearsin the information display when cruisecontrol is on.
You can switch it on or off in through theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 93).
Settings
ECO CruiseDriver Assist
Low Engine Use
The low engine use mode is equipped onEnergi models only. The Low Engine Usemode maintains proper engine lubricationat sufficient temperature, and will activateautomatically when you drive your vehiclewith limited engine operation. When yourvehicle is in low engine use mode, yourvehicle will automatically run the engineas necessary.
Note:If your vehicle is in low engine usemode when you start your vehicle, amessage will appear in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages (page101).
If you select the EV Now mode while thevehicle is in the low engine use mode, EVNow mode will be suspended for as longas you are in low engine use mode. The lowengine use mode will resume the next timeyou start your vehicle and willautomatically stop when no longer needed.
Note:Cold temperatures will affect theengine warm up time and the low engineuse mode may operate more frequently.
Note:An oil change is not required but givesyou the option of not running a low engineuse cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoringsystem will suspend the low engine usemode.
Fuel Freshness
See Fuel Quality (page 144).
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ECOSELECT
EcoSelect is a drive mode for non-pluginvehicles designed to offer the best possiblefuel economy with only a slight impact tovehicle performance and comfort.
To switch EcoSelect on, pressthe ECO button.
A graphic displays on your informationdisplay when EcoSelect is on.
Your vehicle will remember the lastselected mode whenever you start yourvehicle.
EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operatemore efficiently. You will notice:
•Less aggressive heating and cooling.
•Softer acceleration.
•More regenerative braking.
•Changes in engine behavior.
•ECO cruise control activation.
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