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GS450h_QG_OM30F38U_(U)
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
If the shift lever is in N, th e hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged even when
the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for a long period
of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle
not being able to start.
■ 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 dr iving with the shift lever in D or S.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driv ing with the shift lever in D or S.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with the
“READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, a pply the parking brake and make sure to shift
the shift lever 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.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or so ft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission wh en the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low spee ds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or
as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the both sides of the rear
seatback.
■ 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 standard amount
of fuel is about 2.6 gal. [10.0 L, 2.2 Imp.gal.] [except F SPORT models] or 2.6 gal. [9.9 L,
2.2 Imp.gal.] [F SPORT models], when the vehicl e is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is inclined.)
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GS450h_QG_OM30F38U_(U)
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve fre-
quent accelerating.
When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the
“ECO” or “ECO MODE” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode Assists acceleration response by co ntrolling the transmission and engine.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-information display, and the Hybrid
System Indicator changes to the tachometer.
•SPORT S+ mode Helps to ensure steering performance and dr iving stability by simultaneously control-
ling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid system. Suitable for sporty
driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode se lect switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.2
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