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EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operate
more efficiently. You will notice:
•
Less aggressive heating and cooling. •
Softer acceleration.
• More regenerative braking. •
Changes in engine behavior.
• ECO Cruise control activation. See
Cruise Control (page 214).
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)?
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Answer
Question
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?
Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver thepower you need at the most efficient engine speed. This may be
higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate
during steady state driving. These are characteristics of the 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 cooling required to maintain good performance. Maintaining
the battery temperature at optimal conditions also prolongs the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy. Do not
place objects on the package tray which could block air flow through the hybrid vehicle battery cooling vents.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear of my hybrid?
Running out of gas is not recommended. However, you may be ableto 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?
See Scheduled Maintenance (page 479).
What is the engine oil change service interval?
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Answer
Question
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, butyou 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 thevehicle 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 apower supply external to the vehicle.
Can you charge the battery with a plug into an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed without modification. SeeTowing the Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 250).
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. Flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle
can produce static electricity. This can
cause a fire if you are filling an ungrounded
fuel container. Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing
agent. WARNINGS
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
Choosing the Right Fuel Use only regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude
areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87 are
not recommended.
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note:
Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance. Do not use:
•
Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives,
including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which
is a manganese-based fuel additive, will
impair engine performance and affect the
emission control system.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly.
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However, if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
Fuel Freshness Mode (If Equipped)
This helps keep the fuel system functional
and the fuel fresh.
If you mainly use your vehicle in electric
power mode without refueling, the gasoline
in the fuel tank may become stale due to
aging. Stale gasoline can damage the
engine and fuel system.
Your vehicle automatically switches to fuel
freshness mode if you do not refuel your
vehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-month
period. Fuel freshness mode protects your
vehicle from potential engine and fuel system
damage caused by using stale fuel.
Note: If you do not add new fuel during an
18-month period, fuel freshness mode will
use fuel until approximately 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of
fuel remains in the fuel tank. During fuel freshness mode:
•
The information display will indicate fuel
freshness mode is active.
• The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.
EV Now mode will not be available.
• Most of the plug-in power will be stored
until fuel freshness mode is completed.
Note: EV Now mode resumes when less than
1.2 gal (4.5 L) of fuel remains in the fuel tank.
Note: When the fuel level is less than
one-quarter full, refueling your vehicle will
end fuel freshness mode.
Note: We recommend you use a fuel
stabilizer if you use less than a full tank of
fuel during an 18-month period.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
vehicle components.
If you have run out of fuel: •
To start the vehicle with a keyless
ignition, just start the engine. Crank time
will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the vehicle. If the
vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters) may
be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on.
Refilling With a Portable Fuel Container WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of portable
fuel containers or aftermarket funnels
into the capless fuel system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and
may cause fuel to run onto the ground
instead of filling the tank, which could result
in serious personal injury. Do not try to pry open or push open
the capless fuel system with foreign
objects. This could damage the fuel system
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Note:
Do not use aftermarket funnels; they
will not work with the capless fuel system
and can damage it. The included funnel has
been specially designed to work safely with
your vehicle. When filling the vehicle
’s fuel tank from a
portable fuel container, use the funnel
included with the vehicle. The funnel is located in the rear of the
vehicle, inside the load compartment,
underneath the load floor carpet and is
accessible from the trunk.
1. Locate the portable funnel that comes
with your vehicle. 2. Slowly insert the funnel into the capless
fuel system.
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3.
Fill the vehicle with fuel from the portable
fuel container.
4. When done, clean the funnel or properly
dispose of it. Extra funnels can be
purchased from your authorized dealer
if you choose to dispose of the funnel.
REFUELING WARNINGS
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries.
Read and follow all the instructions on
the pump island. WARNINGS
Switch off your engine when you are
refueling.
Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from fuel.
Stay outside your vehicle and do not
leave the fuel pump unattended when
refueling your vehicle. This is against the law
in some places. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.
Do not use personal electronic devices
while refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
•
Place approved fuel container on the
ground.
• Do not fill a fuel container while it is in
your vehicle (including the cargo area). •
Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container while filling.
• Do not use a device that would hold the
fuel pump handle in the fill position.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel System WARNING
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel until
the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, which could cause serious personal
injury. When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put the vehicle in position P and switch
the ignition off.
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