You can stop the shutdown, or reset thetimer, at any point before the 30-secondcountdown has expired by doing any of thefollowing:
•Interacting with your vehicle, forexample pressing the brake oraccelerator pedal.
•Disabling the shutdown using theinformation display. See InformationDisplays (page 92).
•Pressing the OK or RESET buttonduring the 30-second countdown.
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Starting and Stopping the Engine
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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Unique Driving Characteristics
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 General Information (page92).
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 143).
ECOSELECT
EcoSelect is a drive mode for non plug-invehicles designed to offer the best possiblefuel economy with tradeoffs in vehicleperformance 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 cooling.
•Softer acceleration.
•Increased deceleration when coasting.
•Changes in engine behavior.
•ECO cruise control activation.
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2. Poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 145).
4. Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixed city andhighway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, your vehicle may needservice. See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without crankingthe engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that your vehicle is readyfor I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,you can perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at leasteight hours with the ignition off. Then,start the vehicle and complete theabove driving cycle. The vehicle mustwarm up to its normal operatingtemperature. Once started, do not turnoff the vehicle until the above drivingcycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/Mtesting, you need to repeat the abovedriving cycle.
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Fuel and Refueling
Disconnecting the ChargingCoupler
Note:Do not pull the wall plug from thewall while the vehicle is charging. Doing somay damage the outlet and the cord.
1. Remove the lock from the chargingcoupler button.
2. Press the button on the chargingcoupler.
3. While holding the button, remove thecharging coupler from the charge portreceptacle on your vehicle.
4.Close the charge port door by pressingthe indentation on the charge portdoor. Continue pressing the indentationwhile the door rotatescounterclockwise and closes.
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CUT-
OFF SWITCH
The high-voltage shut off operation shutsoff power from the high-voltage batteryafter a collision, or if your vehicle receivesa substantial physical jolt.
To reactivate your vehicle after eitherevent, perform the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3.If your vehicle is not powered after thissequence, repeat steps 1 and 2 up totwo more times.
For vehicles equipped with a push buttonstart system:
1. Press the START/STOP button toturn ignition off.
2. Press the brake pedal and press theSTART/STOP button.
3.If your vehicle is not powered after thissequence, repeat steps 1 and 2 up totwo more times.
Note:During this process, your vehicle willdetect if the electrical system is safe andreactivate. Once your vehicle determinesthe electrical system safe, you can start yourvehicle as you would normally by eitherturning the ignition key or by pressing thebrake in combination with theSTART/STOP button.
Note:In the event your vehicle does notreactivate after the third key cycle, contactan authorized dealer.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always apply the parking brake fullyand make sure you shift into park (P).Switch the ignition off and removethe key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneouslyfor more than a few seconds will limitengine performance, which may result indifficulty maintaining speed in traffic andcould lead to serious injury.
Note:Do not leave your vehicle with thetransmission in neutral (N). Leaving yourvehicle with the transmission in neutral (N)will drain the battery and you may not beable to start your vehicle.
Understanding the Shift Positionsof your Automatic Transmission
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever to the desiredgear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in park (P).
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the front wheels from turning.Come to a complete stop before puttingyour vehicle into and out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), yourvehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), yourvehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy.
Low (L)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•The transmission may be shifted intolow (L) at any vehicle speed.
•Is not intended for use under extendedor normal driving conditions and resultsin lower fuel economy.
Grade assist:
Press the transmission control switch onthe side of the gearshift lever to activategrade assist.
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2. Using a screwdriver or similar tool,depress the brake shift interlockoverride until the blocker moves.
3. Move the transmission selector frompark (P) to neutral (N).
4. Install the shifter boot.
5.Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicleand release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur, or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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