STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.376
Starting and driving
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-mission that also makes it possible to shift gearsmanually.
Certain functions can also be used when theengine is not running, depending on the ignitionmode being used.
Related information
•Starting the engine (p. 402)
•Ignition modes (p. 400)
•Automatic transmission (p. 424)
•Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 393)
•Parking brake (p. 382)
Brakes
The brake system is a hydraulic system consist-ing of two separate brake circuits. If a problemshould occur in one of these circuits, it is stillpossible to stop the vehicle with the other brakecircuit.
Brake system
If one of the brake circuits is not functioning,more pressure will be needed on the brake pedal(and the pedal will go down farther) for normalbraking effect.
If the brake pedal must be depressed fartherthan normal and requires greater foot pressure,the stopping distance will be longer.
Pressure on the brake pedal is enhanced by thepower braking function.
WARNING
If the vehicle does not have electrical currentand both the electric motor and gasolineengine are switched off, the brakes cannot beused to stop the vehicle.
When the Hill Start Assist function is being used,it will take slightly longer for the brake pedal toreturn to its normal position if the vehicle isparked on an incline or uneven surface.
When driving in very hilly areas or if the vehicle iscarrying a heavy load, using brake mode B toaugment the brakes or the Off Road* drive
mode can also be used on steep downgrades toincrease the engine braking effect at low speeds.
Anti-lock Braking System ABS
The ABS system helps to improve vehicle control(stopping and steering) during severe brakingconditions by limiting brake lockup.
When ABS is operating, there may be somevibration in the brake pedal, which is normal.
The system performs a brief self-diagnostic testwhen the engine has been started and driverreleases the brake pedal. Another automatic testmay be performed when the vehicle first reachesa speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Thebrake pedal will pulsate several times and asound may be audible from the ABS controlmodule, which is normal.
Function check when the engine is
started
A Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a "brake bywire" brake system. A function check is per-formed each time the engine is started and thedriver depresses the brake pedal to move thegear selector from P.
In certain cases, a message may appear in theinstrument panel saying that pressure on thebrake pedal is too low. Press harder on the pedal.
Light braking charges the hybrid battery
When the brakes are applied lightly, the electricmotor's braking function is used, which converts
