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 running but isnot moving.
•On: All electrical circuits are operationaland the warning lamps and indicatorsilluminate.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button once.
•Start: Starts the vehicle. The engine maynot start when the vehicle starts.
•Press the brake pedal, and then pressthe button until the vehicle starts. Anindicator light on the buttonilluminates when the ignition is onand when the vehicle starts.
STARTING A HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE SYSTEM
When the engine starts for the first time onyour drive, the idle speed increases, thishelps to warm up the engine. If the engineidle speed does not slow down automatically,have your vehicle checked by an authorizeddealer.
Note: You can crank the engine for a totalof 60 seconds without the engine startingbefore the starting system temporarilydisables. The 60 seconds does not have tobe all at once. For example, if you crank theengine three times for 20 seconds each time,without the engine starting, you reached the60-second time limit. A message appearsin the information display alerting you thatyou exceeded the cranking time. Youcannot attempt to start the engine for atleast 15 minutes.
Note: After 15 minutes, you are limited to a15-second engine cranking time. You needto wait 60 minutes before you can crank theengine for 60 seconds again.
Before starting your vehicle, check thefollowing:
•Make sure all occupants have fastenedtheir seatbelts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electricalaccessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Put the transmission in P.
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
Note:The green ready indicator illuminatesletting you know that your vehicle is readyfor driving. Since your vehicle is equippedwith a silent key start, the engine may notstart when your vehicle starts. See HybridVehicle Operation (page 171).
The system does not function if:
•The key frequencies are jammed.
•The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do thefollowing:
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Starting and Stopping the Engine
Every time you select a gear, the selectedbutton lights up. You also see the gearselected appear in the instrument cluster.
Understanding the Positions of yourElectronic Transmission
Note:Always come to a complete stopbefore putting your vehicle into and out ofpark (P).
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the button on theinstrument panel of the gear you want toselect.
3. The gear shift button you selectilluminates and the instrument clustershows the selected gear.
4. Release the brake pedal and yourtransmission remains in the selectedgear.
Note:If the driver attempts to leave thevehicle when it is in gear, the vehicleautomatically shifts into park (P). Seatbeltand door monitors determine the driver'sintent and makes the shift for you. Duringthis time a Transmission not in Parkmessage appears in the display screen,prompting the driver to make the shift. Toput the vehicle in gear with the door openperform steps 1-4. See the Automatic Returnto Park section in this chapter for moreinformation on this feature.
Note:To put your vehicle in gear with thedoor open, perform steps 1-4. See theAutomatic Return to Park section in thischapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the front wheels from turning.Always come to a complete stop beforeputting your vehicle into and out of park (P).An audible chime sounds when park (P) ismanually selected.
When you turn the ignition off, your vehicleautomatically shifts into park (P). If you turnthe ignition off when your vehicle is moving,it first shifts into neutral (N) until a slowenough speed is reached. Your vehicle thenshifts into park (P) automatically.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:This feature does not operate whenyour vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode orneutral tow.
Your vehicle has a safety feature thatautomatically shifts your vehicle into park (P)when any of the following circumstances aremet:
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2. Locate your brake-shift interlock accessslot. The slot is located near the centerconsole. The access slot does not havea label.
Note:Make sure that you correctly identifythe access hole as not to damage the mediahub.
3. Using a tool, press and hold the brakeshift interlock switch. The shift buttonson the instrument panel flash when yourvehicle is in override mode.
4. With the override switch still held, pressthe neutral button (N) to shift from park.
5. Release the override button.
6. Your vehicle remains in Stay in Neutralmode for wrecker towing purposes orcan be shifted to the desired gear anddriven (if possible).
7. Release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
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 more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may be able to rock it out by shiftingbetween forward and reverse gears,stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 321).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 104).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you rapidly brakeby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal.Brake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lockbraking system may be disabled. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe anti-lock brake system is disabled,normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have your systemchecked by an authorized dealer. It alsoilluminates momentarily when you switch theignition on to confirm the lamp is functional.If it does not illuminate when you switch theignition on or begins to flash at any time,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
Note:The brake warning lamp mayilluminate and stay illuminated until youswitch off your vehicle as a result of drivingat high elevation.
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Automatically Releasing the ElectricParking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull away ina normal manner.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the electricparking brake has not released. Manuallyrelease the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake ifthe Vehicle Battery is Running Out ofCharge
Connect a booster battery to the vehiclebattery to release the electric parking brakeif the vehicle battery is running out of charge.See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page 264).
AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When you leaveyour vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
WARNING: You must remain in yourvehicle when the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required. Failure to take caremay result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turn off ifa malfunction is apparent. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brakes to holdyour vehicle at a stop once your vehicle hasreached a standstill condition. For example,Auto Hold can assist you while stopping attraffic lights or while in traffic jams by holdingthe brake pressure for you once you bringyour vehicle to a stop.
Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailertowing.
Note:In case of a malfunction in the systemwhile Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle(for example, low power supply), a messageappears in the information display askingyou to press the brake pedal. If you see thismessage, press the brake pedalimmediately.
Note:Auto Hold only activates if the systemrecognizes it is applying enough brakepressure. On a steep hill or incline, you mayneed to make sure the brake pedal ispressed sufficiently to activate the Auto Holdsystem.
Note:In some cases, Auto Hold might handover to the parking brake. When the parkingbrake automatically applies, the red brakelamp appears. This is normal. When youpress the accelerator pedal, the drive awayrelease feature automatically releases theparking brake.
Note:Auto Hold works on all road grades.
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Press the Auto Hold button to switch thesystem on and off. The Auto Hold indicatorlight illuminates in the Auto Hold buttonwhen the system is on.
Note:You can only switch Auto Hold on ifyou close the door and fasten your seatbelt.
Note:Auto Hold is last remembered afterignition. Auto Hold also suppresses while inReverse (R).
When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behavesthe same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.
There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in theinstrument cluster that has two modes, activeand unavailable:
The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlight illuminates in the informationdisplay when the system holdsyour vehicle stationary. When in active mode,press the brake pedal and the Auto Holdbutton to switch Auto Hold off.
The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE)indicator light illuminates in theinformation display when thesystem is on but unavailable to hold yourvehicle (for example, during Active ParkAssist, Stay in Neutral Mode, or when youdo not fasten your seatbelt or close thedoor).
Note:Make sure you switch off Auto Holdor use the Stay in Neutral mode before youenter a car wash. See AutomaticTransmission (page 191).
Using Auto Hold
1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressingthe brake pedal. After coming to a stop,the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlamp illuminates in the informationdisplay.
2.Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold(ACTIVE) indicator light remainsilluminated in the information display andAuto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.
3. When you press the accelerator pedal,Auto Hold releases the brakes and youwill be able to drive off. Once you driveoff, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE)indicator no longer illuminates in theinformation display.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and tractioncontrol light illuminates steadily if the systemdetects a failure. Make sure you did notmanually disable the traction control systemusing the information display controls or theswitch. If the stability control and traction
control light is still illuminating steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle with thetraction control disabled could lead to anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 110).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control