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.
Neutral:
We recommend that you do not idle thevehicle in neutral (N) for an extended periodof time because this will discharge your highvoltage battery, shut off your air conditioningand heating, and decrease fuel economy.The engine will not start or stop, and cannotprovide power to the hybrid system 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 engine braking.This is normal and will not damage yourvehicle. In low gear, the gas engine willremain 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 battery lifeand provides the best possible performance.The high voltage battery is cooled by cabinair drawn from vent holes in the trim panelsbehind the rear seats. Avoid placing objectsat the vent holes that block airflow to thehigh 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 without yourinput. This is intentional and maintains thebattery charge level. You may also noticeduring extended downhill driving that yourengine continues to run instead of shuttingoff.
During this engine braking, the engine stayson, but it is not using any fuel. You may alsohear a slight whine or whistle when operatingyour vehicle. This is the normal operation ofthe electric generator in the hybrid system.
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During certain events (such as vehicleservicing) your low voltage 12-volt batterymay become disconnected or disabled. Oncethe battery is reconnected and after drivingthe vehicle, the engine may continue tooperate for three to five seconds after thekey is turned to off. This is a normalcondition.
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. Aswith any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keep inmind these tips:
•Keep the tires properly inflated and onlyuse the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases the amountof energy required to move your vehicle.In general, you can achieve better fueleconomy with mild to moderateacceleration and deceleration. Moderatebraking is particularly important since itallows you to maximize the energycaptured by the regenerative brakingsystem.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready to driveimmediately after starting.
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, press theECO button.
A graphic displays on your informationdisplay when EcoSelect is on.
Your vehicle will remember the last selectedmode whenever you start your vehicle.
EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operatemore efficiently. You will notice:
•Less aggressive cooling.
•Softer acceleration.
•Increased deceleration when coasting.
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•Changes in engine behavior.•ECO cruise control activation.
HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from the rest of thevehicle when the key is off. When you switch the key on, high voltagecontactors inside the battery are closed to make the electricity avail-able to the motor and generator and enable the vehicle to drive. Theclicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open duringstart up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo area when I first turn thekey 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 forcabin 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 make surethat the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. 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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AnswerQuestion
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heatingthe cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requestsit, the engine coolant temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot.Keeping the engine on is required to maintain the correct coolanttemperature.
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 behigher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuatewhen driving at a steady speed. These are characteristics of theAtkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that helpmaximize 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 next to the high voltagebattery pack. This fan turns on when the battery requires cooling air.The fan speed, and associated noise level, will change according tothe amount of cooling required to maintain good performance. Main-taining the battery temperature at optimal conditions also prolongsthe useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear of my hybrid?
Change the engine oil every 10,000 mi (16,000 km) or once per yearunder normal operating conditions.What is the engine oil change service interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, butyou may notice slightly reduced fuel economy because ethanolcontains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fueleconomy?
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AnswerQuestion
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 (page 258).Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home with all four wheels down?
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If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II may nothave symptoms that are apparent, continueddriving with the service engine soon indicatoron can result in increased emissions, lowerfuel economy, reduced engine andtransmission smoothness and lead to morecostly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs toinspect the emission control equipment onyour vehicle. Failure to pass this inspectioncould prevent you from getting a vehicleregistration.
If the service engine soon indicatoris on or the bulb does not work,your vehicle may need service.See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if theservice engine soon indicator is on or notworking properly (bulb is burned out), or ifthe OBD-II system has determined that someof the emission control systems have notbeen properly checked. In this case, thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
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 the vehicleis not ready for I/M testing. To determine ifthe vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn theignition key to the on position for 15 secondswithout cranking the engine. If the serviceengine soon indicator blinks eight times, itmeans that the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting; if the service engine soon indicatorstays on solid, it means that your vehicle isready for 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, youcan perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highway driving:
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 least eighthours with the ignition off. Then, start thevehicle and complete the above drivingcycle. The vehicle must warm up to itsnormal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the vehicle untilthe above driving cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,you need to repeat the above driving cycle.
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Engine Emission Control
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: This battery pack shouldonly be serviced by an authorized electricvehicle technician. Improper handling canresult in personal injury or death.
Note:The high-voltage battery does notrequire regular service maintenance.
Your vehicle consists of various high-voltagecomponents and wiring. All of thehigh-voltage power flows through specificwiring assemblies which are labeled as suchor are covered with a solid orange convolute,or orange striped tape, or both. Do not comein contact with these components.
The high-voltage battery system is ahigh-voltage, lithium-ion battery system. Thepack is located in the rear cargo area. Thehigh-voltage battery system uses an aircooled system to regulate the high-voltagebattery temperature and help maximizehigh-voltage battery life.
Note:The high-voltage battery is equippedwith air vents in the package tray that helpto regulate its temperature. It is important tokeep these openings free of obstructions.Do not block the flow of cabin air to thisarea.
HIGH-VOLTAGE SERVICEDISCONNECT
The high-voltage service disconnect shutsoff power from the high-voltage battery.
Note:There is a disconnect circuit in yourvehicle. Disconnecting the circuit disablesthe high-voltage battery.
To disable the battery and stop allhigh-voltage electric activity in your vehicle,access the high-voltage disconnect circuit.
The high-voltage service disconnect islocated behind the rear fold down seats.
Note:The service disconnect has an outerlever to aid in the proper seating of theservice disconnect lever. Remove this todisconnect the high-voltage servicedisconnect.
Disabling the High-Voltage Battery
1. Fold down the rear seats.
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2. Locate the access door and remove theplastic cover.
3. Pull the outer cover off to expose theservice disconnect cover.
4. Slide the handle on the servicedisconnect outboard to the right.
5. Pull the handle toward you and removethe circuit from the vehicle to disable thehigh-voltage battery.
Reactivating the High-Voltage Battery
Note:If you have manually disconnectedyour high-voltage shut off circuit you willneed to reconnect the circuit before it canbe reactivated. The vehicle detects if theelectrical system is safe and thenreactivates.
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CUT-
OFF SWITCH
The high-voltage shut off operation shuts offpower from the high-voltage battery after acollision, or if your vehicle receives asubstantial physical jolt.
1. Press the START/STOP button to turnignition 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 to twomore 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 the START/STOPbutton.
Note:In the event your vehicle does notreactivate after the third key cycle, contactan authorized dealer.
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