
HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
- 3.3L, HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (HEV)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics provides an optimal
driving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
and a ready to drive message appears,
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. The indicator remains
on when your vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement using the
electric motor, gas engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control
change is requested or you press the
accelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine starts and stops to provide
power when needed and to save fuel when
not needed. When coasting at low speeds,
coming to a stop, or standing, the gas
engine normally shuts down and your
vehicle operates in electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Climbing a hill. •
Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• High or low outside temperatures to
provide system heating or cooling.
• Engine is not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes could cause
the engine to run.
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) could cause the
engine to run.
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. You do not
need to restart your vehicle. Simply step
on the accelerator when you are ready to
drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid
operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency
and performance.
Battery
Your hybrid has a high voltage battery. A
cool battery maintains battery life and
provides the best possible performance.
The vehicle's air conditioning system cools
the high voltage battery. When the air
conditioning system is on, you may notice
a slight increase in air temperature coming
from the climate control vents while the
battery is cooling. You may also notice cool
air flowing from the vents when the air
conditioning or blower is off.
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HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - 3.3L,
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when the
key is off. When you switch the key on, high voltage contactors inside the battery are
closed to make the electricity available to the motor and 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 required at key-on. Silent keystart will start the engine if it is necessaryfor 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 stayson for an extended amount of time when
you first start it. One common reason is to
make sure 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?
In order to make sure that the climate
control system can begin heating the 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 main- tain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
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Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if
the service engine soon indicator is on or
not working properly (bulb is burned out),
or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this
case, the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing.
If the vehicle
’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M
testing, turn the ignition key to the on
position for 15 seconds without cranking
the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that your vehicle is ready
for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,
you can perform the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway
driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway or highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight hours with the ignition off. Then,
start the vehicle and complete the
above driving cycle. The vehicle must
warm up to its normal operating
temperature. Once started, do not turn
off the vehicle until the 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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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: This battery pack
should only be serviced by an authorized
electric vehicle technician. Improper
handling can result in personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you open the hood or have any service
or repair work completed. If you do not
switch the ignition off, the engine could
restart at any time. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not touch the
electronic ignition system parts after you
have switched the ignition on or when
the engine is running. The system
operates at high voltage. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in
serious personal injury or death. WARNING:
Keep your hands and
clothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Your vehicle consists of various
high-voltage components and wiring. All
of the high-voltage power flows through
specific wiring assemblies labeled as such
or covered with a solid orange convolute,
or orange striped tape, or both. Do not
come in contact with these components.
The high-voltage battery system is a
high-voltage, lithium-ion battery system.
The pack is located underneath the vehicle.
The high voltage battery system uses an
advanced active liquid heating and cooling
system to regulate high voltage battery
temperature and help maximize the life of
the high voltage battery. Note:
The high-voltage battery does not
require regular service maintenance.
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(If Equipped)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift
into park (P). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not apply the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals
simultaneously for more than a few
seconds will limit engine performance,
which may result in difficulty maintaining
speed in traffic and could lead to serious
injury.
Note: You may not be able to shift out of
park (P) unless the intelligent access key is
inside your vehicle.
Understanding Your Transmission
Selector Positions
Your vehicle has an electronic transmission
shifter. The transmission selector is on the
center console. Park.
P
Reverse.
R
Neutral.
N
Drive.
D
Manual.
M
LowL
The instrument cluster displays the current
gear.
Note: Your vehicle could come with low (L)
or manual (M) in the center of the selector
depending on trim level.
Park (P)
With the transmission in park (P), your
vehicle locks the transmission and
prevents the wheels from turning. Always
come to a complete stop before putting
your vehicle into and out of park (P).
When you switch the ignition off, your
vehicle shifts into park (P). If you switch
the ignition off while your vehicle is moving,
the transmission first shifts into neutral (N)
until it reaches a speed less than
3 mph
(5 km/h) and then shifts into park (P).
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WARNING: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable 1.
Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
2. Using the key or a flat head screwdriver,
maximum length
5 in (120 mm), as
shown in the picture, carefully open the
access cover under the arm rest
console.
See Keys and Remote
Controls (page 57). 3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without
starting the vehicle by pressing the
ignition push to start without pressing
the brake.
4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Note:
A:
2.0 in (50 mm) B: 0.1 in (3.3 mm)
5. Insert a screwdriver type tool, see description, or your car key into the
Manual Park Release (MPR) lever slot.
Pull the manual park release lever
toward the rear until the detent in the
slot pops up, against the tool or key.
Allow full upward travel of detent,
approximately
0.28 in (7 mm) in the
park override mode (Click). You can
remove the tool. If done correctly, a
message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available,
Transmission Not in Park, or Shift
System Fault.
6. With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
(page 215).
7. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
8. Switch off the ignition.
9. Once safe, and there is no risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect the negative
(black) battery cable from the battery.
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Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1.
Reconnect the negative (black) battery
cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver tool or car key fully into the manual park release lever
slot. Push the tool downwards. The
system detent releases and the manual
park release lever moves forward,
allowing the vehicle to go back into
park (P). Remove the tool or car key.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P). 7. If the instrument cluster does not
display the park (P) position or there
is a message stating park (P) is not
available, transmission not in park (P)
or a shift system fault, apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle and contact an authorized
dealer for service.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
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Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel drive (4WD)
Note:
Use of the 4WD system in slippery,
deep snow, and sand drive modes on dry
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, or excessive tire wear as
these drive modes are intended for slippery
and loose surfaces.
Note: The design of 4WD vehicles are for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough roads
and have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the highway.
Basic Operating Principles in Special
Conditions
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice. If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle
back onto the pavement only after
reducing your speed. Do not turn the
steering wheel too sharply while
returning to the road surface.
• It could be safer to stay on the apron
or shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You could lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often could be less risky to strike
small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your
vehicle rather than attempt a sudden
return to the pavement which could
cause the vehicle to slide sideways out
of control or rollover. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should
be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck WARNING: Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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(If Equipped)