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Transmission Operation:
Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note:
Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral:
We recommend that you do not idle the
vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended period
of time because this will discharge your high
voltage battery, shut off your air conditioning
and heating, and decrease fuel economy.
The engine will not start or stop, and cannot
provide power to the hybrid system in neutral
(N). Low:
Low (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced
engine braking available in non-hybrid
vehicles. Low gear will produce high engine
speeds to provide necessary engine braking.
This is normal and will not damage your
vehicle. In low gear, the gas engine will
remain on more often than in drive (D).
Reverse:
In reverse (R), vehicle speed is limited to
22 mph (35 km/h).
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery life
and provides the best possible performance.
The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin
air drawn from vent holes in the trim panels
behind the rear seats. Avoid placing objects
at the vent holes that block airflow to the
high voltage battery. Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid is not
directly tied to your vehicle speed. Your
vehicle's engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at
the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach
high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may
see the engine speed changing without your
input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice
during extended downhill driving that your
engine continues to run instead of shutting
off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays
on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also
hear a slight whine or whistle when operating
your vehicle. This is the normal operation of
the electric generator in the hybrid system.
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During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery
may become disconnected or disabled. Once
the battery is reconnected and after driving
the vehicle, the engine may continue to
operate for three to five seconds after the
key is turned to off. This is a normal
condition.
Braking:
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in your high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode. Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period. As
with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
•
Keep the tires properly inflated and only
use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount
of energy required to move your vehicle.
In general, you can achieve better fuel
economy with mild to moderate
acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking
system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits. •
Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting.
ECOSELECT
EcoSelect is a drive mode for non plug-in
vehicles designed to offer the best possible
fuel economy with tradeoffs in vehicle
performance and comfort. To switch EcoSelect on, press the
ECO button.
A graphic displays on your information
display when EcoSelect is on.
Your vehicle will remember the last selected
mode whenever you start your vehicle.
EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operate
more 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 Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated 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 avail-
able 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 requiredat key-on. Silent key start will start the engine if it is necessary for
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 stays on for an extended amountof 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?
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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Answer
Question
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heatingthe 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 maintain the correct coolant temperature.
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 be
higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate when driving at a steady speed. These are characteristics of the
Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that help maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high sometimes when I accelerate?
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?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline)fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel economy because
ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fuel
economy?
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Answer
Question
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 conventional hybrid highvoltage battery from a power supply external to the vehicle.
Can you charge the battery with a plug into an AC outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels onthe ground.
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home with all four wheels on
the ground?
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire. WARNING:
The fuel system may be
under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until
the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, which could cause serious personal
injury. WARNING:
Fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or mishandled. WARNING:
Fuel may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent. WARNING:
When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow sparks
or open flames near the fuel tank filler
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
• Extinguish all smoking materials and any
open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Always switch the engine off before
refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal
if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent
injury. If fuel is swallowed immediately
call a physician, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects
of fuel may not be apparent for hours. •
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel
vapor can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases, excessive
or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can
cause serious illness and permanent
injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with
water for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper medical
attention could lead to permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed through
the skin. If you splash fuel on your skin,
clothing or both, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and thoroughly
wash your skin with soap and water.
Repeated or prolonged skin contact
causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram for
the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing
fuel vapors could cause an adverse
reaction, serious personal injury or
sickness. Immediately call a physician if
you experience any adverse reactions.
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FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high
altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
below 87. The use of these fuels could result
in engine damage that will not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather. Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact an
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines
where available to help minimize engine
deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and
engine performance. For additional
information, refer to www.toptiergas.com.
Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives,
including manganese-based compounds. •
Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel; using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which
is a manganese-based fuel additive, will
impair engine performance and affect the
emission control system.
Fuel Freshness Mode (If Equipped)
This helps keep the fuel system functional
and the fuel fresh.
If you mainly use your vehicle in electric
power mode without refueling, the gasoline
in the fuel tank may become stale due to
aging. Stale gasoline can damage the
engine and fuel system.
Your vehicle automatically switches to fuel
freshness mode if you do not refuel your
vehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-month
period. Fuel freshness mode protects your
vehicle from potential engine and fuel system
damage caused by using stale fuel.
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Note:
If you do not add new fuel during an
18-month period, fuel freshness mode will
use fuel until approximately 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of
fuel remains in the fuel tank.
During fuel freshness mode:
• The information display will indicate fuel
freshness mode is active.
• EV Now mode will not be available.
• Most of the electric-only driving range
will be saved until fuel freshness mode
is completed.
Note: EV Now mode will become available
when less than 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of fuel remains
in the fuel tank.
Note: When the fuel level is less than
one-quarter full, refueling your vehicle will
end fuel freshness mode.
Note: We recommend you use a fuel
stabilizer if you use less than a full tank of
fuel during an 18-month period.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is under the luggage
compartment floor covering. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
vehicle components.If you have run out of fuel:
•
To start the vehicle with a keyless
ignition, just start the engine. Crank time
will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gal (3.8 L) of fuel is
enough to restart the vehicle. If the
vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than
1 gal (3.8 L) may be
required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on.
Refilling With a Portable Fuel Container WARNING:
Flow of fuel through a
fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity. This can cause a fire if you are
filling an ungrounded fuel container. WARNING:
Do not insert the nozzle
of a fuel container or an aftermarket funnel
into the fuel filler neck. This may damage
the fuel system filler neck or its seal and
cause fuel to run onto the ground.
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