1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)position.
When the power switch is placed in the
ON position, the EV is designed not to
operate unless the shif t lever is in the P
(Park) or N (Neutral) position.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
with you when operating the power
switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV system in
the READY to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release
the power switch while depressing the
brake pedal with the power switch in any
position. The READY to drive indicator
light
in the meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever, and
push the power switch to the OFF
position.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system is not
running (phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. The vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to
produce maximum available power and
smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures
for this vehicle are shown on the following
pages.
Starting the vehicle
1. Af ter placing the vehicle in the READY to drive position, fully depress the foot
brake pedal before moving the shif t lever
to the D (Drive) position.
The shif t lever of this vehicle is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shif ting
from the P (Park) position to any driv-
ing position while the power switch is
in the ON position.
The shif t lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the power switch
is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC posi-
tion or if the Intelligent Key is re-
moved.
STARTING THE EV SYSTEM DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-15
and that the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washers operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically.
12-volt battery (except for maintenance
free batteries)*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. The fluid should be at the bottom of the filler opening. Vehicles operated in
high temperatures or under severe condi-
tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt
battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the high voltage parts are cold. Make
sure that the coolant level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
water or other fluid leaks af ter the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioner af ter use is normal.
If you should notice any leaks, check for
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses:
Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure that the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan and frame. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, re-
fer to “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is an adequate amount of fluid in the
reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health
WARNING
• Do not expose the 12-volt battery to
flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen
gas generated by the 12-volt battery
is explosive. Do not allow 12-volt bat-
tery fluid to contact your skin, eyes,
fabrics or painted surfaces. Af ter
touching a 12-volt battery or 12-volt
battery cap, do not touch or rub your
eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If
the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with wa-
ter for at least 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. •
Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the 12-volt battery is low. Low 12-
volt battery fluid can cause a higher
load on the 12-volt battery which can
generate heat, reduce battery life,
and in some cases lead to an
explosion.
• When working on or near a 12-volt
battery, always wear suitable eye
protection and remove all jewelry.
• 12-volt battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands af ter
handling.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the
reach of children. 1. Remove the vent caps with a screw-
driver as shown. Use a cloth to protect
the battery case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level up to the bottom
of the filler opening. Do not overfill.Re-
install the vent caps.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the 12-volt battery fluid level.
WDI0224
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-13