
HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answer Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from the rest of the
vehicle when the ignition is off. When you switch the ignition on, the
high voltage contacts inside the battery are closed. This makes the
electricity available to the motor and generator and allows your vehicle
to proceed. The clicks are the sound of these contacts as they close
and open during start up and shut down. What are the series of clicks from the cargo area when I switch the
ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if an engine start is required at
key-on. Silent key starts 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 amount
of time when you first start it. One common reason is to make sure
that the emission's 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?
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Unique Driving Characteristics

Answer Question
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heating
the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as you request 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 hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline), but
you could 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?
The high voltage battery system is designed to last the life of the
vehicle and requires no maintenance. How long will my high voltage battery last? Does it need maintenance?
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Unique Driving Characteristics

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 follow this
instruction 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.
CHARGING THE HIGH VOLTAGE
BATTERY - PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV)
There are two different style chargers that
could be used for charging your vehicle.
Refer to the illustrations below to identify the
charger, and the instructions for use with the
specific type charger.
Charging Solution One (If Equipped)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Do not use the
dual-voltage charging cord in commercial
garages.
WARNING: This equipment has
arcing or sparking parts. Do not expose to
flammable vapors. Position this equipment
at least 18 in (450 mm) above the floor.
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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

ACTION MODE RED BLUE AMBER
Wait for the mobile power
cord to return to standby.
If the mobile power cord
cycles for more than 2-3
minutes, unplug the vehicle
coupler. Unplug and replug
in the connector. If the
issue persists, contact us. REBOOTING;
The mobile power cord is
recovering after encoun-
tering an error. ON ON ON
Make sure the connector
and the control box are
properly connected.
Unplug and replug in the
connector. If the mobile
power cord is warm or in a CHARGING REDUCED;
The mobile power cord is
charging at a reduced rate
due to overheating. OFF PULSING ON
hot environment, try char-
ging in a cooler area. Try a
different outlet. Try a
different connector if you
have one available. If the
error persists, contact us.
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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

ACTION MODE RED BLUE AMBER
Make sure the connector
and control box are prop-
erly connected. Unplug
and replug in the
connector. If the mobile
power cord is warm or in a CHARGING REDUCED, AC
PLUG OR WALL OUTLET;
The mobile power cord is
charging at a reduced rate
due to overheating of the
connector or the wall
outlet. OFF PULSING 1 FLASH
hot environment, try char-
ging in a cooler area. Try a
different outlet. Try a
different connector if you
have one available. If the
error persists, contact us.
Make sure the connector
and control box are prop-
erly connected. Unplug
and replug in the
connector. If the mobile
power cord is warm or in a USER
TROUBLESHOOTING;
The mobile power cord has
encountered a fault that
requires troubleshooting. OFF OFF ON
hot environment, try char-
ging in a cooler area. Try a
different outlet. Try a
different connector if you
have one available. If the
error persists, contact us.
252
High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in
a lower gear rather than downshifting to a
lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle could accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
will not stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when the
system is active in situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep grades,
for example in mountainous areas. The
system needs additional engine braking in
these situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent it
from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for an
extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES WITH:
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WITH LANE CENTERING
Adaptive cruise control limitations apply to
lane centering unless stated otherwise or
contradicted by a lane centering limitation.
See Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations
(page 307).The system may not correctly operate in any
of the following conditions:
• The lane is too narrow or wide.
• The system does not detect at least one
lane marking or when lanes merge or
split.
• Limited steering torque input is applied.
• Areas under construction or new
infrastructure.
• When modifications to the steering
system have been made.
• When using a spare tire.
Note:The driving assistance torque is limited
and may not be sufficient for all driving
situations such as driving through tight
curves or driving through curves at high
speeds.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the system
may deviate from the center line.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES WITH:
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WITH STOP AND GO
Sensor Limitations
WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the road
infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,
the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening, if
required.
WARNING: If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
WARNING: Large contrasts in outside
lighting can limit sensor performance.
307
Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

If your vehicle loses electrical power when
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can manually steer your
vehicle. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering could increase
the effort you need to steer your vehicle. This
increased effort prevents overheating and
permanent damage to the steering system.
You do not lose the ability to manually steer
your vehicle. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers allow the system to cool and
operate as normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds could also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning improves overall handling
and steering on roads with irregularities. It
communicates with the brake system to help
operate advanced stability control and
accident avoidance systems. When you
install a new battery or disconnect the
battery, you need to drive your vehicle a
short distance so it can relearn and reactivate
all systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead to
a crash or personal injury.
WARNING: The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during cold
and severe weather conditions. Snow, ice,
rain, spray and fog can adversely affect the
system. Keep the front camera and radar
free of snow and ice. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
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Driving Aids