
• The trailer is not connected.
• If you select Normal, Conserve, or
Slippery.
• You are not in 4H or 4L.
• You have not selected Manual shift
mode.
• Hill descent control is not active.
• You have not selected Tow haul, Excite,
Deep, or Slow Climb.
Note:When in Excite mode, Start/Stop can
be enabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stop
button.
E121377
The green Auto-Start-Stop
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will illuminate to indicate
when the automatic engine stop occurs.
E146361
If the instrument cluster is
equipped with a grey
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light, it
illuminates when automatic engine stop is
not available due to one of the above noted
conditions not being met.Automatic Engine Restart
Any of the following conditions will result in
an automatic restart of the engine:
• You have removed your foot from the
brake pedal.
• You press the accelerator pedal.
• You press the accelerator and the brake
pedal at the same time.
• The driver safety belt becomes
unfastened or the driver door is ajar.
• Your vehicle is moving.
• The interior compartment does not meet
customer comfort when air conditioning
or heat is on.
• Fogging of the windows could occur and
the air conditioning is on.
• The battery is not within optimal
operating conditions.
• You have exceeded the maximum engine
off time.
• When you press the Auto-Start-Stop
button with the engine automatically
stopped.• The front defroster is turned to the Max
setting.
• When you shift into park (P), the engine
will restart.
Any of the following conditions may result in
an automatic restart of the engine:
• You have increased the blower fan speed
or changed the climate control
temperature.
• You have an electrical accessory turned
on or plugged in.
Note:You may notice that the climate seat
fan fluctuates during an automatic restart.
Disabling Auto-Start-Stop
E287975
Press the button on the instrument
panel to access the
Auto-Start-Stop feature on the
touchscreen. Use the touchscreen to
deactivate the feature.
Deactivating the feature lasts only 1 key
cycle. Use the touchscreen to restore
Auto-Start-Stop function.
216
Unique Driving Characteristics 

Note:If the Shift to park (P), Restart Engine
message appears and the amber
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes in the
instrument cluster. This indicates automatic
restart is unavailable. You must restart the
vehicle manually.  See Information Displays
(page 136).
If your vehicle is in an engine off
Auto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) to
reverse (R) will not cause a restart if you do
not press the brake pedal. The message
Auto-Start-Stop Press Brake to Start Engine
appears. You must press the brake pedal
within 60 seconds or the system requires
you to shift into park (P) and manually restart
your vehicle.
HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
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
E293827
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
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 automatically 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 in
order to provide system heating or
cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
217
Unique Driving Characteristics 

• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 343).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run.  See Automatic Transmission
(page 259).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel
as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. 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 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 the
vehicle's air conditioning system. 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.
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 the high voltage battery.You may also notice during extending
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 motor in the hybrid system.
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
these tips in mind:
218
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?
222
Unique Driving Characteristics 

DEEP SAND (If Equipped)
For crossing deep soft and dry sand.
Note:Using deep sand mode on dry hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
EXCITE
For sporty on-road driving. This mode
increases throttle response, provides a more
dynamic powertrain sound and steering feel,
along with a more sporty shifting experience.
If your vehicle has continuously controlled
damping suspension it adjusts to a stiffer
suspension setting, with an emphasis on
handling and control. The transmission also
holds gears longer, helping your vehicle
accelerate faster when shifting gears.
If your vehicle has air suspension, it lowers
approximately 0.6 in (15 mm) to improve
aerodynamics.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfect
balance of excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
PRESERVE EV
Your vehicle runs the engine as needed to
save electric driving range for later use in
another drive mode. For example, you first
drive at high speeds on open roads where
engine operation is appropriate. Later, you
drive at low speeds in an urban area where
electric only is most efficient.
If the battery charge is low when you select
this mode, the engine begins to charge the
high voltage battery to provide some electric
range for later.  See Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
Operation (page 219).
PURE EV
This mode can provide an electric only
driving experience. Your vehicle could
accelerate slower, and the top speed could
be reduced. For more power, fully press the
accelerator pedal to temporarily engage the
engine.
Your vehicle could enable the engine if
system conditions require it. An engine
enabled message displays if this occurs.
The engine could enable if the climate
control is in a defrost mode and the outside
temperature is cold. If the vehicle does not
need defrost, select a different climate
control mode to permit pure EV.
Your vehicle changes from pure EV mode to
normal mode when the vehicle electric range
is zero.
Note:When in pure EV mode, your vehicle
stays in this mode if there is all electric
driving range available and the system does
not fault.
344
Drive Mode Control 

Protected Component Fuse Rating Fuse or Relay Number
Transmission control module. 15A 26
Anti-lock brake system valves with integrated park brake. 40A 28
Anti-lock brake system pump with integrated park brake. 60A 29
Driver seat module. 30A 30
Passenger seat module. 30A 31
Not used (spare). 20A 32
Rear cargo area power point. 20A 33
Main console bin power point. 20A 34
Not used (spare). 20A 35
Power inverter. 40A 36
Climate controlled seat module. 30A 38
Power liftgate module. 30A 41
Trailer brake control module. 30A 42
Body control module. 60A 43
Brake on and off switch. 10A 44
Battery charger control module. 15A 46
386
Fuses 

Protected Component Fuse Rating Fuse or Relay Number
Driver door switch pack.
Memory seat switch. 7.5A 3
Wireless accessory charger module.
Seat switches.
Not used (spare). 20A 4
Not used. — 5
Not used (spare). 10A 6
Smart data link connector power. 10A 7
Telematics control unit module. 5A 8
Hands-free liftgate actuation module.
Power liftgate module.
Combined sensor module. 5A 9
Keypad switch.
Rear climate control.
Not used. — 10
Not used. — 11
Remote climate control module. 7.5A 12
Gear shift module.
Steering column control module. 7.5A 13
392
Fuses 

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry and the
battery cables tightly fastened to the battery
terminals. If any corrosion is present on the
battery or terminals, remove the cables from
the terminals and clean with a wire brush. 
You can neutralize the acid with a solution
of baking soda and water.
We recommend that you disconnect the
negative battery cable terminal from the
battery if you plan to store your vehicle for
an extended period.
Note:If you only disconnect the negative
battery cable terminal, make sure it is
isolated or placed away from the battery
terminal to avoid unintended connection or
arcing.
If you replace the battery make sure it
matches the electrical requirements of your
vehicle.If you disconnect or replace the battery and
your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
it must relearn its adaptive strategy. Because
of this, the transmission may shift firmly when
first driven. This is normal operation while
the transmission fully updates its operation
to optimum shift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset the
battery sensor by doing the following:
1. Switch the ignition on, and leave the
engine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10
seconds.
2. Flash the high beam headlamps five
times, ending with the high beams off.
3. Press and release the brake pedal three
times.
The battery warning lamp flashes three times
to confirm that the reset is successful.
Battery Management System (If Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditions and
takes actions to extend battery life. If
excessive battery drain is detected, the
system temporarily disables some electrical
systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
display to alert you that battery protection
actions are active. This message is only for
notification that an action is taking place, and
not intended to indicate an electrical problem
or that the battery requires replacement.
411
Maintenance