travel will be longer then usual. This is normal. Press
firmly on the brake to prevent rolling. Refer to “Regen-
erative Braking System” under “Hybrid Vehicle Unique
Operating Characteristics” in this Section.
Driving
The gas engine starts automatically in order to provide
power when it is needed and stops automatically to save
on fuel when it is not needed. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop or standing still, the gas engine
will normally shut off and the vehicle will operate on
battery power only. Conditions that may cause the gas
engine to start up or remain running include:
•
Moderate or rapid acceleration
•
Vehicle speed
•
Climbing a hill
•
Charge level of high voltage battery
•
Engine temperature, transmission temperature or
coolant temperature
•
Hybrid system malfunction (Hybrid service lamp on)
•
Tow/Haul activated
•
Hood is ajar
•
Shift lever position 2 or 1
Stopping In Traffic With Idle Stop/Start Function
The gas engine may shut off as you decelerate to a stop,
this is normal and will conserve fuel at idle. Restarting
the vehicle is not necessary. You will observe a green
9READY9 light illuminated in the instrument gauge clus-
ter while the gas engine is off, this is normal. 9READY9
indicates the vehicle and Hybrid system are capable of
being driven in electric mode in either DRIVE or RE-
VERSE.
STARTING AND OPERATING 53
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