Lincoln Aviator (2023 year). Manual in english - page 13

•

Without applying the brake pedal, press
and release the button once when the
ignition is in the on mode, or when your
vehicle is running but is not moving.

On:

 All electrical circuits are operational and

the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

•

Without applying the brake pedal, press
and release the button once.

Start:

 Starts your vehicle. The engine may

not start when your vehicle starts.

•

Press the brake pedal, and then press
the button for any length of time. An
indicator light on the button illuminates
when the ignition is on and when your
vehicle starts.

STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE

When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases.  This helps to warm up the
engine.  If the engine idle speed does not
slow down, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.

Note:

 You can crank the engine for a total

of 60 seconds without the engine starting
before the starting system temporarily
disables.  The 60 seconds does not have to
be all at once.  For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each time,
without the engine starting, you reached the
60-second time limit.  A message appears
in the information display alerting you that
you exceeded the cranking time.  You
cannot attempt to start the engine for at
least 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, you are
limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. 
You need to wait 60 minutes before you can
crank the engine for 60 seconds again.

Before starting your vehicle, check the
following:

•

Make sure all occupants have fastened
their seatbelts.

•

Make sure the headlamps and electrical
accessories are off.

•

Make sure the parking brake is on.

•

Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

•

Switch the ignition on.

Note:

Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Note:

You must have your intelligent access

key in your vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of park (P).

1.

Fully press the brake pedal.

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

The system does not function if:

•

The passive key frequencies are jammed.

•

The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the
following:

206

Starting and Stopping the Engine

E297378

1.

Open the floor console storage
compartment lid.

2. With the buttons facing upward and the

unlock button facing the front of your
vehicle, place the passive key into the
backup slot.

3. With the key in this position, press the

brake pedal then press the push button
ignition switch to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.

Fast Restart

The fast restart feature allows you to restart
your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching
it off, even if it does not detect a valid
passive key.

Within 20 seconds of switching the engine
off, press the brake pedal and press the push
button ignition switch. After 20 seconds, you
can no longer start your vehicle if it does not
detect a valid passive key.

Once your vehicle starts, it remains running
until you press the push button ignition
switch, even if your vehicle does not detect
a valid passive key.  You cannot start your
vehicle if the system does not detect a valid
passive key within 20 seconds.

Vehicles using Phone as a Key

Note:

Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Note:

You must have your Phone as a Key

in your vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of park (P).

1.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

The system does not function if:

•

The Bluetooth enabled phone
frequencies are jammed.

•

The Phone as a Key battery is low or fully
discharged.

Phone as a Key Backup Starting
Passcode

Note:

In order to use the Backup Start

Passcode feature, Phone as a Key must be
active and enabled on at least one phone.

207

Starting and Stopping the Engine

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the
following:

1.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

2. SYNC displays the Backup Starting

Passcode entry screen.

3. Using the SYNC display enter the backup

password and select Enter within 30
seconds.

4. SYNC displays messages to start the

vehicle.

5. Fully depress the brake pedal and press

the start button within 20 seconds to start
the engine.

Automatic Engine Shutdown

This feature shuts down the engine if it has
been idling for an extended period.  The
ignition also turns off in order to save battery
power.  Before your vehicle shuts down, a
message appears in the information display
showing a timer counting down from 30

seconds.  If you do not intervene within 30
seconds, your vehicle shuts down.  Another
message appears in the information display
to inform you that your vehicle has shut down
to save fuel.  Start your vehicle as you
normally do.

Note:

Automatic Engine Shutdown may be

more frequent for hybrid vehicles.

Automatic Engine Shutdown Override

Note:

You cannot permanently switch off the

automatic shutdown feature. When you
switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the
next ignition cycle.

You can stop the shutdown, or reset the
timer, at any point before the 30-second
countdown has expired by doing any of the
following:

•

You can reset the timer by interacting
with your vehicle, for example pressing
the brake or accelerator pedal.

•

You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition is
on for the current ignition cycle only. Use
the vehicle settings on your touchscreen
to turn 30min Max Idle on or off.

•

During the 30-second countdown, the
system prompts you to press OK or
RESET to temporarily switch the feature
off for the current ignition cycle only.

Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Stationary

1.

Shift into park (P).

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Note:

The ignition, all electrical circuits and

all warning lamps and indicators will be
turned off.

208

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Note:

If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,

the ignition and engine shut down.

Vehicles using Phone as a Key

1.

Shift into park (P).

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Note:

The ignition, all electrical circuits and

all warning lamps and indicators will be
turned off.

Note:

If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,

the ignition and engine shut down.

Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving

WARNING: 

Switching off the engine

when your vehicle is still moving results in
a significant decrease in braking
assistance. Higher effort is required to
apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle.
A significant decrease in steering
assistance could also occur. The steering
does not lock, but higher effort could be

required to steer your vehicle. When you
switch the ignition off, some electrical
circuits, for example airbags, also turn off.
If you unintentionally switch the ignition
off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the
engine.

1.

Press and hold the push button ignition
switch, or press it three times within two
seconds.

2. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and

use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a
safe stop.

3. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into

park (P).

4. Apply the parking brake.

Vehicles using Phone as a Key

1.

Press and hold the push button ignition
switch, or press it three times within two
seconds.

2. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and

use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a
safe stop.

3. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into

park (P).

4. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

WARNING: 

Exhaust leaks may result

in entry of harmful and potentially lethal
fumes into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle inspected
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the following:

•

Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).

•

Set your climate control to outside air.

209

Starting and Stopping the Engine

STARTING A HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE SYSTEM

Before starting your vehicle, check the
following:

•

Make sure all occupants fasten their
seatbelt.

•

Make sure the headlamps and electrical
accessories are off.

•

Make sure the parking brake is on.

•

Put the transmission in park 

(P)

.

Note:

Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1.

Fully press the brake pedal.

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

Note:

The green ready indicator illuminates

letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving. Since your vehicle comes with a
silent key start, the engine may not start
when your vehicle starts.  See 

Hybrid

Vehicle Operation

 (page 217).

When the engine starts for the first time on
your drive, the idle speed increases, this
helps to warm up the engine. If the engine
idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized
dealer.

The system does not function if:

•

The passive key frequencies are jammed.

•

The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the
following:

E297378

210

Starting and Stopping the Engine

1.

Open the floor console storage
compartment lid.

2. With the buttons facing upward and the

unlock button facing the front of your
vehicle, place the passive key into the
backup slot.

3. With the key in this position, press the

brake pedal then press the push button
ignition switch to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.

Fast Restart

The fast restart feature allows you to restart
your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching
it off, even if it does not detect a valid
passive key.

Within 20 seconds of switching your vehicle
off, press the brake pedal and press the push
button ignition switch.  After 20 seconds, you
can no longer start your vehicle if it does not
detect a valid passive key.

Once your vehicle starts, it remains running
until you press the push button ignition
switch, even if your vehicle does not detect
a valid passive key.  You cannot start your
vehicle if the system does not detect a valid
passive key within 20 seconds.

Vehicles Using Phone as a Key

Note:

Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Note:

You must have your Phone as a Key

in your vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of park (P).

1.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

The system does not function if:

•

The bluetooth enabled phone
frequencies are jammed.

•

The Phone as a Key battery is low or fully
discharged.

Phone as a Key Backup Starting
Passcode

Note:

In order to use the Backup Start

Passcode feature, Phone as a Key must be
active and enabled on at least one phone.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the
following:

1.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

2. SYNC displays the Backup Starting

Passcode entry screen.

3. Using the SYNC display enter the backup

password and select Enter within 30
seconds.

4. SYNC displays messages to start the

vehicle.

5. Fully depress the brake pedal and press

the start button within 20 seconds to start
the engine.

Automatic Engine Shutdown

For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this
feature automatically shuts down the engine
if it has been idling for an extended period.
The ignition also turns off in order to save
battery power. Before your vehicle shuts
down, a message appears in the information
display showing a timer counting down from

211

Starting and Stopping the Engine

30 seconds. If you do not intervene within
30 seconds, your vehicle shuts down.
Another message appears in the information
display to inform you that your vehicle has
shut down to save fuel. Start your vehicle as
you normally do.

Note:

Automatic Engine Shutdown may be

more frequent for hybrid vehicles.

Automatic Engine Shutdown Override

Note:

 You cannot permanently switch off

the automatic shutdown feature. When you
switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the
next ignition cycle.

You can stop the shutdown, or reset the
timer, at any point before the 30-second
countdown has expired by doing any of the
following:

•

You can reset the timer by interacting
with your vehicle, for example pressing
the brake or accelerator pedal.

•

You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition is
on using the information display.  See

Information Displays

 (page 136).  The

feature only remains off for the current
ignition cycle.

•

During the 30-second countdown, the
system prompts you to press OK or
RESET to temporarily switch the feature
off for the current ignition cycle only.

Switching Off Your Vehicle When It Is
Stationary

1.

Put the transmission in park 

(P)

.

2. Press the push button ignition switch

once.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Note:

This switches off the ignition, warning

lamps and indicators.

Vehicles Using Phone as a Key

1.

Shift into park (P).

2. Press the push button ignition switch.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Note:

The ignition, all electrical circuits and

all warning lamps and indicators turn off.

Note:

If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,

the ignition and engine automatically shut
down.

Switching Off Your Vehicle When It Is
Moving

WARNING: 

Switching off the engine

when your vehicle is still moving results in
a significant decrease in braking
assistance. Higher effort is required to
apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle.
A significant decrease in steering
assistance could also occur. The steering
does not lock, but higher effort could be

212

Starting and Stopping the Engine

required to steer your vehicle. When you
switch the ignition off, some electrical
circuits, for example airbags, also turn off.
If you unintentionally switch the ignition
off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the
engine.

1.

Press and hold the push button ignition
switch, or press it three times within two
seconds.

2. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and

use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a
safe stop.

3. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into

park (P).

4. Apply the parking brake.

Vehicles Using Phone as a Key

1.

Press and hold the push button ignition
switch, or press it three times within two
seconds.

2. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and

use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a
safe stop.

3. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into

park (P).

4. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

WARNING: 

Exhaust leaks may result

in entry of harmful and potentially lethal
fumes into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle inspected
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods of time, we
recommend that you do one of the following:

•

Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).

•

Set your climate control to outside air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

 (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING: 

Failure to follow engine

block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal
injury.

WARNING: 

Do not use your heater

with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.

WARNING: 

Do not fully close the

hood, or allow it to drop under its own
weight when using the engine block
heater. This could damage the power cable
and may cause an electrical short resulting
in fire, injury and property damage.

Note:

The heater is most effective when

outdoor temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C).

213

Starting and Stopping the Engine

The heater acts as a starting aid by warming
the engine coolant. This allows the climate
control system to respond quickly. The
equipment includes a heater element
(installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a
grounded 120-volt AC electrical source.

We recommend that you do the following for
a safe and correct operation:

•

Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by Underwriter’s
Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). This extension cord
must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.

•

Use as short an extension cord as
possible.

•

Do not use multiple extension cords.

•

Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord plug
connections are free and clear of water.
This could cause an electric shock or fire.

•

Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.

•

Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.

•

Check for heat anywhere in the electrical
hookup once the system has been
operating for approximately 30 minutes.

•

Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.

•

Make sure the heater system is checked
for proper operation before winter.

Using the Engine Block Heater

The engine block heater receptacle terminals
are located on the left side of the engine
compartment.

Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean
and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry
cloth if necessary.

The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of
energy per hour of use. The system does not
have a thermostat. It achieves maximum
temperature after approximately three hours
of operation. Using the heater longer than
three hours does not improve system
performance and unnecessarily uses
electricity.

214

Starting and Stopping the Engine

AUTO-START-STOP - EXCLUDING:
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)

The system helps reduce fuel consumption
by automatically stopping and restarting the
engine when your vehicle has stopped.  The
engine restarts automatically when you
release the brake pedal.

In some situations, your vehicle may restart
automatically, for example:

•

To maintain interior comfort.

•

To recharge the battery.

Note:

Power assist steering turns off when

the engine is off.

Note:

If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,

Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a short
time after a refuel event while the system is
verifying the fuel type being used.

WARNING: 

Apply the parking brake,

shift into park (P), switch the ignition off
and remove the key before you leave your
vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction
could 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: 

The system may require

the engine to automatically restart when
the auto-start-stop indicator illuminates
green or flashes amber. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.

The Auto-Start-Stop system status is
available at a glance within the information
display.  See 

Information Displays

 (page

136).

Enabling Auto-Start-Stop

The system automatically enables every time
you start your vehicle if:

•

Your vehicle exceeds an initial speed of
3 mph (5 km/h) after you have initially
started your vehicle.

•

You have stopped your vehicle.

•

Your foot is on the brake pedal.

•

The driver door is closed.

•

The interior compartment has cooled or
warmed to an acceptable level.

•

The front windshield defroster is off.

•

You have not turned the steering wheel
rapidly or you do not have it at a sharp
angle.

•

The vehicle is not on a steep road grade.

•

The battery is within optimal operating
conditions (battery state of charge and
temperature in range).

•

The engine coolant is near operating
temperature.

•

Elevation is below about 12,000 ft
(3,650 m).

•

Ambient temperature is moderate.

215

Unique Driving Characteristics

•

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

•

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.

PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION

Regularly plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. Charging your vehicle adds
electrical energy. This energy propels the
vehicle.

Estimated electric-only driving range shows
in blue next to the gasoline range on the
information display.

The system maximizes the use of
electric-only operation in normal drive mode.
System conditions could require the engine
to operate, however, the system uses the
available electric range whenever possible.

In Pure EV drive mode, your vehicle only
uses electric power unless you enable the
engine, or system conditions require the
engine to operate.

Preserve EV drive mode saves the electric
range for later use. If you select this mode
and the battery is at full or near full charge,
it uses some electric-only range to discharge
the battery. This allows the regenerative
braking system to fully operate. If the battery
charge is low when selecting Preserve EV
mode, the engine charges the high voltage
battery to a minimum level. This provides
additional electric driving range. When the
battery charges to this level, Preserve EV
saves the electric range for later use.

Other drive modes appropriately make use
of electric power to help deliver the selected
drive mode experience. It could use available
electric-only range, if needed.  See 

What Is

Drive Mode Control

 (page 343).

219

Unique Driving Characteristics

When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means the energy you gain
from plugging in and charging your vehicle
is now gone. Both the gasoline engine and
electric motor power your vehicle and
maximize fuel economy during hybrid
operation. Hybrid operation provides some
electric-only driving as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
level within functional limits.

Low Engine Use

The low engine use mode properly lubricates
the engine at sufficient temperature and
activates when you drive your vehicle with
limited engine operation. When in low engine
use mode, your vehicle runs the engine as
necessary. When low engine use mode
begins, a message appears in the information
display. If low engine use mode does not
complete before you switch your vehicle off,
it continues the next time you start your
vehicle and the message reappears. See

Information Messages

 (page 142).

Pure EV mode is not available during low
engine use mode.

Note:

Cold temperatures affect the engine

warm up time and the low engine use mode
could operate more frequently.

Note:

An oil change is not required but gives

you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system suspends the low engine use mode.

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Unique Driving Characteristics

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?

221

Unique Driving Characteristics