System Operation

System Operation






During braking and deceleration, energy is recovered and stored in the hybrid battery (also known as the generator battery). The engine's fuel supply is interrupted and the engine temporarily shuts off as the vehicle comes to a full stop. This is referred to as Auto Stop.

The fuel supply to the engine is resumed and a special generator with starter restarts the engine when any of the following occurs:
- The brake pedal is released
- The accelerator pedal is applied
- The gear shift lever is moved from Drive to another gear selection
- The climate control system is turned from OFF to ON
- The hybrid battery charge is low and requires recharging
- Auto Stop has timed out (maximum of 90 seconds while in A/C Economy position; maximum of 120 seconds while A/C is in OFF position)

NOTE: The generator with starter CANNOT propel the vehicle by itself. It is used for starting the engine after an Auto Stop and for engine assist during hard accelerations.




Several factors affect how long the engine remains off during Auto Stop:
- Outside temperature (95°F (35°C) or above decrease the time the engine remains off)
- Air Conditioning setting (A/C is affected by outside temperature when green Economy light is illuminated)
- Time limit




Auto Stop will not shut down the engine if any of the following conditions apply:
- Engine is not warmed up
- Outside temperature is 95° F (35°C) or higher
- Shift lever is in any gear except Drive
- Hybrid battery charge is low
- 12v vehicle battery charge is low, or charge requirements are high
- Hood is not fully closed.