2009 Chrysler Aspen Owner Manual Supplement Hybrid - Page 12
2009 Chrysler Aspen Manual
Page 12 highlights
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE CAUTION! Car wash equipment damage, vehicle damage or a potential accident event could result if the car wash facility instructions for PARK, NEUTRAL, DRIVE and REVERSE are not followed. Hybrid Vehicle Operating Characteristics Your Hybrid vehicle operates differently compared to a Non-Hybrid vehicle. The following is a description of the major differences: Regenerative Braking Your Hybrid vehicle has a Regenerative Braking System (RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of the vehicle, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric motors which propel the vehicle forward can operate as generators when braking. The RBS recharges the high voltage battery under certain braking conditions by recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost while braking. The electric power that is generated goes back into the high voltage battery for later use, for example when acceleration is desired. The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes, regenerative braking, or a combination to slow the vehicle. The Hybrid power gauge indicates the amount of regenerative braking. If the system detects slippery conditions while braking, mainly friction is used to slow the vehicle. The RBS can result in extended life of the hydraulic service brakes; however, all inspection, scheduled maintenance, and service intervals for the vehicle service brakes must be followed. NOTE: Lighter brake pedal efforts and longer brake pedal travel are normal Hybrid brake operations during the first brake application. After start-up, during the first brake application, the brake system undergoes a self-test