Engine Coolant Heater - GMC Sierra Hybrid 2011 Owner's Manual

indicates AUTO STOP, the hybrid
system is on, the engine is not
running, but may Auto Start at any
time without notice. See Tachometer
on page 5 3 for more information.
A chime will sound if the driver door
is opened while in Auto Stop as a
reminder that the ignition switch is
not in the LOCK/OFF position.
Always turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF and remove the key
from the ignition switch when exiting
the vehicle.
Auto Start
The vehicle also has an Auto Start
feature. The engine will remain off
while in Auto Stop mode until
vehicle conditions require the
engine to run. The near-instant
starting of the engine from Auto
Stop mode is called Auto Start.
Some of the vehicle conditions that
may cause the engine to Auto
Start are:
The hood is opened.
The gear selector is in
M (Manual Mode).
The hybrid battery state of
charge is too low.
The hybrid battery voltage,
temperature or power limits are
exceeded.
A remote vehicle start has been
requested.
The engine is not at operating
temperature.
Acceleration demands require
the use of the engine.
EV Mode
The vehicle also has an Electric
Vehicle (EV) mode which uses only
the electric motor to move the
vehicle. With light acceleration,
the vehicle will drive in EV mode.
EV mode is unavailable when the
vehicle is out of fuel.
If increased acceleration is
required, or the vehicle reaches
approximately 40 km/h (30 mph),
the engine will start automatically.
Driving and Operating
The engine shuts off at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph) unless the
transmission is in M (Manual Mode)
or Auto Stop is disabled.
During heavy acceleration, both the
engine and hybrid electric motors
supply power. A sensation similar to
a transmission gear change can be
felt as the transmission changes
modes. Engine RPM may remain
above 4,000 RPM for a longer
period during hard acceleration.

Engine Coolant Heater

The engine coolant heater can
provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine
warm-up in cold weather conditions
at or below 18°C (0°F). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be
plugged in at least four hours before
starting. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord may exist
which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures
above 18°C (0°F).
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