Controls and Indicators
ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The accelerator pedal is the pedal on the right, with the word GO molded into it
(Figure 9)
.
•
Electric vehicles:
When the key switch is in the ON position, and the Forward/Reverse handle or switch is in either
the FORWARD or REVERSE position, pressing the accelerator pedal will automatically release the park brake
and start the vehicle moving in the direction selected (forward or reverse). When the accelerator is released,
power will be cut off and the motor will stop running.
•
Key-start vehicles:
The engine must first be running before shifting the Forward/Reverse handle and pressing the
accelerator pedal. Pressing the accelerator pedal will automatically release the park brake and start the vehicle
moving in the direction selected (forward or reverse). When the accelerator is released, the engine will idle.
See following WARNING and CAUTION.
WARNING
• Moving parts! Keep clear of the engine compartment while the engine is running.
CAUTION
• Key-start vehicles: Do not “rev” the engine for long periods of time while the Forward/Reverse handle
is in the NEUTRAL position. Failure to heed this caution can result in damage to the transaxle.
• Key-start vehicles: Do not shift the Forward/Reverse handle while the accelerator pedal is pressed.
Shift the handle only when the vehicle is at a complete stop and the engine is at idle. Failure to heed
this caution can result in damage to the transaxle.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles use a special electrical system, which employs motor braking in some modes of operation. In
those modes, the vehicle operates as follows:
•
Walk-Away Braking:
This prevents the vehicle from rolling away uncontrolled should the driver park on a slope
and leave the vehicle without locking the park brake. The vehicle will roll at about 1 to 3 mph (1.6 to 4.8 km/h).
If the walk-away braking function remains engaged for two seconds or more, a warning buzzer will sound to
alert the driver that motor braking has been activated.
WARNING
• Walk-away braking will not limit vehicle speed to 3 mph (4.8 km/h) on very steep grades. Do not
operate vehicle on slopes exceeding 20% grades.
•
Pedal Down Motor Braking:
This feature helps to control vehicle downhill speed. Motor braking is activated when
the vehicle reaches the programmed top speed and holds the vehicle at that speed. Motor braking is automatically
disengaged when vehicle speed slows below the programmed top speed.
See following WARNING.
•
Pedal Up Motor Braking:
Speed settings are programmable for IQ Plus vehicles. Motor braking is activated when the accelerator pedal is
released at or above the programmed speed. When the vehicle slows to the programmed lower speed; motor
braking will disengage. If no speed settings are programed, motor braking will be activated at any time accelerator
pedal is released, and it will only disengage when the vehicle comes to a stop. Contact your dealer/distributor to
inquire about this programmable feature.
See following WARNING.
WARNING
• When batteries are fully charged, a warning buzzer will sound during motor braking to alert the driver
that motor braking is operating at a reduced level of performance. When this occurs, use the brake
pedal to control vehicle speed.
Page 20
Villager 6 and 8 Owner’s Manual
