A Defective Hybrid ... Or Not?

Hello Christine and Scott,
I was very relieved to find your pages under About.com and find out I could email you. A few weeks ago we purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid and recently we noticed something that has us worried: the 'gasoline engine' kicks on a few seconds after starting the car and while the car is still in PARK. It stays on EV MODE for only the first few seconds ... Is something wrong with my car? I noticed on your website that you 'own' your own 2008 Nissan Hybrid. Please tell me what's happening with yours. At first my husband thought that this was due to the cold weather (under 40 degrees). But today, the temperature was at 48 degrees and it still didn't stay in EV MODE at startup. Please help. I am afraid this might be a defective car. --Dora

Hey Dora,
Thanks for writing - good questions. We understand your concerns. Your husband is right - it does have a lot to do with the cold temperatures, and there actually are several conditions that will make the engine on your car run ...

Want to read the whole scoop on what's up with this Altima Hybrid? Check out Dora's letter, along with our reply to learn whether her 2008 Altima Hybrid is working perfectly normally. Or not.--Christine & Scott

photo © Adrian Gable