Fisker Karma 2012 User guide

Owner’s Handbook
© 2012 Fisker Automotive, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and
is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Fisker Automotive, Inc. (Fisker), its affiliated companies and its
licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Document Number: C1810ASD0025.03 (April 2012)
©2012 Fisker Automotive, Inc. All rights reserved. i
1 Introduction
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Information About Your Vehicle
1.6 Consumer Information
2Overview
2.2 Exterior
2.3 Interior
2.4 Instruments and Displays
3 Vehicle Security
3.2 Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
3.7 Trunk
3.8 Glove Compartment and Valet Mode
4 Occupant Safety
4.2 Seats and Steering Column
4.5 Seat Belts
4.9 Child Restraints
4.13 Supplementary Restraint System
(SRS)
5 Controls and Operation
5.2 Instruments
5.6 Wipers and Washers
5.7 Exterior Lighting
5.9 Power Windows
5.10 Mirrors
5.11 Touch-screen
5.14 Climate Control
5.20 Starting and Driving
5.25 Brakes
5.28 Electronic Stability Control
5.29 Cruise Control
5.31 Exterior Sound
5.32 Parking Aids
5.34 Voice Command System
5.36 Garage Door Opener
5.38 Accessory Sockets
6Power
6.2 Charging the Vehicle
6.9 Solar Roof
6.10 Fuel Filling
7 Maintenance
7.2 Maintenance Requirements
7.4 Hood
7.5 Engine Compartment
7.12 Wipers and Washers
7.13 Cleaning and Vehicle Care
7.18 Fuses
7.21 Raising the Vehicle
7.22 Vehicle Recovery
8 Wheels and Tires
8.2 Tire Care
8.8 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
8.10 Tire Repair Kit
8.14 Tire Information
8.20 Glossary of Terms
9 Technical Specifications
9.2 Vehicle and Component
Identification
9.3 Vehicle Dimensions and Weights
9.5 Wheels and Tires
9.6 Subsystem Specifications
Index
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1.1
Introduction
Introduction
1.2 WELCOME TO THE FISKER FAMILY
1.2 USING THIS MANUAL
1.2 SYMBOLS GLOSSARY
1.2 NOTES ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Information About Your Vehicle
1.3 ELECTRIC VEHICLE PRECAUTIONS
1.3 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TO
YOUR VEHICLE
1.3 BODY REPAIRS
1.4 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
1.4 QUALITY CONTROL
1.4 CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
1.4 CALIFORNIA PERCHLORATE
ADVISORY
1.5 DATA RECORDING
Consumer Information
1.6 IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
1.6 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
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Introduction
1.2
Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
WELCOME TO THE FISKER
FAMILY
From everyone at Fisker, thank you for
purchasing one of our vehicles.
Your Karma is designed to deliver
uncompromised responsible luxury and
performance - Pure Driving Passion.
We are committed to providing you with an
ownership experience that is second to
none, and we look forward to serving you in
the years ahead.
USING THIS MANUAL
For your own safety, follow the instructions
and warnings contained in this manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failing to follow
instructions is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Keep this manual in your vehicle as a
reference for the safe and enjoyable use of
your vehicle. Should you resell your car,
leave this manual with it for the next owner.
If you are unable to find the information you
need, it may be contained within one of the
additional documents included in your
Owner’s literature pack:
•Quick Reference Guide - a summarized
version of this document allowing you to
quickly familiarize yourself with the
vehicle.
•Touch-screen User’s Manual - describes
how to use the features of the touch-
screen.
•New Vehicle Limited Warranty and
Servicing - details of the vehicle
warranty and servicing requirements for
your vehicle.
•Tire Warranty - details the warranty for
the vehicle’s tires.
SYMBOLS GLOSSARY
The following symbols used within this
manual call your attention to specific types
of information.
WARNING: Indicates either an
instruction which must be followed
precisely, or information that should be
considered with great care in order to avoid
the possibility of personal injury or injury to
others.
CAUTION: Indicates either an
instruction which must be followed
precisely, or information that should be
considered with great care in order to avoid
the possibility of damage to your vehicle.
This symbol identifies instructions
that should be observed in order to
prevent unnecessary damage to the
environment.
NOTES ABOUT THIS MANUAL
All specifications and descriptions are
accurate at the time of printing. Because
improvement is a constant goal at Fisker
Automotive, we reserve the right to make
changes at any time, without notice and
without obligation.
Note: This manual applies to all Fisker
Karmas. As a result, you may find some
explanations for equipment or options not
installed on your vehicle
Copyright © 2011 Fisker Automotive, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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Information About Your Vehicle
1.3
Information About Your Vehicle
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TO
YOUR VEHICLE
Fisker Automotive recommends having
maintenance and repairs for your Karma
performed by an authorized Fisker Retailer.
To locate your nearest authorized Fisker
Retailer, go to www.fiskerautomotive.com
or contact Fisker Consumer Affairs.
BODY REPAIRS
If you're involved in a collision, you want
your vehicle to be returned to its pre-
accident condition when repaired. That's
why it is important to make sure your
vehicle is repaired with only genuine Fisker
Automotive parts.
Some repair shops and insurance
companies may suggest using non original
equipment or salvaged parts to save
money. However, these parts do not meet
Fisker's high standards for quality, fit and
corrosion resistance. In addition, non
original equipment and salvaged parts (and
any damage or failures they may cause) are
not covered by any Fisker warranty.
The best way to ensure that your vehicle is
repaired with genuine Fisker Automotive
parts is to take it to a Fisker Retailer. Each
Retailer works with selected collision repair
centers that meet Fisker's strict
requirements for training, equipment,
quality, and customer satisfaction. These
repair centers use genuine Fisker
Automotive parts exclusively in the repair of
Fisker vehicles.
IMPORTANT
Your Fisker Karma is an electric vehicle
with a range-extending gasoline engine.
The Karma has both high-voltage DC and
AC systems as well as a 12-volt system.
Both the DC and AC high voltage systems
are very dangerous and can cause
personal injury, severe burns, electric
shock and even fatal injury unless
appropriate precautions are taken.
Always observe and obey the instructions
on labels attached to components on the
vehicle - they are there for your safety.
Do not touch, attempt to remove or
replace any high voltage parts, wiring
(identified by the orange outer sleeving) or
connectors.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident, do
not touch any high voltage wiring,
connectors or the components
connected to the wiring.
If a vehicle fire occurs, extinguish it with a
Class D powder-type fire extinguisher.
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Information About Your Vehicle
1.4
Information About Your Vehicle
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
WARNING: The installation of non-
approved parts and accessories, or
the carrying out of non-approved
modifications, may be dangerous and could
affect the safety of the vehicle and
occupants and also invalidate the terms and
conditions of the vehicle warranty.
WARNING: Fisker Automotive will not
accept any liability for death, personal
injury or damage to property which may
occur as a direct result of non-approved
modifications or the installation of non-
approved accessories.
If you have a disability which may require
modification to the vehicle, please contact
Fisker Automotive before any modifications
are made.
QUALITY CONTROL
You may have noticed a few miles (kms) on
the odometer when you took delivery of
your Karma. This is a result of the
comprehensive process used to ensure the
quality of your vehicle.
This process includes extensive
inspections during and after production.
The final inspection takes place at the
selling Retailer and includes a road test
conducted by a trained Fisker Automotive
Technician.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Certain vehicle
components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids
contained in vehicles and certain products
of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
CALIFORNIA PERCHLORATE
ADVISORY
WARNING: Certain components of
this vehicle such as air bag modules,
seat belt pre-tensioners and Lithium
batteries may contain Perchlorate Material -
- Special handling may apply for service or
vehicle end of life disposal. See http://
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
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Information About Your Vehicle
1.5
DATA RECORDING
Service data recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are
capable of collecting and storing diagnostic
information about your vehicle. This
potentially includes information about the
performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle such as engine,
throttle, steering or brakes. In order to
properly diagnose and service your vehicle,
Fisker Automotive and service facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information
through a direct connection to your vehicle.
Event data recording
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an
EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle's systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle
were operating;
•Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
•How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,
•How fast the vehicle was traveling;
•Where the driver was positioning the
steering wheel.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur.
Note: EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no
personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded. However,
other parties, such as law enforcement,
could combine the EDR data with the type
of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to
the vehicle manufacturer, other parties,
such as law enforcement, that have the
special equipment, can read the information
if they have access to the vehicle or the
EDR.
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Consumer Information
1.6
Consumer Information
Consumer Information
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
Both Fisker Automotive and your Fisker
Retailer are dedicated to serving your
automotive needs. Your complete
satisfaction is our first priority. Should you
have a problem or concern, please take the
following steps to ensure the quickest
possible response:
Step 1 - Discuss the situation with a
Retailer manager, such as the service
manager or customer satisfaction manager.
If necessary, ask the Retailer owner or
general manager for assistance. In most
cases, a satisfactory solution can be
reached at this step.
Step 2 - If the Retailer does not address
your concern to your satisfaction, call the
Fisker Consumer Affairs at:
1 (855) 575 7577
You may also write to us at:
Fisker Consumer Affairs Department
5515 East La Palma
Anaheim, CA 92807.
Whether calling or writing, please provide
the following information:
•17-digit Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) found on the vehicle registration
paperwork and on the certification label
located on the driver's door pillar
•Current vehicle odometer reading
•Name of your selling and servicing
Fisker Retailers
•Your day and evening contact telephone
numbers
•Your email address
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
United States
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Fisker Automotive.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Fisker
Automotive.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform Transport Canada, in addition to
notifying Fisker Automotive.
To contact Transport Canada, call their toll-
free number: 1-800-333-0510.
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2.1
Overview
Exterior
2.2 EXTERIOR OVERVIEW
Interior
2.3 INTERIOR OVERVIEW
Instruments and Displays
2.4 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
2.5 TOUCH-SCREEN
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Exterior
2.2
Exterior
OverviewExterior
EXTERIOR OVERVIEW
1. Hood. See Hood, page 7.4.
2. Solar roof. See Solar Roof, page 6.9.
3. Charging port cover. See Charging the
Vehicle, page 6.2.
4. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS). See Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), page 8.8.
5. Exterior door release. See Locking and
Unlocking the Vehicle, page 3.2.
6. Wheels and tires. See Tire Care,
page 8.2.
7. Fuel filler cover. See Fuel Filling,
page 6.10.
8. Trunk. See Trunk, page 3.7.
9. Exterior sound. See Exterior Sound,
page 5.31.
10. Vehicle recovery eye. See Vehicle
Recovery, page 7.22.
11. Exterior lighting. See Exterior Lighting,
page 5.7.
12. Exterior mirrors. See Mirrors,
page 5.10.
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Interior
2.3
Interior
INTERIOR OVERVIEW
1. Exterior mirror control
2. Exterior lights and turn signals
3. STEALTH/SPORT mode selection
4. Audio and phone controls
5. Instrument cluster
6. Cruise control
7. HILL mode selection
8. Wipers and washers
9. Start/Stop button
10. Master door locking
11. Hazard warning flashers
12. Glove compartment open
13. Touch-screen interface
14. Mode selector
15. Power windows
16. Horn
17. Steering column adjustment
18. Hood release (recessed)
19. Fuel filler cover release.
20. Parking brake
21. Trunk release
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Instruments and Displays
2.4
Instruments and Displays
Instruments and Displays
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
1. Speedometer
2. Mode indicator
3. Odometer
4. Compass
5. Clock/Driver information display
6. Driving mode
7. External temperature
8. Trip display
9. Power meter
10. Battery charge level indicator
11. Fuel level indicator
12. Total range
13. Battery range
14. Indicator lights
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Instruments and Displays
2.5
TOUCH-SCREEN
1. Compass
2. Current operating mode
3. Secondary time zone
4. Primary time zone
5. Climate
6. Audio
7. Phone
8. Navigation
9. System
10. Volume
11. Driver’s heated seat
12. Windshield defogger
13. Rear window heater
14. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
15. Park Distance Control (PDC)
16. Exterior mirror fold
17. Front passenger’s heated seat
Note: For detailed instructions on how to use the many features of the touch-screen, please
refer to the “Touch-screen User’s Manual” provided in the Owner’s Literature Pack.
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3.1
Vehicle Security
Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
3.2 ABOUT THE KEY FOB
3.2 USING THE KEY FOB
3.3 MEDICAL SAFETY
3.4 REPLACING THE KEY FOB
BATTERY
3.4 CARING FOR THE KEY FOB
3.4 TYPE APPROVAL
3.5 OPENING THE DOORS
3.5 MASTER LOCK AND UNLOCK
SWITCH
3.5 AUTOMATIC LOCKING
3.5 CHILD SAFETY LOCKS
3.6 EMERGENCY ACCESS
Trunk
3.7 OPENING THE TRUNK
3.7 TRUNK INTERIOR RELEASE
HANDLE
Glove Compartment and Valet
Mode
3.8 GLOVE COMPARTMENT
3.8 VALET MODE
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Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
3.2
Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
Vehicle SecurityLocking and Unlocking the Vehicle
ABOUT THE KEY FOB
The security system, entry to the vehicle
and starting the vehicle are controlled by
the key fob. The doors and the trunk can be
locked and unlocked using the key fob
buttons.
You have been supplied with two key fobs
which also have an emergency key blade.
Obtaining replacement keys and key
fobs
If you lose a key fob or an emergency key
blade, contact your local Fisker Retailer to
obtain a replacement.
When ordering a new key fob, bring all
available key fobs for the vehicle to your
Fisker Retailer to allow the system to be
reprogrammed. If a key fob or the key
number is not available, your Fisker Retailer
can obtain the key code from a restricted
access database.
USING THE KEY FOB
WARNING: Always remove the key
fob from the vehicle if children or
animals are to be left unsupervised in the
vehicle. Accidental operation of the
vehicle's systems may result in injury.
CAUTION: Remove all key fobs from
the vehicle when it is left unattended.
This will ensure the vehicle is left in a secure
condition.
The buttons on the key fob operate as
follows:
1. Lock
•Press once to lock the vehicle and
activate the vehicle’s security system.
The vehicle lights will briefly flash to
confirm the alarm is active.
2. Unlock
•Press once to unlock the driver's door.
•Press twice to unlock all the doors.
•Press and hold to activate the express
window down function.
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Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
3.3
3. Trunk
•Press twice in quick succession to
unlock the trunk.
•Press and hold to activate the Panic
alarm. The headlights and sidelights
will flash and the horn will sound.
Press again to deactivate the alarm.
Note: The lock and unlock settings for your
vehicle can be configured to your personal
preferences via the touch-screen.
The buttons on the key fob transmit a
coded radio signal to a receiver in your
vehicle. It is not necessary to point the key
fob at your vehicle, but you must be within
operating range. The operating range will
vary according to the condition of the key
fob battery and other physical factors.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
using the buttons on the key fob, you may
need to change the key fob battery.
Note: Interference from other radio
equipment operating on a similar frequency
may also affect the operation of the key fob.
If this happens, operate the key fob as close
to your vehicle as possible. If you are still
unable to unlock your vehicle with the key
fob, use the manual door lock.
MEDICAL SAFETY
WARNING: Any person fitted with an
implanted medical device should
ensure that the device is kept at a distance
of at least 8.7 inches (22 cm) away from any
transmitter mounted in the vehicle. This is to
avoid any possibility of interference
between the system and the device.
Interference may cause the implanted
medical device to malfunction, causing
serious injury or death.
Transmitters which detect the presence of
the key fob are located in the following
locations on your vehicle:
1. Behind the touch-screen
2. Beneath the center console
3. Trunk - underside of the rear parcel shelf
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Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
3.4
Locking and Unlocking the Vehicle
REPLACING THE KEY FOB
BATTERY
If the vehicle detects that the key fob
battery is low an indicator light will
illuminate on the instrument cluster. Please
change the key fob battery as soon as
possible.
To change the key fob battery:
1. Place the key fob button side down on a
soft surface.
2. Using a small flat bladed tool, carefully
release the rear cover from the key fob.
3. Remove the rear cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Fit the new battery (type CR2032) with
the ‘+’ side facing upwards. If possible,
avoid touching the flat surfaces of the
battery because finger marks will reduce
battery life. Wipe the battery clean
before fitting.
6. Re-assemble the two halves of the key
fob by aligning them and pressing them
together until they snap into place.
Used batteries must be disposed of
correctly, as they contain harmful
substances. Seek advice on disposal from
your local Fisker Retailer and/or your local
authority.
CARING FOR THE KEY FOB
CAUTION: The key fob contains
delicate electronic circuits and must
be protected from impact, water damage
and high temperatures. Avoid contact with
solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners. Do
not leave the key fob exposed to direct
sunlight.
TYPE APPROVAL
Hereby, Fisker Automotive, declares that
this remote vehicle entry system is in
compliance with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC.
The Declaration of Conformity can be
obtained by writing to:
Lear Corporation Wireless Department,
21557 Telegraph Road,
Southfield,
Michigan, 48033
USA.
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