Agero Vehicle Training - 2012 Fisker Karma

As more Fisker Karma hybrid electric vehicles begin hitting the road in the coming months, here is an update on best practices for servicing this vehicle: 

The 2012 Fisker Karma hybrid electric vehicle features two driving modes: “Stealth” mode to optimize all electric driving features and “Sport” mode to access full power of the vehicle by leveraging the gasoline engine in conjunction with lithium battery power. Like many hybrid and electric vehicles hitting the road today, the 2012 Fisker Karma has several unique towing and roadside considerations that Service Providers should be aware of before servicing this vehicle.

Towing the 2012 Fisker Karma

• The Karma requires a flatbed carrier for all towing events.
• The vehicle should always start on as flat a surface as possible.  If the vehicle is on an incline, use the tow hook to move the vehicle onto a flat surface, when possible.
• The front tires must be properly inflated before attempting to load the vehicle onto the carrier.  If a front tire is low, inflate it to the recommended pressure.

The front fascia allows only about 4 inches of clearance below the vehicle, considerably less if the vehicle is on an incline.  Watch this clearance continually while raising onto the carrier to avoid damaging the material.

The tow hook can be found in a hidden compartment in the rear of the vehicle, below the floor of the trunk.  This will be used to pull the vehicle up onto the flatbed either from the front (recommended) or the rear (much less desirable).

The opening for the tow hook is on the passenger side of the front bumper, just below the grill.  Use a small screw-driver to pull back the dust cover.  Remove it and store it in a secure location.  The tow hook can then be inserted through the hole and threaded  securely into the vehicle’s frame.  Do not attempt to pull the vehicle onto the carrier from any other part of the vehicle’s frame.

Because the clearance is so minimal, use a combination of 2x4’s and 4x4’s to lift the vehicle as it approaches the carrier. Keep a close, continual eye on the fascia’s clearance as the vehicle rises up the incline. If necessary, add additional lumber as the vehicle is pulled forward to ensure plenty of space between the fascia and the flatbed carrier.

Due to the long wheelbase of the Karma, pull the vehicle as far forward as possible to ensure adequate room in the rear to cinch down the straps with the ratcheting come along tool. Secure the vehicle using nonabrasive straps through all four wheel openings and secure the straps to the flatbed carrier.

Loading Close-Up:

Winching the Fisker Karma:

The same tow hook used in the front also fits a location in the rear of the vehicle.  Pulling from the rear at anything other than a very small angle, however, will likely damage the underside of the bumper. Rear end design of the Fisker Karma does not end with the bumper, but continues on beneath the vehicle.  Extreme care must be taken when attempting to winch the vehicle from the rear to avoid damaging the underside of the bumper.  

Jump-Starting the 2012 Fisker Karma:

Typically, the Fisker Karma should never be jump started.  Instead, one should always tow the vehicle to an authorized service center for repairs.  If the 12-volt battery has lost it’s charge, however, it may be impossible to open the trunk or put the vehicle into neutral or park.  In these cases it will be necessary to give the low voltage battery a charge so that it can supply the minimal power needed to complete these tasks.

Two locations are provided under the hood for attaching the positive cable to the terminal.  One is under the red cap near the firewall and the other is in the fuse box.

Both require a special tool, which the service provider must carry, that screws onto the positive terminal.  Failure to use the tool could result in the destruction of the terminal itself. The negative cable can be connected to any ground point under the hood.

Adding Fuel to a 2012 Fisker Karma:

WARNING: Never fill the vehicle's fuel tank while the vehicle is charging or connected to a charging station. An accidental spark could cause an explosion or fire resulting in serious injury. 

The fuel filler cover will gently spring open. Twist the fuel filler cap counter clockwise to release. A strap secures the fuel filler cap to the vehicle to prevent loss. Note: When replacing the fuel filler cap, tighten it until it clicks three times. Failure to do so may cause the engine indicator light in the instrument cluster to illuminate due to increased evaporation emission levels.
Caution: Do not use leaded fuels, lead substitutes or fuel additives. Doing so can cause damage to the engine, fuel and emission control systems.
Caution: If the fuel tank is accidentally filled with the wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. It is essential that you seek qualified assistance. Running the engine can cause serious engine and fuel system damage.

Mid or regular grade unleaded gasoline with a CLC or AKI octane rating not lower than 87 should be used. An octane rating of 91 is recommended.

Flat Tire and Lockout Situations:

Flat Tires

• It is recommended instead to tow the vehicle to the nearest Fisker retailer for all flat tire events.
• The vehicle has no spare tire.  Instead, it is equipped with a tire repair kit, located in the storage space beneath the trunk floor.
• The kit can only be used to repair small punctures in the tire tread.  In the event of punctures larger than ¼ inch, severe tread damage, a damaged sidewall, ripped tires or tires that have come off the rim, do not attempt to use the kit under any circumstances.

Lockout Situations

• It is recommended to tow the vehicle to the nearest Fisker retailer for all lockout events.
• A wheel lift and dolly tow will be needed for all lockout situations or when the vehicle is stuck in park.