HYBRID OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion without
compromise, to provide breakthrough performance and efficiency. It
requires no special fuels and never has to be plugged in. Familiarizing
yourself with these unique characteristics will help ensure optimal
performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to the start position while your vehicle is
in P (Park). A green vehicle symbol (called the Ready Indicator Light)
will appear in the instrument cluster to indicate the vehicle is on. This
indicator will remain on while the vehicle is on, whether the engine is
running or not to indicate the vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). The vehicle’s computer will determine if
an engine start is required. Typically, the engine will not start unless the
vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested, or the accelerator
is depressed.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration
•Vehicle speed above 45 mph (73 kmh)
•Ascending a hill
•Charge level of high voltage battery is low
•Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
•Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin
temperature
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
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not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
Since engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may seem
elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral:It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Because of the unique nature of the
hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral) position. Also,
the engine cannot provide power to the hybrid system in N (Neutral).
Low Gear:L (Low gear) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. L (Low gear) will produce high
engine speeds to provide necessary engine braking. This is normal and
will not damage your vehicle.
Reverse:(R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph
(35 km/h).
Unique Hybrid operating characteristics
Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery:Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery. A cool
battery ensures battery life and provides the best possible performance.
Your hybrid high voltage battery may periodically re-condition itself to
ensure maximum efficiency. You may notice slight changes in drivability
during this process, but it’s an important part of your hybrid’s high
voltage battery optimization features.
The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin air drawn from vent holes in
the front of the rear seat cushions. Avoid placing objects at the vent
holes which block air flow to the high voltage battery.
The high voltage battery is located between the rear passenger seat and
the trunk. Due to this location, the rear seat for the hybrid vehicle does
not have the ability to be lowered to allow pass-through between the
trunk and the rear of the passenger compartment. Do not attempt to
lower the rear seat.
If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle. For more information, refer toJump starting
(Low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside Emergencies
chapter and also refer toLow and high voltage battery — storagein
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads
•Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag
•Observe posted speed limits
•Perform all scheduled maintenance
•There is no need to wait for your engine to “warm up”. The vehicle is
ready to drive immediately after starting
Refer toEssentials of Good Fuel EconomyinMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for more fuel saving tips.
Frequently asked questions
Question Answer
What are the series of
clicks from the cargo area
when I first turn the key
in the ignition?The high voltage battery is electrically
isolated from the rest of the vehicle when
the key is OFF. When the key is turned ON,
high voltage contactors inside the battery
are closed to make the electricity available
to the motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound of
these contactors as they close and open
during start up and shut down.
Why does the engine
sometimes start at
key-on?The vehicle’s computer will determine if an
engine start is required at key-on. The
engine will start if it is necessary for cabin
heating or windshield defrost. The engine
will also be started when ambient
temperatures are low.
Why does it take a long
time before the engine
shuts down?There are several reasons the engine stays
on for an extended amount of time when it
is first started. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions components are
warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this
“engine-ON” time is extended.
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Question Answer
What is the engine oil
change service interval?The engine oil should be changed every
10,000 miles (16,000 km) under normal
operating conditions. See theScheduled
Maintenance Guidechapter.
Can I put E10 or E85 in
my vehicle, and how will
it affect my fuel
economy?Your hybrid vehicle can use E10 (10%
ethanol, 90% gasoline) fuel, but you may
notice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is
not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
How long will my high
voltage battery last? Does
it need maintenance?The high voltage battery system is designed
to last the life of the vehicle and requires
no maintenance.
Can you charge the
battery with a plug into
an A/C outlet?There are no provisions for charging the
high voltage battery from a power supply
external to the vehicle.
Can I tow the hybrid
behind my motor home
with all four wheels
down?Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be “flat-towed”
without modification. See theRecreational
Towingsection in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guidethat is provided to you along with
yourOwner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guideto find out which parts and
services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
High Voltage Information
WARNING:Exposure to high voltage may result in severe
personal injury or death. High voltage components must be
serviced by a trained service technician.
Your vehicle consists of various high voltage components and wiring. All
of the high voltage power flows through specific wiring assemblies which
are labeled as such and/or are covered with a solid orange convolute or
orange stripe tape. Do not come in contact with these components.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the vehicle until the engine reaches normal operating
temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
Low and high voltage battery – storage
Your vehicle must be started and run for a minimum of 10 minutes once
a month in order to maintain the high voltage battery charge. This will
maintain the high voltage battery but it is not enough to maintain the
low voltage (underhood) battery and additional low voltage (underhood)
battery charging may be required after 60 days.
If your vehicle is to be stored for 30 days or longer, the low voltage
(underhood) battery negative terminal must be disconnected. Failure to
do this could damage your vehicle’s batteries.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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•Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures, and less energy will be spent
returning the passenger compartment to a comfortable temperature.
•Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Keep wheels properly aligned.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
EPA fuel economy estimates
Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
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ENGINE DATA
Engine 2.5L I4 engine
Cubic inches 152
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Ignition system Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.049–0.053 inch (1.25–1.35mm)
Compression ratio 12.3:1
Engine drivebelt routing
High voltage battery data
High Voltage Battery
Battery chemistry Nickel metal hydride
Nominal voltage 275 volts
Battery system capacity 5.5 amp-hours
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