Question Answer
Why does my engine
stay ON when it’s
extremely cold
outside?In order to ensure that the climate control
system can begin heating the cabin and/or
defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant temperature has
to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine
on is required to maintain the correct minimum
temperature.
Why does my engine
revupsohigh
sometimes when I
accelerate?Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. This may be higher
than expected during heavy accelerations, and
may fluctuate during steady state driving. These
are characteristics of the Atkinson engine cycle
and the eCVT transmission technology that help
maximize your hybrid’s fuel economy.
What is the fan noise
I hear from the rear
of my hybrid?The fan noise comes from a fan located inside
the high voltage battery. This fan turns on when
the battery requires cooling air. The fan speed,
and associated noise level, will change according
to the amount of cooling required to maintain
good performance. Maintaining the battery
temperature at optimal conditions also prolongs
the useful life of the battery and helps to
achieve better fuel economy.
HowfarcanIgoin
Electric Drive if I
run out of gas?Running out of gas is not recommended.
However, you may be able to go about one mile,
driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if the battery has a
normal state of charge.
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.
Introduction
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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
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malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a
related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. The
message center displays LOW OIL
PRESSURE when the engine oil level is low. Check the oil level and add
oil if needed. If the warning light or message stays on, even though the
oil level is correct, do not start the engine and contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the engine or a
related component. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
High engine or high motor
electronic coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant or motor electronics coolant temperature is high. The message
center displays HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE / HIGH MOTOR
TEMPERATURE when the engine coolant or motor electronics are
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine, and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If the light
and message stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms
up, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Continuing to
drive with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage. This
indicates a problem with the engine or a related component. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac:Illuminates when
AdvanceTracis active. If the light
remains on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
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•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs,wipe off immediately.Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with MotorcraftProfessional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with MotorcraftSpot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use
MotorcraftMulti-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).
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Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of
engine coolant should be checked at
the intervals listed inscheduled
maintenance information. The
coolant concentration should be
maintained at 50/50 coolant and
distilled water, which equates to a
freeze point of -34°F (-37°C).
Coolant concentration testing is
possible with a hydrometer or
antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the
FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant
reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection. When
the engine is cold, check the level of engine coolant in the reservoir.
Checking motor/electronics (M/E) coolant
The M/E coolant reservoir is located
at the rear of the engine
compartment. Refer to the following
engine coolant sections for all
information, instructions and
warnings related to cooling systems.
The two systems use the same
coolant and operate similarly, with
the Motor and Electronics system
generally operating at a lower
temperature and pressure. The fluid
levels in both reservoirs need to be maintained. When the engine is cold,
check the level of M/E coolant in the reservoir. The coolant should be at
the FULL COLD level as shown on the side of the coolant reservoir.
Factory fill and coolant specifications
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
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Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Since it is able to operate in electric mode and to collect braking energy,
your hybrid vehicle may get better fuel economy in city driving than on
the highway. This is contrary to conventional vehicles. However, many of
the same actions that improve fuel economy in a conventional vehicle
will also improve fuel economy in this vehicle.
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to
improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Avoid aggressive driving. Quick acceleration and deceleration decrease
fuel economy.
•Drive at a smooth, constant speed. Excessive variation in pedal input
causes more operating mode changes and reduces efficiency.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. Traveling at 60 mph [96 km/h] uses
approximately 20% less fuel than traveling at 70 mph [112 km/h]).
•Minimize A/C and defroster usage. Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric A/C system, which can provide cooling for passenger comfort
or defrost without running the engine. However, the A/C system uses
battery energy when the engine is off, which reduces fuel economy.
Using Auto mode, minimizing use of defrost and Max A/C, or choosing
a higher temperature setting can help reduce energy usage.
•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 toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
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VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
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