
Fast Restart (Vehicles with Keyless Start)
The fast restart feature allows you to restart the engine within
20 seconds of switching it off, even if a valid key is not present.
Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and
press the button. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start
the engine without the key present inside your vehicle.
Once the engine has started, it remains running until you press the
button, even if the system does not detect a valid key. If you open and
close a door while the engine is running, the system searches for a valid
key. You cannot start the engine if the system does not detect a valid key
within 20 seconds.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Start the engine.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
2. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to position0.If your
vehicle has a keyless start system, press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note:This switches off the ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps
and indicators.
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Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering will not lock, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off.
1.If your vehicle has an ignition key,move the transmission
selector lever to positionNand use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission
selector lever to positionPand turn the key to position0.
2.If your vehicle has a keyless start system,move the transmission
selector lever to positionNand use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission
selector lever to positionPand switch the ignition off by pressing
and holding the button for one second, or pressing it three times
within two seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
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Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously variable transaxle, you will not
feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: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 positionNfor
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. The engine will not start, and cannot
provide power to the hybrid system in positionN.
Low Gear:Low gear (positionL) is designed to mimic the enhanced
engine braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. Low gear will produce
high engine speeds to provide necessary engine braking. This is normal
and will not damage your vehicle. In low gear, the gas engine will remain
on more often than in positionD.
Reverse:In positionR, vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph (35 km/h).
Unique Hybrid Operating Characteristics
Your hybrid 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 trim panels behind the rear seats. Avoid placing objects at the vent
holes which block air flow to the high voltage battery.
The high voltage battery is located behind the rear seat or underneath
the load floor. The rear seats can be lowered to increase cargo space.
If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary
to jump start the vehicle. Refer toJump starting the vehiclein the
Roadside Emergencieschapter and also seeLow and high voltage
battery – storagein theVehicle Carechapter.
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Engine:The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 rpm).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. Once the
battery is reconnected and after driving the vehicle, the engine may
continue to operate for three to five seconds after the key is turned to
off. This is a normal condition.
Braking:Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your vehicle
computer housed with the transmission and it commands a portion of
the brake energy stored in your high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is not always an indication of
inefficiency. In some cases, it is actually more efficient than driving in
electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits, accessory usage, temperature and terrain.
For best results, keep in mind these tips:
•Keep the tires properly inflated and only use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is achieved with mild to
moderate acceleration and deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking system.
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Question Answer
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.
Why does my
engine never
shut down
above 60 mph
(96 km/h)?The engine is required to turn on above this speed
to protect the transmission hardware. (For C-MAX
Energi vehicles, you can travel up to 85 mph
[137 km/h] in EV mode.)
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 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.
(For C-MAX Energi vehicles, this is not required to
maintain cabin conditions.)
Why does my
engine rev up so
high 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.
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On-board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects
the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soon indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions
may cause the service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. SeeEasy Fuel®
No Cap Fuel Systemin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon indicator
should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine start-up followed by mixed city or highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine soon indicator on can result
in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and can lead to more costly repairs.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state, provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration.
If the service engine soon indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. SeeOn-board
Diagnostics (OBD-II)in this chapter.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if the service engine soon
indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned out), or if the
OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered
not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing; if the service engine soon indicator stays on solid, it means that
the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway or highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle.
The engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once the
engine is started, do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle
is complete. If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above
driving cycle will have to be repeated.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched inP(Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle
WARNING:When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched inP(Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine
2. Release the parking brake
3. Press the brake pedal
4. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle inP(Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it inP(Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever inR(Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out ofR
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever inN(Neutral), the vehicle is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in theN(Neutral)
position.
The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in theN(Neutral)
position. Do not idle the vehicle inN(Neutral) for extended periods as
this will discharge your high voltage battery.
PRNDL
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