2013 FORD C MAX HYBRID maintenance

COOLANT
Engine Coolant and Inverter System Controller Coolant
Your vehicle is equipped with two separate cooling systems. One is for
cooling the engine and one is for cooling the inverter system controller
that is specific to the hybrid operating system. The two systems operate
similarly, with the inverter system controller cooling system generally
operating at a lower temperature and pressure.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenance Information.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the engine coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, below the MIN mark, or empty,
add prediluted coolant immediately. Refer toAdding Engine Coolantin
this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50%.
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Checking the Inverter System Controller Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the
inverter system controller coolant at the intervals listed in theScheduled
Maintenance Information.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the inverter system controller coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, below the MIN mark, or empty,
add prediluted coolant immediately. Refer toAdding Inverter System
Controller Coolantin this chapter.
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The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50%.
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:It is very important to use prediluted coolant meeting the Ford
specification in order to avoid plugging the small coolant passageways.
Use of concentrated coolant and water may cause coolant passageway
plugging and void the warranty. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the cooling and/or heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
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Note:During normal vehicle operation, the coolant may change color
from orange to pink or light red. As long as the coolant is clear and
uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the coolant has
degraded nor does it require the coolant to be drained, the system
to be flushed, or the coolant to be replaced.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of coolants may harm your
cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may harm engine,
inverter system controller, and cooling system components and may
void the warranty.
•
In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added to the engine cooling system only in order to reach a
vehicle service location. In this instance, the engine cooling system must
be drained, chemically cleaned with Motorcraft® Premium Cooling
System Flush, and refilled with prediluted engine coolant as soon as
possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can cause engine damage
from corrosion, overheating, or freezing. DO NOT use this method for
the inverter system controller cooling system. The inverter system
controller cooling system operates close to ambient temperature, and is
susceptible to freezing in any subfreezing environment in the absence of
coolant.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the coolant.
Adding Engine Coolant
1. Remove the Easy Fuel funnel from the storage compartment. Refer to
Running Out of Fuelfor the location of the Easy Fuel funnel.
2. Unscrew the engine coolant reservoir cap slowly. Any pressure will
escape as you unscrew the cap.
3. Position the Easy Fuel funnel in the engine coolant reservoir opening.
Push the Easy Fuel funnel neck fully into the engine coolant reservoir,
past the vent tube, in order to avoid pouring the coolant into the vent
tube and spilling the coolant on the ground.
4. Add prediluted engine coolant to the engine coolant reservoir. Make
sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the engine
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See the technical specifications chart in theCapacities
and Specificationschapter.
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5. Close the engine coolant reservoir cap.
6. Clean the Easy Fuel funnel.
7. Store the Easy Fuel funnel in the storage compartment.
Whenever you add engine coolant, check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the engine coolant level to
the proper level.
Adding Inverter System Controller Coolant
1. Open the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted coolant to the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir. Make sure that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the inverter system controller coolant reservoir.
Use prediluted coolant meeting the Ford specification. See the technical
specifications chart in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
3. Close the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the coolant level in the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle.
If necessary, add enough prediluted coolant to bring the inverter system
controller coolant level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease
the overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
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If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine coolant temperature gauge
will move to the red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
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When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer.
If required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips
or shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
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BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict
the use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
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Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

CHANGING THE LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free low
voltage battery which normally does not require additional water during
its life of service.
Note:See an authorized dealer for low voltage battery access, testing, or
replacement.
When a low voltage battery replacement is necessary, see an authorized
dealer to replace the low voltage battery with a Ford recommended
replacement low voltage battery that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
To ensure proper operation of the battery management system (BMS), do
not allow a technician to connect any electrical device ground connection
directly to the low voltage battery negative post. A connection at the low
voltage battery negative post can cause inaccurate measurements of the
battery condition and potential incorrect system operation.
Note:If a person adds electrical or electronic accessories or components
to the vehicle, the accessories or components may adversely affect the
low voltage battery performance and durability and may also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in the vehicle.
Note: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.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically-controlled by a computer,
some engine control settings are maintained by power from the low
voltage battery. Some engine computer settings, like the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy, optimize the driveability and performance of the
engine. Some other computer settings, like the clock and radio station
presets, are also maintained in memory by power from the low voltage
battery. When a technician disconnects and connects the low voltage
battery, these settings are erased. Complete the following procedure in
order to restore the settings:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Turn off all accessories.
4. Step on the brake pedal and start the vehicle.
5. Step on the accelerator to start the engine.
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Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)