2013 FORD C MAX HYBRID run flat

The airbags are a supplemental restraint system and are designed to
work with the safety belts to help protect the driver and right front
passenger from certain upper body injuries. Airbags do not inflate slowly;
there is a risk of injury from a deploying airbag.
Note:You will hear a loud bang and see a cloud of harmless powdery
residue if an airbag deploys. This is normal.
The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag
deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell
the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to
lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (for example, baking soda) that
result from the combustion process that inflates the airbag. Small amounts
of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes,
but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help
reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also cause
abrasions or swelling. Temporary hearing loss is also a possibility as a result
of the noise associated with a deploying airbag. Because airbags must
inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or
serious injuries, such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal
injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are
otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Thus, it is
extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away
from the airbag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.
Routine maintenance of the airbags is not required.
SOS POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM™
The system flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the horn
(intermittently) in the event of a serious impact that deploys an airbag
equipped on your vehicle, such as front, side, side curtain or Safety
Canopy®.
The horn and lamps will turn off when:
•the hazard control button is pressed
•the panic button (if equipped) is pressed on the remote entry
transmitter, or
•your vehicle runs out of power.
Supplementary Restraints System45
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
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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.
186Unique Driving Characteristics
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

The front wheels must be on a tow dolly when towing your vehicle
from the rear using wheel lift equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed
(all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•
Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmissionin
theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission intoN.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing,
such as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.
You can tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with
the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a
tow dolly, follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, see the following
instructions.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission in positionN.
•Place the ignition in the accessory mode. See theStarting and
Stopping the Enginechapter.
•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Place the transmission in positionP,start the engine and allow it to
run for one minute at the beginning of each day (you may need to
press the accelerator pedal in order to start the engine). After
allowing the engine to run, place the transmission back into position
Nand the ignition in the accessory position.
Towing249
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles
(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics. The engine also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the first 1000 miles. If possible,
avoid carrying heavy loads up steep grades during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving. (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination first and then work your way
back home.)
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. (Traveling at 65 miles per
hour/105 kilometers per hour uses about 15 percent less fuel than
traveling at 75 miles per hour/121 kilometers per hour).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may want to avoid doing because they
reduce your fuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turning off the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning and heat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
250Driving Hints
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

Important:Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road
tires are replaced on your vehicle.
The two front tires or two rear tires should generally be replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company
may affect the operation of your tire pressure monitoring system.
If the tire pressure monitoring system indicator is flashing, the system is
malfunctioning. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with your tire
pressure monitoring system, or some component of the system may be
damaged.
Safety Practices
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do
not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If you cannot detect the cause, have the
vehicle towed to the nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the
vehicle inspected. Before attempting to use the sealing kit, please read
about the Temporary Mobility Kit in this chapter of the Owner’s Manual.
334Wheels and Tires
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

Tips for Use of the Temporary Mobility Kit
Read the following list of tips to make sure safe operation of the
temporary mobility kit:
•Before operating the temporary mobility kit, make sure your vehicle is
safely off the road and away from moving traffic. Turn on the hazard
lights.
•Always set the parking brake to make sure the vehicle does not move
unexpectedly.
•
Do not remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
•When using the temporary mobility kit, leave the engine running
(only if the vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the vehicle’s battery.
•Do not allow the compressor to operate continuously for more than
15 minutes; this will help prevent the compressor from overheating.
•Never leave the temporary mobility kit unattended when it is
operating.
•Sealant compound contains latex. Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid an allergic reaction.
•Keep the temporary mobility kit away from children.
•Only use the temporary mobility kit when the ambient temperature is
between -22°F (–30°C) and 158°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound before the use by date. The use by
date is on the lower right hand corner of the label located on the
sealant canister (bottle).Note:Check the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four years.
•Do not store the temporary mobility kit unsecured inside the
passenger compartment of the vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or collision. Always store the kit in its original location.
•
After sealant use, the tire pressure monitoring system sensor and valve
stem on the wheel must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
•When inflating a tire or other objects, use the black air hose only. Do not
use the transparent hose which is designed for sealant application only.
•Operating the temporary mobility kit could cause an electrical
disturbance in radio, CD, and DVD player operation (if equipped).
342Wheels and Tires
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)