Power Steering Message Action / Description
Power Steering Assist Fault The power steering system has
disabled power steering assist due
to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
Remote Start Message Action / Description
Remote Start Active Displayed when the remote start
system is active.
Transmission Message Action / Description
Shift to Park Displayed as a reminder to shift to
park.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) MessageAction / Description
LOW Tire Pressure Displays when one or more tires
on your vehicle have low tire
pressure. Refer toInflating Your
Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Tire Pressure Monitor Fault Displays when the tire pressure
monitoring system is
malfunctioning. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer.
Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Displays when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your
spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system
operates under these conditions,
refer toUnderstanding Your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer.
Information Displays135
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
SITTING IN THE CORRECT POSITION
WARNING:Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seat
back, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING:Do not recline the seat back as this can cause the
occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe
personal injury in the event of a crash.
WARNING:Do not place objects higher than the seat backs to
reduce the risk of injury in a crash or during heavy braking or
when stopping suddenly.
When you use them properly, the
seat, head restraint, safety belt
and airbags will provide optimum
protection in the event of a crash.
We recommend that you follow
these guidelines:
•Do not recline the seat back
more than 30 degrees from
vertical.
•Sit in an upright position with the base of your spine as far back as
possible.
•Adjust the head restraint so that the top of it is level with the top of
your head and as far forward as possible, remaining comfortable.
•Keep sufficient distance between yourself and the steering wheel.
We recommend a minimum of 10 inches (250 millimeters) between
your breastbone and the airbag cover.
•Hold the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent.
•Bend your legs slightly so that you can press the pedals fully.
•Position the shoulder strap of the safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap tightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position is comfortable and that you can
maintain full control of your vehicle.
Seats157
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
•The key frequencies are jammed.
•The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:
3-button remote
1. Hold the key at the backup
location on the steering column.
2. With the key in this position,
press the brake pedal, then the
button to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.
5-button remote
1. Hold the key next to the symbol
on the steering column.
2. With the key in this position,
press the brake pedal, then the
button to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.
Starting and Stopping the Engine177
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
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.
Starting and Stopping the Engine179
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
EV Now
This mode provides an electric only driving experience using
plug-in power. The left-hand information display will change to an
Energy Use screen that supplies EV specific tools and functions.
The vehicle may accelerate more slowly and the top speed may be lower
than in Auto EV. At any time, the engine may be enabled by using one of
the following methods:
1. Press the OK button on the left 5–way steering wheel control while
viewing the EV screen. The vehicle will automatically exit override after
the timer has expired and the engine shuts down.
2.
Press the accelerator pedal fully. A pop up message statingPress OK to
Enable Enginewill appear. Press OK on the left steering wheel button to
activate as needed. The message will disappear if the accelerator pedal is
released.
3. Press the EV button. This will change the mode to EV Later and
permit engine operation
The vehicle may automatically enter Engine Enabled mode if system
conditions require it. A messageEngine Enabled for System
Performancewill display if this occurs. This is normal function, and
your vehicle will return to EV Now when possible.
The vehicle may enter Enable Engine mode if the climate control is in a
defrost mode and the outside temperature is cold. A messageEngine
Enabled Due to Defrostwill display if this occurs. If defrost is not
needed, select a different climate control mode to permit EV Now.
There is a blue EV icon that is displayed in the left-hand information
display when EV Now is enabled. If the vehicle is in the Engine Enabled
mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when the Plug in power has been depleted.
EV Later
This mode saves the high voltage battery plug in power for
future use (for example, your initial drive is at high speeds on
open roads, but later your drive will be at low speeds in an
urban area). Your vehicle will run the engine as needed and
keep most of the high voltage battery plug in power for later use in Auto
EV or EV Now mode.
There is a white EV Later icon that appears on the left-hand information
display when EV Later is enabled.
EV
Unique Driving Characteristics183
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may
be worn out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, you should take it to an authorized dealer for inspection.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and
firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and reduce engine
power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring
your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to positionPand
apply the parking brake, then inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interferences. If none are found and the condition persists, have your
vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The anti-lock brake system lamp momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during
start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.
218Brakes
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and leave your
vehicle with the transmission selector lever in positionP.
Note:Do not press the release button while pulling the lever up.
To set the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing uphill, move the
transmission selector lever to positionPand turn the steering wheel
away from the curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing downhill, move the
transmission selector lever to positionPand turn the steering wheel
towards the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push the lever down.
220Brakes
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction or wheel and tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac® system is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your AdvanceTrac® system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ system helps you keep
control of your vehicle when on a slippery surface. The electronic stability
control portion of the system helps avoid skids and lateral slides and roll
stability control helps avoid a vehicle rollover. The traction control system
helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. See theTraction Control
chapter for details on traction control system operation.
222Stability Control
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)