IGNITION SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
0 (Off):The ignition is off.
Note:When you switch the ignition off and leave your vehicle, do not
leave your key in the ignition. This could cause your vehicle battery to
lose charge.
I (Accessory):Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to
operate while the engine is not running.
Note:Do not leave the ignition key in this position for too long.
This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.
II (On):All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
III (Start):Cranks the engine.
KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to
metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones.
Note:A valid key must be located inside your vehicle to switch the
ignition on and start the engine.
Note:When locking your vehicle, any remote controls left inside the
vehicle may become disabled. A message may appear in the information
display indicating that there is no key detected if you try to start the
engine. Press the unlock button on the remote control to enable it, and
then start the engine.
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Ignition Modes
Off:Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running
but the vehicle is not in motion.
On:All electrical circuits are operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
from off mode.
Start:Starts the engine.
•
Press the brake pedal, and then press the button until the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine check the following:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the gearshift is in positionP.
•Turn the ignition key to positionII.If your vehicle is equipped with a
keyless ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to positionIII.Release the key when the engine starts.
Note:The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it
starts.
Note:If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short
period and try again.
START
STOP ENGINE
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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.
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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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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION (C-MAX HYBRID AND C-MAX ENERGI)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved efficiency. Familiarizing yourself
with these unique characteristics will provide an optimal driving experience
from your new vehicle.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.
Starting:When you start your vehicle, a green ready indicator
light will appear in the lower right portion of the instrument
cluster and a ready to drive message will appear in the middle
of the left cluster screen, letting you know that the vehicle is ready for
driving.
The engine may not start because this hybrid vehicle is equipped with
silent key start. This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be
ready-to-drive without requiring the gas engine to be running. This
indicator will remain on while the vehicle is on, whether the engine is
running or not to indicate the vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically, the engine will not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested, or the
accelerator is pressed.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•considerable vehicle acceleration
•vehicle speed above 60 mph (96 km/h) For C-MAX Energi vehicles,
you can drive up to 85 mph (137 km/h) in EV mode.
•ascending a hill
•charge level of high voltage battery is low
•very high or low outside temperature (to provide system cooling or
heating) For C-MAX Energi vehicles, climate control demands by
passengers do not directly cause the engine to run. This only occurs
when the high voltage battery charge is low.
•engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin
temperature
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come
to a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
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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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Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads
•Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag
•Observe posted speed limits
•Perform all scheduled maintenance
•There is no need to wait for your engine to warm up. The vehicle is
ready to drive immediately after starting
EV+ Mode
Your vehicle will recognize your frequent destinations and allow for more
EV driving as you approach them. For example, when nearing your home
it should be easier to stay in electric mode. The EV indicator will display
EV+ when this mode is active. You should see this approximately
1/8 mile (200 meters) from a frequent destination.
Note:Frequent destinations are learned by your vehicle after two to
four weeks of use. These destinations can be cleared with a Lifetime
Summary reset through the Settings menu.
Note:The EV+ feature can be turned on or off through the Driver Assist
section of the Settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question Answer
What are the
series of clicks
from the cargo
area when I first
turn the key in
the ignition?The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from
the rest of the vehicle when the key is off. When
the key is turned to on, high voltage contactors
inside the battery are closed to make the electricity
available to the motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound of these
contactors as they close and open during start up
and shut down.
Why does the
engine sometimes
start at key-on?The vehicle’s computer will determine if an engine
start is required at key-on. Silent key start will start
the engine if it is necessary for cabin heating,
windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is
low. (For C-MAX Energi vehicles, engine on is not
required to operate these functions.)
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