2013 FORD C MAX coolant temperature

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake
fluid – non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

•Charge Level — This indicates the State of Charge of the battery.
Additionally, for Energi vehicles the option only applies for the Hybrid
Mode battery display (simple battery graphic). The Plug-in Power
Mode battery will always show the charge level with associated
remaining EV range.
•Inst. Fuel — Shows instantaneous fuel usage.
•Coolant Temp – Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal
operating temperature, the level indicator will be white and will
be in the normal range (between H and C). If the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the normal range, the level indicator will change
to red to indicate that the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, turn off the vehicle and let the engine cool.
The thermometer indicator next to the gauge will illuminate in blue or
white to indicate the following:
•
Blue thermometer : This indicates that the hybrid system is not
warm enough to allow EV operation. The gasoline engine will run
continuously when the indicator is blue. During silent key start mode,
the thermometer indicator will be blue, but the gasoline engine will not
run. This is the result of the vehicle computer allowing the engine to be
cooler during the silent key start period. This is normal operation and
does not indicate a problem with your vehicle. After the first engine
start the indicator will turn white when the gasoline engine is warm
enough to turn off.
•White thermometer : This indicates that the hybrid system is warm
enough to allow EV operation. If the vehicle operates on battery
power long enough, it is possible that the gasoline engine may need to
run to keep the system warm. In this case, the thermometer indicator
will revert back to blue.
Note:Trip data, average fuel economy and average speed cannot be
reset in MyView. You can reset this data from other screens where it is
shown.
Information Displays121
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
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Maintenance Message Action / Description
LOW Engine Oil Pressure Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine.
Check the oil level. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on
with your engine running, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine Coolant Overtemperature Displays when the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, turn off
the vehicle and let it cool. If the
warning stays on or continues to
come on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Oil Change Required Displays when the engine oil life is
depleted and requires a change.
Change Engine Oil Soon Displays when the engine oil life
requires a change soon.
Washer Fluid Level LOW Displays when the washer fluid is
low and needs to be refilled. Refer
toWindshield washer fluidin the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter.
Motor Coolant Overtemperature Displays when the motor
electronics are overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the vehicle and
let it cool. If the warning stays on
or continues to come on, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
132Information Displays
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•
Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be able to be used outdoors, in cold temperatures,
and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.
Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could result in an
electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•
Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
180Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

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.
188Unique Driving Characteristics
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

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.
286Maintenance
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

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.
288Maintenance
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)

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.
290Maintenance
2013 C-Max Full Hybrid(34h)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013
USA(fus)