
Answer
Question
Your vehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy
accelerations, and may fluctuate during
steady state driving. These are character-
istics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that help
maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high some-
times when I accelerate?
The fan noise comes from a fan located
next to the high voltage battery pack. This fan turns on when the battery requires
cooling air. The fan speed, and associated noise level, will change according to theamount of cooling required to maintain
good performance. Maintaining the battery temperature at optimal conditions also
prolongs the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear
of my hybrid?
Change the engine oil every 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) or once per year under normal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change service
interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%
ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how
will it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?
Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging the
high voltage battery from a power supply
external to the vehicle. (For C-MAX Energi
vehicles, the vehicle can be plugged into a
110-volt outlet with charge cord provided.)
Can you charge the battery with a plug into
an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed
without modification. See Towing (page
182).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home
with all four wheels down?
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C-MAX (CCG) Unique Driving Characteristics

FUEL QUALITY
Note:
Use of any fuel other than those
recommended may cause powertrain
damage, a loss of vehicle performance and
repairs may not be covered under warranty.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED gasoline or
UNLEADED gasoline blended with a
maximum of 15% ethanol in your gasoline
vehicle. If your vehicle is a Flex Fuel Vehicle
(FFV), it will have a yellow bezel placed
over the fuel fill inlet.
Do not use:
• fuels containing more than 15%
ethanol or E-85 fuel
• fuels containing methanol
• fuels containing metallic based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds
• fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT)
• leaded-fuel (The use of leaded fuel is
prohibited by law)
Note: Use of any fuel other than the
recommended fuel can cause powertrain
damage, impair the emission control system
or cause loss of vehicle performance. Any
damage to the vehicle that is caused by the
use of fuel not recommended will not be
covered under warranty.
Octane Recommendations
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some fuel stations offer
fuels posted as regular with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude
areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87
are not recommended. Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it
knocks heavily while you are using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, see your
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
Fuel Freshness Mode (Energi
Vehicles Only)
This feature helps keeps the fuel system
functional and the fuel fresh.
If you operate your vehicle mainly in plug-in
power mode using electricity from plugging
in without refueling, the gasoline in your
tank eventually becomes old. Old fuel can
damage the engine and fuel system.
To prevent the fuel from becoming old,
your vehicle will automatically enter fuel
freshness mode. In fuel freshness mode
operates, your vehicle will operate in hybrid
mode causing the gasoline engine to run
in order to consume the fuel in the fuel
tank.
Note:
If new fuel is not added during an 18
month period, fuel freshness mode will
consume fuel until about 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
is left in the tank.
During fuel freshness mode:
• The information display screen will
indicate that fuel freshness mode is
active.
• The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.
EV Now will not be available.
• Most of the plug-in power will be
stored until fuel freshness mode is
completed.
Note: EV Now can resume if less than 1
gallon (3.8 liters) of fuel is left in the tank.
Note: In most cases, when the fuel level is
below 1/4 tank, refueling the vehicle will end
fuel freshness mode and EV Now will now
become available. Refueling after
consuming a full tank in fuel freshness mode
will end the mode.
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C-MAX (CCG) Fuel and Refueling

1.
Fill the fuel tank completely and record
the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added.
3. After at least three to five tank fill ups, fill the fuel tank and record the current
odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer reading.
5. Calculate fuel economy by dividing miles traveled by gallons used (For
Metric: Multiply liters used by 100, then
divide by kilometers traveled).
Keep a record for at least one month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of the
vehicle ’s fuel economy under current
driving conditions. Additionally, keeping
records during summer and winter show
how temperature impacts fuel economy.
In general, lower temperatures mean lower
fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle
in dry grass or other dry ground cover.
The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system,
which can start a fire. Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. Your vehicle is equipped with various
emission control components and a
catalytic converter that will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust
emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission
control components continue to work
properly:
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
•
Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high
speeds.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged
exhaust system may allow exhaust to
enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or
improperly operating exhaust system
inspected and repaired immediately.
143
C-MAX (CCG) Fuel and Refueling

Note:
Your electrical source must meet
certain requirements for the high-voltage
batteries to charge. The AC outlet must be
a three-prong 110-120 volt AC outlet that is
properly grounded, 15– 20 amps (or greater),
and in good condition. You must use a
dedicated line, which means you cannot
have other appliances connected to the
same circuit. If you do not use a dedicated
circuit, the circuit breaker could trip or open.
If you do not have a dedicated circuit,
contact a licensed professional electrician
for proper installation.
Make sure that the 120– volt convenience
cord is completely unwound before
charging. Always plug the cord into the AC
outlet before connecting the charging
coupler into the charge port receptacle of
your vehicle. The 120– volt convenience
cord inline control box has three indicator
lights that represent the charging status,
power, charge and fault.
Power (green light) — this indicator
lights up when you plug the cord into the
AC wall outlet.
Charge (green light) —
indicates status
of charging:
• No light means you have not connected
the cord to the vehicle.
• Blinking light means that the charging
is in process.
• Solid light means you have connected
the cord, but the vehicle is not charging.
Fault (red triangle light) —
Lights up in
case of a detected failure. No charging is
possible:
• Blinking red triangle light – means that
the 120– volt convenience cord is trying
to reset the failure and could restart
the charging cycle.
• Solid red triangle light – means that
the fault is permanent. You need to
unplug the cord and then plug it back
in to reset the fault. If the fault persists,
contact your authorized dealer. Charge Port
The charge port is located between the
front left side door and front left wheel
well. There is an indentation located on
the charge port door. Press in and release
with your thumb to open and close the
door.
Note:
Do not force the charge port door
open or closed. Forcing the door open or
closed will damage the charge port.
The light ring located around the charge
port indicates the charge status of the
high-voltage battery in your vehicle.
Divided into four quadrants, the charge
port light ring displays the state of charge
in 25 percent increments.
There is a cord acknowledgment feature
that activates when you initiate a charge
cycle. The four light quadrants will each
individually flash clockwise starting with
the top right light and ending with the top
left, two full times, confirming the system
detects the charging coupler.
Use your key fob to view the charge status
of your vehicle at any time by pressing the
unlock button. The light ring will light up
the corresponding quadrant(s) so that the
current state of charge can be determined.
If the charge is below 25 percent, the light
ring will not light. Do not forget to press the
lock button on your key fob to re-lock your
vehicle.
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The light ring will also display the current
state of charge when opening the doors.
Charging
Note:
Your vehicle must be in P (PARK) to
charge.
To charge your high-voltage battery:
1. Put the vehicle in park and power down
your vehicle.
2. With your thumb, press in and release the indentation located on the charge
port door and the door will rotate open.
3. Plug the charging coupler into the charge port receptacle on your vehicle.
Make sure the button clicks confirming
you have completely engaged the
coupler. 4. Verify that the cord acknowledgment
feature activates. This indicates the
beginning of a normal charge cycle.
5. If using a 240-volt charging station, follow the instructions on the charge
station to begin the charging process.
The light ring will display how far along the
charge is:
• When the top right quadrant is pulsing,
the charge is between 0-25 percent.
• When the top right quadrant light is on
and the bottom right quadrant is
pulsing, the charge is between 25-50
percent. •
When the light on both right side
quadrants are on and the bottom left
quadrant is pulsing, the charge is
between 50-75 percent.
• When the light on three quadrants are
on and the top left quadrant is pulsing,
the charge is between 75-100 percent.
• When all the lights on the entire ring
are on, the charge is complete.
Note: The light ring will turn off one minute
after reaching a full charge.
Locking the Charging Coupler
Note: You will need a padlock or a
combination lock with a shackle diameter
of
0.2 in (5 mm) or less and the straight
portion of the shackle of 1.0 in (25.4 mm)
length or more. 1. Insert the lock through the hole in the
charging coupler button.
2. Lock the padlock or combination lock.
Waiting to Charge
Note: See Charge Settings in the MyFord
Touch section.
See MyFord Touch ™ (page
322).
When you select Value Charge, charging
may not begin upon plugging in. The
vehicle may delay charging to take
advantage of off-peak electricity rates. The
vehicle will optimize the charge schedule
to be complete by the next GO Time.
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When waiting to charge (not actively
charging), the light ring will indicate the
present state of charge of the high voltage
battery as follows:
•
When the top right quadrant light is off,
the charge is between 0– 25 percent.
• When the top right quadrant light is on
and the bottom right quadrant is off,
the charge is between 25–50 percent.
• When both right side quadrant lights
are on and the bottom left quadrant is
off, the charge is between 50– 75
percent.
• When three quadrant lights are on and
the top left quadrant is off, the charge
is between 75– 100 percent.
• When all lights on the entire ring are
on, the charge is 100 percent.
Note: When the vehicle is waiting to charge,
the light ring will turn off one minute after
displaying the present state of charge. When
the vehicle automatically begins charging,
the light ring will turn on and display how
far along the charge is per the section above.
Note: If the system detects a vehicle
charging system fault at any point in a
charge cycle, the entire light ring will flash
continuously for one minute and then turn
off. If this happens, unplug the charging
coupler and then plug it back into the charge
port receptacle. If the problem persists,
contact your authorized dealer.
You can modify the light ring lighting
conditions. See Charge Port Light Ring
Settings in the MyFord Touch section. See
MyFord Touch ™ (page 322).
Disconnecting the Charging Coupler
Note: Do not pull the wall plug from the
wall while the vehicle is charging. Doing so
may damage the outlet and the cord.
1. Remove the lock from the charging coupler button. 2. Press the button on the charging
coupler.
3. While holding the button, remove the charging coupler from the charge port
receptacle on your vehicle. 4.
Close the charge port door by pressing
the indentation on the charge port
door. Continue pressing the indentation
while the door rotates
counterclockwise and closes.
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CUT-
OFF SWITCH
The high-voltage shut off operation shuts
off power from the high-voltage battery
after a collision, or if your vehicle receives
a substantial physical jolt.
To reactivate the vehicle after either event
perform the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. If the vehicle is not powered after this sequence, repeat steps 1 and 2.
For vehicles equipped with a push button
start system:
1. Press the
START/STOP button to
turn ignition off.
2. Press the brake pedal and press the START/STOP
button.
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4. Remove the tool and reinstall the
panel.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
155
C-MAX (CCG) Transmission

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. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
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 Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 236). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 83).
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
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the transmission selector lever
to position
P, switch the engine off and
apply the parking brake. Inspect the
accelerator pedal for any interference. If
none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer. Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake
heavily by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce
stopping distances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates
when you release the parking brake, have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature is used to simulate the engine
braking of an internal combustion engine
and assist the standard brake system while
recovering some of the energy of motion
and storing it in the battery to improve fuel
economy. The standard brake system is
designed to fully stop the car if
regenerative braking is not available.
During regenerative braking, the motor is
spun as a generator to create electrical
current. This recharges the battery and
slows the vehicle. In effect, once the
accelerator pedal is released, the motor
changes from an energy user to an energy
producer.
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