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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WARNINGS
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, (for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space).
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle will remain
on the slope without rolling away for
about two or three seconds. This hold
time will automatically be extended if
you are in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will release automatically.
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C-MAX (CCG) Brakes
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations for example, stuck in
snow or mud, turning the traction control
off may be beneficial as this allows the
wheels to spin with full engine power.
Depending on the type of system you have
on your vehicle, you can either turn the
system off using the information display
or by pressing the button.
Switching the System Off Using
the Information Display Controls
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature
already enabled. If required, you can switch
this feature off using the information
display controls. See Principle of
Operation (page 159).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch
(If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument
panel.
Press the button. You will see a message
in conjunction with an illuminated icon in
the display. Press the button again to
return the system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control
system off, stability control remains fully
active. System Indicator Lights and
Messages WARNING
If a failure has been detected within
the AdvanceTrac system, the
stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac
system was not manually disabled through
the information display. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control system
off.
When you turn the traction control system
off or on, a message appears in the
information display showing system status.
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display. The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control. Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The EPS system adaptive learning helps
correct for road irregularities and improves
overall handling and steering feel. It
communicates with the vehicle's brake
system to help operate advanced stability
control and accident avoidance systems.
Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed,
the vehicle must be driven a short distance
before the strategy is relearned and all
systems are reactivated.
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C-MAX (CCG) Driving Aids
WARNINGS
Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification
Label vehicle weight rating limits
could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance,
engine, transmission and/or
structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury. Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. Do not use replacement tires
with lower load carrying
capacities than the original tires
because they may lower the
vehicle ’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original
tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations. WARNINGS
Exceeding any vehicle weight
rating limitation could result
in serious damage to the vehicle
and/or personal injury. Steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lb." on your
vehicle ’s placard.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lb.
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Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 105).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be 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 tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the transmission in position
N.
• Place the ignition in the off position.
See
Starting and Stopping the
Engine (page 124).
• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
• Place the transmission in position
P,
start the vehicle 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
vehicle). After allowing the vehicle to
run, place the transmission back into
position
N and the ignition in the
accessory position.
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C-MAX (CCG) Towing
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
(1600 kilometers). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Several things affect your fuel economy:
•
How you drive your vehicle
• How you maintain your vehicle
• The conditions you drive your vehicle
in
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
• Avoid constant accelerating in order to
change lanes and get around other
vehicles.
• Drive your vehicle 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).
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops. Slowing down your
vehicle may eliminate the need to stop.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Turn off the heater if you do not need
it. When you have the heater on, keep
it at the lowest blower and
temperature setting necessary to be
comfortable. •
When it is cold outside, park in a sunny
location or climate-controlled
environment. This may save fuel by
reducing the energy needed to heat the
cabin.
• Turn off the air conditioning if you do
not need it. When you have the air
conditioning on, keep it at the lowest
blower and highest temperature
setting necessary to be comfortable.
• When it is hot or sunny outside, parking
in a shaded or climate-controlled
environment will save fuel by reducing
the energy needed to cool the cabin.
• For the C-Max Energi, use
preconditioning to improve your fuel
economy. For more information on
preconditioning, See High Voltage
Battery (page 146).
• Turn off the heated seats if you are not
using them.
• Turn off the defroster when you no
longer need it for visibility, turning it off
will help you improve your fuel
economy.
• For the C-Max Energi, plug in and
recharge the high voltage battery
whenever possible.
• Use ECO Cruise Control, especially in
hilly terrain. For information on
enabling eco-cruise, See
Cruise
Control (page 171).
• Use low gear
L shift position when
enhanced engine braking is needed.
Otherwise, use drive gear
D shift
position.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving. A warmed up
engine works more efficiently. When
running errands, go to the furthest
destination first and then work your
way back home.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
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C-MAX (CCG) Driving Hints
•
Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
• Use the coach and brake coach display
to get feedback on your economical
drive style. For more information, See
Information Displays (page 88).
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Avoid sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations. Accelerate and slow
down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off your vehicle.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
Approximately 1 mile per gallon (0.4
kilometers per liter) is lost for every
400 pounds (180 kilograms) of weight
carried.
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (bug deflectors, car top
carriers, ski or bike racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Things to keep in mind when you refuel
your vehicle:
• Fuel generates fewer vapors when it is
cool and dark outside. Fill your vehicle
up in the early morning or late evening.
• Use the recommended octane-rated
fuel. Using fuel below the
recommended rating will lower your
fuel economy. DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:
Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
If driving through deep or standing water
is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never
drive through water that is higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks). When driving through water, traction or
brake capability may be limited. Also,
water may enter your engine
’s air intake
and severely damage your engine or your
vehicle may stall.
Once through the water, always dry the
brakes by moving your vehicle slowly while
applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes.
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