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 fuel or UNLEADED
fuel blended with a maximum of 15%
ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85),
diesel fuel, fuel-methanol, leaded fuel or
any other fuel because it could damage or
impair the emission control system.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
or fuel additives with metallic compounds,
including manganese-based additives. The
use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law.
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.
Note: It is recommended to use a fuel
stabilizer if you consume less than a full
tank of fuel during an 18 month period.
REFUELING WARNINGS
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries.
Read and follow all the instructions
on the pump island.
Turn off your vehicle when you are
refueling.
149Fuel and Refueling
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK Note: Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, the fluid
level should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, (i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid
levels are outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill. FUEL FILTER Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid with
antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and
increase the risk of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 293).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
249Maintenance
