2015 FORD C MAX coolant level

•
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 engine coolant.
Adding Engine Coolant
1. Unscrew the engine coolant reservoir cap slowly. Any pressure will escape
as you unscrew the cap.
2. Use a funnel to 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 Capacities and Specifications
(page 275).
3. Close the engine coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir
the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted engine
coolant to bring the engine coolant level
to the proper level.
Adding Inverter System Controller
Coolant
1. Open the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted coolant
to the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Make sure that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 275). 3. Close the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough prediluted coolant to bring the
inverter system controller coolant level to
the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend
the use of recycled engine coolant since a
Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed
of in an appropriate manner. Follow your
community ’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to have an
authorized Ford dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will
provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have an
authorized Ford 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 freeze and
corrosion protection characteristics of
the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
220
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Maintenance

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant
meeting the Ford specification 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 re-started. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to minimize engine damage. When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and
may completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine power,
power steering assist, and power brake
assist, which may increase the possibility
of a crash resulting in serious injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Note:
Driving the vehicle without repairing
the engine problem increases the chance of
engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the
fail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle with
caution. The vehicle will not be able to
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine will run rough. Remember that the
engine is capable of completely shutting
down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
221
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Maintenance

General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If you store vehicles outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if you
store it in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. •
With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel System
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling System
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
12V Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
241
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Vehicle Care

We recommend the following options for
your plug-in vehicle:
•
Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12V
battery maintains power if left plugged
in. However, this periodically uses
electricity from the household outlet.
• Connect a battery charger to your 12V
battery and leave it on a continuous,
slow charge.
• Disconnect the 12V battery. If your 12V
battery is located in the luggage
compartment, do not fully shut the
luggage compartment after
disconnecting the 12V battery. Only
leave the luggage compartment open
if your vehicle is stored in a locked
location.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure you cover all linkages,
cables, levers and pins under your
vehicle with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration. •
Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant
and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the 12-volt battery, clean
the cable ends and inspect.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
242
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Vehicle Care

Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
422
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Check Every 12 Months (C-MAX Energi
Plug-in Hybrid Only)
Inspect the engine oil filter for signs of
damage such as rust, paint blistering,
scratches or dents. If any of these
conditions are present, replace the filter.
See Normal Scheduled Maintenance
(page 424). Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great. Multi-point inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires for wear and proper pressure**
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
423
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Scheduled Maintenance

W
Warning Lamps and Indicators................86
Anti-Lock Braking System................................. 87
Battery...................................................................... 87
Brake System......................................................... 87
Cruise Control........................................................ 87
Direction Indicator................................................ 87
Door Ajar.................................................................. 87
Engine and Motor Coolant Temperature...................................................... 87
Engine Oil................................................................ 87
EV Later................................................................... 88
EV Now..................................................................... 87
Fasten Safety Belt............................................... 88
Front Airbag........................................................... 88
Front Fog Lamps.................................................. 88
High Beam.............................................................. 88
Liftgate Ajar............................................................ 88
Low Battery............................................................ 88
Low Fuel Level...................................................... 88
Low Tire Pressure Warning.............................. 88
Overdrive Cancel and Grade Assist..............88
Parking Lamps...................................................... 88
Powertrain Fault................................................... 88
Ready to Drive....................................................... 89
Service Engine Soon........................................... 89
Stability Control................................................... 89
Stability Control Off............................................ 89
Stop Safely............................................................. 89
Vehicle Plugged in............................................... 89
Washer Fluid Check.....................................222
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 236
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 70
Waxing..............................................................237
Wheels and Tires.........................................243
Technical Specifications................................. 273
Windows and Mirrors....................................79
Windshield Wipers
.........................................70
Intermittent Wipe................................................. 70
Speed dependent wipers (if equipped)........................................................... 70
Wipers and Washers.....................................70
Wrecker Towing See: Transporting the Vehicle....................... 186
466
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Index