Page 224 of 469

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
Page 244 of 469

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
Page 469 of 469

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