Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has three
modes:
•
Off: Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode,
or when the vehicle is on but not
moving.
• On:
All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once.
• Start:
Starts the vehicle into Ready to
Drive mode (indicated by the green
"Ready to Drive" icon on the instrument
cluster). The engine may not start
when the vehicle starts.
• Press the brake pedal, and then
press the button until the vehicle
turns on. STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When the engine starts for the first time
on your drive, the idle speed increases, this
helps to warm up the engine. If the engine
idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have your vehicle checked
by an authorized dealer.
Before starting the vehicle, check the
following:
•
Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to position
P.
• Turn the ignition key to position
II. If
your vehicle is equipped with a keyless
ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position
III to start the
vehicle. Release the key when the
vehicle starts.
Note: Cranking may last for up to 15
seconds, or until the vehicle starts.
Note: If you cannot start the vehicle on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
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Note:
The green ready indicator illuminates
letting you know that the vehicle is ready
for driving. Since your vehicle is equipped
with a silent key start, the engine may not
start at the time of the vehicle start. See
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (page 132).
The system does not function if:
• The key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start the vehicle, do
the following:
3-button remote 5-button remote
1. Hold the key next to the steering
column as shown. 2. With the key in this position, you can
use the start button to switch the
ignition on and start your vehicle.
Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to
restart the vehicle within 20 seconds of
switching it off, even if a valid key is not
present.
Within 20 seconds of switching the vehicle
off, press the brake pedal and press the
button. After 20 seconds have expired, you
can no longer restart the vehicle without
the key present inside your vehicle.
Once the vehicle has started, it remains
running until you press the button, even if
the system does not detect a valid key. If
you open and close a door while the vehicle
is running, the system searches for a valid
key. You cannot restart the vehicle if the
system does not detect a valid key within
20 seconds.
Switching Off the Vehicle When It
Is Stationary
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Move the transmission selector lever to position
P.
2. Turn the key to position
0.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Move the transmission selector lever to position
P.
2. Press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note: This switches off the ignition, all
electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators.
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Switching Off the Vehicle When It
Is Moving
WARNING
Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering will not lock, but higher effort
will be required. When the ignition is
switched off, some electrical circuits,
including air bags, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off. If the ignition
was turned off accidentally, you can shift
into neutral (N) and re-start the engine. Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Move the transmission selector lever
to position N and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever to
position
P and turn the key to position
0.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Move the transmission selector lever to position
N and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever to
position
P.
3. Press and hold the button for one second, or press it three times within
two seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake. Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes WARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside
your vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if
you smell exhaust fumes. Carbon
monoxide is present in exhaust fumes.
Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects. Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave it idling
for long periods, we recommend that you
do one of the following:
•
Open the windows at least
1 in
(2.5 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
(If
Equipped) WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury.
Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk
of electrical shock. Do not fully close the hood, or allow
it to drop under its own weight when
using the engine block heater. This
could damage the power cable and may
cause an electrical short resulting in fire,
injury and property damage. Note:
The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F
(-18°C).
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The heater acts as a starting aid by
warming the engine coolant. This allows
the climate control system to respond
quickly. The equipment includes a heater
element (installed in the engine block) and
a wire harness. You can connect the
system to a grounded 120-volt AC
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•
Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord
plug connections are free and clear of
water. This could cause an electric
shock or fire.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the
electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30
minutes. •
Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the heater longer than three hours
does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.
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The vehicle may enter Enable Engine mode
if the climate control is in a defrost mode
and the outside temperature is cold. A
message Engine Enabled Due to Defrost
will display if this occurs. If defrost is not
needed, select a different climate control
mode to permit EV Now.
When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icon
displays in the left-hand information
display. If the vehicle is in the Engine
Enabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when the
Plug in power has been depleted.
EV Later
This mode saves most of the
high voltage battery plug in
power for future use (for
example, your initial drive is at high speeds
on open roads, but later your drive will be
at low speeds in an urban area where
plug-in power usage is most efficient).
Your vehicle will run the engine as needed
and keep most of the high voltage battery
plug in power for later use in Auto Mode or
EV Now mode.
When you enable EV Later, a white EV
Later icon appears on the left-hand
information display.
The EV Later mode will automatically reset
to EV Auto mode when you power the
vehicle off. You may press the EV button
twice during the next drive to return to EV
Later mode, if desired.
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics will provide an
optimal driving experience from your new
vehicle. Note:
You may notice higher engine speeds
upon start-up. This temporary condition is
normal and necessary to heat up the cabin
and minimize emissions. Starting: When you start your
vehicle, a green ready indicator
light will appear in the lower right
portion of the instrument cluster and a
ready to drive message will appear in the
middle of the left cluster screen, letting
you know that the vehicle is ready for
driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start.
This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle
to be ready –to–drive without requiring the
gas engine to be running. This indicator will
remain on while the vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not to indicate the
vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically,
the engine will not start unless the vehicle
is cold, a climate control change is
requested, or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically
starts and stops to provide power when
needed and to save fuel when not needed.
While coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally
shuts down and the vehicle operates in
electric-only mode. Conditions that may
cause the engine to start up or remain
running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137
km/h) However, the maximum speed
for electric-only operation may be
lower while driving in hot temperatures
or on hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
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•
Very high or low outside temperature
(to provide system cooling or heating).
For C-MAX Energi vehicles, climate
control demands by passengers may
not directly cause the engine to run.
This only occurs when the high voltage
battery charge is low, or if the outside
temperature is cold enough to require
the engine to provide additional heat
for the cabin.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off
to conserve fuel as you come to a stop.
Restarting the vehicle is not required.
Simply step on the accelerator when you
are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the
technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral:
It is not recommended to idle the
vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended
period of time because this will discharge
your high voltage battery and decrease fuel
economy. The engine will not start or stop,
and cannot provide power to the hybrid
system in neutral (N).
Low:
Low (L) is designed to mimic the
enhanced engine braking available in
non-hybrid vehicles. Low gear will produce
high engine speeds to provide necessary
engine braking. This is normal and will not
damage your vehicle. In low gear, the gas
engine will remain on more often than in
drive (D).
Reverse:
In reverse (R), vehicle speed is
limited to 22 mph (35 km/h). Unique Hybrid Operating
Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently compared
to a non-hybrid. Here is a description of the
major differences:
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a
high voltage battery. A cool battery
maintains battery life and provides the
best possible performance. Your hybrid
high voltage battery may periodically
re-condition itself to maintain maximum
efficiency. You may notice slight changes
in driveability during this process, but it is
an important part of your hybrid's high
voltage battery optimization features.
The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin
air drawn from vent holes in the trim panels
behind the rear seats. Avoid placing objects
at the vent holes that block airflow to the
high voltage battery.
Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid
is not directly tied to your vehicle speed.
Your vehicle's engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at
the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach
high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may
see the engine speed changing without
your input. This is intentional and maintains
the battery charge level. You may also
notice during extended downhill driving
that your engine continues to run instead
of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays
on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also
hear a slight whine or whistle when
operating your vehicle. This is the normal
operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
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During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery
may become disconnected or disabled.
Once the battery is reconnected and after
driving the vehicle, the engine may
continue to operate for three to five
seconds after the key is turned to off. This
is a normal condition.
Braking: Your hybrid is equipped with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and it
captures brake energy and stores it in your
high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
in mind these tips:
• Keep the tires properly inflated and
only use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, you can
achieve better fuel economy with mild
to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it allows
you to maximize the energy captured
by the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits. •
Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.
EV+ Mode (C-MAX Energi Only)
Your vehicle will recognize your frequent
destinations and allow for more EV driving
as you approach them. For example, when
nearing your home it should be easier to
stay in electric mode. The EV indicator will
display EV+ when this mode is active. You
should see this approximately 1/8 mile
(200 meters) from a frequent destination.
See
Information Displays (page 91).
Note: Frequent destinations are learned by
your vehicle after two to four weeks of use.
You can clear these destinations with a
Driving History reset through the Settings
menu.
Note: You can switch the EV+ feature on
or off through the Driver Assist section of
the Settings menu.
Low Engine Use (If Equipped)
The low engine use mode is equipped on
Energi models only. The low engine use
mode will activate automatically when you
drive your vehicle with limited engine use.
The mode will maintain proper engine
lubrication at sufficient temperature. If your
vehicle is in low engine use mode when you
start the vehicle, a message will appear in
the information display. When your vehicle
is in low engine use mode, your vehicle will
automatically run the engine as necessary.
If you select the EV Now mode while the
vehicle is in the low engine use mode, EV
Now mode will be suspended for as long
as you are in low engine use mode The low
engine use mode will resume the next time
you start your vehicle and will
automatically stop when no longer needed.
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If this action corrects the problem, the
message may not reset immediately. It
may take several driving cycles for the
message to turn off. A driving cycle
consists of an engine start-up (after four
or more hours with the engine off) followed
by city or highway driving. Continuing to
drive with the message on may cause the
service engine soon lamp to turn on as
well.
Easy Fuel
™ Capless System
(Energi Vehicles Only) WARNING
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. Note:
Your vehicle features a locking fuel
door and an auto-sealing feature that locks
the fuel tank refueling valve. Before you can
refuel your vehicle, you must first press the
button located on the center console.
Pressing this button will unlock the fuel tank
refueling valve allowing the fuel filler door
to open so that you can insert the fuel filler
nozzle into the fuel inlet. This could take up
to fifteen seconds before the fuel filler door
pops open allowing the insertion of the fuel
filler nozzle.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put the vehicle in park (P) and switch the ignition off.
2. Press the fuel button located on the center console. 3. Wait up to fifteen seconds before
opening the fuel filler door. During this
time, a Fuel Door Opening message
will appear in the information display
screen.
4. When the door is open, a
Fuel Door
Open message will appear in the
information display, indicating that
your vehicle is ready to refuel. The
vehicle will remain ready to refuel for
approximately 20 minutes. If more than
20 minutes is required, you will need to
press the refueling button again. You
may experience the fuel pump turning
off if you do not press the refuel button
again.
5. Open the fuel filler door. 6. Slowly insert the fuel filler nozzle fully
into the fuel system and leave the
nozzle fully inserted until pumping is
complete. Hold the handle higher while
inserting for easier access.
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