Note:
Cold temperatures will affect the
engine warm up time and the low engine
use mode may operate more frequently. Note:
An oil change is not required but gives
you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system will suspend the low engine use
mode.
Frequently Asked Questions Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when the
key is off. When you switch the key on, high voltage contactors inside the battery are
closed to make the electricity available to the motor and generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo
area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine if an
engine start is required at key-on. Silent keystart will start the engine if it is necessaryfor cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if
the outside temperature is low. (For C-MAX Energi vehicles, the engine may not berequired to operate these functions.)
Why does the engine sometimes start at
key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time when
you first start it. One common reason is to
make sure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before the
engine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on above thisspeed to protect the transmission hard- ware.
Why does my engine never shut down
above 85 mph (137 km/h)
In order to make sure that the climate
control system can begin heating the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine on is required to main- tain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
136
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving Characteristics
Answer
Question
Your vehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy
accelerations, and may fluctuate when
driving at a steady speed. These are charac- teristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that helpmaximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high some-
times when I accelerate?
The fan noise comes from a fan located
next to the high voltage battery pack. This fan turns on when the battery requires
cooling air. The fan speed, and associated noise level, will change according to theamount of cooling required to maintain
good performance. Maintaining the battery temperature at optimal conditions also
prolongs the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear
of my hybrid?
Change the engine oil every 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) or once per year under normal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change service
interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%
ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how
will it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?
Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging the
high voltage battery from a power supply
external to the vehicle. (For C-MAX Energi
vehicles, the vehicle can be plugged into a
110-volt outlet with charge cord provided.)
Can you charge the battery with a plug into
an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed
without modification. See Towing (page
186).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home
with all four wheels down?
137
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving Characteristics
If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may
not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine
soon indicator on can result in increased
emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced
engine and transmission smoothness and
lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs
to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting
a vehicle registration.
If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does
not work, your vehicle may need
service. See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if
the service engine soon indicator is on or
not working properly (bulb is burned out),
or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this
case, the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing.
If the vehicle ’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M
testing, turn the ignition key to the on
position for 15 seconds without cranking
the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that your vehicle is ready
for I/M testing. The OBD-II system checks the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,
you can perform the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway
driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an
expressway or highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight hours with the ignition off. Then,
start the vehicle and complete the
above driving cycle. The vehicle must
warm up to its normal operating
temperature. Once started, do not turn
off the vehicle until the above driving
cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M
testing, you need to repeat the above
driving cycle.
148
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Fuel and Refueling
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
Have the battery pack serviced only
by an authorized electric vehicle
technician. Improper handling can
result in personal injury or death. Note:
The high-voltage battery does not
require regular service maintenance. Your vehicle consists of various
high-voltage components and wiring. All
of the high-voltage power flows through
specific wiring assemblies labeled as such
or covered with a solid orange convolute,
orange striped tape or both. Do not come
in contact with these components.
The high-voltage battery system is a
high-voltage, lithium-ion battery system.
The pack is located in the rear cargo area.
The high-voltage battery system uses an
air cooled system to regulate the
high-voltage battery temperature and help
maximize high-voltage battery life.Note:
The high-voltage battery is equipped
with air vents in the package tray that help
to regulate its temperature. It is important
to keep these openings free of obstructions.
Do not block the flow of cabin air to this
area.
HIGH-VOLTAGE SERVICE
DISCONNECT
The high-voltage service disconnect turns
off power from the high-voltage battery. Note:
There is a disconnect circuit in your
vehicle. Disconnecting the circuit will
automatically disable the high-voltage
battery.
To disable the battery and stop all
high-voltage electric activity in the vehicle
you can access high-voltage disconnect
circuit. To do this, you must unplug the
circuit from the circuit port connected to
the battery.
149
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing High Voltage BatteryE163462
Note:
The service disconnect has an outer
lever to aid in the proper seating of the
service disconnect lever. Remove this to
disconnect the high-voltage service
disconnect.
The high-voltage service disconnect is
located behind the rear fold down seats.
Service disconnect location for non-Energi
vehicles. Service disconnect location for Energi
vehicles.
Disabling the High-Voltage Battery
1. Fold down the rear seats and remove
the cover panel.
2. Locate the access door and remove the plastic cover. 3. Pull the outer cover off to expose the
service disconnect lever. 4. Slide the handle on the service
disconnect outboard to the right. For
Energi vehicles, slide the handle
outboard and to the left. 5.
Pull the handle toward you and remove
the service disconnect from the vehicle
to disable the high-voltage battery.
150
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing High Voltage BatteryE163537 E163538 E171514 E147234 E146133
Reactivating the High-Voltage Battery
Note:
If you have manually disconnected
your high-voltage shut off circuit, you will
need to reconnect the circuit before you can
reactivate it. The system will detect if the
electrical system is safe and turn on
automatically.
CHARGING THE HIGH
VOLTAGE BATTERY WARNINGS
Do not use the 120 volt convenience
cord with an extension cord,
two-prong adapter, surge protector,
timer or other adapter. In Canada, do not use the 120 volt
convenience cord in commercial
garages.
This equipment has arcing or
sparking parts, do not expose to
flammable vapors. Position this
equipment at least 18 in (45 cm) above
the floor. The AC wall plug must fit firmly into
the AC outlet. If the connection feels
loose, worn or the AC outlet is
damaged, please have a qualified
electrician replace the AC outlet. Using a
convenience cord with a worn outlet may
cause burns, property damage and
increase the risk of electric shock. Charging Equipment
Your vehicle is equipped with a standard
120 volt convenience cord located in the
floor compartment behind the driver seat.
Note:
The 120 volt convenience cord allows
you to charge the high voltage battery using
a standard 120 volt household outlet. It
takes approximately seven hours to
completely charge an empty battery using
the standard 120 volt convenience cord.
We recommend upgrading to the optional
240 volt charging station for faster more
efficient charging. It takes approximately
2.5 hours to completely charge an empty
battery using a 240 volt charging station.
Your electrical source must meet certain
requirements for the high voltage batteries
to charge:
• The AC outlet must be a three-prong
110-120 volt AC outlet that is properly
grounded, 15– 20 amps (or greater),
and in good condition.
• You must use a dedicated line, which
means you cannot have other
appliances connected to the same
circuit.
Note: If you do not have a dedicated circuit,
contact a licensed professional electrician
for proper installation.
151
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing High Voltage BatteryE78097
Make sure that the 120 volt convenience
cord is completely unwound before
charging. Always plug the cord into the AC
outlet before connecting the charging
coupler into the charge port on your
vehicle.
120 Volt Convenience Cord Power.
A.
Check outlet (if equipped).
B.
Fault.
C.
Vehicle.
D.
Note: When the convenience cord is plugged into an outlet, use the following table to
determine your vehicle charge status. If the POWER indicator light is off after plugging in
the convenience cord, use a different outlet.
152
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing High Voltage BatteryE197446
A
B
C
D
Status
Convenience Cord LED Indicators
Vehicle
Fault
Check
Outlet (If
Equipped)
The convenience cord is not connected to yourvehicle.
Off
Off
Off
The convenience cord is connected, but yourvehicle is not charging.
On
Off
Off
Your vehicle is charging.
Blink
Off
Off
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) FaultDetected.
Off
Blink
Off
The convenience cord is retrying to charge.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Fault Detected.
Off
On
Off
The convenience cord has exhausted its retry
attempts. Your vehicle is not charging, or there is an internal fault in the charging equipment.
The convenience cord detected a high temper-
ature at the AC plug and is waiting for the AC plug to return to a normal operating temperature.*
Off
Off
Blink
The convenience cord detected a high temper-
ature at the AC plug. The AC plug has returned to a normal operating temperature. Your vehicle is ready to charge at a reduced current.*
On
Off
Blink
The convenience cord detected a high temper-
ature at the AC plug. The AC plug has returned to a normal operating temperature. Your vehicle is charging at a reduced current.*
Blink
Off
Blink
The convenience cord detected a high temper-
ature at the AC plug. Your vehicle is not charging. The convenience cord has exhausted its retry attempts.*
Off
On
Blink
*Have the outlet checked by a qualified electrician and make sure the AC plug fits firmly
into the outlet. Contact an authorized EV certified dealer if problem persists.
153
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing High Voltage Battery