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 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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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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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?
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Note:
EV Now can resume if less than 1 gal
(3.8 L) of fuel is left in the tank.
Note: In most cases, when the fuel level is
below one-quarter tank, refueling the
vehicle will end fuel freshness mode and
then EV Now will become available.
Refueling after consuming a full tank in fuel
freshness mode will end the mode.
Note: The recommendation is that you use
a fuel stabilizer if you consume less than a
full tank of fuel during an 18-month period.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling
to allow the fuel system to pump the
fuel from the tank to the engine. On
restarting, cranking time will take a few
seconds longer than normal. With
keyless ignition, just start the engine.
Crank time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
may be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on. For more information on the
service engine soon indicator, See
Symbols Glossary
(page 7). Refilling With a Portable Fuel
Container WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of portable
fuel containers or aftermarket
funnels into the capless fuel system.
This could damage the fuel system and its
seal, and may cause fuel to run onto the
ground instead of filling the tank, which
could result in serious personal injury. Do not try to pry open or push open
the capless fuel system with foreign
objects. This could damage the fuel
system and its seal and cause injury to you
or others. Note:
Do not use aftermarket funnels; they
will not work with the capless fuel system
and can damage it. The included funnel has
been specially designed to work safely with
your vehicle.
When filling the vehicle ’s fuel tank from a
portable fuel container, use the funnel
included with the vehicle. In C-MAX vehicles, the funnel is located in
the rear of the vehicle inside the load
compartment.
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3. Locate the manual override
mechanism. 4. Pull the manual override mechanism.
5. Key off and complete refueling within
20 minutes. If more than 20 minutes is
required, close fuel door and repeat the
procedure.
This will enable you to refuel without any
issue. Note:
A fuel spill concern may occur if the
fuel tank overfills. Do not overfill the tank
to the point that the fuel is able to bypass
the fuel filler nozzle. The overfilled fuel may
run down the drain located below and in
front of the fuel filler door.
If the fuel fill inlet was not properly closed,
a service engine warning lamp may appear
on the instrument cluster. At the next
opportunity, do the following:
1. Safely pull off the road.
2. Put the vehicle in park (P) and turn the
ignition off.
3. Open the fuel filler door and remove any visible debris from the fuel fill
opening.
4. Insert either the fuel fill nozzle or the fuel fill funnel provided with the vehicle
several times to allow the inlet to close
properly. This will dislodge any debris
preventing the inlet from sealing.
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 and highway driving. Continuing to
drive with the message on may cause the
service engine soon lamp to turn on as
well.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Note: The amount of usable fuel in the
empty reserve varies and should not be
relied upon to increase driving range. When
refueling your vehicle after the fuel gauge
indicates empty, you might not be able to
refuel the full amount of the advertised
capacity of the fuel tank due to the empty
reserve still present in the tank.
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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.
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