FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
We recommend regular unleaded gasolinewith a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.Some fuel stations offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87, particularly in high altitudeareas. We do not recommend fuels withan octane rating below 87.
Do not use any fuel other than thoserecommended because they could lead toengine damage that may not be coveredby the vehicle Warranty.
Note:Use of any fuel other than thoserecommended can impair the emissioncontrol system and cause a loss of vehicleperformance.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel isprohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
Fuel Freshness Mode (If Equipped)
This helps keep the fuel system functionaland the fuel fresh.
If you mainly use your vehicle in electricpower mode without refueling, the gasolinein the fuel tank may become stale due toaging. Stale gasoline can damage theengine and fuel system.
Your vehicle automatically switches to fuelfreshness mode if you do not refuel yourvehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-monthperiod. Fuel freshness mode protects yourvehicle from potential engine and fuelsystem damage caused by using stale fuel.
Note:If you do not add new fuel during an18-month period, fuel freshness mode willuse fuel until approximately 1.2 gal (4.5 L)of fuel remains in the fuel tank.
During fuel freshness mode:
•The information display will indicatefuel freshness mode is active.
•The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.EV Now mode will not be available.
•Most of the plug-in power will bestored until fuel freshness mode iscompleted.
Note:EV Now mode resumes when lessthan 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of fuel remains in the fueltank.
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Fuel and RefuelingE161513
Note:When the fuel level is less thanone-quarter full, refueling your vehicle willend fuel freshness mode.
Note:We recommend you use a fuelstabilizer if you use less than a full tank offuel during an 18-month period.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the under floorstorage compartment behind theright-hand front seat.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty.
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
•Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuelto restart the engine. If your vehicle isout of fuel and on a steep slope, morefuel may be required.
•You may need to switch the ignitionfrom off to on several times afterrefueling to allow the fuel system topump the fuel from the tank to theengine. When restarting, cranking timetakes a few seconds longer thannormal.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Use the following guidelines to avoidelectrostatic charge build-up when fillingan ungrounded fuel container:
•Only use an approved fuel container totransfer fuel to your vehicle. Place thecontainer on the ground when filling it.
•Do not fill a fuel container when it isinside your vehicle (including the cargoarea).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contactwith the fuel container when filling it.
•Do not use a device that holds the fuelpump nozzle lever in the fill position.
Adding Fuel From a Portable FuelContainer
WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of a fuelcontainer or an aftermarket funnelinto the fuel system filler neck. Thismay damage the fuel system filler neck orits seal and cause fuel to run onto theground.
Do not try to pry open or push openthe capless fuel system with foreignobjects. This could damage the fuelsystem and its seal and cause injury to youor others.
Do not dispose of fuel in thehousehold refuse or the publicsewage system. Use an authorizedwaste disposal facility.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, use the plastic funnelincluded with your vehicle. See Fuel FillerFunnel Location (page 145).
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels asthey will not work with the capless fuelsystem and can damage it.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, do the following:
1.Fully open the fuel tank filler door untilit engages and remove the fuel tankfiller cap.
Note:Capless fuel systems do not have afuel tank filler cap.
2. Fully insert the plastic funnel into thefuel tank filler pipe opening.
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Fuel and Refueling
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 348).
•Use the coach and brake coach displayto get feedback on your economicaldrive style. For more information, SeeInformation Displays (page 93).
Avoid these actions because they reduceyour fuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations anddecelerations. Accelerate and slowdown in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Avoid revving the engine beforeswitching off your vehicle.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.Approximately 1 mile per gallon (0.4kilometers per liter) is lost for every400 lb (180 kg) of weight carried.
•Avoid adding accessories that increaseaerodynamic drag to your vehicle suchas bug deflectors, car top carriers andski or bike racks.
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Things to keep in mind when you refuelyour vehicle:
•Fuel generates fewer vapors when it iscool and dark outside. Refuel yourvehicle in the early morning or lateevening.
•Use the recommended octane-ratedfuel. Using fuel below therecommended rating will lower yourfuel economy.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
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Driving HintsE176360
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in theWarranty Guide in the glove compartmentof your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsyou may contact your dealer, you can callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery will lose charge. Theremay be insufficient power to restart yourvehicle.
The hazard warning button islocated on the instrument panel.Use it when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the button to turn on the hazardwarning function, and the front andrear direction indicators will flash.
•Press the button again to turn themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,repair fuel leaks after a collision mayincrease the risk of fire and seriousinjury. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat the fuel system be inspected by anauthorized dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severecollision, this vehicle has a fuel pumpshut-off feature that stops the flow of fuelto the engine. Not every impact will causea shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after acollision, you may restart your vehicle.
For vehicles equipped with a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch on the ignition.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps1 and 2 up to two more times.
For vehicles equipped with a push buttonstart system:
1. Press the push button start to switchoff the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and press thepush button start to switch on theignition.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps1 and 2 up to two more times.
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Roadside Emergencies
1. Remove the jumper cable from thenegative prong.
2. Remove the jumper cable on thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle's battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the boostervehicle's battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) prong of the disabledvehicle's battery.
After disconnecting the jumper cables, letthe disabled vehicle sit in Ready to Drivemode for several minutes to charge the12V battery. The disabled vehicle cancharge the 12V battery even if the gasolineengine may be off. The 12V battery willreceive power from the high-voltagebattery instead.
COLLISION, DAMAGE OR FIRE
EVENT
Guidance for Ford Motor CompanyElectric and Hybrid-ElectricVehicles Equipped With HighVoltage Batteries
(Vehicle Owner/Operator/GeneralPublic)Electric and Hybrid-Electric VehicleConsiderations
In the event of damage or fire involvingan electric vehicle (EV) orhybrid-electric vehicle (HEV):
•Always assume the high-voltagebattery and associated componentsare energized and fully charged.
•Exposed electrical components, wiresand high-voltage batteries presentpotential high-voltage shock hazards.
•Venting/off-gassing high-voltagebattery vapors are potentially toxic andflammable.
•Physical damage to the vehicle orhigh-voltage battery may result inimmediate or delayed release of toxic,flammable gases and fire.
Vehicle Information and GeneralSafety Practices
•Know the make and model of yourvehicle.
•Review the owner’s manual andbecome familiar with your vehicle’ssafety information and recommendedsafety practices.
•Do not attempt to repair damagedelectric and hybrid-electric vehiclesyourself. Contact an authorized FordDealer or vehicle manufacturerrepresentative for service.
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Roadside EmergenciesE148862
Low Engine Use (If Equipped)
The low engine use mode is equipped onEnergi models only. The low engine usemode keeps the engine oil quality in goodcondition when you drive your vehicle withlimited engine use. If your vehicle is in lowengine use mode when you start thevehicle, a message appears in theinformation display. When your vehicle isin low engine use mode, your vehicle runsthe engine as necessary.
Selecting EV Now mode when your vehicleis in the low engine use mode suspendsthe low engine use mode for as long as youcontinue driving your vehicle. The lowengine use mode resumes the next timeyou start your vehicle.
Changing the engine oil and resetting theoil life monitoring system suspends the lowengine use mode.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot coolingsystem can burn you badly. Also, you canbe burned if you spill coolant on hot engineparts.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, enginecoolant could make it difficult to seethrough the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure; steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when the cap is loosenedslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Engine Coolant and InverterSystem Controller Coolant
Your vehicle has two separate coolingsystems. One is for cooling the engine andone is for cooling the inverter systemcontroller that is specific to the hybridoperating system. The two systemsoperate similarly, with the inverter systemcontroller cooling system generallyoperating at a lower temperature andpressure.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 348).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the enginecoolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -30°F(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolantconcentration should be tested with arefractometer such as Robinair® Coolantand Battery Refractometer 75240. We donot recommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolantor antifreeze or windshield washer fluidoutside of its specified function and vehiclelocation.
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Maintenance
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use coolant meeting theFord specification for optimum coolingsystem 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 driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The “fail-safe”distance depends on ambienttemperatures, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move tothe red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperaturewarning light will illuminate.
The service engine soonindicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the enginewill automatically switch to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will stilloperate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase theengine temperature and the engine willcompletely shut down, causing steeringand braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring your vehicle to restin a safe location and seek immediaterepairs. When in fail-safe mode, yourvehicle will have limited power, will not beable to maintain high-speed operation, andmay completely shut down withoutwarning, potentially losing engine power,power steering assist, and power brakeassist, which may increase the possibilityof a crash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle withcaution. The vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken toan authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenishif low.
5. Re-start the engine and take yourvehicle to an authorized dealer.
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Maintenance
GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Frequencies and ReceptionFactors
AM and FM frequencies are established bythe Federal Communications Commission(FCC) and the Canadian Radio andTelecommunications Commission (CRTC).Those frequencies are:
•AM: 530, 540-1700, 1710 kHz
•FM: 87.9-107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio Reception Factors
The further you travel from an AM or FM station, theweaker the signal and the weaker the reception.Distance and strength
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freewayoverpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage andthunderstorms can interfere with the reception.
Terrain
When you pass a ground-based broadcast repeatingtower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one andresult in the audio system muting.
Station overload
CD and CD Player Information
Note:CD units play commercially pressed4.75-inch (12 centimeter) audio compactdiscs only. Due to technical incompatibility,certain recordable and re-recordablecompact discs may not function correctlywhen used in Ford CD players.
Note:Do not insert CDs with homemadepaper (adhesive) labels into the CD playeras the label may peel and cause the CD tobecome jammed. You should use apermanent felt tip marker rather thanadhesive labels on your homemade CDs.Ballpoint pens may damage CDs. Pleasecontact an authorized dealer for furtherinformation.
Note:Do not use any irregularly shapeddiscs or discs with a scratch protection filmattached.
Always handle discs by their edges only.Clean the disc with an approved CDcleaner only. Wipe it from the center of thedisc toward the edge. Do not clean in acircular motion.
Do not expose discs to direct sunlight orheat sources for extended periods.
MP3 and WMA Track and FolderStructure
Audio systems capable of recognizing andplaying MP3 and WMA individual tracksand folder structures work as follows:
•There are two different modes for MP3and WMA disc playback: MP3 andWMA track mode (system default) andMP3 and WMA folder mode.
•MP3 and WMA track mode ignores anyfolder structure on the MP3 and WMAdisc. The player numbers each MP3and WMA track on the disc (noted bythe MP3 or WMA file extension) fromT001 to a maximum of T255. Themaximum number of playable MP3 andWMA files may be less depending onthe structure of the CD and exactmodel of radio present.
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Audio System