
•Provides additional grade braking witha combination of engine motoring andhigh-voltage battery charging to helpmaintain vehicle speed whendescending a grade.
•As your vehicle determines the amountof engine motoring and high-voltagebattery charging, you may notice theengine speed increasing anddecreasing to help maintain yourvehicle speed when descending agrade.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrumentcluster is illuminated.
The grade assist lamp willappear in the instrument clusterwhen grade assist is turned on.
Press the transmission control switchagain to return to normal drive (D).
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
WARNINGS
When doing this procedure, you willbe taking your vehicle out of parkwhich means your vehicle can rollfreely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully set the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature will bedisabled.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to movethe gearshift lever from the park positionin the event of an electrical malfunction orif your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn theignition off before performing thisprocedure.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the AlloyWheels (page 245).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 89).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakeheavily by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal. Brake assist can reducestopping distances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature is used to simulate the enginebraking of an internal combustion engineand assist the standard brake system whilerecovering some of the energy of motionand storing it in the battery to improve therange of your vehicle. The standard brakesystem is designed to fully stop the car ifregenerative braking is not available.During regenerative braking, the motor isspun as a generator to create electricalcurrent. This recharges the battery andslows the vehicle. In effect, once theaccelerator pedal is released, the motorchanges from an energy user to an energyproducer.
When the accelerator pedal is released orthe brake pedal is applied, the brakecontroller automatically detects theamount of deceleration requested andoptimizes how much of the decelerationwill be produced by regenerative braking.The remaining portion is generated by
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standard friction braking. When the batteryis almost fully charged, the amount ofregenerative braking is limited to avoidovercharging, and the requesteddeceleration is produced by standardfriction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take theplace of the standard friction brakes; it onlyassists them. Regenerative braking hasalso been designed to interact with theanti-lock brake system. Regenerativebraking is disabled when the anti-lockbrake system is activated or the battery isfully charged.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure you shift the gearshiftlever to park (P). Switch the ignitionoff and remove the key whenever you leaveyour vehicle.
Note:Do not press the release button whilepulling the lever up.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to itsfullest extent.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill, shift the gearshift lever to park(P) and turn the steering wheel away fromthe curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill, shift the gearshift lever topark (P) and turn the steering wheel towardthe curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push thelever down.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parkingbrake and shift the transmission into park(P) (automatic transmission) or first gear(1) (manual transmission).
You must remain in your vehicle onceyou have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsiblefor controlling your vehicle,supervising the system andintervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, orif a malfunction is detected, thesystem will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
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Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed may increase abovethe set speed. The system will notapply the brakes but a warning displays.Failure to follow this warning could resultin serious personal injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if thevehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below the set speed while drivinguphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
The indicator appears in theinstrument cluster.
Note:Using cruise control with ECO Cruiseswitched on may change the operation ofthe system. This feature saves vehicleenergy by relaxing acceleration comparedto standard cruise control. For example, yourvehicle may temporarily lose speed whengoing uphill.
Energi vehicles: ECO Cruise can be turnedon or off through the information display.See Information Displays (page 93).
Hybrid vehicles: ECO Cruise is included inEcoSelect which is turned on or off usingthe ECO button on the center console.
For additional information, refer to ECOCruise and EcoSelect. See Unique DrivingCharacteristics (page 135).
Note:When you are going downhill whileusing cruise control, the battery chargingsystem and engine work together to helpmaintain your set speed. Engine noise mayincrease or decrease under these conditions.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displays inthe information display. Stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, youmay not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Obtain immediate service froman authorized dealer, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
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Driving Aids

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 miles (480kilometers). During this time, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics. The engine also needs tobreak in. Avoid hard accelerations anddriving too fast for the first 1000 miles(1600 kilometers). If possible, avoidcarrying heavy loads up steep gradesduring the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy depends on:
•How you drive your vehicle.
•How you maintain your vehicle.
•The conditions you drive your vehiclein.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these in mind:
•Drive your vehicle at reasonablespeeds. Traveling at 65 mph(105 km/h) uses about 15% less fuelthan traveling at 75 mph (121 km/h).
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops. Slowing down yourvehicle may eliminate the need to stop.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Switch off the heater if you do not needit. When you have the heater on, keepit at the lowest blower andtemperature setting necessary to becomfortable.
•When it is cold outside, park in a sunnylocation or a climate-controlledenvironment. This may save fuel byreducing the energy needed to heat thecabin.
•Switch off the air conditioning if you donot need it. When you have the airconditioning on, keep it at the lowestblower and highest temperaturesetting necessary to be comfortable.
•When it is hot or sunny outside, parkingin a shaded or climate-controlledenvironment will save fuel by reducingthe energy needed to cool the cabin.
•For the C-MAX Energi, usepreconditioning to improve your fueleconomy. See High Voltage Battery(page 153).
•Switch off the heated seats if you arenot using them.
•Switch off the defroster when you nolonger need it for visibility.
•For the C-MAX Energi, plug in andrecharge the high voltage batterywhenever possible.
•Use ECO Cruise Control, especially inhilly terrain. For information onenabling eco-cruise, See CruiseControl (page 179).
•Shift into low gear (L) when enhancedengine braking is needed. Otherwise,use drive gear (D) shift position.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving. A warmed upengine works more efficiently. Whenrunning errands, go to the farthestdestination first and then work yourway back home.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Use the recommended engine oil. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page276).
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Driving Hints

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period listed on theRoadside Assistance Card included inyour Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare, ifprovided with the vehicle (exceptvehicles supplied with a tire inflationkit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (7.6 L) of gasoline or 5 gal(18.9 L) of diesel fuel to a disabledvehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fueldelivery service to two no-chargeoccurrences within a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30.5 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
Roadside Assistance includes up to $200for a towed trailer if the disabled eligiblevehicle requires service at the nearestauthorized dealer. If the towing vehicle isoperational but the trailer is not, then thetrailer does not qualify for any roadsideservices.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe owner's information portfolio in theglove compartment.
United States Ford vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States Ford vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
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Roadside Emergencies

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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