PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the systemsapplies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at whichit changes by applying the brakes to oneor more wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 167).
168
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability Control
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.
179
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE142437 E71340
Example only:
WARNING
Exceeding the SafetyCompliance CertificationLabel vehicle weight rating limitscould result in substandardvehicle handling or performance,engine, transmission and/orstructural damage, seriousdamage to the vehicle, loss ofcontrol and personal injury.
186
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load CarryingE198828 E143819GCW
GVW
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 108).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
You can tow your vehicle with all fourwheels on the ground or with the frontwheels off the ground by using a tow dolly.If you are using a tow dolly follow theinstructions specified by the equipmentprovider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
Vehicles with Push Button Start
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brakepedal, and then pressing the ENGINESTART/STOP button until the vehiclestarts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift thetransmission into position N.
3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing theENGINE START/STOP button once.(Trip Summary appears in the leftinstrument cluster screen when thevehicle is off.)
Note:You can remove the key fob from thevehicle while towing.
Vehicles with Ignition Key
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brakepedal, and then turning the ignition keyuntil the vehicle starts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift thetransmission into position N.
3. Turn the vehicle off by turning theignition key past the accessory position.The key position is between theaccessory and off positions. SeeIgnition Switch (page 129). (TripSummary appears in the leftinstrument cluster screen when thevehicle is off.)
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with anignition key, you cannot remove the key fromthe ignition cylinder when the transmissionis in position N and the vehicle is off.
All Vehicles
•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Place the transmission in position P,start the vehicle, and allow the engineto run for one minute at the beginningof each day (you may need to press theaccelerator pedal in order to start theengine). After allowing the vehicle torun, place the transmission back intoposition N and the ignition in the offposition.
Note:A SHIFT TO PARK orTRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK messagemay appear in the information display whenthe transmission is in position N and theignition is in the off position.
191
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing
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).
192
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Hints
•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.
193
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
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.
196
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside Emergencies
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat the electrical system is safe to restart.Once your vehicle determines that theelectrical system is safe, then the vehiclewill allow you to restart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contactan authorized dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
The gases around the battery canexplode if exposed to flames, sparksor lit cigarettes. An explosion couldresult in injury or vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid whichcan burn skin, eyes and clothing, ifcontacted.
Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle. Automatictransmissions do not have push-startcapability. Attempting to push-start avehicle with an automatic transmissionmay cause transmission damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle's electrical system.
1. Park the booster vehicle close to thehood of the disabled vehicle makingsure the two vehicles do not touch. Setthe parking brake on both vehicles andstay clear of the engine cooling fan andother moving parts.
2.Check all battery terminals and removeany excessive corrosion before youattach the battery cables. Ensure thatvent caps are tight and level.
3.Turn the heater fan on in both vehiclesto protect from any electrical surges.Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
Your vehicle has a 12-volt battery that hastwo prongs accessible from under thehood. Your vehicle can be jumped thesame way conventional vehicles can byusing these prongs. The illustration belowshows the two connector prongs used forjump-starting your vehicle.
A. Positive prong (+)
B. Negative prong (-)
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on thebottom is used to designate the assisting(boosting) battery.
Note:Remove the red cap from the positiveprong (A) on your vehicle before connectingthe cables.
197
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside EmergenciesE192363