Maintenance
ActionMessage
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine.Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues tocome on with your engine running, contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
Low Engine Oil Pressure
Displayed when the engine oil life remaining is 10% or less.See Engine Oil Check (page 222).Change Engine Oil Soon
Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%. See Engine OilCheck (page 222).Oil Change Required
Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check(page 227).
Brake Fluid Level Low
Displays when the brake system needs servicing. Stop thevehicle in a safe place. Contact your authorized dealer.Check Brake System
Displays when the engine coolant temperature is excessivelyhigh.Engine Coolant OverTemperature
Displays when the motor coolant temperature is excessivelyhigh.Motor Coolant OverTemperature
Displayed when the kit needs service. See your authorizeddealer.Service Tire Mobility Kit
Informs the driver that the powertrain needs service due to apowertrain malfunction.See Manual
Displays when EV functionality is disabled and the engine isrunning to maintain oil quality. See Plug-In Hybrid VehicleOperation (page 137).
Engine ON Due to LowUse Normal Operation
MyKey
ActionMessage
Displayed during key programming when MyKey cannot beprogrammed.MyKey not Created
Displays when MyKey is active.MyKey Active DriveSafely
Displays when a MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit ison and the vehicle speed is approaching 80 mph (130 km/h).Near Vehicle Top Speed
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Information Displays
ECO Cruise
Note:ECO Cruise is available as a separatefeature on Energi vehicles only. On nonplug-in vehicles it is included in EcoSelect.
This feature saves vehicle energy byrelaxing acceleration compared tostandard cruise control. For example, yourvehicle may temporarily lose speed whengoing uphill. When set to on, ECO appearsin the information display when cruisecontrol is on.
You can switch it on or off in through theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 93).
Settings
ECO CruiseDriver Assist
Low Engine Use
The low engine use mode is equipped onEnergi models only. The Low Engine Usemode maintains proper engine lubricationat sufficient temperature, and will activateautomatically when you drive your vehiclewith limited engine operation. When yourvehicle is in low engine use mode, yourvehicle will automatically run the engineas necessary.
Note:If your vehicle is in low engine usemode when you start your vehicle, amessage will appear in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages (page101).
If you select the EV Now mode while thevehicle is in the low engine use mode, EVNow mode will be suspended for as longas you are in low engine use mode. The lowengine use mode will resume the next timeyou start your vehicle and willautomatically stop when no longer needed.
Note:Cold temperatures will affect theengine warm up time and the low engineuse mode may operate more frequently.
Note:An oil change is not required but givesyou the option of not running a low engineuse cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoringsystem will suspend the low engine usemode.
Fuel Freshness
See Fuel Quality (page 144).
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Unique Driving Characteristics
AnswerQuestion
Your vehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. This maybe higher than expected during heavyaccelerations, and may fluctuate whendriving at a steady speed. These are charac-teristics of the Atkinson engine cycle andthe 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 locatednext to the high voltage battery pack. Thisfan turns on when the battery requirescooling air. The fan speed, and associatednoise level, will change according to theamount of cooling required to maintaingood performance. Maintaining the batterytemperature at optimal conditions alsoprolongs the useful life of the battery andhelps to achieve better fuel economy.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rearof my hybrid?
Change the engine oil every 10000 miles(16000 kilometers) or once per year undernormal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change serviceinterval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you maynotice slightly reduced fuel economybecause ethanol contains less energy pergallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and howwill it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requiresno maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging thehigh voltage battery from a power supplyexternal to the vehicle. (For C-MAX Energivehicles, the vehicle can be plugged into a110-volt outlet with charge cord provided.)
Can you charge the battery with a plug intoan A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towedwithout modification. See Towing (page190).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor homewith all four wheels down?
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Unique Driving Characteristics
WARNINGS
Exhaust leaks may result in entry ofharmful and potentially lethal fumesinto the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your dealer inspect yourvehicle immediately. Do not drive if yousmell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with variousemission control components and acatalytic converter that will enable yourvehicle to comply with applicable exhaustemission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converterand other emission control componentscontinue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while yourvehicle is moving, especially at highspeeds.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for serviceof components affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be equivalentto genuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects theenvironment by making sure that yourvehicle continues to meet governmentemission standards. The OBD-II systemalso assists a service technician in properlyservicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate. Examples are:
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 146).
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Fuel and Refueling
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
Note:Industrial-strength or heavy-dutycleaners in combination with brush agitationto remove brake dust and dirt, could wearaway the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note:Do not use hydrofluoric acid-basedor high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steelwool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note:If you intend parking your vehicle foran extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This will reduce the risk of increasedcorrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coatedwith a clear coat paint finish. To maintaintheir condition we recommend that you:
•Clean the wheels weekly usingMotorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.Apply using manufacturer'sinstructions.
•Use a sponge to remove heavydeposits of dirt and brake dustaccumulation.
•Rinse thoroughly with a strong streamof water when you have completed thecleaning process.
•To remove tar and grease, useMotorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30days or more, read the followingmaintenance recommendations to makesure your vehicle stays in good operatingcondition.
We engineer and test all motor vehiclesand their components for reliable, regulardriving. Under various conditions,long-term storage may lead to degradedengine performance or failure unless youuse specific precautions to preserve enginecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If you store vehicles outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if youstore it in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
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Vehicle Care
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel System
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling System
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
12V Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if you disconnect the batterycables.
We recommend the following options foryour plug-in vehicle:
•Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12Vbattery maintains power if left pluggedin. However, this periodically useselectricity from the household outlet.
•Connect a battery charger to your 12Vbattery and leave it on a continuous,slow charge.
•Disconnect the 12V battery. If your 12Vbattery is located in the luggagecompartment, do not fully shut theluggage compartment afterdisconnecting the 12V battery. Onlyleave the luggage compartment openif your vehicle is stored in a lockedlocation.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure you cover all linkages,cables, levers and pins under yourvehicle with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
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Vehicle Care
Capacities
WARNING
The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant under high pressure.Opening the air conditioning refrigerant system can cause personal injury. Have theair conditioning refrigerant system serviced only by qualified personnel.
CapacityItem
4.5 qt (4.3 L)Engine oil
8.2 qt (7.8 L)Engine coolant
8.8 qt (8.3 L)Engine coolant (Energi vehicles)
1.1 qt (1 L)Inverter system controller coolant
Between MIN and MAX on brake fluidreservoirBrake fluid
4.8 qt (4.5 L)Automatic transmission fluid*
Fill as requiredWindshield washer fluid
13.5 gal (51.1 L)Fuel tank
14 gal (53 L)Fuel tank (Energi vehicles)
1.63 lb (0.74 kg)A/C Refrigerant
5.2 fl oz (153.8 ml)A/C Refrigerant Compressor Oil
*Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
Specifications
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M2C947-AMotor oil:Motorcraft SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor OilXO-5W30-QSP
WSS-M97B44-D2Engine coolant (U.S.):Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant PredilutedVC-3DIL-B
WSS-M97B44-D2Engine coolant (Canada):Motorcraft Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Prediluted
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Capacities and Specifications