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
Checking the Inverter SystemController Coolant
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the invertersystem controller coolant at the intervalslisted in the scheduled maintenanceinformation. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 348).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the invertersystem controller coolant 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 Inverter SystemController Coolant in 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.
Adding Coolant
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the cooling or heatingsystems. This damage would not be coveredunder your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
Note:It is very important to use coolantmeeting the Ford specification in order toavoid plugging the small coolantpassageways. Use of concentrated coolantand water may cause coolant passagewayplugging and void the warranty. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 276).
•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing ofcoolants may harm your coolingsystem. The use of an improper coolantmay harm the engine, inverter systemcontroller, and cooling systemcomponents and may void thewarranty.
•In case of emergency, a large amountof water without engine coolant maybe added to the engine cooling systemin order to reach a vehicle servicelocation. In this instance, the enginecooling system must be drained,chemically cleaned with MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, andrefilled with engine coolant as soon aspossible. Water alone (without enginecoolant) can cause engine damagefrom corrosion, overheating, or freezing.DO NOT use this method for theinverter system controller coolingsystem. The inverter system controllercooling system operates close toambient temperature, and issusceptible to freezing in anysubfreezing environment in theabsence of coolant.
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Maintenance
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 348).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick. Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.
An authorized dealer should check thefluid:
•If the transmission is not workingproperly.
•If you notice signs of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAXlines are within the normal operating range;there is no need to add fluid. If the fluidlevels are outside of the normal operatingrange, the performance of the systemcould be compromised; seek service fromyour authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 40°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluid withantifreeze protection in cold weather couldresult in impaired windshield vision andincrease the risk of injury or accident.
Note:The front and rear washer systemsare supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 276).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
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Maintenance
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval.
Note:When changing the air filter element,use only the air filter element listed. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 276).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. Resulting component damagemay not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:Failure to re-install the air cleanerassembly properly by fully seating on themounting studs in five places and securingwith the two bolts may result in air cleanerassembly dislodgement from engine anddamage to the air cleaner assembly andother engine components. Therefore werecommend that the air filter be serviced ata Ford dealer.
Air Cleaner Assembly Components
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MaintenanceE162533
ACD
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Note:Your Vehicle Health Report featurerequires activation before use. Visitwww.SYNCMyRide.com to register. Thereis no fee or subscription associated withVehicle Health Report, but you must registerto use this feature.
Note:This feature may not functionproperly if you have enabled caller IDblocking on your cellular phone. Beforerunning a report, review the Vehicle HealthReport Privacy Notice.
Note:In order to allow a break-in period foryour vehicle, you may not be able to createa Vehicle Health Report until your vehicleodometer has reached 200 miles.
Note:Cellular phone and SMS charges mayapply when making a report.
Register for Vehicle Health Report and setyour report preferences atwww.SYNCMyRide.com. After registering,you can request a Vehicle Health Report(inside your vehicle). Return to youraccount at www.SYNCMyRide.com to viewyour report. You can also choose for SYNCto remind you automatically to run reportsat specific mileage intervals.
The system allows you to check yourvehicle's overall health in the form of adiagnostic report card. The Vehicle HealthReport contains valuable information, forexample:
•Vehicle diagnostic information
•Scheduled maintenance
•Open recalls and Field Service Actions
•Items noted during vehicle inspectionsby an authorized dealer that still needservicing.
You can run a vehicle health report afteryour vehicle has been running a minimumof 60 seconds. Choose one of the followingoptions.
To use voice commands, press the voice button and when prompted say:
Action and DescriptionVoice command
The system will run a vehicle health report of your vehicle'sdiagnostic systems and send the results to Ford where itcombines with scheduled maintenance information, openrecalls, other field service actions and vehicle inspection itemsthat still need servicing by an authorized dealer.
Vehicle Health (Report)
To use the screen, press the phone button, then scroll to:
Action and DescriptionMessage
Press the OK button.Vehicle Health
Select one of the following:
Press the OK button and select on or off.Auto On?
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SYNC™
Action and DescriptionMessage
Select On to have SYNC automatically prompt you to run a
health report at certain mileage intervals.*
Scroll to select between 5000, 7500 or 10000-mile intervals.Select your desired option and press the OK button.Report Interval
Press the OK button for SYNC to run a health report of yourvehicle's diagnostic systems and send the results to Fordwhere it combines with scheduled maintenance information,open recalls, other field service actions and vehicle inspectionitems that still need servicing by an authorized dealer.
Run Report
Exit the current menu.Return
*You must first turn this feature on before you can select the desired mileage interval.
Vehicle Health Report Privacy Notice
When you create a Vehicle Health Report,Ford Motor Company may collect yourcellular phone number (to process yourreport request) and diagnostic informationabout your vehicle. Certain versions orupdates to Vehicle Health Report may alsocollect more vehicle information. Ford mayuse your vehicle information it collects forany purpose. If you do not want to discloseyour cellular phone number or vehicleinformation, do not run the feature or setup your Vehicle Health Report profile atwww.SYNCMyRide.com. Seewww.SYNCMyRide.com (Vehicle HealthReport Terms and Conditions, and PrivacyStatement) for more information.
SYNC Services: Traffic, Directions& Information (TDI) (If Equipped,United States Only)
Note:SYNC Services varies by trim leveland model year and may require asubscription. Traffic alerts and turn-by-turndirections available in select markets.Message and data rates may apply. FordMotor Company reserves the right to changeor discontinue this product service at anytime without prior notification or incurringany future obligation.
Note:SYNC Services requires activationbefore use. Visit www.SYNCMyRide.com toregister and check your eligibility forcomplimentary services. Standard phoneand message rates may apply. Subscriptionmay be required. You must also have theactive SYNC Services Bluetooth-enabledcellular phone paired and connected to thesystem in order to connect to, and use,SYNC Services. See Using SYNC™ WithYour Phone (page 302).
Note:This feature does not functionproperly if you have enabled caller IDblocking on your cellular phone. Make sureyour cellular phone is not blocking caller IDbefore using SYNC Services.
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SYNC™
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenanceschedule helps protect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance and may help toincrease the value of your vehicle whenyou sell or trade it. Keep all receipts forcompleted maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenanceintervals for your vehicle based uponrigorous testing. It is important that youhave your vehicle serviced at the propertimes. These intervals serve two purposes;one is to maintain the reliability of yourvehicle and the second is to keep your costof owning your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have allscheduled maintenance performed and tomake sure that the materials used meetthe specifications identified in this owner'smanual. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 276).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenanceinvalidates warranty coverage on partsaffected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at YourDealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensivefactory-sponsored certification training tohelp them become experts on theoperation of your vehicle. Ask yourdealership about the training andcertification their technicians havereceived.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft®Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft andFord-authorized branded re-manufacturedreplacement parts. These parts meet orexceed our specifications. Parts installedat your dealership carry a nationwide24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer)parts and labor limited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts theymay not meet our specifications anddepending on the part, it could affectemissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended eveningand Saturday hours to make your servicevisit more convenient and they offer onestop shopping. They can perform anyservices that are required on your vehicle,from general maintenance to collisionrepairs.
Note:Not all dealers have extended hoursor body shops. Please contact your dealerfor details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that paysdividends in the form of improvedreliability, durability and resale value. Tomaintain the proper performance of yourvehicle and its emission control systems,make sure you have scheduledmaintenance performed at the designatedintervals.
C-MAX Full Hybrid
Your vehicle is equipped with aninformation display, which indicates theproper oil change interval. This intervalmay be up to one year or 10000 miles(16000 kilometers).
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Scheduled Maintenance
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
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Scheduled Maintenance