Your vehicle may accelerate more slowlyand the top speed may be lower in EV Nowmode than in Auto EV mode.
You can enable your engine at any time byusing one of the following methods:
1.Press the OK button on the left 5–waysteering wheel control while viewingthe miles or kilometers per chargescreen. Your vehicle will enable theengine as needed, and willautomatically return to EV Now aftereight seconds or when the engine is nolonger needed.
2.Press the accelerator pedal fully. A popup message will appear. Press OK onthe left-hand steering wheel button toactivate as needed. The message willdisappear if you release the acceleratorpedal.
3. Press the EV button. This will changethe mode to EV Later and permitengine operation.
Your vehicle may automatically enterEngine Enabled mode if system conditionsrequire it. A engine enabled message willdisplay if this occurs. This is normalfunction, and your vehicle will return to EVNow when possible.
Your vehicle may enter Enable Enginemode if the climate control is in a defrostmode and the outside temperature is cold.A engine enabled message will display ifthis occurs. If defrost is not needed, selecta different climate control mode to permitEV Now.
When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icondisplays in the left-hand informationdisplay. If your vehicle is in the EngineEnabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when thePlug in power has been depleted.
EV Later
This mode saves most of thehigh voltage battery plug inpower for future use (forexample, your initial drive is at high speedson open roads, but later your drive will beat low speeds in an urban area whereplug-in power usage is most efficient).Your vehicle will run the engine as neededand keep most of the high voltage batteryplug in power for later use in Auto Mode orEV Now mode.
When you enable EV Later, a white EVLater icon appears on the left-handinformation display.
The EV Later mode will automatically resetto EV Auto mode when you power yourvehicle off. You may press the EV buttontwice during the next drive to return to EVLater mode, if desired.
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 92).
138
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Unique Driving CharacteristicsE151263
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 Wheels(page 252).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 87).
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
162
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
BrakesE144522 E144522
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 fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
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 system applieshigher brake force.
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.
166
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability Control
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message willappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 101).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross TrafficAlert off in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 92). Whenyou switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you willnot receive alerts and the informationdisplay will display a system off message.
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently,the system can only be switched back onat an authorized dealer.
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.
WARNINGS
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.
184
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids
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.
185
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Your vehicle is not approvedfor trailer towing. Never towa trailer with your vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•The transmission in position N. If youcannot move the transmission into N,you may need to override it. SeeAutomatic Transmission (page 159).
•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 109).
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.
•Shift the transmission into N.
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.
192
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing
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 mi (1.6 km) per gallonor 0.2 mi (0.4 km) per liter is lost forevery 400 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.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
195
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving HintsE176360
Protected componentsFuse amp ratingFuse or relay number
Engine control module 15.5A1F23Powertrain control module 15.Transmission oil pump 15.
Relay coils.5A1F24Light switch module.
Motor electronic cooling pump.10A1F25
Electronic power assist steering module15.5A1F26
Mass air flow sensor.5A1F27
Powertrain control module.15A1F28
Electronic air conditioning compressor.10A1F29Positive temperature coefficient heater.
Engine control module.10A1F30Powertrain control module.
Charge port light ring (C-MAX Energi).5A1F31
Vehicle power 2.20A1F32
Vehicle power 4.15A1F33
Injectors.10A1F34
Vehicle power 3.10A1F35
Vehicle power 1.20A1F36
Vacuum pump.Micro relayR1
Horn.Micro relayR2
Hybrid powertrain control.Micro relayR3
Front wiper.Micro relayR4
Vacuum pump.Micro relayR5
Front and rear wiper high-low.Micro relayR6
Not used.—R7
213
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Fuses