
Switching Off the Vehicle When ItIs Moving
WARNING
Switching off the engine when thevehicle is still moving will result in aloss of brake and steering assistance.The steering will not lock, but higher effortwill be required. When the ignition isswitched off, some electrical circuits,including air bags, warning lamps andindicators may also be off. If the ignitionwas turned off accidentally, you can shiftinto neutral (N) and re-start the engine.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1.Shift into neutral and use the brakes tobring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shiftinto park (P) or neutral (N) and switchthe ignition off.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Move the transmission selector leverto position N and use the brakes tobring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, movethe transmission selector lever toposition P.
3. Press and hold the button for onesecond, or press it three times withintwo seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in entry ofharmful and potentially lethal fumesinto the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your vehicle inspectedimmediately. Do not drive if you smellexhaust fumes.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave it idlingfor long periods, we recommend that youdo one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 in(2.5 cm).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (If
Equipped)
WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heaterinstructions could result in propertydamage or serious personal injury.
Do not use your heater withungrounded electrical systems ortwo-pronged adapters. There is a riskof electrical shock.
Do not fully close the hood, or allowit to drop under its own weight whenusing the engine block heater. Thiscould damage the power cable and maycause an electrical short resulting in fire,injury and property damage.
Note:The heater is most effective whenoutdoor temperatures are below 0°F(-18°C).
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The heater acts as a starting aid bywarming the engine coolant. This allowsthe climate control system to respondquickly. The equipment includes a heaterelement (installed in the engine block) anda wire harness. You can connect thesystem to a grounded 120-volt ACelectrical source.
We recommend that you do the followingfor a safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cordthat is product certified byUnderwriter’s Laboratory (UL) orCanadian Standards Association(CSA). This extension cord must besuitable for use outdoors, in coldtemperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with OutdoorAppliances. Do not use an indoorextension cord outdoors. This couldresult in an electric shock or become afire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord aspossible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, theextension cord plug and heater cordplug connections are free and clear ofwater. This could cause an electricshock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in aclean area, clear of combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord andextension cord are firmly connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in theelectrical hookup once the system hasbeen operating for approximately 30minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged andproperly stowed before starting anddriving your vehicle. Make sure theprotective cover seals the prongs of theblock heater cord plug when not in use.
•Make sure the heater system ischecked for proper operation beforewinter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals areclean and dry prior to use. Clean them witha dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hoursof energy per hour of use. The system doesnot have a thermostat. It achievesmaximum temperature afterapproximately three hours of operation.Using the heater longer than three hoursdoes not improve system performance andunnecessarily uses electricity.
AUTOMATIC ENGINE
SHUTDOWN
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, thisautomatically shuts down your vehicle ifit has been idling for an extended period.The ignition also turns off to save batterypower. Before your vehicle shuts down, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing a timer counting down. Ifyou do not intervene within 30 seconds,your vehicle shuts down. Start your vehicleas normal.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch offthe automatic shutdown. When you switchit off temporarily, it turns on at the nextignition cycle.
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Starting and Stopping the Engine

HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric andgasoline propulsion to providebreakthrough performance and improvedefficiency.
Familiarizing yourself with these uniquecharacteristics will provide an optimaldriving experience from your new vehicle.
Note:You may notice higher engine speedsupon start-up. This temporary condition isnormal and necessary to heat up the cabinand minimize emissions.
Starting:
When you start your vehicle, agreen ready indicator light willappear in the lower right portionof the instrument cluster and a ready todrive message will appear in the middle ofthe left cluster screen, letting you knowthat your vehicle is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because thisvehicle is equipped with silent key start.This fuel saving feature allows your vehicleto be ready–to–drive without requiring thegas engine to be running. This indicator willremain on while your vehicle is on, whetherthe engine is running or not to indicate yourvehicle is capable of movement (using itselectric motor, engine, or both). Typically,the engine will not start unless the vehicleis cold, a climate control change isrequested, or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically starts andstops to provide power when needed andto save fuel when not needed. Whilecoasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,or standing, the gas engine normally shutsdown and your vehicle operates inelectric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine tostart up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•Vehicle speed above 85 mph(137 km/h). However, the maximumspeed for electric-only operation maybe lower while driving in hottemperatures or on hilly terrain.
•Ascending a hill.
•Charge level of high voltage battery islow.
•Very high or low outside temperature(to provide system cooling or heating).For Energi vehicles, climate controldemands by passengers may notdirectly cause the engine to run. Thisonly occurs when the high voltagebattery charge is low, or if the outsidetemperature is cold enough to requirethe engine to provide additional heatfor the cabin.
•Engine not warm enough to providepassenger requested cabintemperature.
Stopping:
The gas engine may shut off to conservefuel as you come to a stop. Restarting yourvehicle is not required. Simply step on theaccelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the technologically advanced,electronically-controlled continuouslyvariable transaxle, you will not feel shiftchanges like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note:Since engine speed is controlled bythe transmission, it may seem elevated attimes. This is normal hybrid operation andhelps deliver fuel efficiency andperformance.
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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).
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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 General Information (page92).
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 143).
ECOSELECT
EcoSelect is a drive mode for non plug-invehicles designed to offer the best possiblefuel economy with tradeoffs in vehicleperformance and comfort.
To switch EcoSelect on, pressthe ECO button.
A graphic displays on your informationdisplay when EcoSelect is on.
Your vehicle will remember the lastselected mode whenever you start yourvehicle.
EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operatemore efficiently. You will notice:
•Less aggressive cooling.
•Softer acceleration.
•Increased deceleration when coasting.
•Changes in engine behavior.
•ECO cruise control activation.
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HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when thekey is off. When you switch the key on, highvoltage contactors inside the battery areclosed to make the electricity available tothe motor and generator and enable thevehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound ofthese contactors as they close and openduring start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargoarea when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent keystart will start the engine if it is necessaryfor cabin heating, windshield defrost, or ifthe outside temperature is low. (For C-MAXEnergi vehicles, the engine may not berequired to operate these functions.)
Why does the engine sometimes start atkey-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time whenyou first start it. One common reason is tomake sure that the emissions componentsare warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. As the climate gets cooler, thisengine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before theengine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on above thisspeed to protect the transmission hard-ware.
Why does my engine never shut downabove 85 mph (137 km/h)
In order to make sure that the climatecontrol system can begin heating the cabinor defrosting the windshield as soon as adriver requests it, the engine coolanttemperature has to be kept sufficiently hot.Keeping the engine on is required to main-tain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it isextremely cold outside?
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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 (page192).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor homewith all four wheels down?
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4. Pull the manual fuel filler door releaselever.
5. Switch the ignition off and refuel yourvehicle within 20 minutes. If more than20 minutes is required, fully close thefuel filler door and repeat theprocedure.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
The advertised capacity is the maximumamount of fuel that you can add to the fueltank after running out of fuel. Included inthe advertised capacity is an emptyreserve. The empty reserve is anunspecified amount of fuel that remainsin the fuel tank when the fuel gaugeindicates empty.
Note:The amount of fuel in the emptyreserve varies and should not be relied uponto increase driving range.
Filling the Fuel Tank
For consistent results when refueling:
•Turn the ignition off before fueling; aninaccurate reading results if the engineis left running.
•Use the same fill rate(low-medium-high) each time the tankis filled.
•Allow no more than one automaticshut-off when refueling.
Results are most accurate when the fillingmethod is consistent.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Do not measure fuel economy during thefirst 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving (this isyour engine’s break-in period). A moreaccurate measurement is obtained after2,000 mi (3,200 km) to 3,000 mi(4,800 km). Also, fuel expense, frequencyof fill ups or fuel gauge readings are notaccurate ways to measure fuel economy.
1.Fill the fuel tank completely and recordthe initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the fuel tank, recordthe amount of fuel added.
3. After at least three fill ups, fill the fueltank and record the current odometerreading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer readingfrom the current odometer reading.
To calculate L/100 km (liters per 100kilometers) fuel consumption, multiply theliters used by 100, then divide by kilometerstraveled. To calculate MPG (miles pergallon) fuel consumption, divide milestraveled by gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month andrecord the type of driving (city or highway).This provides an accurate estimate of yourvehicle's fuel economy under currentdriving conditions. Keeping records duringsummer and winter will show howtemperature impacts fuel economy.
Conditions
•Heavily loading your vehicle reducesfuel economy.
•Carrying unnecessary weight in yourvehicle may reduce fuel economy.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle such as bug deflectors, rollbarsor light bars, running boards and skiracks may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures.
•Fuel economy may decrease whendriving short distances.
•You will get better fuel economy whendriving on flat terrain than when drivingon hilly terrain.
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Fuel and Refueling