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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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 (page192).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor homewith all four wheels down?
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Unique Driving Characteristics
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 145).
4. Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixed city andhighway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, your vehicle may needservice. See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without crankingthe engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that your vehicle is readyfor I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,you can perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at leasteight hours with the ignition off. Then,start the vehicle and complete theabove driving cycle. The vehicle mustwarm up to its normal operatingtemperature. Once started, do not turnoff the vehicle until the above drivingcycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/Mtesting, you need to repeat the abovedriving cycle.
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Fuel and Refueling
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always apply the parking brake fullyand make sure you shift into park (P).Switch the ignition off and removethe key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneouslyfor more than a few seconds will limitengine performance, which may result indifficulty maintaining speed in traffic andcould lead to serious injury.
Note:Do not leave your vehicle with thetransmission in neutral (N). Leaving yourvehicle with the transmission in neutral (N)will drain the battery and you may not beable to start your vehicle.
Understanding the Shift Positionsof your Automatic Transmission
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever to the desiredgear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in park (P).
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the front wheels from turning.Come to a complete stop before puttingyour vehicle into and out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), yourvehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), yourvehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy.
Low (L)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•The transmission may be shifted intolow (L) at any vehicle speed.
•Is not intended for use under extendedor normal driving conditions and resultsin lower fuel economy.
Grade assist:
Press the transmission control switch onthe side of the gearshift lever to activategrade assist.
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•Provides additional grade braking witha combination of engine motoring andhigh-voltage battery charging to helpmaintain vehicle speed whendescending a grade.
•As your vehicle determines the amountof engine motoring and high-voltagebattery charging, you may notice theengine speed increasing anddecreasing to help maintain yourvehicle speed when descending agrade.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrumentcluster is illuminated.
The grade assist lamp willappear in the instrument clusterwhen grade assist is turned on.
Press the transmission control switchagain to return to normal drive (D).
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
WARNINGS
When doing this procedure, you needto take the transmission out of park(P) which means your vehicle canroll freely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully apply the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheels chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature will bedisabled.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to movethe gearshift lever from the park positionin the event of an electrical malfunction orif your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn theignition off before performing thisprocedure.
1. Remove the shifter boot using asuitable tool
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2. Using a screwdriver or similar tool,depress the brake shift interlockoverride until the blocker moves.
3. Move the transmission selector frompark (P) to neutral (N).
4. Install the shifter boot.
5.Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicleand release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur, or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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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
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standard friction braking. When the batteryis almost fully charged, the amount ofregenerative braking is limited to avoidovercharging, and the requesteddeceleration is produced by standardfriction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take theplace of the standard friction brakes; it onlyassists them. Regenerative braking hasalso been designed to interact with theanti-lock brake system. Regenerativebraking is disabled when the anti-lockbrake system is activated or the battery isfully charged.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure you shift the gearshiftlever to park (P). Switch the ignitionoff and remove the key whenever you leaveyour vehicle.
Note:Do not press the release button whilepulling the lever up.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to itsfullest extent.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill, shift the gearshift lever to park(P) and turn the steering wheel away fromthe curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill, shift the gearshift lever topark (P) and turn the steering wheel towardthe curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push thelever down.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parkingbrake and shift the transmission into park(P) (automatic transmission) or first gear(1) (manual transmission).
You must remain in your vehicle onceyou have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsiblefor controlling your vehicle,supervising the system andintervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, orif a malfunction is detected, thesystem will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
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