FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. We do not recommendthese fuels.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather.
Do not use any fuel other than thoserecommended because they could lead toengine damage that will not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note:Use of any fuel other than thoserecommended can impair the emissioncontrol system and cause a loss of vehicleperformance.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel isprohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
Fuel Freshness Mode (If Equipped)
This helps keep the fuel system functionaland the fuel fresh.
If you mainly use your vehicle in electricpower mode without refueling, the gasolinein the fuel tank may become stale due toaging. Stale gasoline can damage theengine and fuel system.
Your vehicle automatically switches to fuelfreshness mode if you do not refuel yourvehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-monthperiod. Fuel freshness mode protects yourvehicle from potential engine and fuelsystem damage caused by using stale fuel.
Note:If you do not add new fuel during an18-month period, fuel freshness mode willuse fuel until approximately 1.2 gal (4.5 L)of fuel remains in the fuel tank.
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During fuel freshness mode:
•The information display will indicatefuel freshness mode is active.
•The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.EV Now mode will not be available.
•Most of the plug-in power will bestored until fuel freshness mode iscompleted.
Note:EV Now mode resumes when lessthan 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of fuel remains in the fueltank.
Note:When the fuel level is less thanone-quarter full, refueling your vehicle willend fuel freshness mode.
Note:We recommend you use a fuelstabilizer if you use less than a full tank offuel during an 18-month period.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is under the luggagecompartment floor covering.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty.
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
•Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuelto restart the engine. If your vehicle isout of fuel and on a steep slope, morefuel may be required.
•You may need to switch the ignitionfrom off to on several times afterrefueling to allow the fuel system topump the fuel from the tank to theengine. When restarting, cranking timetakes a few seconds longer thannormal.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Use the following guidelines to avoidelectrostatic charge build-up, which canproduce a spark, when filling anungrounded fuel container:
•Only use an approved fuel container totransfer fuel to your vehicle. Place thecontainer on the ground when filling it.
•Do not fill a fuel container when it isinside your vehicle (including the cargoarea).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contactwith the fuel container when filling it.
•Do not use a device that holds the fuelpump nozzle lever in the fill position.
Adding Fuel From a Portable FuelContainer
WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of a fuelcontainer or an aftermarket funnelinto the fuel system filler neck. Thismay damage the fuel system filler neck orits seal and cause fuel to run onto theground.
Do not try to pry open or push openthe capless fuel system with foreignobjects. This could damage the fuelsystem and its seal and cause injury to youor others.
Do not dispose of fuel in thehousehold refuse or the publicsewage system. Use an authorizedwaste disposal facility.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, use the fuel filler funnelincluded with your vehicle. See Fuel FillerFunnel Location (page 144).
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels asthey will not work with the capless fuelsystem and can damage it.
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Fuel and Refueling
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.
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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.
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Driving HintsE176360
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in theWarranty Guide in the glove compartmentof your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsyou may contact your dealer, you can callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery will lose charge. Theremay be insufficient power to restart yourvehicle.
The hazard warning button islocated on the instrument panel.Use it when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the button to turn on the hazardwarning function, and the front andrear direction indicators will flash.
•Press the button again to turn themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,repair fuel leaks after a collision mayincrease the risk of fire and seriousinjury. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat the fuel system be inspected by anauthorized dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severecollision, this vehicle has a fuel pumpshut-off feature that stops the flow of fuelto the engine. Not every impact will causea shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after acollision, you may restart your vehicle.
For vehicles equipped with a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch on the ignition.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps1 and 2 up to two more times.
For vehicles equipped with a push buttonstart system:
1. Press the push button start to switchoff the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and press thepush button start to switch on theignition.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps1 and 2 up to two more times.
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Roadside Emergencies
1. Remove the jumper cable from thenegative prong.
2. Remove the jumper cable on thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle's battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the boostervehicle's battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) prong of the disabledvehicle's battery.
After disconnecting the jumper cables, letthe disabled vehicle sit in Ready to Drivemode for several minutes to charge the12V battery. The disabled vehicle cancharge the 12V battery even if the gasolineengine may be off. The 12V battery willreceive power from the high-voltagebattery instead.
COLLISION, DAMAGE OR FIRE
EVENT
Guidance for Ford Motor CompanyElectric and Hybrid-ElectricVehicles Equipped With HighVoltage Batteries
(Vehicle Owner/Operator/GeneralPublic)Electric and Hybrid-Electric VehicleConsiderations
In the event of damage or fire involvingan electric vehicle (EV) orhybrid-electric vehicle (HEV):
•Always assume the high-voltagebattery and associated componentsare energized and fully charged.
•Exposed electrical components, wiresand high-voltage batteries presentpotential high-voltage shock hazards.
•Venting/off-gassing high-voltagebattery vapors are potentially toxic andflammable.
•Physical damage to the vehicle orhigh-voltage battery may result inimmediate or delayed release of toxic,flammable gases and fire.
Vehicle Information and GeneralSafety Practices
•Know the make and model of yourvehicle.
•Review the owner’s manual andbecome familiar with your vehicle’ssafety information and recommendedsafety practices.
•Do not attempt to repair damagedelectric and hybrid-electric vehiclesyourself. Contact an authorized FordDealer or vehicle manufacturerrepresentative for service.
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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.
Operating in Cold Climates andShort Driving Cycles
Some gasoline engines may experience abuildup of moisture in the engine oil ifrepeatedly operated in cold weather andshort driving cycles that do not fully warmthe engine.
When you see a thick milky substanceunder the oil cap, this indicates moistureis present.
This condition can be more prevalent ingas electric hybrid vehicles that run the gasengine for very short driving cycles.
To prevent engine damage under theseconditions customers should follow thesesteps:
•Drive your vehicle at full enginetemperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
•Drive your vehicle at highway speeds.
•Drive your vehicle with the defroster(hybrid vehicles) at full.
We recommend frequent oil changes.Follow severe duty cycle in themaintenance guide. This helps remove themoisture contaminated oil from the engine.
Cold Weather Operation
To determine if the shortened oil changeinterval or warming of the engine issufficient, clean and check the oil fill capon a regular basis. This will confirm thatthe thick milky substance is not returning.
When extreme cold weather and sub-zeroconditions exist, fuel may be found in theengine oil. This is caused by the engine notreaching its full engine temperature.
In this situation, carry out the above stepsto prevent engine damage.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET (If Equipped)
Resetting the Oil Life MonitoringSystem
Only reset the oil life monitoring systemafter changing the engine oil and oil filter.
1.Switch the ignition on. Do not start theengine. For vehicles with push-buttonstart, press and hold the start buttonfor two seconds without pressing thebrake pedal. Do not start the engine.
2.Press the accelerator and brake pedalsat the same time.
3.Keep the accelerator and brake pedalsfully pressed.
4. After three seconds, a messageconfirming that the reset is in progresswill be displayed.
5. After 25 seconds, a messageconfirming that the reset is completewill be displayed.
6. Release the accelerator and brakepedals.
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Maintenance
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 282).Using water that has not been deionisedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note:Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page282).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
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:In case of emergency, you can add alarge amount of water without coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location.Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine damage from corrosion, overheatingor freezing. When you reach a servicelocation, you must have the cooling systemdrained and refilled with prediluted coolantapproved to the correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 282).
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
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Maintenance