Neutral:
It is not recommended to idle the vehiclein neutral (N) for an extended period oftime because this will discharge your highvoltage battery and decrease fueleconomy. The engine will not start or stop,and cannot provide power to the hybridsystem in neutral (N).
Low:
Low (L) is designed to mimic the enhancedengine braking available in non-hybridvehicles. Low gear will produce high enginespeeds to provide necessary enginebraking. This is normal and will not damageyour vehicle. In low gear, the gas enginewill remain on more often than in drive (D).
Reverse:
In reverse (R), vehicle speed is limited to22 mph (35 km/h).
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltagebattery. A cool battery maintains batterylife and provides the best possibleperformance. The high voltage battery iscooled by cabin air drawn from vent holesin the trim panels behind the rear seats.Avoid placing objects at the vent holes thatblock airflow to the high voltage battery.
Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid is notdirectly tied to your vehicle speed. Yourvehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. Duringheavy accelerations, your hybrid may reachhigh engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you maysee the engine speed changing withoutyour input. This is intentional and maintainsthe battery charge level. You may alsonotice during extended downhill drivingthat your engine continues to run insteadof shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stayson, but it is not using any fuel. You may alsohear a slight whine or whistle whenoperating your vehicle. This is the normaloperation of the electric generator in thehybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicleservicing) your low voltage 12-volt batterymay become disconnected or disabled.Once the battery is reconnected and afterdriving the vehicle, the engine maycontinue to operate for three to fiveseconds after the key is turned to off. Thisis a normal condition.
Braking:
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in your high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepin mind these tips:
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•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION
Plug-in Power Mode and HybridMode
You must plug in your Energi vehicleregularly for optimal use of the highvoltage battery's extended rangecapability. Charging your vehicle addselectrical energy. This energy is used topropel the vehicle in plug-in power mode.
Estimated electric range is shown in bluenext to gasoline range at the bottom of theright information display. You can alsoconfigure MyView to include detailedvehicle range information. See Gauges(page 84).
The system maximizes the use ofelectric-only operation in plug-in powermode. System conditions may requireengine operation; however, the systemuses plug-in power whenever possible.
When your plug-in power is depleted, thepowertrain system will automaticallyswitch to hybrid mode. Hybrid mode usesboth the gasoline engine and electricmotor to power your vehicle and maximizefuel economy.
EV Modes
Your vehicle contains selectableEV modes through the EV buttonlocated on the center of theinstrument panel, below the climatecontrols.
These modes are available when yourvehicle can run under high voltage batterypower. With your vehicle in driving mode,you can change EV modes with each pressof the EV button. The current mode will bedisplayed in the left-hand instrumentcluster screen.
Auto EV
This mode provides anautomatic use of high voltagebattery power during the drive,staying in electric mode when possible andrunning the engine when needed. Thismode will be the only one available if theplug-in power has been depleted.
EV Now
This mode provides an electriconly driving experience. Theleft-hand information displaychanges to a screen displaying youraverage miles or kilometers per chargealong with EV specific tools and functions.
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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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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Thepressure in an overfilled tank maycause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
The fuel system may be underpressure. If you hear a hissing soundnear the fuel filler inlet, do not refueluntil the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel mayspray out, which could cause seriouspersonal injury.
Fuels can cause serious injury ordeath if misused or mishandled.
Flow of fuel through a fuel pumpnozzle can produce static electricity.This can cause a fire if you are fillingan ungrounded fuel container.
Fuel may contain benzene, which isa cancer-causing agent.
When refueling always shut theengine off and never allow sparks oropen flames near the fuel tank fillervalve. Never smoke or use a cell phonewhile refueling. Fuel vapor is extremelyhazardous under certain conditions. Avoidinhaling excess fumes.
Observe the following guidelines whenhandling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials andany open flames before refueling yourvehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle beforerefueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful orfatal if swallowed. Fuel such asgasoline is highly toxic and ifswallowed can cause death orpermanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,call a physician immediately, even if nosymptoms are immediately apparent.The toxic effects of fuel may not bevisible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling toomuch fuel vapor of any kind can leadto eye and respiratory tract irritation.In severe cases, excessive or prolongedbreathing of fuel vapor can causeserious illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. Iffuel is splashed in the eyes, removecontact lenses (if worn), flush withwater for 15 minutes and seek medicalattention. Failure to seek propermedical attention could lead topermanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbedthrough the skin. If fuel is splashed onthe skin, clothing or both, promptlyremove contaminated clothing andwash skin thoroughly with soap andwater. Repeated or prolonged skincontact with fuel liquid or vapor causesskin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are takingAntabuse or other forms of Disulfiramfor the treatment of alcoholism.Breathing gasoline vapors could causean adverse reaction, serious personalinjury or sickness. If fuel is splashed onthe skin, wash the affected areasimmediately with plenty of soap andwater. Consult a physician immediatelyif you experience any adverse reactions.
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Fuel and Refueling
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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