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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Unique Driving Characteristics
Note:The service disconnect has an outerlever to aid in the proper seating of theservice disconnect lever. Remove this todisconnect the high-voltage servicedisconnect.
The high-voltage service disconnect islocated behind the rear fold down seats.
Service disconnect location for non-Energivehicles.
Service disconnect location for Energivehicles.
Disabling the High-Voltage Battery
1. Fold down the rear seats and removethe cover panel.
2. Locate the access door and removethe plastic cover.
3. Pull the outer cover off to expose theservice disconnect lever.
4. Slide the handle on the servicedisconnect outboard to the right. ForEnergi vehicles, slide the handleoutboard and to the left.
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High Voltage BatteryE163537 E163538 E171514 E147234 E146133
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.
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Stability Control
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
The under floor storage compartments arelocated behind the front seats. Lift thehandle to unlatch the lid.
LUGGAGE COVERS
WARNINGS
Make sure that the posts are properlylatched in mounting features. Thecover may cause injury in a suddenstop or accident if it is not securelyinstalled.
Do not place any objects on thecargo area shade. They may obstructyour vision or strike occupants ofyour vehicle in a sudden stop or crash.
Use the cargo shade to cover items in thecargo area of your vehicle.
Insert the ends of the cargo shade into themounting features located behind the rearseat on the rear trim panels to install thecargo shade.
To operate the cargo shade:
1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shaderearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support rodinto the retention slots located on therear quarter trim panels.
Removing the Shade
Press the release lever on each sideforward, and then lift the shade out of themounting feature. You will see a red markwhen the lever is unlatched.
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Load CarryingE162198 E164183 E162195
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics. The enginealso needs to break in. Avoid hardaccelerations and driving too fast for thefirst 1,000 mi (1,600 km). If possible, avoidcarrying heavy loads up steep gradesduring the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy depends on:
•How you drive your vehicle.
•How you maintain your vehicle.
•The conditions you drive your vehiclein.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these in mind:
•Drive your vehicle at reasonablespeeds. Traveling at 65 mph(105 km/h) uses about 15% less fuelthan traveling at 75 mph (121 km/h).
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops. Slowing down yourvehicle may eliminate the need to stop.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Switch off the heater if you do not needit. When you have the heater on, keepit at the lowest blower andtemperature setting necessary to becomfortable.
•When it is cold outside, park in a sunnylocation or a climate-controlledenvironment. This may save fuel byreducing the energy needed to heat thecabin.
•Switch off the air conditioning if you donot need it. When you have the airconditioning on, keep it at the lowestblower and highest temperaturesetting necessary to be comfortable.
•When it is hot or sunny outside, parkingin a shaded or climate-controlledenvironment will save fuel by reducingthe energy needed to cool the cabin.
•For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, usepreconditioning to improve your fueleconomy. See High Voltage Battery(page 151).
•Switch off the heated seats if you arenot using them.
•Switch off the defroster when you nolonger need it for visibility.
•For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, plug in andrecharge the high voltage batterywhenever possible.
•Use ECO Cruise Control, especially inhilly terrain. See Cruise Control (page177).
•Shift into low gear (L) when enhancedengine braking is needed. Otherwise,use drive gear (D) shift position.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving. A warmed upengine works more efficiently. Whenrunning errands, go to the farthestdestination first and then work yourway back home.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Use the recommended engine oil. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page282).
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 441).
•Use the coach and brake coach displayto get feedback on your economicaldrive style. See Information Displays(page 92).
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Driving Hints
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
Note:Do not allow air fresheners and handsanitizers to spill on interior surfaces. If aspill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damagemay not be covered by your warranty.
Note:Do not use household cleaningproducts or glass cleaners, which can stainand discolor the fabric and affect the flameretardant abilities of the seat materials.
Note:We recommend distilled water whencleaning.
Fabric, Carpets, Cloth Seats,Headliners and Floor Mats
Note:Avoid soaking any surface.
Note:To avoid spots or discoloration, cleanthe entire surface.
To clean:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner or brush.
•Wipe the surface with a soft, dampcloth and a mild soap and watersolution. Dry the area with a clean, softcloth.
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spotcleaning, clean the entire areaimmediately, but do not soak or thering will set.
Seatbelts
WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleachor dye on the vehicle’s seatbelts, asthese actions may weaken the beltwebbing.
On vehicles equipped withseat-mounted airbags, do not usechemical solvents or strongdetergents. Such products couldcontaminate the side airbag system andaffect performance of the side airbag in acrash.
Note:Do not use abrasives, or chemicalsolvents to clean them.
Note:Do not allow moisture to penetratethe seatbelt retractor mechanism.
Cleaning may safely be carried out usingmild soap and water. Let them drynaturally, away from artificial heat.
Leather Interior (If Equipped)
Follow the same procedure as cleaningleather seats for cleaning leatherinstrument panels and leather interior trimsurfaces.
Suede Micro Fiber Fabric (If Equipped)
Note:Do not steam clean.
Note:To avoid spots or discoloration, cleanthe entire surface.
Do not use the following products:
•Leather care products.
•Household cleaners.
•Alcoholic solutions.
•Spot removers.
•Shoe polish.
To clean:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner.
•Wipe the surface with a soft, dampcloth and a mild soap and watersolution. Dry the area with a clean, softcloth.
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spotcleaning, clean the entire areaimmediately, but do not soak or thering will set.
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Vehicle Care
Instrument Cluster Screens, LCDScreens and Radio Screens
Note:Do not use abrasives, alcoholicsolvents or chemical solvents to clean theinstrument cluster screens, LCD screens orradio screens. These cleaning products candamage the screens.
Clean the instrument panel and clusterlens with a clean, damp and soft cloth,then use a clean, dry and soft cloth to drythese areas.
Rear Windows
Note:Do not use any abrasive materials toclean the interior of the rear windows.
Note:Do not install stickers or labels to theinterior of the rear windows.
Storage Compartments, CupHolders and Ashtrays
To clean:
•Take out any removable inserts.
•Wipe the surface with a soft, dampcloth and a mild soap and watersolution. Dry the area with a clean, softcloth.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL AND INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER LENS
WARNING
Do not use chemical solvents orstrong detergents when cleaning thesteering wheel or instrument panelto avoid contamination of the airbagsystem.
Note:Follow the same procedure ascleaning leather seats for cleaning leatherinstrument panels and leather interior trimsurfaces. See Cleaning Leather Seats(page 252).
Clean the instrument panel and clusterlens with a clean, damp and soft cloth,then use a clean, dry and soft cloth to drythese areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increasethe gloss of the upper portion of theinstrument panel. The dull finish in thisarea helps protect you fromundesirable windshield reflection.
•Do not use any household cleaningproducts or glass cleaners as thesemay damage the finish of theinstrument panel, interior trim andcluster lens.
•Wash or wipe your hands clean if youhave been in contact with certainproducts such as insect repellent andsuntan lotion to avoid possible damageto the interior painted surfaces.
•Do not allow air fresheners and handsanitizers to spill onto interior surfaces.If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately.Your warranty may not cover thesedamages.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice hasbeen spilled on the instrument panel or oninterior trim surfaces:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean,soft cloth as quickly as possible.
2. Use Motorcraft Premium Leather andVinyl Cleaner or a commerciallyavailable leather cleaning product forautomotive interiors. Test any cleaneror stain remover on an inconspicuousarea.
3. Alternatively, wipe the surface with aclean, soft cloth and a mild soap andwater solution. Dry the area with aclean, soft cloth.
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Vehicle Care
4. If necessary, apply more soap andwater solution or cleaning product toa clean, soft cloth and press it onto thesoiled area. Allow this to set at roomtemperature for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the soaked cloth, then with aclean, damp cloth, use a rubbingmotion for 60 seconds on the soiledarea.
6. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (If
Equipped)
Note:Follow the same procedure ascleaning leather seats for cleaning leatherinstrument panels and leather interior trimsurfaces.
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface witha soft, damp cloth and a mild soap andwater solution. Dry the area with a clean,soft cloth.
For cleaning and removing stains such asdye transfer, use Motorcraft PremiumLeather and Vinyl Cleaner or acommercially available leather cleaningproduct for automotive interiors.
Note:Test any cleaner or stain remover onan inconspicuous area.
You should:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner.
•Clean and treat spills and stains assoon as possible.
Do not use the following products as thesemay damage the leather:
•Oil and petroleum or silicone-basedleather conditioners.
•Household cleaners.
•Alcohol solutions.
•Solvents or cleaners intendedspecifically for rubber, vinyl andplastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
You should repair paintwork damagecaused by stones from the road or minorscratches as soon as possible. A choice ofproducts are available from an authorizeddealer.
Remove particles such as bird droppings,tree sap, insect deposits, tar spots, roadsalt and industrial fallout before repairingpaint chips.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’sinstructions before using the products.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
Note:Do not apply a cleaning chemical towarm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note:Industrial-strength (heavy-duty)cleaners, or cleaning chemicals, incombination with brush agitation to removebrake dust and dirt, could wear away theclear coat finish over a period of time.
Note:Do not use hydrofluoric acid-basedor high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steelwool, fuels or strong household detergent.
Note:If you intend parking your vehicle foran extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This will reduce the risk of increasedcorrosion of the brake discs, brake pads andlinings.
Note:Some automatic car washes maycause damage to the finish on your wheelrims and covers.
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Vehicle Care