PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:
When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either
using the information display controls or
the switch. Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General
Information (page 92).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
165
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Traction ControlE138639 E130458
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• 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 and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
166
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Stability Control
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, please
read and understand the limitations
of the system as contained in this
section. Sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when
moving on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Certain objects with surfaces that absorb
ultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle's
parking aid systems, traffic control
systems, fluorescent lamps, inclement
weather, air brakes, and external motors
and fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include
reduced performance or a false activation. To help avoid personal injury, always
use caution when in reverse (R) and
when using the sensing system.
This system is not designed to
prevent contact with small or moving
objects. The system is designed to
provide a warning to assist the driver in
detecting large stationary objects to avoid
damaging your vehicle. The system may
not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground. Certain add-on devices such as large
trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks
and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the system, may
create false beeps. Note:
Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors
are covered, the system ’s accuracy can be
affected. Do not clean the sensors with
sharp objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to
the bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned
or bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alarms. Note:
The sensing system cannot be turned
off when a MyKey is present. See Principle
of Operation (page 52).
Note: If you attach certain add-on devices
such as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensing
system may detect that add-on device and
therefore provide warnings. It is suggested
that you disable the rear sensing system
when you attach an add-on device to your
vehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of your
vehicle. The system turns on automatically
whenever you switch the ignition on. You can turn the system on or
off by pressing the parking aid
button. If your vehicle does not
have a parking aid button, the system can
be switched off through the information
display menu or from the pop-up message
that appears once you shift the
transmission into reverse (R). See General
Information
(page 92).
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information
display. See
Information Messages
(page 101).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear parking aid sensors automatically
turn on when you shift into reverse (R).
As your vehicle moves closer to the
obstacle, the rate of the audible warning
increases. When the obstacle is less than
12 in (30 cm)
away, the warning sounds
continuously. If the system detects an
object farther than
12 in (30 cm) from the
corners of the bumper, the tone sounds for
only three seconds. If the system detects
an approaching object the warning sounds
again.
168
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE139213
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehicle
when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required. Failure
to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death. The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that
cause interference.
Active park assist does not apply the
brakes under any circumstances.
Note:
The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening if required.
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not detect traffic alongside or behind
your vehicle during an active park assist
maneuver.
The system detects an available parallel
parking space and automatically steers
the vehicle into the space (hands-free)
while you control the accelerator, gearshift
and brakes. The system visually and
audibly instructs you to park the vehicle.
The system may not correctly operate in
any of the following conditions:
• You use a spare tire or a tire
significantly worn more than the other
tires.
• One or more tires are improperly
inflated.
• You try to park on a tight curve.
• Something passes between the front
bumper and the parking space (for
example, a pedestrian or cyclist). •
The edge of the neighboring parking
vehicle is high off the ground (for
example, a bus, tow truck or flatbed
truck).
• The weather conditions are poor (for
example, heavy rain, snow, fog and so
forth).
Note: Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. Covered sensors
can affect the system's accuracy. Do not
clean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note: The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves
or cause ultrasonic interference (for
example, motorcycle exhaust, truck air
brakes or horns).
Using Active Park Assist Press the button located on the center
console near the transmission selector or
to the right of the center stack. The touch
screen displays a message and a
corresponding graphic to indicate it's
searching for a parking space. Use the turn
signal to indicate which side of the vehicle
you want the system to search on.
170
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE142733
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. You can use cruise
control when your vehicle speed is greater
than 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or when the
road surface is slippery. This could
result in loss of vehicle control, serious
injury or death. When you are going downhill, your
vehicle speed may increase above
the set speed. The system will not
apply the brakes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in serious personal
injury or death. Note:
Cruise control will disengage if the
vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph
(16 km/h) below the set speed while driving
uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel. Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release
ON. The indicator appears in the
information display.
Note: Using cruise control with ECO Cruise
switched on may change the operation of
the system. This feature saves vehicle
energy by relaxing acceleration compared
to standard cruise control. For example, your
vehicle may temporarily lose speed when
going uphill.
Energi vehicles: ECO Cruise can be turned
on or off through the information display.
See
Information Displays (page 92).
Hybrid vehicles: ECO Cruise is included in
EcoSelect which is turned on or off using
the ECO button on the center console.
For additional information, refer to ECO
Cruise and EcoSelect. See Unique Driving
Characteristics
(page 135).
Note: When you are going downhill while
using cruise control, the battery charging
system and engine work together to help
maintain your set speed. Engine noise may
increase or decrease under these conditions.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release
SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
177
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Cruise ControlE142437 E71340
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
WARNING
Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification
label vehicle weight rating limits
could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance,
engine, transmission and/or
structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury. Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can
tow. Consult an authorized dealer
(or the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the
loaded trailer, including all cargo
and passengers, that the vehicle
can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing vehicle
’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should
be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must
never exceed the Gross Combined
Weight Rating.
Note: For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer. WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification
label. Do not use replacement tires
with lower load carrying
capacities than the original tires
because they may lower your
vehicle ’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original
tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Exceeding any vehicle weight
rating limitation could result
in serious damage to your vehicle,
personal injury or both. 189
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Load CarryingE198828
Avoid these actions because they reduce
your fuel economy:
•
Avoid sudden or hard accelerations and
decelerations. Accelerate and slow
down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
• Avoid revving the engine before
switching off your vehicle.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
Approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) per gallon
or 0.2 mi (0.4 km) per liter is lost for
every 400 lb (180 kg) of weight carried.
• Avoid adding accessories that increase
aerodynamic drag to your vehicle such
as bug deflectors, car top carriers and
ski or bike racks.
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Things to keep in mind when you refuel
your vehicle:
• Fuel generates fewer vapors when it is
cool and dark outside. Refuel your
vehicle in the early morning or late
evening.
• Use the recommended octane-rated
fuel. Using fuel below the
recommended rating will lower your
fuel economy.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage. Note:
Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways.
195
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving HintsE176360
Cooling System
•
Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
12V Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
We recommend the following options for
your plug-in vehicle:
• Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12V
battery maintains power if left plugged
in. However, this periodically uses
electricity from the household outlet.
• Connect a battery charger to your 12V
battery and leave it on a continuous,
slow charge.
• Disconnect the 12V battery. If your 12V
battery is located in the luggage
compartment, do not fully shut the
luggage compartment after
disconnecting the 12V battery. Only
leave the luggage compartment open
if your vehicle is stored in a locked
location.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous
•
Make sure you cover all linkages,
cables, levers and pins under your
vehicle with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant
and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the 12-volt battery, clean
the cable ends and inspect.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside of
your vehicle and the ground is less than
that of other models. Drive with extreme
care to avoid damage to your vehicle.
254
C-MAX Energi / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care