
Neutral:
It is not recommended to idle the vehicle
in neutral (N) for an extended period of
time because this will discharge your high
voltage battery and decrease fuel
economy. The engine will not start or stop,
and cannot provide power to the hybrid
system in neutral (N).
Low:
Low (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced
engine braking available in non-hybrid
vehicles. Low gear will produce high engine
speeds to provide necessary engine
braking. This is normal and will not damage
your vehicle. In low gear, the gas engine
will remain on more often than in drive (D).
Reverse:
In reverse (R), vehicle speed is limited to
22 mph (35 km/h).
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery
life and provides the best possible
performance. The high voltage battery is
cooled by cabin air drawn from vent holes
in the trim panels behind the rear seats.
Avoid placing objects at the vent holes that
block airflow to the high voltage battery.
Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid is not
directly tied to your vehicle speed. Your
vehicle's engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at
the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach
high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM). In prolonged mountainous driving, you may
see the engine speed changing without
your input. This is intentional and maintains
the battery charge level. You may also
notice during extended downhill driving
that your engine continues to run instead
of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays
on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also
hear a slight whine or whistle when
operating your vehicle. This is the normal
operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery
may become disconnected or disabled.
Once the battery is reconnected and after
driving the vehicle, the engine may
continue to operate for three to five
seconds after the key is turned to off. This
is a normal condition.
Braking:
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in your high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
in mind these tips:
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Note:
The service disconnect has an outer
lever to aid in the proper seating of the
service disconnect lever. Remove this to
disconnect the high-voltage service
disconnect.
The high-voltage service disconnect is
located behind the rear fold down seats.
Service disconnect location for non-Energi
vehicles. Service disconnect location for Energi
vehicles.
Disabling the High-Voltage Battery
1. Fold down the rear seats and remove
the cover panel.
2. Locate the access door and remove the plastic cover. 3. Pull the outer cover off to expose the
service disconnect lever. 4. Slide the handle on the service
disconnect outboard to the right. For
Energi vehicles, slide the handle
outboard and to the left. 152
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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.
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REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
The under floor storage compartments are
located behind the front seats. Lift the
handle to unlatch the lid.
LUGGAGE COVERS
WARNINGS
Make sure that the posts are properly
latched in mounting features. The
cover may cause injury in a sudden
stop or accident if it is not securely
installed. Do not place any objects on the
cargo area shade. They may obstruct
your vision or strike occupants of
your vehicle in a sudden stop or crash. Use the cargo shade to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle. Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the
mounting features located behind the rear
seat on the rear trim panels to install the
cargo shade.
To operate the cargo shade:
1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shade
rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support rod into the retention slots located on the
rear quarter trim panels.
Removing the Shade Press the release lever on each side
forward, and then lift the shade out of the
mounting feature. You will see a red mark
when the lever is unlatched.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics. The engine
also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the
first 1,000 mi (1,600 km). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during 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 vehicle
in.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these in mind:
• Drive your vehicle at reasonable
speeds. Traveling at
65 mph
(105 km/h) uses about 15% less fuel
than traveling at 75 mph (121 km/h).
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops. Slowing down your
vehicle may eliminate the need to stop.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Switch off the heater if you do not need
it. When you have the heater on, keep
it at the lowest blower and
temperature setting necessary to be
comfortable.
• When it is cold outside, park in a sunny
location or a climate-controlled
environment. This may save fuel by
reducing the energy needed to heat the
cabin. •
Switch off the air conditioning if you do
not need it. When you have the air
conditioning on, keep it at the lowest
blower and highest temperature
setting necessary to be comfortable.
• When it is hot or sunny outside, parking
in a shaded or climate-controlled
environment will save fuel by reducing
the energy needed to cool the cabin.
• For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, use
preconditioning to improve your fuel
economy. See
High Voltage Battery
(page 151).
• Switch off the heated seats if you are
not using them.
• Switch off the defroster when you no
longer need it for visibility.
• For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, plug in and
recharge the high voltage battery
whenever possible.
• Use ECO Cruise Control, especially in
hilly terrain. See Cruise Control (page
177
).
• Shift into low gear (L) when enhanced
engine braking is needed. Otherwise,
use drive gear (D) shift position.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving. A warmed up
engine works more efficiently. When
running errands, go to the farthest
destination first and then work your
way back home.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Use the recommended engine oil. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
282
).
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 441).
• Use the coach and brake coach display
to get feedback on your economical
drive style. See Information Displays
(page
92).
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CLEANING THE INTERIOR
Note:
Do not allow air fresheners and hand
sanitizers to spill on interior surfaces. If a
spill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damage
may not be covered by your warranty.
Note: Do not use household cleaning
products or glass cleaners, which can stain
and discolor the fabric and affect the flame
retardant abilities of the seat materials.
Note: We recommend distilled water when
cleaning.
Fabric, Carpets, Cloth Seats,
Headliners and Floor Mats
Note: Avoid soaking any surface.
Note: To avoid spots or discoloration, clean
the entire surface.
To clean:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner or brush.
• Wipe the surface with a soft, damp
cloth and a mild soap and water
solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft
cloth.
• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot
cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately, but do not soak or the
ring will set.
Seatbelts WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach
or dye on the vehicle
’s seatbelts, as
these actions may weaken the belt
webbing. On vehicles equipped with
seat-mounted airbags, do not use
chemical solvents or strong
detergents. Such products could
contaminate the side airbag system and
affect performance of the side airbag in a
crash. Note:
Do not use abrasives, or chemical
solvents to clean them.
Note: Do not allow moisture to penetrate
the seatbelt retractor mechanism.
Cleaning may safely be carried out using
mild soap and water. Let them dry
naturally, away from artificial heat.
Leather Interior (If Equipped)
Follow the same procedure as cleaning
leather seats for cleaning leather
instrument panels and leather interior trim
surfaces.
Suede Micro Fiber Fabric
(If Equipped)
Note: Do not steam clean.
Note: To avoid spots or discoloration, clean
the 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 a
vacuum cleaner.
• Wipe the surface with a soft, damp
cloth and a mild soap and water
solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft
cloth.
• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot
cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately, but do not soak or the
ring will set.
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Instrument Cluster Screens, LCD
Screens and Radio Screens
Note:
Do not use abrasives, alcoholic
solvents or chemical solvents to clean the
instrument cluster screens, LCD screens or
radio screens. These cleaning products can
damage the screens.
Clean the instrument panel and cluster
lens with a clean, damp and soft cloth,
then use a clean, dry and soft cloth to dry
these areas.
Rear Windows
Note: Do not use any abrasive materials to
clean the interior of the rear windows.
Note: Do not install stickers or labels to the
interior of the rear windows.
Storage Compartments, Cup
Holders and Ashtrays
To clean:
• Take out any removable inserts.
• Wipe the surface with a soft, damp
cloth and a mild soap and water
solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft
cloth.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL AND INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER LENS WARNING
Do not use chemical solvents or
strong detergents when cleaning the
steering wheel or instrument panel
to avoid contamination of the airbag
system. Note:
Follow the same procedure as
cleaning leather seats for cleaning leather
instrument panels and leather interior trim
surfaces. See Cleaning Leather Seats
(page 252).
Clean the instrument panel and cluster
lens with a clean, damp and soft cloth,
then use a clean, dry and soft cloth to dry
these areas.
• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase
the gloss of the upper portion of the
instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from
undesirable windshield reflection.
• Do not use any household cleaning
products or glass cleaners as these
may damage the finish of the
instrument panel, interior trim and
cluster lens.
• Wash or wipe your hands clean if you
have been in contact with certain
products such as insect repellent and
suntan lotion to avoid possible damage
to the interior painted surfaces.
• Do not allow air fresheners and hand
sanitizers to spill onto interior surfaces.
If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately.
Your warranty may not cover these
damages.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has
been spilled on the instrument panel or on
interior trim surfaces:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, soft cloth as quickly as possible.
2. Use Motorcraft Premium Leather and Vinyl Cleaner or a commercially
available leather cleaning product for
automotive interiors. Test any cleaner
or stain remover on an inconspicuous
area.
3. Alternatively, wipe the surface with a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap and
water solution. Dry the area with a
clean, soft cloth.
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4. If necessary, apply more soap and
water solution or cleaning product to
a clean, soft cloth and press it onto the
soiled area. Allow this to set at room
temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the soaked cloth, then with a clean, damp cloth, use a rubbing
motion for 60 seconds on the soiled
area.
6. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (If
Equipped)
Note: Follow the same procedure as
cleaning leather seats for cleaning leather
instrument panels and leather interior trim
surfaces.
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with
a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap and
water solution. Dry the area with a clean,
soft cloth.
For cleaning and removing stains such as
dye transfer, use Motorcraft Premium
Leather and Vinyl Cleaner or a
commercially available leather cleaning
product for automotive interiors.
Note: Test any cleaner or stain remover on
an inconspicuous area.
You should:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• Clean and treat spills and stains as
soon as possible.
Do not use the following products as these
may damage the leather:
• Oil and petroleum or silicone-based
leather conditioners.
• Household cleaners. •
Alcohol solutions.
• Solvents or cleaners intended
specifically for rubber, vinyl and
plastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
You should repair paintwork damage
caused by stones from the road or minor
scratches as soon as possible. A choice of
products are available from an authorized
dealer.
Remove particles such as bird droppings,
tree sap, insect deposits, tar spots, road
salt and industrial fallout before repairing
paint chips.
Always read and follow the manufacturer ’s
instructions before using the products.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note: Industrial-strength (heavy-duty)
cleaners, or cleaning chemicals, in
combination with brush agitation to remove
brake dust and dirt, could wear away the
clear coat finish over a period of time.
Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs, brake pads and
linings.
Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers.
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