HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide breakthrough
performance and improved efficiency.
Familiarizing yourself with these unique
characteristics will provide an optimal driving
experience from your new vehicle.
Note:
You may notice higher engine speeds
upon start-up. This temporary condition is
normal and necessary to heat up the cabin
and minimize emissions.
Starting: When you start your vehicle, a
green ready indicator light will
appear in the lower right portion
of the instrument cluster and a ready to drive
message will appear in the middle of the left
cluster screen, letting you know that your
vehicle is ready for driving. The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be
ready–to–drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. This indicator will
remain on while your vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically, the
engine will not start unless the vehicle is
cold, a climate control change is requested,
or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. While
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop, or
standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to start
up or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137 km/h).
However, the maximum speed for
electric-only operation may be lower
while driving in hot temperatures or on
hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• Very high or low outside temperature (to
provide system cooling or heating). For
Energi vehicles, climate control demands
by passengers may not directly cause
the engine to run. This only occurs when
the high voltage battery charge is low, or
if the outside temperature is cold enough
to require the engine to provide
additional heat for the cabin.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin temperature.
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Stopping:
The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel
as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note:
Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
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.
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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:
•
Keep the tires properly inflated and only
use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount
of energy required to move your vehicle.
In general, you can achieve better fuel
economy with mild to moderate
acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking
system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits. •
Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting.
EV+ Mode
Your vehicle will recognize your frequent
destinations and allow for more EV driving
as you approach them. For example, when
nearing your home it should be easier to stay
in electric mode. The EV indicator will display
EV+ when this mode is active. You should
see this approximately 1/8 mile (200 meters)
from a frequent destination. See Information
Displays (page 108).
Note: Frequent destinations are learned by
your vehicle after two to four weeks of use.
To add a destination immediately, perform
the following process: cycle the ignition on
for 2 seconds, but do not start your vehicle,
then off for 2 seconds. Repeat the process
10 times. This location is now programmed
for EV+. You can clear these destinations
with a Driving History reset through the
Settings menu.
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Note:
You can switch the EV+ feature on or
off through the Driver Assist section of the
Settings menu.
ECOSELECT
EcoSelect is a drive mode for non plug-in
vehicles designed to offer the best possible
fuel economy with tradeoffs in vehicle
performance and comfort. To switch EcoSelect on, press the
ECO button.
A graphic displays on your information
display when EcoSelect is on.
Your vehicle will remember the last selected
mode whenever you start your vehicle. EcoSelect allows your vehicle to operate
more 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
Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from the rest of the
vehicle when the key is off. When you switch the key on, high voltage
contactors inside the battery are closed to make the electricity avail-
able to the motor and generator and enable the vehicle to drive. The
clicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo area when I first turn the
key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine if an engine start is requiredat key-on. Silent key start will start the engine if it is necessary for
cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
(For C-MAX Energi vehicles, the engine may not be required to operate these functions.)
Why does the engine sometimes start at key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stays on for an extended amountof time when you first start it. One common reason is to make sure
that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before the engine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on above this speed to protect thetransmission hardware.
Why does my engine never shut down above 85 mph (137 km/h)
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Answer
Question
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heatingthe cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot.
Keeping the engine on is required to maintain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is extremely cold outside?
Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver thepower you need at the most efficient engine speed. This may be
higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate when driving at a steady speed. These are characteristics of the
Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that help maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high sometimes when I accelerate?
The fan noise comes from a fan located next to the high voltage
battery pack. This fan turns on when the battery requires cooling air. The fan speed, and associated noise level, will change according to
the amount of cooling required to maintain good performance. Main- taining the battery temperature at optimal conditions also prolongs
the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear of my hybrid?
Change the engine oil every 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) or onceper year under normal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change service interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, butyou may notice slightly reduced fuel economy because ethanol
contains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fuel
economy?
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The
pressure in an overfilled tank may
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire. The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the
sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out,
which could cause serious personal injury. Fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
Flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle
can produce static electricity. This can
cause a fire if you are filling an ungrounded
fuel container. Fuel may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent. WARNINGS
When refueling always shut the engine
off and never allow sparks or open
flames near the fuel tank filler valve. Never
smoke or use a cell phone while refueling.
Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under
certain conditions. Avoid inhaling excess
fumes. Observe the following guidelines when
handling automotive fuel:
•
Extinguish all smoking materials and any
open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal
if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is
highly toxic and if swallowed can cause
death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately,
even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may
not be visible for hours. •
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead to
eye and respiratory tract irritation. In
severe cases, excessive or prolonged
breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If
fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove
contact lenses (if worn), flush with water
for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper medical
attention could lead to permanent injury.
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•
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If fuel is splashed on
the skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and wash
skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Repeated or prolonged skin contact with
fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram for
the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing
gasoline vapors could cause an adverse
reaction, serious personal injury or
sickness. If fuel is splashed on the skin,
wash the affected areas immediately with
plenty of soap and water. Consult a
physician immediately if you experience
any adverse reactions. FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating
of 87. Some fuel stations offer fuels posted
as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude
areas. We do not recommend fuels with an
octane rating below 87.
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.Note:
Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives,
including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which
is a manganese-based fuel additive, will
impair engine performance and affect the
emission control system.
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