
• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 343).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run. See Automatic Transmission
(page 259).
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
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid operating
and helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
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 the
vehicle's air conditioning system. When the
air conditioning system is on, you may notice
a slight increase in air temperature coming
from the climate control vents while the
battery is cooling. You may also notice cool
air flowing from the vents when the air
conditioning or blower is off.
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 the high voltage battery.You may also notice during extending
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 motor in the hybrid system.
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
these tips in mind:
218
Unique Driving Characteristics

REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop without
warning. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position, the
engine is overheating. See Gauges (page
128).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain. The
engine continues to operate with limited
power for a short period of time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to
prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See Engine
Coolant Check (page 404).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected at
temperatures below approximately -13°F
(-25°C).
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.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid heavy
braking.
• Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off. It is more efficient to
combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the engine
only when you are ready to set off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
361
Driving Hints

• Do not add unnecessary accessories to
the exterior of your vehicle, for example
running boards. If you use a roof rack,
remember to fold it down or remove it
when not in use.
• Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.
• Switch off all electric systems when not
in use, for example air conditioning. Make
sure that you unplug any accessories
from the auxiliary power points when not
in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt to cross
a deep or flowing body of water. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.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.
66E266447
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
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.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that the
steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
• Horn
• Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat designed
to fit the footwell of your vehicle that does
not obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot move
freely can cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal injury.
362
Driving Hints

Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process is
not yet available.
Note:Dispose of used coolant in the
appropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% provides
improved freeze point protection.
• Coolant concentrations above 60%
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the coolant and may
cause engine damage.If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% provides
improved overheat protection.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the overheat and corrosion
protection characteristics of the coolant
and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in the
scheduled maintenance information, the
coolant should be changed. Add prediluted
coolant approved to the correct specification.
See Capacities and Specifications (page
460).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient temperature,
vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and a
message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating cylinder
operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an
air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still operates,
however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
406
Maintenance

If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long or
steep grade in high ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speed
caused by reduced engine power in order
to manage the engine coolant temperature.
Your vehicle may enter this mode if certain
high-temperature and high-load conditions
take place. The amount of speed reduction
depends on vehicle loading, grade and
ambient temperature. If this occurs, there is
no need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically turn
on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant temperature
decreases to the normal operating
temperature, the air conditioning turns on.If the coolant temperature gauge moves fully
into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine soon
messages appear in your information display,
do the following:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Fully apply the parking brake, shift
into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the
coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after several
minutes, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the
engine and continue.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer check
and change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 579).
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission does
not consume fluid. However, if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid
additives, treatments or cleaning agents. The
use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in damage
to internal transmission components.
408
Maintenance

Air Conditioning System
WARNING: The air conditioning
refrigerant system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. Only qualified
personnel should service the air
conditioning refrigerant system. Opening
the air conditioning refrigerant system can
cause personal injury.
Capacities
Refrigerant Oil Refrigerant Variant
5.92 fl oz (175 ml) 35 oz (0.99 kg) All.
Materials
Specification Name
WSS-M17B21-A R-1234yf Refrigerant(U.S.)
R-1234yf Refrigerant / Frigorigène R-1234yf(Canada)
YN-33-A(U.S.)
HS7Z-19B519-BA(Canada)
WSS-M2C300-A2 Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil(U.S.)
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil / Huile PAG pour frigorigène R-1234yf
Motorcraft®(Canada)
YN-35(U.S. & Canada)
466
Capacities and Specifications

Materials
Specification Name
WSS-M14P19-A Motorcraft® Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate with Bitterant(U.S.)
Motorcraft® Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid / Liquide lave-glace de haute
qualité Motorcraft®(Canada)
ZC-32-B2(U.S.)
CXC-37-F/M(Canada)
CAPACITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS
- PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)
Use oil and fluid that meets the defined
specification and viscosity grade.If you do not use oil and fluid that meets the
defined specification and viscosity grade, it
could result in:
• Component damage that your vehicle
warranty does not cover.
• Longer engine cranking periods.
• Increased emission levels.
• Reduced engine performance.
• Reduced fuel economy.
• Reduced brake performance.
Air Conditioning System
WARNING: The air conditioning
refrigerant system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. Only qualified
personnel should service the air
conditioning refrigerant system. Opening
the air conditioning refrigerant system can
cause personal injury.
Capacities
Refrigerant Oil Refrigerant Variant
6.93 fl oz (205 ml) 35 oz (0.99 kg) All.
477
Capacities and Specifications

E244097Touch the button to direct airflow
to the instrument panel air vents.
Touch the button to direct airflow
to the footwell air vents.
You can direct air through any combination
of these air vents.
Setting the Blower Motor Speed
Touch up or down to increase or
decrease the volume of air that
circulates in your vehicle.
Setting the Temperature
Touch up or down on the left-hand
temperature control to set the left-hand
temperature.
Note:This control also adjusts the right-hand
side temperature when you switch off dual
zone mode.
Touch up or down on the right-hand
temperature control to set the right-hand
temperature.
Switching Auto Mode On and Off
Touch the button to switch on
automatic operation, then set the
temperature.
The system adjusts the blower motor speed,
air distribution, air conditioning operation,
and outside or recirculated air to reach and
maintain the temperature you have set.
Switching the Air Conditioning On and
Off
A pop-up appears on the screen
to display the air conditioning
options.
MAX A/C: Touch the button to activate and
maximize cooling. The driver and passenger
temperatures are set to LO, recirculated air
flows through the instrument panel vents, air
conditioning automatically turns on and the
fan automatically adjusts to the highest
speed.
A/C: Touch to switch the air conditioning on
or off. Use A/C with recirculated air to
improve cooling performance and efficiency.Note:In certain conditions, such as
maximum defrost, the air conditioning
compressor may continue to operate even
though you switch off the air conditioning.
Switching the Climate Control On and
Off
Touch the button.
Switching the Climate Controlled Seats
On and Off
E265282
Touch the button to cycle through
the various climate controlled seat
settings.
Switching Dual Zone Mode On and Off
E265280
Touch the button to switch on
temperature control for the
right-hand side of the vehicle.
534
SYNC™ 3