
Note:If the Shift to park (P), Restart Engine
message appears and the amber
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes in the
instrument cluster. This indicates automatic
restart is unavailable. You must restart the
vehicle manually. See Information Displays
(page 136).
If your vehicle is in an engine off
Auto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) to
reverse (R) will not cause a restart if you do
not press the brake pedal. The message
Auto-Start-Stop Press Brake to Start Engine
appears. You must press the brake pedal
within 60 seconds or the system requires
you to shift into park (P) and manually restart
your vehicle.
HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide breakthrough
performance and improved efficiency.
Familiarizing yourself with these unique
characteristics provides an optimal driving
experience from your vehicle.
Starting
E293827
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be
ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. The indicator remains
on when your vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement using the
electric motor, gas engine or both. Typically,
the engine does not start unless the vehicle
is cold, a climate control change is requested
or you press the accelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. When
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.
• Climbing a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• High or low outside temperatures in
order to provide system heating or
cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
217
Unique Driving Characteristics

• 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

Answer Question
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heating
the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as you request 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 hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline), but
you could 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?
The high voltage battery system is designed to last the life of the
vehicle and requires no maintenance. How long will my high voltage battery last? Does it need maintenance?
222
Unique Driving Characteristics

FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
E161513E161513
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high
altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
below 87. The use of these fuels could result
in engine damage that is not covered by the
vehicle warranty.For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well as
other conditions, for example when towing
a trailer. See Towing (page 354).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact an
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle
and engine performance. For additional
information, refer to www.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.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 additives impair
engine performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
224
Fuel and Refueling

3. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the first
notch on the nozzle A. Keep the fuel
pump nozzle resting on the fuel tank filler
pipe.
E139203
A
B
4. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position B
when refueling. Holding the fuel pump
nozzle in position A can affect the flow
of fuel and shut off the fuel pump nozzle
before the fuel tank is full.
5. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within the
area shown.
E190819081
6. When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least
5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuel
pump nozzle and slowly remove it.
7. Fully close the fuel filler door.Do not attempt to start the engine if you have
filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.
Incorrect fuel use could cause damage that
the vehicle Warranty may not cover. See your
authorized dealer immediately.
Refueling System Warning (If Equipped)
If the fuel tank filler valve does not fully close,
a message could appear in the information
display.
Message
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
If the message appears, do the following:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Fully open the fuel filler door.
5. Check the fuel tank filler valve for any
debris that may be restricting its
movement.
228
Fuel and Refueling

Action Message
Your vehicle has a sealed fuel
system that may be under
pressure. This information
message appears while the
fuel system is depressurizing
with the fuel filler door closed.
Wait for the fuel system to
depressurize and for the fuel
filler door to unlatch. Please wait
for fuel
door to
open
This information message
appears when the fuel system
depressurizes and the fuel
filler door opens. Fully open
the fuel filler door to refuel
and fully close the fuel filler
door when refueling is
complete. Fuel Door
Open
Your vehicle has a sealed fuel
system that requires the fuel
filler door to be fully closed
after refueling. This warning
message appears when the
fuel filler door is ajar. Please Fuel door
ajar Close
fully to
avoid
""Check
Engine""
Action Message
light fully close the fuel filler door
to avoid a "Check Engine"
Light.
If you see this message and
a "Check Engine" lamp illumin-
ates, please fully close the
fuel filler door. The "Check
Engine" Light should clear
within five seconds. If the
"Check Engine" light persists,
please see your dealer.
A warning message appears
in the information display
when the fuel system fails to
depressurize or the fuel filler
door fails to open. You may
have to use the fuel filler door
manual override lever. Refuel Error
See Manual
If the Refuel Error information message
appears, do the following:
1. Check the fuel filler door for anything that
may be obstructing its movement, for
example ice or snow.2. Remove any obstruction from the fuel
filler door.
3. Press the button on the left side of the
instrument panel to open the fuel filler
door.
4. If the fuel filler door fails to open and the
Refuel Error message remains in the
information display, use the fuel filler
door manual override lever.
Fuel Filler Door Manual Override Lever
WARNING: 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.
Note:The transmission must be in park (P)
or neutral (N).
When using the manual override lever do
the following:
1. Switch the ignition on.
232
Fuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the vehicle
from the engine and exhaust system heat
and noise. On vehicles with no original
equipment floor covering insulation, do not
carry passengers in a manner that permits
prolonged skin contact with the metal floor.
Failure to follow these instructions may
result in fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components. Similar
federal or provincial laws may apply in
Canada. We do not approve of any vehicle
modification without first determining
applicable laws.
Tampering with emissions control
systems including related sensors
or the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system
can result in reduced engine power and the
illumination of the service engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
• Removal or rendering inoperative by any
person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive exhaust
smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
234
Engine Emission Control

The scheduled maintenance items listed in
scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust
system may allow exhaust to enter the
vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly
operating exhaust system inspected and
repaired immediately.Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle’s
emission system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information Decal located on or near
the engine. This decal also lists engine
displacement.
Please consult your warranty information for
complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine’s emission control
system. The system protects the environment
by making sure that your vehicle continues
to meet government emission standards. The
OBD-II system also assists a service
technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed
properly. See Refueling (page 229).
4. Driving through deep water—the
electrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with good
quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet
or letting the electrical system dry out. After
three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
service engine soon indicator should stay off
the next time you start the engine. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city and highway driving.
No additional vehicle service is required.
236
Engine Emission Control