fuel FORD C MAX 2015 Owner's Manual

Note:
To reduce humidity build-up inside
your vehicle, do not drive with the system
switched off or with recirculated air always
switched on.
Note: Do not place objects under the front
seats as this may interfere with the airflow
to the rear seats.
Note: Remove any snow, ice or leaves from
the air intake area at the base of the
windshield.
Note: To improve the time to reach comfort
in hot weather, drive with the windows
slightly open for 2-3 minutes after start-up
or until your vehicle airs out.
In mild weather, you can improve your fuel
economy when using the climate control
system by using outside air instead of air
conditioning.
• Turn the temperature control knob(s)
so the interior temperature is set to
60°F (15.5°C).
• Set the air distribution to panel or floor
(or both).
• Press A/C to turn the air conditioning
off.
• Press the recirculated air button so
fresh air enters the vehicle.
• Press the small fan button until the fan
is at its lowest setting.
Automatic Climate Control
Note: Adjusting the settings when your
vehicle interior is extremely hot or cold is
not necessary. The system automatically
adjusts to heat or cool the cabin to your
selected temperature as quickly as possible.
For the system to function efficiently, the
instrument panel and side air vents should
be fully open.
Note: If you select
AUTO during cold
outside temperatures, the system directs
airflow to the windshield and side window
vents. In addition, the fan may run at a
slower speed until the engine warms up. Note:
If you select AUTO during hot outside
temperatures, or when the inside of the
vehicle is hot, the system automatically uses
recirculated air to maximize interior cooling.
When the interior reaches the selected
temperature, the system automatically
switches to using outside air.
Heating the Interior Quickly
1. Press the
AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting.
Recommended Settings for
Heating
1. Press the
AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting. Use 72°F (22°C) as a
starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
Cooling the Interior Quickly
Press the
MAX A/C button.
Recommended Settings for
Cooling
1. Press the
AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting. Use 72°F (22°C) as a
starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
Side Window Defogging in Cold
Weather
1. Press the defrost and panel buttons.
2. Select
A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort. Use 72°F (22°C) as
a starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel air vents toward the side windows.
109
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Climate Control

6. To increase the airflow to the outer
instrument panel vents, close the air
vents in the middle of the instrument
panel and in the rear of the center
console.
HEATED WINDOWS AND
MIRRORS
Heated Rear Window The heated rear window button
is below the climate control
unit.
Press the button to clear the heated rear
window of thin ice and fog. The heated
rear window automatically turns off after
a short period of time. Start the engine
before you switch the heated rear window
on.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals
from the inside of the heated rear window.
The vehicle warranty does not cover
damage caused to the heated rear window
grid lines.
Heated Exterior Mirrors (If Equipped) When you switch the heated
rear window on, the heated
exterior mirrors automatically
turn on.
Note: Do not remove ice from the mirrors
with a scraper or adjust the mirror glass
when it is frozen in place.
Note: Do not clean the mirror housing or
glass with harsh abrasives, fuel or other
petroleum-based cleaning products. CABIN AIR FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air
filter, which gives you and your passengers
the following benefits:
•
It improves your driving comfort by
reducing particle concentration.
• It improves the interior compartment
cleanliness.
• It protects the climate control
components from particle deposits.
Your cabin air filter is located under the
instrument panel in the passenger footwell
area.
Note: Make sure you have a cabin air filter
installed at all times. This prevents foreign
objects from entering the system. Running
the system without a filter in place could
result in degradation or damage to the
system.
Replace the filter at regular intervals. See
Maintenance
(page 213).
For additional cabin air filter information,
or to replace the filter, see an authorized
dealer.
REMOTE START
(If Equipped)
The remote start feature allows you to
pre-condition the interior of your vehicle.
The climate control system works to
achieve comfort according to your previous
settings.
Note: You cannot adjust the system during
remote start operation.
Turn the ignition on to return the system
to its previous settings. You can now make
adjustments normally, but you need to turn
certain vehicle-dependent features back
on, such as:
• Heated seats.
• Cooled seats.
110
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Climate ControlE72507 E72507

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Plug-in Power Mode and Hybrid
Mode (C-MAX Energi Only)
You must plug in your C-MAX Energi
vehicle regularly for optimal use of the high
voltage battery's extended range
capability. Charging your vehicle adds
electrical energy. This energy is used to
propel the vehicle in plug-in power mode.
You can view your estimated electric range
on the Energy Use screen on the left-hand
information display. You can also configure
MyView to include detailed vehicle range
information. See Gauges (page 84). The
system maximizes the use of electric-only
operation in plug-in power mode. System
conditions may require engine operation;
however, the system uses plug-in power
whenever possible.
When your plug-in power is depleted, the
powertrain system will automatically
switch to hybrid mode. Your battery gauge
will transition to a simple battery graphic
upon entering hybrid mode. Hybrid mode
uses both the gasoline engine and electric
motor to power your vehicle and maximize
fuel economy as with C-MAX Hybrid.
EV Modes (C-MAX Energi Only)
Your vehicle contains selectable
EV modes through the EV button
located on the center of the
instrument panel, below the climate
controls.
These modes are available when the
vehicle can run under high voltage battery
power. With the vehicle in driving mode,
you can change EV modes with each press
of the EV button. The current mode will be
displayed in the left-hand instrument
cluster screen. Auto EV This mode provides an
automatic use of high voltage
battery power during the drive,
staying in electric mode when possible and
running the engine when needed. This
mode will be the only one available if the
plug-in power has been depleted.
EV Now This mode provides an electric
only driving experience. The
left-hand information display
will change to an Energy Use screen that
supplies EV specific tools and functions.
The vehicle may accelerate more slowly
and the top speed may be lower than in
Auto mode. Your engine may be enabled
at any time by using one of the following
methods:
1. Press the OK button on the left 5– way
steering wheel control while viewing
the Energy Use screen. The vehicle will
enable the engine as needed, and will
automatically return to EV Now after
eight seconds or when the engine is no
longer needed.
2. Press the accelerator pedal fully. A pop
up message stating Press OK to
Enable Engine will appear. Press OK
on the left-hand steering wheel button
to activate as needed. The message
will disappear if you release the
accelerator pedal.
3. Press the EV button. This will change the mode to EV Later and permit
engine operation.
The vehicle may automatically enter
Engine Enabled mode if system conditions
require it. A message Engine Enabled for
System Performance
will display if this
occurs. This is normal function, and your
vehicle will return to EV Now when
possible.
132
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving CharacteristicsE144814 E155152 E144814

The vehicle may enter Enable Engine mode
if the climate control is in a defrost mode
and the outside temperature is cold. A
message Engine Enabled Due to Defrost
will display if this occurs. If defrost is not
needed, select a different climate control
mode to permit EV Now.
When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icon
displays in the left-hand information
display. If the vehicle is in the Engine
Enabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when the
Plug in power has been depleted.
EV Later
This mode saves most of the
high voltage battery plug in
power for future use (for
example, your initial drive is at high speeds
on open roads, but later your drive will be
at low speeds in an urban area where
plug-in power usage is most efficient).
Your vehicle will run the engine as needed
and keep most of the high voltage battery
plug in power for later use in Auto Mode or
EV Now mode.
When you enable EV Later, a white EV
Later icon appears on the left-hand
information display.
The EV Later mode will automatically reset
to EV Auto mode when you power the
vehicle off. You may press the EV button
twice during the next drive to return to EV
Later mode, if desired.
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 the 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 the vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not to indicate the
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 the 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.
133
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving CharacteristicsE151263 E144692

•
Very high or low outside temperature
(to provide system cooling or heating).
For C-MAX 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.
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off
to conserve fuel as you come to a stop.
Restarting the 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). Unique Hybrid Operating
Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently compared
to a non-hybrid. Here is a description of the
major differences:
Battery:
Your hybrid is equipped with a
high voltage battery. A cool battery
maintains battery life and provides the
best possible performance. Your hybrid
high voltage battery may periodically
re-condition itself to maintain maximum
efficiency. You may notice slight changes
in driveability during this process, but it is
an important part of your hybrid's high
voltage battery optimization features.
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.
134
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving Characteristics

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 (C-MAX Energi Only)
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 91).
Note: Frequent destinations are learned by
your vehicle after two to four weeks of use.
You can clear these destinations with a
Driving History reset through the Settings
menu.
Note: You can switch the EV+ feature on
or off through the Driver Assist section of
the Settings menu.
Low Engine Use (If Equipped)
The low engine use mode is equipped on
Energi models only. The low engine use
mode will activate automatically when you
drive your vehicle with limited engine use.
The mode will maintain proper engine
lubrication at sufficient temperature. If your
vehicle is in low engine use mode when you
start the vehicle, a message will appear in
the information display. When your vehicle
is in low engine use mode, your vehicle will
automatically run the engine as necessary.
If you select the EV Now mode while the
vehicle is in the low engine use mode, EV
Now mode will be suspended for as long
as you are in low engine use mode The low
engine use mode will resume the next time
you start your vehicle and will
automatically stop when no longer needed.
135
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving Characteristics

Answer
Question
Your vehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy
accelerations, and may fluctuate when
driving at a steady speed. These are charac- teristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that helpmaximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high some-
times 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 theamount of cooling required to maintain
good performance. Maintaining 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 once per year under normal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change service
interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%
ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you 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?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?
Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging the
high voltage battery from a power supply
external to the vehicle. (For C-MAX Energi
vehicles, the vehicle can be plugged into a
110-volt outlet with charge cord provided.)
Can you charge the battery with a plug into
an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed
without modification. See Towing (page
186).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home
with all four wheels down?
137
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Unique Driving Characteristics

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 door (Easy Fuel
capless fuel system), do not refuel until
the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, which could cause serious personal
injury. Automotive 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 ethanol and gasoline may
contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
When refueling always shut the
engine off and never allow sparks or
open flames near the filler neck.
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.
• 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, or skin
contact could cause an adverse
reaction. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness may result.
If fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly
wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately
if you experience an adverse reaction.
138
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Fuel and Refueling

FUEL QUALITY
Note:
Your warranty will not cover any
vehicle damage, powertrain damage, loss
of vehicle performance or repairs to your
vehicle, caused by the use of fuel not
recommended.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED gasoline or
UNLEADED gasoline blended with a
maximum of 15% ethanol in your gasoline
vehicle. If your vehicle is a Flex Fuel Vehicle
(FFV), it will have a yellow bezel placed
over the fuel fill inlet.
Do not use:
• Fuels containing more than 15%
ethanol or E-85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Prohibited by law, you cannot use
leaded fuel.
Note: Use of any fuel other than the
recommended fuel can cause powertrain
damage, impair the emission control system
or cause loss of vehicle performance. Any
damage to your vehicle that is caused by
the use of fuel not recommended will not
be covered under warranty. Octane Recommendations
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some stations offer fuels posted as regular
with an octane rating below 87, particularly
in high altitude areas. We do not
recommend fuels with an octane rating
below 87. Premium fuel will provide
improved performance and is
recommended for severe duty usage such
as trailer tow.
Fuel Freshness Mode (Energi
Vehicles Only)
This feature helps keep the fuel system
functional and the fuel fresh.
If you mainly operate your vehicle in plug-in
power mode using electricity from plugging
in without refueling, the gasoline in the fuel
tank will become stale due to aging over
an extended period. Stale gasoline can
damage the engine and fuel system.
Your vehicle will automatically operate in
fuel freshness mode if you do not refill your
vehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-month
period. The design of fuel freshness mode
protects your vehicle from potential engine
and fuel system damage caused by using
stale fuel.
Note:
If you do not add new fuel during an
18-month period, fuel freshness mode will
consume fuel until you have about 1 gal
(3.8 L) in the tank.
During fuel freshness mode:
• The information display screen will
indicate that fuel freshness mode is
active.
• The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.
EV Now will not be available.
• Most of the plug-in power will be
stored until fuel freshness mode is
completed.
139
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Fuel and Refueling

Note:
EV Now can resume if less than 1 gal
(3.8 L) of fuel is left in the tank.
Note: In most cases, when the fuel level is
below one-quarter tank, refueling the
vehicle will end fuel freshness mode and
then EV Now will become available.
Refueling after consuming a full tank in fuel
freshness mode will end the mode.
Note: The recommendation is that you use
a fuel stabilizer if you consume less than a
full tank of fuel during an 18-month period.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling
to allow the fuel system to pump the
fuel from the tank to the engine. On
restarting, cranking time will take a few
seconds longer than normal. With
keyless ignition, just start the engine.
Crank time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
may be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on. For more information on the
service engine soon indicator, See
Symbols Glossary
(page 7). Refilling With a Portable Fuel
Container WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of portable
fuel containers or aftermarket
funnels into the capless fuel system.
This could damage the fuel system and its
seal, and may cause fuel to run onto the
ground instead of filling the tank, which
could result in serious personal injury. Do not try to pry open or push open
the capless fuel system with foreign
objects. This could damage the fuel
system and its seal and cause injury to you
or others. Note:
Do not use aftermarket funnels; they
will not work with the capless fuel system
and can damage it. The included funnel has
been specially designed to work safely with
your vehicle.
When filling the vehicle ’s fuel tank from a
portable fuel container, use the funnel
included with the vehicle. In C-MAX vehicles, the funnel is located in
the rear of the vehicle inside the load
compartment.
140
C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Fuel and RefuelingE162448