Ford C-MAX Hybrid / Energi (2016 year). Manual — part 35

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.

FUEL QUALITY

Choosing the Right Fuel

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We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a 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.

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.

Fuel Freshness Mode

(If Equipped)

This helps keep the fuel system functional
and the fuel fresh.

If you mainly use your vehicle in electric
power mode without refueling, the gasoline
in the fuel tank may become stale due to
aging. Stale gasoline can damage the
engine and fuel system.

Your vehicle automatically switches to fuel
freshness mode if you do not refuel your
vehicle with fresh fuel within an 18-month
period. 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
use fuel until approximately 1.2 gal (4.5 L)
of fuel remains in the fuel tank.

During fuel freshness mode:
•

The information display will indicate
fuel freshness mode is active.

•

The vehicle will only run in hybrid mode.
EV Now mode will not be available.

•

Most of the plug-in power will be
stored until fuel freshness mode is
completed.

Note: EV Now mode resumes when less
than 1.2 gal (4.5 L) of fuel remains in the fuel
tank.

Note: When the fuel level is less than
one-quarter full, refueling your vehicle will
end fuel freshness mode.

Note: We recommend you use a fuel
stabilizer if you use less than a full tank of
fuel during an 18-month period.

FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION

The fuel filler funnel is in the under floor
storage compartment behind the
right-hand front seat.

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.

If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
•

Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel
to restart the engine. If your vehicle is
out of fuel and on a steep slope, more
fuel may be required.

•

You may need to switch 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. When restarting, cranking time
takes a few seconds longer than
normal.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling
an ungrounded fuel container:
•

Only use an approved fuel container to
transfer fuel to your vehicle. Place the
container on the ground when filling it.

•

Do not fill a fuel container when it is
inside your vehicle (including the cargo
area).

•

Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container when filling it.

•

Do not use a device that holds the fuel
pump nozzle lever in the fill position.

Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container

WARNINGS

Do not insert the nozzle of a fuel
container or an aftermarket funnel
into the fuel system filler neck. This

may damage the fuel system filler neck or
its seal and cause fuel to run onto the
ground.

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.

Do not dispose of fuel in the
household refuse or the public
sewage system. Use an authorized

waste disposal facility.

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from
a fuel container, use the plastic funnel
included with your vehicle. See Fuel Filler
Funnel Location (page 145).

Note: Do not use aftermarket funnels as
they will not work with the capless fuel
system and can damage it.

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from
a fuel container, do the following:

1.

Fully open the fuel tank filler door until
it engages and remove the fuel tank
filler cap.

Note: Capless fuel systems do not have a
fuel tank filler cap.

2. Fully insert the plastic funnel into the

fuel tank filler pipe opening.

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3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel

container.

4. Remove the plastic funnel from the

fuel tank filler pipe opening.

5. Replace the fuel tank filler cap and

close the fuel tank filler door.

6. Clean the plastic funnel and place it

back in your vehicle or properly dispose
of it.

Note: Extra funnels can be purchased from
an authorized dealer if you choose to
dispose of the funnel.

REFUELING

WARNINGS

Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries.

Read and follow all the instructions
on the pump island.

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.

WARNINGS

Stay outside your vehicle and do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle.

Keep children away from the fuel
pump. Never let children pump fuel.

Wait at least 10 seconds before
removing the fuel pump nozzle to
allow any residual fuel to drain into

the fuel tank.

Stop refueling after the fuel pump
nozzle automatically shuts off for the
second time. Failure to follow this

will fill the expansion space in the fuel tank
and could lead to fuel overflowing.

Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle
from its fully inserted position when
refueling.

The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel

until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel System

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank, do
the following:

1.

When your vehicle has stopped, shift
into park (P) and switch the ignition
off.

2. Fully open the fuel tank filler door until

it engages.