Ford C-MAX Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 32

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).

•

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 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:

We recommend that you do not idle the
vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended
period of time because this will discharge
your high voltage battery, shut off your air
conditioning and heating, 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.

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.

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.

HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answer

Question

The high voltage battery is electrically isol-

ated 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 available 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 required at 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.

Why does the engine sometimes start at

key-on?

There are several reasons the engine stays

on for an extended amount of 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 the transmission hard-

ware.

Why does my engine never shut down

above 85 mph (137 km/h)

Answer

Question

In order to make sure that the climate

control system can begin heating the 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 main-

tain 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 the power 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 charac-

teristics 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 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 the

amount 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 10,000 mi

(16,000 km) 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?