Ford C-MAX Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 42

Note: The system may not alert you if a
vehicle quickly passes through the detection
zone.

Blocked Sensors

The sensors are behind the rear bumper
on both sides of your vehicle.

Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.

Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.

Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.

If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 99). The
alert indicators remain illuminated but the
system does not alert you.

System Errors

If the system detects a fault, a warning
lamp illuminates and a message displays.
See Information Messages (page 99).

Switching the System Off and On

You can switch the system off using the
information display. See General
Information (page 92). When you switch
the system off, a warning lamp illuminates
and a message displays. When you switch
the system on or off, the alert indicators
flash twice.

Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.

Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, the system turns off when you attach
a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.

To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT

(If

Equipped)

WARNINGS

Do not use the cross traffic alert
system as a replacement for using
the interior and exterior mirrors or

looking over your shoulder before reversing
out of a parking space. The cross traffic
alert system is not a replacement for
careful driving.

The system may not operate
properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice,

heavy rain and spray. Always drive with
due care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.

The system is designed to alert you of
vehicles approaching from the sides when
you shift into reverse (R).

Using the Cross Traffic Alert
System

The system is designed to detect vehicles
that approach with a speed up to 37 mph
(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when the
sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.

The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The

system turns off when you shift out of
reverse (R).

The sensor on the left-hand side is only
partially obstructed and zone coverage on
the right-hand side is maximized.

Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at narrow angles. The sensor on
the left-hand side is mostly obstructed and
zone coverage on that side is severely
reduced.

System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts

When the system detects a vehicle, an
indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror
on the side the approaching vehicle is
coming from. A tone sounds and a
message appears in the information
display.

Note: In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing in the distance.

Blocked Sensors

The sensors are behind the rear bumper
on both sides of your vehicle.

Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.

Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.

Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.

If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when
you shift into reverse (R). See
Information Messages (page 99).

System Limitations

The system may not correctly operate
when any of the following occur:
•

The sensors are blocked.

•

Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
are obstructing the sensors.

•

Vehicles approach at speeds greater
than 37 mph (60 km/h).

•

The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph
(12 km/h).

•

You reverse out of an angled parking
space.

System Errors

If the system detects a fault a message
displays. See Information Messages
(page 99).

Switching the System Off and On

You can temporarily switch the system off
using the information display. See
Information Messages (page 99). When
you switch system off, a message displays.
See Information Messages (page 99).

Note: The system turns on each time you
switch the ignition on and you shift into
reverse (R). If you temporarily switch the
system off, it turns on the next time you
switch the ignition on.

Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, the system turns off when you attach
a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.

To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.

STEERING

Electric Power Steering

WARNINGS

The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If

a fault is detected, a message displays in
the information display. Stop your vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.

If the system detects an error, you
may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition

may exist. Obtain immediate service from
an authorized dealer, failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.

Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.

If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.

Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.

Steering Tips

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•

Correct tire pressures.

•

Uneven tire wear.

•

Loose or worn suspension
components.

•

Loose or worn steering components.

•

Improper vehicle alignment.

Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.

Adaptive Learning

The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.