Ford C-MAX Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 53

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

MIN

A

MAX

B

ENGINE OIL CHECK

Check the level before starting the engine
and make sure that the level is between
the MIN and the MAX marks.

1.

Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.

2. Switch the engine off and wait 10

minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan.

3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with

a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace the
dipstick and remove it again to check
the oil level.

If the oil level is at the minimum mark, add
oil immediately.

Adding Engine Oil

Note: Do not remove the filler cap when
the engine is running.

Note: Do not add oil further than the MAX
mark. Oil levels above the MAX mark may
cause engine damage.

Only use oils certified for gasoline engines
by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol
conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and
fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricants Specification
Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.

1.

Remove the filler cap.

2. Add engine oil that meets the Ford

specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 270).

3. Wipe off any spilled oil.
4. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you

feel a strong resistance.

Operating in Cold Climates and
Short Driving Cycles

Some gasoline engines may experience a
buildup of moisture in the engine oil if
repeatedly operated in cold weather and
short driving cycles that do not fully warm
the engine.

When you see a thick milky substance
under the oil cap, this indicates moisture
is present.

This condition can be more prevalent in
gas electric hybrid vehicles that run the gas
engine for very short driving cycles.

To prevent engine damage under these
conditions customers should follow these
steps:

•

Drive your vehicle at full engine
temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.

•

Drive your vehicle at highway speeds.

•

Drive your vehicle with the defroster
(hybrid vehicles) at full.

We recommend frequent oil changes.
Follow severe duty cycle in the
maintenance guide. This helps remove the
moisture contaminated oil from the engine.

Cold Weather Operation

To determine if the shortened oil change
interval or warming of the engine is
sufficient, clean and check the oil fill cap
on a regular basis. This will confirm that
the thick milky substance is not returning.

When extreme cold weather and sub-zero
conditions exist, fuel may be found in the
engine oil. This is caused by the engine not
reaching its full engine temperature.

In this situation, carry out the above steps
to prevent engine damage.

OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET

(If Equipped)

Resetting the Oil Life Monitoring
System

Only reset the oil life monitoring system
after changing the engine oil and oil filter.

1.

Switch the ignition on. Do not start the
engine.

2. Press the accelerator and brake pedals

at the same time.

3. Keep the accelerator and brake pedals

fully pressed.

4. After three seconds, a message

confirming that the reset is in progress
displays.

5. After 25 seconds, a message

confirming that the reset is complete
displays.

6. Release the accelerator and brake

pedals.

7.

The message confirming that the reset
is complete no longer displays.

8. Switch the ignition off.

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK

WARNINGS

Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.

Do not put coolant in the windshield
washer reservoir. If sprayed on the
windshield, coolant could make it

difficult to see through the windshield.

To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure

relief cap. The cooling system is under
pressure. Steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when you loosen the cap
slightly.

Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.

Your vehicle has two separate cooling
systems. One for cooling the engine and a
separate system for cooling the inverter
system controller that is specific to the
hybrid operating system. The two systems
operate similarly, with the inverter system
controller cooling system generally
operating at a lower temperature and
pressure.

When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 415).

Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the MIN and the MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.

Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark.

Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.

Adding Coolant

WARNINGS

Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal

injury.

Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.

Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.

Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.

It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 274). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 270).
Using water that has not been deionized
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion and plugging of the small cooling
system passageways.

Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to Ford
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.

If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.

To top up the coolant level do the
following:

1.

Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
escapes as you unscrew the cap.

2. Add prediluted coolant approved to

the correct specification. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
270).

3. Add enough prediluted coolant to

reach the correct level.

4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn

it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.

5. Check the coolant level in the coolant

reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the correct level.

If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.

Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.

In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
In this instance, qualified personnel:

1.

Must drain the cooling system.

2. Chemically clean the cooling system.

3. Refill with prediluted coolant as soon

as possible.

Water alone, without coolant, can cause
engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.

Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
•

Alcohol.

•

Methanol.

•

Brine.

•

Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.

Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.

Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.

Recycled Coolant

We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.

Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate manner. Follow your
community's regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.

Severe Climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•

It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.

•

A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•

You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.

•

Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.