Ford C-MAX Hybrid (2018 year). Manual - part 33

Answer

Question

The high voltage battery system is designed

to 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.

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

181).

Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home

with all four wheels down?

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 inlet, do not refuel

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

Fuels can cause serious injury or
death if misused or mishandled.

Fuel 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 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.

Follow these guidelines when refueling:
•

Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.

•

Always switch the engine off before
refueling.

•

Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic
and if swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed
immediately call a physician, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
apparent for hours.

•

Avoid inhaling fuel vapors.  Inhaling fuel
vapor 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 in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
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 be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
thoroughly wash your skin with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact causes skin irritation.

•

Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing fuel vapors could cause an
adverse reaction, serious personal
injury or sickness. Immediately call a
physician if you experience any adverse
reactions.

FUEL QUALITY

Choosing the Right Fuel

Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. We do not recommend
these fuels.

For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather.

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).

•

The use of 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 FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION

The fuel filler funnel is under the luggage
compartment floor covering.

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.

•

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.

Note: If your vehicle is on a steep slope,
more fuel may be required.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

WARNING

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.

Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up, which can
produce a spark, 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 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 fuel filler funnel
included with your vehicle.  See Fuel Filler
Funnel Location (page 137).

Note: Do not use aftermarket funnels as
they may 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 filler door.

2. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the

fuel filler inlet.

3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel

container.

4. Remove the fuel filler funnel.

5. Fully close the fuel filler door.

6. Clean the fuel filler funnel and place it

back in your vehicle or correctly 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.