Ford C-MAX Hybrid / Energi (2017 year). Manual - part 35

FUEL QUALITY

Choosing the Right Fuel

E161513

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 will 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 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. 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, 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 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 fuel filler funnel
included with your vehicle.  See Fuel Filler
Funnel Location (page 144).

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.

2. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the

fuel tank filler pipe opening.

E157452

3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel

container.

4. Remove the fuel filler funnel from the

fuel tank filler pipe opening.

5. Fully close the fuel tank 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.

WARNINGS

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.

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 inlet, do not refuel

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

Easy Fuel™ Capless System

Your vehicle has an auto-sealing feature
that locks the fuel tank refueling valve and
the fuel filler door. Before you can refuel
your vehicle, you must press the fuel filler
door release button on the instrument
panel. Pressing the button unlocks the fuel
tank refueling valve and opens the fuel
filler door.

Note:  It can take up to fifteen seconds for
the fuel filler door to open.

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank, do
the following:

1.

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

1.

When you stop your vehicle, shift into
park (P) or neutral (N) and switch the
ignition off.

E146221

2. Press the button on the driver door to

open the fuel filler door.  The fuel filler
door can take up to 15 seconds to open
before you can insert a fuel filler nozzle.

E139202

A

3. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the

first notch on the nozzle A.  Keep it
resting on the cover of the fuel tank
filler pipe opening.

E139203

A

B

4. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position

B when refueling.  Holding the fuel
nozzle in position A can affect the flow
of fuel and shut off the fuel nozzle
before the fuel tank is full.

E206912

A

B

5. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within

the area shown.

E119081

6. Slightly raise the fuel pump nozzle and

then slowly remove it.