Ford C-MAX Hybrid / Energi (2017 year). Manual - part 45

Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at shallow angles. Here, the left
sensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverage
on that side is severely limited.

System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts

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The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates an
amber alert indicator in the outside mirror
on the side of your vehicle the approaching
vehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alert
also sounds an audible alert and a
message appears in the information
display indicating a vehicle is coming from
the right or left. Cross Traffic Alert works
with the reverse sensing system that
sounds its own series of tones.  See Rear
Parking Aid (page 168).

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The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow mud,
snow or bumper stickers to obstruct these
areas, this can cause degraded system
performance.  See Blind Spot

Information System (page 179).  If the
Blind Spot Information System is blocked,
Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. A
corresponding message appears in the
information display as soon as you shift
the transmission into reverse (R).

System Limitations

Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;
situations such as severe weather
conditions or debris build-up on the sensor
area may limit vehicle detection.

The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•

Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.

•

Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).

•

Driving in reverse faster than 7 mph
(12 km/h).

•

Backing out of an angled parking spot.

False Alerts

Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off. If your vehicle has a tow bar but no
factory equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor Cross
Traffic Alert performance.

There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.

System Errors

If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor a message will
appear in the information display.  See
Information Messages (page 101).

Switching the System Off and On

You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic
Alert off in the information display.  See
General Information (page 92).  When
you switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you will
not receive alerts and the information
display will display a system off message.

Note: The Cross Traffic Alert switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on and
ready to provide appropriate alerts when
the transmission is in reverse (R). Cross
Traffic Alert will not remember the last
selected on or off setting.

You can also have Cross Traffic Alert
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off permanently,
the system can only be switched back on
at 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.

WARNINGS

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.

REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE

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The under floor storage compartments are
located behind the front seats. Lift the
handle to unlatch the lid.

LUGGAGE COVERS

WARNINGS

Make sure that the posts are properly
latched in mounting features. The
cover may cause injury in a sudden

stop or accident if it is not securely
installed.

Do not place any objects on the
cargo area shade. They may obstruct
your vision or strike occupants of

your vehicle in a sudden stop or crash.

Use the cargo shade to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle.

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Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the
mounting features located behind the rear
seat on the rear trim panels to install the
cargo shade.

To operate the cargo shade:

1.

Pull the rear edge of the cargo shade
rearward.

2. Secure both ends of the support rod

into the retention slots located on the
rear quarter trim panels.

Removing the Shade

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Press the release lever on each side
forward, and then lift the shade out of the
mounting feature. You will see a red mark
when the lever is unlatched.