FORD 2013 C-MAX Hybrid v.1 - Manual (Page 137)

Frequently asked questions
Answer Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-
ated from the rest of the vehicle when the
key is off. When you turn the key on, high
voltage contactors inside the battery are
closed to make the electricity available to
the motor/generator and enable the vehicle
to drive. The clicks are the sound of these
contactors as they close and open during
start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo
area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine if an
engine start is required at key-on. Silent key
start will start the engine if it is necessary
for cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if
the outside temperature is low. (For C-MAX
Energi vehicles, the engine may not be
required to operate these functions.)
Why does the engine sometimes start at
key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stays
on for an extended amount of time when
you first start it. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions components are
warm enough to minimize tailpipe emis-
sions. As the climate gets cooler, this
engine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before the
engine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on above this
speed to protect the transmission hard-
ware.
Why does my engine never shut down
above 85 mph (137 km/h)
In order to ensure that the climate control
system can begin heating the cabin or
defrosting the windshield as soon as a
driver requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot.
Keeping the engine on is required to main-
tain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
134
Unique Driving Characteristics