2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Owner Manual Printing 3 - Page 189

188 Unique Driving Characteristics Answer There are several reasons the engine stays on for an extended amount of time when it is first started. One common reason is to ensure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended. The engine is required to turn on above this speed to protect the transmission hardware. (For C-MAX Energi vehicles, you can travel up to 85 mph [137 km/h] in EV mode.) 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 maintain the correct minimum temperature. (For C-MAX Energi vehicles, this is not required to maintain cabin conditions.) Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate during steady state driving. These are characteristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the eCVT transmission technology that help maximize your hybrid's fuel economy. Question Why does it take a long time before the engine shuts down? Why does my engine never shut down above 60 mph (96 km/h)? Why does my engine stay on when it's extremely cold outside? Why does my engine rev up so high sometimes when I accelerate? 2013 C-Max Full Hybrid (34h) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, January 2013 USA (fus)