Service bulletins for the 2017 Ford C-max
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
126 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| SSM 47211 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
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| SSM 47201 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation. |
| SSM 47198 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2013-2017 Fusion Energi, 2012-2017 Focus Electric and 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi vehicles equipped with a TCU built on or before 11-Oct-2017 may exhibit a discharged battery, inoperative remote features via MyFord Mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open TCU field service actions (FSAs). If U0198 DTC still remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Reprogram the TCU using IDS or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 108.05 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual |
| SSM 47170 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 47167 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual. |
| SSM 47161 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012-2017 Focus BEV, 2013-2016 Fusion Energi And 2013-2017 CMAX Energi vehicles equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via My Ford Mobile app, discharged battery, incomplete user authorization and/or diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0198 with no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, perform any open TCU field service actions (FSAs). If DTC U0198 remains, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall prior to programming. Perform IDS Network Test and reprogram the TCU using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) release 108.05 or higher. An internet connection is required. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 47130 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2018 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected to the Delphi 120 volt electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) charge cord. To identify a Delphi EVSE the coupler on the EVSE that connects to the vehicle charge port is solid black. For information on the Delphi EVSE indicator status used for diagnostics, reference High Voltage Battery > Charging the High Voltage Battery in the Owners Guide for a 2018 Fusion Energi. Reference the Convenience Cord Light Emitting Diode (LED) Indicators chart. The Workshop Manual (WSM) is scheduled to be revised at a later date. |
| SSM 47129 | 2018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Fusion Energi, 2013-2018 C-MAX/Fusion Hybrid/MKZ Hybrid may exhibit a no start with battery energy control module (BECM) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0AE5. For 2015-2017 C-MAX Energi refer to the 2014 MY C-MAX Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-03A for normal diagnostics. For all vehicles, if WSM pinpoint testing for BECM DTC P0AE5 finds the DC/DC converter control module (14B227), cabin coolant heater (18K463) or A/C compressor (19703) has low high voltage circuit internal resistance, only replace the component found with low internal resistance. It is not necessary to replace the high voltage battery junction (10C666) along with the low resistance high voltage component. The WSM is currently under revision. |
| SSM 47090 | 2018-05-14. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE. Some 2017-2018 Energi and Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a fuel door opening delay longer than 15 sec or unable to open condition without refueling system or fuel door related DTCs. This condition may be due to the high pressure fuel tank pressure transducer (HPFTPT) functionality. Check the HPFTPT after opening the fuel door by releasing the mechanical lever located in the trunk. Install supplemental refueling adaptor in the vehicle to open the capless fuel tank filler pipe. During key on engine off (KOEO) condition check if the fuel tank pressure transducer (FTPT) voltage is between 1.4 1.54 V at atmospheric pressure in the tank. If the voltage is within the range, FTPT is functioning as intended. Check the fuel vapor vent valve (FVVV), also called refueling valve, integrity by following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-00. |
| SSM 47080 | 2018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern. |
| SSM 46949 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 46948 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some owners of 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience inoperative mobile device navigation applications. Mobile device navigation via AppLink requires SYNC 3 version 2.3 or higher for Apple iOS users. Mobile device navigation via AppLink is not currently available for Android users. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. SYNC 3 software upgrade to support these apps is not a warrantable repair per the Warranty And Policy Manual, Section 3, Warranty Coverages SYNC. |
| SSM 46947 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; BACK OVER PREVENTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. The vehicle image may intermittently display after shifting out of reverse or turning the vehicle off when in reverse. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 46930 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS. |
| SSM 46900 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable. |
| 17-2218 | 2018-01-29. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. Some 2013-2018 Escape, Focus and C-Max vehicles may exhibit a water stained headliner after the vehicle has experienced a water leak from areas such as the roof opening panel, fixed glass, roof rails and roof ditch mouldings. Follow the procedure below to remove the water stains from the headliner after the water leak has been repaired. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition. |
| SSM 46861 | 2017-12-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. The vehicle image may intermittently display after shifting out of reverse or turning the vehicle off when in reverse. To recover the screen, perform any one of the following actions: touch the SYNC screen anywhere outside the vehicle image pop-up box, safely shift the vehicle into and out of reverse, or perform a complete ignition cycle (key off, open and close the driver's door then wait 5 minutes). If this does not resolve the concern, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 46860 | 2017-12-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS. |
| SSM 46857 | 2017-12-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017 C-MAX vehicles built 1-Jun-2017 and through 26-Sep-2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTCs P26D0, P26CA, P059F, U019F, U0194, U091F and/or U0284. This may be due to water in the jumper harness connector C1651 and the attached connector on the active grill shutter actuator. Remove connector, clean and dry, add electrical grease Motorcraft XG-12 or equivalent to the terminals. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 46848 | 2017-10-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some owners of 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience inoperative mobile device navigation applications. Mobile device navigation via AppLink requires SYNC 3 version 2.3 or higher for Apple iOS users. Mobile device navigation via AppLink is not currently available for Android users. SYNC 3 software upgrades to support these apps are not currently available, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. SYNC 3 software upgrade to support these apps is not a warrantable repair per the Warranty And Policy Manual, Section 3, Warranty Coverages SYNC. |
| SSM 46834 | 2017-10-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| SSM 46816 | 2017-10-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2017 vehicles equipped with a 2.0L GTDI, 2.3L GTDI, or 2.5L PFI engine will either be equipped with a diamond washer on each side of a smooth-faced crankshaft timing sprocket (early build), or a crankshaft timing sprocket with laser etched faces and no diamond washers (late build). If equipped, diamond washers should be cleaned, inspected and reused, if undamaged. Diamond washers should never be installed along with a laser etched crankshaft timing sprocket. Related WSM procedure information is in the process of being updated. |
| SSM 46813 | 2017-10-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. To recover the screen, perform a complete ignition cycle (key off, open and close the driver's door then wait 5 minutes). The SYNC software version of the vehicle can be confirmed via OASIS. Do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating; Monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 46702 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2017 Ford/Lincoln vehicles SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blank screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. During the update process the SYNC status bar shows Updating System Software for approximately 30 minutes. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or blank screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. |
| 16B35-S1 | 2017-08-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Certain 2016-2017 Model Year C-MAX and Fusion Energi Vehicles - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.