Mike-G

Nth times the charm--after cr08 weighed in (and a refresher from the owner's manual) I was able to complete the process. There's not much of a detente for that additional position, so it didn't even register in my previous attempts. The relevant position is the third out of four, so "off", "1" = steering unlock?, "2" = on (displays light, but no "Ready to Drive", and "3" on/Ready to Drive. Thank you for the guidance!

I attempted to follow these steps in a 2017 C-Max Energi SE, and it didn't work--engine actually started after several seconds with both pedals depressed (car was in Park, EV mode was Auto.) Is there some variation to this needed for Energis? Key was turned to on position (mid position doesn't do anything as far as I can tell; perhaps it unlocks steering.