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CMax dead - no lights, no dash, no screen, nothing


Jaimi
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Yesterday morning, I went to jump in my cmax and go to work. When I got in, nothing was lit up. No lights, the screen was black, pushing the button made nothing happen.

 

My first thought - must have run down the battery somehow. So I put it on the charger all night.

 

This morning - Same thing. Nothing.

 

I bought the car new in 2013. What's my next step? I can't even get it out of the garage, because it's in park, and the shifter is locked.

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Have you tried the procedure in the owner's manual to disable the shift interlock with a screwdriver?  That will allow you to get it out of the garage.

 

What does you 12 V battery voltage read?  Did the charger indicate the 12 V battery was charged? on most "regulating" chargers a light will change color indicating charged and the charger will apply a float charge to the battery.  Voltage should be at least 12.7 V or a little more.

 

Do you have an SEL or SE?

 

Batteries do fail. Mine lasted 30 months in Phoenix.  Have you tried to jumper the car?  You can also remove the battery and take to Autozone and have them test it.

Edited by Plus 3 Golfer
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It's an Energi. Thanks for the help, I got it going. 

 

Using a charger wasn't good enough, apparently - I connected actual jumper cables from the other cars battery, and there were some clicking relays in the engine compartment, and everything just started working & charging again.  

 

I'd give the engineers a big fat D- on the charging system - can't charge unless you have enough power? This is strange.

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If it's an Energi, couldn't you have simply plugged it in the wall outlet?

 

 

You would think so, but no - I left it plugged in all night. The design apparantly relies on that 12 volt battery being charged to even be able to charge the car at all. 

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It's an Energi. Thanks for the help, I got it going. 

 

Using a charger wasn't good enough, apparently - I connected actual jumper cables from the other cars battery, and there were some clicking relays in the engine compartment, and everything just started working & charging again.  

 

I'd give the engineers a big fat D- on the charging system - can't charge unless you have enough power? This is strange.

You should get your battery tested. Not strange. A car will usually start when jumpered.  Measure the 12V voltage now and tomorrow morning and see how much the voltage drops 

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You would think so, but no - I left it plugged in all night. The design apparantly relies on that 12 volt battery being charged to even be able to charge the car at all. 

Right, silly me - once the 12V battery is dead, the car will not communicate with the charger and will not start charging. 

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The Prius works the same way - the 12V battery is used for accessories and to run the computer which then controls the charging/startup - at least you don't need the cranking amps from the 12V to actually start the engine.  I think it must work like the Prius where the HV electric motor powered by the HVB just spins the crankshaft - sort of like a Model T now that I think about it.

 

"Weird" behavior on the Prius (setting DTCs inappropriately, etc.) is a sign of a weak battery needing replacement.  I don't know if the C-MAX exhibits any of these strange behaviors if the battery is weak or not, most of the stories I've heard of it says "Battery Saver" or just goes dead unexpectedly.

Edited by jestevens
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  • 3 years later...
12 hours ago, DMc said:

I've found that this procedure works as well in this situation on a 2016 CMAX.  "2013 Ford C-Max Energi no power no charge no problem"  on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgV_UQ-0IBE

 

He called it a "safety".....but what sort of protection does this "playing dead" form of operation protect you from? Seems like a bug in the way it works....not really a feature. Any ideas on what this is manner of playing dead supposed to protect?

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  • 11 months later...

Recently had my '13 SEL hybrid (not an Energi)  "go dark" a couple times.  Kind of scary!  Took it to dealer and got the 12-volt battery replaced.

To prepare for future possible "go dark" moments, I want to buy a portable charger for the 12-volt battery to keep in the car. In shopping for it at Autozone their book did not tell the the amps specification for that 12-volt battery.  What's the answer?    THANKS for any help.

Edited by Highway
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It has low CCA because the 12V battery does not need to crank the engine.  I think some third party batteries for Group 67R have more CCA but not sure if they fit properly.  Quoted on the Ford Parts site as about $130.

Vehicle Battery

 Part #: BXT67R (67R)

Usages: 

390 AMP/65 RC, Tested Tough Max Series, 07/23/2012 - 04/26/2018, C-MAX Energi 2014-2018 (CCG)

Edited by jestevens
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