jdbob

You can turn off the traction control (but it defaults to ON each time the car is started) using the "Settings" area of the left information display. From the manual: "In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the information display. See the Information Displays chapter."

That's my experience as well, it sometimes takes a couple of attempts, and it helps to hold the button for a while.

The owner's manual (3rd printing) agrees with the wiring diagram. What size fuses are actually in your car? I can't imagine they would make such drastic changes.

According to the wiring diagrams in the workshop manual F85 feeds the heated seat modules and switches as well as the TCS (Transmission Control Switch), whatever that is. It is a 7.5A fuse and only hot when the ignition relay is energized.

Then maybe you should read the report instead of skimming. It covers embedded carbon due to manufacturing in various parts. In fact, it mentions those in the executive summary near the beginning: "But that is just part of the story. Another critical factor is the carbon emissions generated when a car is manufactured. Emissions from producing the battery and other electrical components create a 10,000 to 40,000-pound carbon debt for electric cars that can only be overcome after tens, or even hundreds of thousands of miles of driving and recharging from clean energy sources."

Wow, I haven't seen derp like that in a long time. Here's an interesting report: http://assets.climatecentral.org/pdfs/ClimateFriendlyCarsReport_Final.pdf

I just received my 215/60R-16 Michelin X-Ice tires today from tirerack. Picked up a cheap scissor jack to install one temporarily to make sure everything fit. Ordered a hydraulic jack that will go low enough to get under the C-Max low-rider, the one I use on the F-150 only goes down to 7.5". Hopefully the 60 degree clear weather will continue, winter tends to start in November.

I had my battery drained on my Energi and found out that something in the infotainment system was still running when it shouldn't be. I didn't take the time to actually narrow it down before power cycling though. I always have a USB flash drive for music, but while I was on vacation I was also using the bluetooth to use the navigation program on the phone. I didn't shut down off the bluetooth once I got home and my phone isn't usually on when I'm at home. It's possible that the SYNC system gets confused by this and ignores the power off messages from other computers in the car. I did rig up a USB cable with a LED that hangs out of the center console so I can tell when the SYNC system (which runs on the APIM unit) is on to make sure it doesn't stay on once I exit the car. The LED comes on when I open the door to get in, and shuts off about 30 seconds after I get out of the car. I figured this would be more definitive than just looking at the LED on the flash drive, in case it was something else keeping the computer on. So my comment about Microsoft earlier wasn't entirely facetious.

Microsoft!

I've felt up mine a number of times and have never found a lever, or any other way to open it. It's like trying to find the G-spot.

An AGM deep-cycle battery would be ideal for this application. But Ford wouldn't be able to buy one for $20 or whatever they paid for the ones they are buying from Mexico. I suspect as more and more cars are made that don't need CCA the market may eventually respond. Maybe Optima.

The ICE may be running, but reverse is always done using the traction motor. There is no reverse gear in the transmission, they simply run the traction motor backwards. Of course most people don't go very fast in reverse, or for a very long distance, so it's not going to effect the HV battery capacity very much.

From another thread, this document does mention what type of chains will fit: http://www.motorcraftservice.com/content/pdf/2013_CMAX_Modifer_Guide.pdf

I keep one of these http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002J8LMVC/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item in the C-Max but haven't had to use it. I bought a big one because my pickup has been semi-retired now that the C-Max is here and I wanted to be able to jump it as well. So far the only use it's had is to run a portable air pump that I used on the well pressure tank and the tractor tires.

Not sure what your concern is, it's not anything like the starter on a conventional car. It's really just a smaller (64KW versus 88KW) version of the traction motor.

The CRZ is probably classified as a "mild hybrid" due to it's small electric motor. Maybe he should have said "No GOOD hybrids...." :)

Ford calls it a transmission in it's technical documents, good enough for me. From the Transmission Overview document: Transmission Overview The Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) has the following internal components: Traction Motor Generator/Starter High voltage terminals Pump and filter assembly Transmission fluid auxiliary pump TR sensor TFT sensor Planetary carrier Differential carrier etc., etc.

It's a 1995 that I bought when I lived in Vermont. It's been my only vehicle until I bought the C-Max in June. The truck is now only for trips to the dump, picking up hay, and when the roads (and my 0.2 mile long driveway) are packed snow.

Probably not up to snuff for Rochester ;) Most people would just get some cheap cable chains. I have no plans to even buy chains for mine, I just use my 4WD F-150 if the roads get bad.

This caught my eye last week: "Using Snow Tires and Traction Devices Note: Snow tires must be the same size and grade as originally equipped on your vehicle. The tires on your vehicle have all-weather tread to provide traction in the rain and snow; however, in some climates, using snow tires or traction devices may be necessary. Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices: • SAE Class ‘‘S’’ cables should ONLY be used on the vehicle front tires. • Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do not touch any wiring or brake lines. • Drive cautiously! If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage. • Avoid overloading your vehicle. • Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed; do not use cables or chains on dry roads. • Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your vehicle. Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of traction control." Which contradicts the "No Tire Chains" paragraph in the owner's manual.

Yes. For instance, Clipper Creek makes chargers that are significantly less expensive. Both hardwired and ones that plug into existing 220V outlets.

Scattered throughout this document are some interesting descriptions of how things work: http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/diagnostics/pdf/OBDSM1303_HEV.pdf

The lamps are controlled in groups by the computer in the BCM (Body Control Module). Some of the lamps are actually connected to their individual door modules (1 for each door) but those are networked with the BCM which is the one that probably sends out the commands. If the BCM ever picked up a computer virus it could put on quite a light show :happy feet:

At this summers SolWest renewable energy fair in John Day, OR, I was parked next to a Tesla a guy had driven down from Portland, about 270 miles. I'm guessing he found some place to re-charge before he left I-84.

As a software engineer I was interested in what they had implemented. Unfortunately the OpenXC interface as it stands now is severely crippled. I can understand why they wouldn't let commands to be sent to the car. But the things you can monitor are extremely limited. For instance, what if you wanted to look at the high voltage battery voltage or current - can't do it. What they need is a way to add items to monitor like you can do with a ScanGauge.