JAZ

Here's a re-post from the "I know it's only going to get better" thread: FWIW, just returned from a long journey down south of over 3,500 miles with the Hybrid carrying a total of about 700 lbs. (don't forget: maximum for passengers and cargo is 825!). Reported mpg was 37.8. I drove mostly as I would have a non-hybrid and did not hypermile other than a few instances where slowdowns were inevitable, and used ECO Cruise almost all the time. Temps ranged from 20s to 80s and I used air and heat to maintain comfort, though no extremes. Along one ideal stretch of several miles in Florida's panhandle (flat, smooth and sheltered by tall trees on both sides) I recorded about 37.5 mpg at a steady 70 mph. That seems quite decent to me given the speed and cargo I was carrying. EV is not really part of the picture at those speeds and long fast drives will lower the mpgs. I've found it's the non-freeway at lower speeds that really pushes up the mpgs. High point was about a 30 mile drive entering and crossing Houston on one of its many freeways in heavy traffic where I achieved 48 mpg (50-60 mph). Low point was leaving Houston over much the same route in a heavy downpour (45-50mph) where the average was only 30. Surfing is not the C-MAX's forte. It seems obvious to me that given identical situations any of the Prii will out-mpg the Max, but that is only one of many criteria we all must weigh in the decision to purchase. The MAX served us very well on the trip and I'm quite pleased with it. Built on 2-7-13 it has the 3.5.1 version and the lady in the dashboard kept us on our planned routes and side trips with no errors through the 14 states we visited. Prior to the trip did over 30 miles on one of Detroit's freeways in temps slightly above freezing and scored 52 mpg, so it seems not only YMMV, but YMMV greatly.

Using version 3.5.1 and as the driver I am heard fine with no problems, but my wife in the passenger seat is all but inaudible to callers...

FWIW, just returned from a long journey down south of over 3,500 miles with the Hybrid carrying a total of about 700 lbs. (don't forget: maximum for passengers and cargo is 825!). Reported mpg was 37.8. I drove mostly as I would have a non-hybrid and did not hypermile other than a few instances where slowdowns were inevitable, and used ECO Cruise almost all the time. Temps ranged from 20s to 80s and I used air and heat to maintain comfort, though no extremes. Along one ideal stretch of several miles in Florida's panhandle (flat, smooth and sheltered by tall trees on both sides) I recorded about 37.5 mpg at a steady 70 mph. That seems quite decent to me given the speed and cargo I was carrying. EV is not really part of the picture at those speeds and long fast drives will lower the mpgs. I've found it's the non-freeway at lower speeds that really pushes up the mpgs. High point was about a 30 mile drive entering and crossing Houston on one of its many freeways in heavy traffic where I achieved 48 mpg (50-60 mph). Low point was leaving Houston over much the same route in a heavy downpour (45-50mph) where the average was only 30. Surfing is not the C-MAX's forte. It seems obvious to me that given identical situations any of the Prii will out-mpg the Max, but that is only one of many criteria we all must weigh in the decision to purchase. The MAX served us very well on the trip and I'm quite pleased with it. Built on 2-7-13 it has the 3.5.1 version and the lady in the dashboard kept us on our planned routes and side trips with no errors through the 14 states we visited. Prior to the trip did over 30 miles on one of Detroit's freeways in temps slightly above freezing and scored 52 mpg, so it seems not only YMMV, but YMMV greatly.

HPRifleman, your assumption is correct: regular Hybrid, not Energi. Was out of town, sorry for the delay in responding.

My SEL Hybrid built on 02/07/2013 has the following well-behaved version according to the Ford/Microsoft Syncmyride.com website: Sync VersionGen2 - V3.5.1 Confirmed installations DA5T-14D546-BB DA5T-14D546-DB DA5T-14F496-AH DA5T-14F497-AJ DA5T-14F657-AK

I've seen 12.8 after a trip, and typically lose .1 volts per day...my VOM range skips from 2v to 200v so I cannot get a more refined number. Also, owner's manual (page 312 of first printing) suggests the following if storing the vehicle for more than 30 days, which would indicate there is a voltage drain greater than a typical vehicle: Engine • The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage. • Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. • With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running.

The full Hybrid model does not have the smaller orange-covered cables (between the red arrows in above photo), but the positive and negative posts appear to be the same.

DaveofDurham, you are correct.

As I reported earlier, I've seen voltages from 12.7 to 12.1 several hours after shutdown. If I open any doors or do anything inside the vehicle the voltage will drop further immediately after, but eventually creeps back up to about 12.3 or 12.4. Also seems to gradually decline if the engine isn't operated for a few days. No conclusion yet, but the dead battery problems seem to stem from some sort of parasitic drain. Glad so many are posting their info also.

Rob, you are correct: when the lock symbol is illuminated all doors are locked.

Might be enlightening to research the originator/s of that bill...

I think it merely keeps track of the miles driven.

Frankly, I'd never go 10,000 miles or one year with only one oil change, but here's what the Owners Manual says: Protecting Your Investment Maintenance is an investment that pays dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability and resale value. To maintain the proper performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated intervals. C-MAX full hybrid vehicles are equipped with an information display which indicates the proper oil change service interval; the interval is up to one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers). When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the information display, it’s time for an oil change; the oil change must be done within two weeks or 500 miles (800 kilometers) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing. The oil life monitoring system must be reset after each oil change. See Engine oil check in the Maintenance chapter. If your information display is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5000 miles (8000 kilometers) from your last oil change. Never exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between oil change intervals. C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) system which shows a message in the information display at the proper oil change service interval; this interval may be up to two years or 20000 miles (32000 kilometers). When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the information display, it’s time for an oil change; the oil change must be done within two weeks or 500 miles (800 kilometers) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing. The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor must be reset after each oil change. See Engine oil check in the Maintenance chapter. If your information display is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5000 miles (8000 kilometers) from your last oil change. Never exceed two years or 20000 miles (32000 kilometers) between oil change intervals. Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using different specifications and performance features. That is why it is important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair

I swapped out the factory fill well before 1,000 miles and while I saw a slight mpg improvement there were too many other variables (wind, temps, driving methods, etc.). I can't imagine any sort of significant increase from merely changing oil, though.

If Charge Assist is selected in the Inform Display you will see an arrow above the battery icon when the system is charging and an arrow below the battery icon when the batteries are discharging.

Guess my nose isn't that sensitive: I always 'taste' to make sure. WARNING: Antifreeze coolant is highly toxic and very sweet. Keep away from children and pets at all times.

There will be differences in reported fuel delivery/consumption based on temperatures: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5522133_effect-fuel-temperature-mileage.html

Darn! Read it before I could ignore it.

I believe valkraider is letting those of us unfortunate enough to only have the Hybrid version that the Energi is available...

Same here: if the engine is on, pushing the button shuts it off, regardless of where my feet are. If it's off, pushing the button turns it on (provided the brake pedal is depressed--if not depressed then it's in accessory mode).

As I once sadly discovered, if the vehicle I'm tailgating strikes the vehicle ahead of it, I cannot stop in time by braking, regardless of my reaction time.

FWIW, Lauren was very pleasant on our Skype interview, asked several questions and I doubt if the session lasted over ten minutes.

Okay, just added you, am available for the next few hours or until life interrupts. John

If you're on their email list Harbor Freight currently has a coupon on the Cargo Carrier for $ 74.99...and I am unable to copy, save and/or paste it here. However, says it is good in stores, online or via phone. Numbers under barcode are: 52550573-000951007901002 Limit 5 Valid throught 3/31/13 Limit one coupon per customer per day.

JAZ, on 13 Mar 2013 - 06:24, said: Won't be the first--or last--survey I fill out... how about a Skype interview instead? Been a while since I've Skyped, but I can try...