JAZ

As posted elsewhere, only failure I've experienced was in the driveway after washing car with garden hose, likely less than two hours.  Went through a car wash once with no issue.  Used to being an outlier.

A large tire chain store here in Mich. charged me $ 117 for a steel wheel and cheapo tire of the proper size:  I also sometimes store it vertically behind driver's seat.  It's heavy at over 45 lbs. and occupies LOTS of trunk space if put there, but does give one peace of mind.

Only failure I've experienced was after washing car in driveway, definitely not overnight.

Correction:  my SEL was built early February 2013.

Couple weeks ago after shutting and locking doors I stayed by the vehicle and noticed the instrument panel lights did not go off (probably more than a minute, and much longer than usual).  I re-entered the car, started and stopped the ignition, exited and locked and that time all went well.  But if I hadn't happened to check?   SEL built early Feb. 2014.

Kelleytoons, where in heck does one get 20% off gas price gas cards???

Relax, the steering gear recall doesn't apply to us, only to some vehicles recently built but not yet delivered to consumers.

You won't get heat until the ICE reaches a certain temperature, but the heated seat option mitigates that waiting period nicely.

Frank, are you saying they used 5.5 quarts of oil for the change?

They weren't members of the C-MAX forum?

While I'm no spokesman for Ford, I cannot imagine selling a new Max without the cargo cover included.

Don't forget that the two on the outboard side are longer.

Not affiliated in any way with them, but found this place:

http://www.rockauto.com/

Large number of parts OEM and other.  On Friday I ordered a Motorcraft cabin air filter for under twelve bucks + postage and on Monday it was delivered (and installed).  Worth a peek for you DIYers.

Re the cabin air filter installation:  first, check out this video for the Focus 2012 (same procedure for the C-Max). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfNbsYUnMwA

 It helps if you're petite, a gymnast with long nimble fingers and superb vision.  Find a work area where profanity will not be heard by others.

And hello to y

Mine was one of their earliest when only one model was available...pretty much like the Tour.  

My tadpole recumbent (WizWheelz TerraTrike)  also fits snugly in the back of my C-Max.

"On SEL and Energi SEL models, there is a key blade concealed inside the Intelligent Access key fob that can be used to mechanically unlock the driver's door in the case of a dead 12v battery, or dead key-fob battery."

I would recommend everyone with a key blade attempt to use it before a crisis occurs:  it can be quite difficult to apply sufficient leverage to unlock the door, and it would be best to determine how to manipulate the key when it is more convenient to do so.  I wrapped a handkerchief around my key and was able to open the door, but anyone with reduced strength in their hands/fingers might need pliers or some other tool to apply the required leverage.

I learned long ago never to trust anyone but myself to check tire pressure...and that includes dealerships and tire stores.

Thanks, Ashley, but no problem whatsoever.  I was merely reporting my experience which was pleasant overall.

I took it in about 8:30 in the morning, also had the air bag reprogram recall done, plus a complaint about an Audio Off problem (another reprogram issue) and lastly the GPS not always knowing where the vehicle is located (my GPS appears unacquainted with parts of Arkansas).  Anyhoo, the car was ready for pickup by 3 pm that afternoon and have had no issues since then.

Took mine in Friday for the recall, service rep said they'd checked about 15 vehicles, found only 1 bad weld.  My passenger seat failed the inspection and I was told it would take about a week for the part to arrive...here in Michigan, about 10 miles from the factory.

Reprint from Hatchman:

1. Torx bit is a T-30, and as stated above, the drain plug is 15mm.  I was able to reach the drain plug with a regular Craftsman 6 point socket and wrench, though it is a little tight. 

2. Oil filter, can't miss it, right on the bottom, middle, forward, of the engine.  Not a lot of room around it, but able to get the wrench on it.   They must have had a 500 pound gorilla tightening oil filters the day this car was made.  YMMV. 

3. Out of the 8 torx screws, the two longest ones go to the outside.  The three in the front and three in the back are shorter.  Don't over tighten, they are just held by plastic "nuts" and will strip. 

There is a thick metal tab towards the rear which will help support the underbody panel while you're installing it; make sure it's engaged.

Lastly, remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor (procedure found in this forum or in your Owners Manual).

I prefer sitting closer to the steering wheel and a full-sized wheel and tire (with cloth cover) just fits vertically between my seatback and the rear seat, freeing up the hatch for whatever.

Harassing?  Then it's 'typo', not 'type-o'.  :drool:

Since this has gone viral, many of you may have seen it already.  For those who haven't:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3XqZoaWKv2k