nsteblay

I have only experienced quality issues related to software programming - Synch and the PCM. The physical aspects of the car have been good. It is unfortunate that you have a bad latch. The dealer should be bending over backwards to help you. The dealer does get less for warranty work than regular service work. Interesting article: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/fuel-economy/confessions-of-a-car-dealership-service-manager-6311261 Knowing it was a new model I bought an extended warranty from Ford with no deductible.

I live in Minnesota and drove my C-Max all last winter. I thought it handled fine in the snow, certainly no worse than other FWD cars I've had. It is a fairly heavy car and does have stability and traction control. If you want the best experience you need a AWD car.

The first attempt at 13B07 failed for me. I printed out the message recommended earlier in this thread and provided that to the tech. He made sure he had the correct version of the software installed and it worked fine the second time. Though it's challenging to find a road in Minnesota that isn't under some sort of construction I was able to get above 65 MPH on the ride after the update. EV did kick in above 65 MPH so I know the fix took. I got 48.1 MPG on the ride home from the car dealership. Weather has been ideal here so I've been getting EPA estimates - no air conditioning. I am very curious how the update helps when cold weather hits.

I had the 13B07 upgrade done last weekend - been getting great mileage (48+) but apparently it didn't take. I don't see EV only above 63 mph. Bringing it in Monday for a second try.

I did purposely buy American. But regardless, yes, I am happy with my choice. The C-Max is more pleasant to drive. Driving efficiently is now second nature - I am getting 48+ on my latest tank of gas (mixed freeway / city driving) but weather conditions have been ideal - no heat or air conditioning. Looking forward to the 13B07 upgrade - the first attempt didn't take. Hope I can maintain mileage better than before during the winter, though I understand it will drop. A co-worker who has a Prius says he loses 4-6 MPG over the winter (Minnesota).

I just updated. It appears to have worked fine. I had to pair my iPhone again. It appears that I can now text through the Sync interface with the iPhone - I'll need to confirm it this week. If I am remembering correctly the text options weren't available with the iPhone before.

OK Just got back from my trip. Drove the Prius about 100 miles in Boston. Drove my C-Max with the new fixes to and from the airport. Prius Observations: I got 50.2 MPG Didn't have to drive carefullyAcceleration is not nearly as good but seemed adequateNot nearly as comfortable, is much noisier and I really don't get the back windshieldToyota has engineered the car for mileage, I was amazed that I was getting 50+ while driving 65-70 MPH, Toyota seems to have nailed the Negative Split Mode CMax Observations Post 13B07 - MPG Fix from Ford I got 48.8 MPG in my C-Max on my ride to and from the airport 80+ miles, very pleased!Way better visibility in C-MaxMuch more comfortableMuch sportier rideBetter lookingAnd yes, didn't think I would ever say it, much prefer MyFord Touch over what the Prius had Conclusion I am happy with my C-Max purchase, no more Prius envy

Just got the updates installed. Haven't driven far yet, only 2 short trips totaling 25 miles. There was some freeway driving but speeds were below 65 MPH for the most part so I didn't get to test EV above 63. Mileage was impressive though. First leg I got 48 MPG. Second leg 62.8 MPG - best I've ever had. Wasn't really trying to get good mileage. Little early to claim victory but it does appear that some the changes made has increased average MPG. I can't say I noticed any big differences in behavior. I was going in and out of EV mode regularly - maybe more frequently than before. Not sure ... will need to drive some more today.

Just dropped my car off for the recalls. It was kind of funny ... EV+ kicked in as I got close to the dealer.

Just dropped my car off for the recalls. It was kind of funny ... EV+ kicked in as I got close to the dealer.

This is a known issue. There is a tech bulletin on it. It hasn't happened to me for a while but it has occurred in the past. I've had the car in a couple of times so the dealer may have fixed it, not sure. According to the bulletin once experienced if you go forward a couple of inches you can then reverse. I have tested this and it appears to be true. I know it's not in accessory mode because I can always go forward if I try but not in reverse. I usually just shut the car off and restart to fix it. If you search the forum you'll see other reports. I've heard it may have something to do with a mode that protects the car from rolling backwards on a hill. The car thinks its on a hill for some reason.

I am going to rent a Prius for an upcoming work trip. I test drove the Prius before purchasing the C-Max but now that I've been driving a C-Max for 8 months I should be able to provide a good comparison. Any suggestions on areas you would like me to compare?

My kids and I have named our C-Max "The CARDIS" after the Dr. Who TV Show's TARDIS. It's always a fascinating journey to drive in The CARDIS. It appears larger on the inside than it looks on the outside, its got a strange and funky mix of controls, displays and lights, your never quite sure where the GPS will bring you, it doesn't always listen to you, it needs to be tweaked occasionally to run properly, and somehow it always leaves you satisfied after a trip. I wouldn't miss the next journey it will take us on after FE upgrade! I say upgrade and enjoy the journey.

I had the check engine light last week. Turned out to be a vapor management valve. Took 2 days to get the part and replace it. Interestingly enough there was an item on the invoice that stated they tried to install a recall part but it wasn't available. "11329 recall parts are not available yet" is what the invoice says. The parts department gave me a vague answer as to what the part is. I know there is a child lock recall for some of the early models - might be this. I'll be following up with the dealership to find out what it is.

I will be curious how this impacts the ICE High Mode or Negative Split Mode. The C-Max only get in this mode when the battery is fully charged. I've never been able to get the car in this mode unless I travel over 62 MPH for several minutes. The Negative Spit Mode has been efficient for me. Once in this mode I get low 40's between 65 to 75 MPH. If the EV can kick in up to 85 MPH I can't see my car ever getting into the Negative Split Mode. ... from previous post ... 4 Modes of Operation Series Mode Used only when vehicle is not moving and the engine is runningEngine may be running for battery charging, cabin or battery temperature control, or catalyst warm-up.Positive Split Mode Engine is ON and driving the generator motor to produce electricityPower from the engine is split between the direct path to the road and the path through the generator motorGenerator power can flow to the battery or to the traction motorThe traction motor can operate as a motor or a generator to make up the difference between the engine power and the desired powerThis is the preferred mode whenever the battery needs to be charged or when at moderate loads and low vehicle speedsNegative Split Mode The engine is on and the generator motor consumes electrical energy to reduce engine speedThe traction motor can operate as a motor or a generator to make up the difference between the engine power and the desired powerTypical highway modeOccurs when the engine needs to be on, the system can not be operated in parallel mode and the battery is charged near its upper limitElectric Mode The vehicle is propelled by stored electrical energy onlyThe engine is turned offThe tractive torque supplied from the traction motorPreferred mode whenever the desired power is low enough such that it can be produced more efficiently by electrical system than enginePreferred mode in reverse because the engine can not deliver reverse torqueSeparate electric pump maintains power assisted steeringThe ICE High is Negative Split Mode. These modes are described in the OBDII Theory and Operation available here.

Just happened to my car after 11,000 miles. Assume its the same thing. Will bring it in this week.

You should really wait to change your oil closer to 10,000 miles. You're just throwing away good oil. I would stick to what Ford recommends. Edmunds has a good article on oil change frequency.

Like great gas mileage in warm weather (getting 45 mpg this spring and summer, commuter car mixed driving) Dislike low gas mileage in cold weather (was getting 35 mpg in mid winter)

I have the car occasionally not start when the Start Button is pushed. I usually just press it again to shut the car off and it starts the second time. Always attributed it to not stepping on the brake or some other initialization that needs to take place. I've never had the system go black / blank.

I rented a VW Jetta during my last business trip to Boston - 2013 with 20K miles. I was surprised by the fact that it didn't seem as responsive as my C-Max. The EV assisted acceleration is surprisingly spunky on the C-Max. I found myself feeling that VW was sluggish. I am not suggesting that a C-Max is a performance car but I am considering having a racing stripe added to my silver beauty! In the coming years I predict hybrids will be winning the day (if they aren't already) for commuter cars unless diesel, natural gas or full electric become viable and more efficient. I think you'll see Ford learning much from this version and improvements will be short coming.

I always thought it was for the teenage children so that they don't wake their parents when they come home late.

Been running 3.5.1 now for 4 days. Much more stable - no quirks, crashes or hangs. Had to get use to the blinking circle on the GPS. No texting with my iPhone - same as before. Voice isn't perfect but never will be just like all voice systems. Gas mileage has been great. Easily getting mid 40's - close to EPA estimates. Going to take it on its first long trip - 550 miles over the 4th holiday. Curious as to the mileage I'll get.

Microsoft Ford Synch looks to be built on top of Microsoft's embedded operating system for autos based on Windows CE. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows. Windows Embedded Automotive, as it is known now, has gone through many iterations and is currently on version 7 released in 2011. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has built both the software platforms used for automotivedevices as well as the devices themselves. Windows Embedded Automotive seems to have similar quality problems to other Microsoft software products. It likely retains compatibility with common Microsoft software architectures and development tools inheriting complexity and fundamental design issues. Being an IT manager I can attest to the challenges of using Microsoft products. In my opinion Microsoft software is not secure, poorly architected, bloated, and often unstable. I am not sure what kind of deal Ford got going with Microsoft as a partner but it hasn't worked well for them. The challenge for Ford is the close dependencies between the hardware and Microsoft O/S. Not sure how they swap it out in already released cars. Unfortunately if the instability (which I am sure it is) relates to the underlying architecture of the embedded operating system and hardware implementation I don't think we're going to see patches that fix the problems 100%. As we've seen each subsequent release seems to introduce new issues. I just updated to 3.5.1 and am seeing issues with the GPS I didn't have before. My location doesn't appear to be accurate - it shows me about 50 to 100 feet short of my actual location. I am also seeing a blinking circle around the arrow icon which probably signifies it doesn't have a good satellite lock. I fear that I will be seeing other problems in the coming days.

I just updated to 3.5.1 and need to use it more to understand all the changes. Did Ford document the changes somewhere?

Microsoft Ford Synch looks to be built on top of Microsoft's embedded operating system for autos based on Windows CE. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows. Windows Embedded Automotive as it is known now has gone through many iterations and is currently on version 7 released in 2011. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has built both the software platforms used for automotive devices as well as the devices themselves. Windows Embedded Automotive seems to have similar quality problems to other Microsoft software products. It likely retains compatibility with common Microsoft software architectures and development tools inheriting complexity and fundamental design issues. Being an IT manager I can attest to the challenges of using Microsoft products. In my opinion Microsoft software is not secure, poorly architected, bloated, and often unstable. I am not sure what kind of deal Ford got going with Microsoft as a partner but it hasn't worked well for them. The challenge for Ford is the close dependencies between the hardware and Microsoft O/S. Not sure how they swap it out in already released cars. Unfortunately if the instability (which I am sure it is) relates to the underlying architecture of the embedded operating system and hardware implementation I don't think we're going to see patches that fix the problems 100%. As we've seen each subsequent release seems to introduce new issues.