Bob999

That is my understanding--provided it is 5W20.

According to the EPA mileage chart the motor oil specified is 5W20, GF-5. There are a several oils on the market that meet that specification, including at least one non-synthetic oils. The following was posted at www.bobistheoilguy.com "The new API SN/GF-5 5W20 motor oil now specs WSS-M2C945-A under Ford's nomenclature." So I think the answer to your question is "NO"--I don't think Ford "certifies" any oils and I think there are many oils that satisfy the Ford specification--not just Mobil 1 and Amsoil.

I have had cars with mileage computers for 25+ years and most computed mileage higher than I got by using the odometer and actual quantity of fuel added-- 2 mpg was a typical discrepency. The exceptions were a 2009 Enclave and, I think, the CMAX. I say I think on the CMAX because I only have 600 miles on it and that just isn't enough experience to get past the variation in the fill that will average out over time but can make a significant difference on a car getting 40+ mpg and a single fill.

I had the problem. It seemed that the latch operated but that the tailgate was hanging up on something and the motor didn't have the power to lift it. I treated/lubricated the weather seals around the tailgate with silicone grease. I also applied a thin coat of silicone grease to the rub areas on the latch mechanism and on the blocks that help position the tailgate located on each side. Haven't had a problem since.

Please post the form.

Valkraider Thanks for the information and correcting the information I posted. I should not have posted my experience in a far away place with a cheap prepaid internet plan as the state of the industry. Additionally I realize I was commenting on my experience of the combination of the phone and network on cheap prepaid plans in "Timbuktu". For all I know the phone may have had internet capability if the network and prepay plain supported it.

Simply not true. Most new cell phones do have internet capability but there are still a lot of older ones that don't.

What is the basis for the assertions about the Energy model connecting you are making??? I have been unable to find a source. Additionally I understand the "cloud" to be an internet concept while the discussion is about cell phone connections. I understand that a cell phone can can connect to the internet IF it has the capability and IF the network it is connected to provides a link to the internet.

According to one source all CMAX's have the 3G modem--but what does that mean in practical terms for the ability of the driver to do anything???r I think that maybe the imbedded modem is what the owners cell phone connects to via bluetooth in order to get an external cellular phone connection--but that the imbedded modem by itself has no functionality to actually connect without the external cellphone. "According to Alan Hall, a Ford technology specialist, the C-Max has an embedded cellular modem, but no Internet access as featured in the Audi S8 I recently drove. “There are a lot of advantages to having a connection, but because we want people to use it in a safe way, there are no onboard capabilities that the driver uses,” Hall said." See here: http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/transportation/blogs/driving-fords-snazzy-new-c-max-hybrid

The electronic version of the first printing of the CMAX Owner's Manual characterizes the instrumentation for oil changes differently for the Hybrid and the Energy: The following is copied from page 359 the owners manual: 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.

I think all CMAX have GPS. However the car does not have a means for the GPS to communicate with the outside world like the ONSTAR system that GM puts in its cars (ONSTAR includes a cell phone as a part of the unit.) In the Ford implmentation the cell phone is provided by the owner and must be linked to the car via Bluetooth in order for the car to communicate with the outside world. This is discussed in the SYNC section of the manual--a particular example is the Vehicle Health Report that can be sent provided a cell phone is paired and actually connected.

There are extended warranties available from other sources with comparable coverage for substantially less money than the Ford ESP. Please note I am not bashing the Ford extended warranty--just noting there are competitors available and at less cost.

I like the two shelf design. The design of the dash and steeply sloping windshield reults in a long reach to contents and lack of visibility for an average height person.

I posted the following in the "hybrid design question" thread. I think that pressing the button on the side of the shifter also engages the ICE for braking while using the brakes gently only engages regenerative braking. Put another way I think you get more regeneration using the brakes alone than using the button -- assuming you don't press the brakes so hard that the friction breaking is engaged.

I think that pressing the button on the side of the shifter also engages the ICE for braking while using the brakes gently only engages regenerative braking. Put another way I think you get more regeneration using the brakes alone than using the button -- assuming you don't press the brakes so hard that the friction breaking is engaged.

The CMAX has automatic shutters behind the grill that is supposed to improve mileage. I have to wonder whether the grill shutters are working on your car if the installation of an external cover has such a substantial effect.

I think the standards and procedures for the EPA test were established many years ago before ethanol was used as a gas additive. I further believe that because the results of EPA tests have legal signifigance that the procedures can be changed only via a lengthy and difficult regulatory process and as a result very few, if any, changes are made. So I think the simple explanation is that the test was established using gasoline and it has not been changed.

My understanding is that there is no starter of the traditional sort. Starting is handled by the motor generator located in the transaxle case (there is also a larger traction motor that also provides regenerative breaking). My further understanding is that the 12v battery powers the control circuitry required for the transaxale to work and that is the reason the car won't operate without a good 12v battery.

I am not convinced that the differences experienced in real world mileage between the Prius and the CMAX is because of "optimization" decisions by the engineers. There is a VERY substantial weight difference between the Prius (3042 lbs) and the CMAX (3607 lbs). Additionally the CMAX has a lot more power. Both factors take a toll on fuel economy and, in my view, may explain the differences observed in real world driving experience. The power of the CMAX is much closer to the Toyota Camry Hybrid--and the real world mileage experience is also closer. The Camry Hybrid is a lighter vehicle (3525 lbs) compared to the CMAX Hybrid (3607 lbs) so I think Ford has done a pretty good job at getting fuel economy with the CMAX Hybrid if Toyota products are the standard.

The EPA actually publishes the unadjusted city and highway test results along with the adjusted numbers. What I find interesting is that the Prius unadjusted numbers are only slightly higher than the CMAX unadjusted numbers--it appears that the adjustment factor is very similar for both cars if not identical. It is not clear to me whether the adjustment factor is a global one or whether it is computed for each car. I suspect it is global and that may be a significant part of the explanation for the very different real world results. The other observation I have is that the throttle seems VERY sensitive on the CMAX and very small changes will result in very large changes in the instantaneous MPG shown. See here for the detailed EPA data: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/epadata/13data.zip

All the discussion about real world mileage compared to EPA numbers made me realize I didn't have a full understanding of EPA numbers and how they are generated. I have been doing some research and have learned a little--perhaps just enough to be dangerous. My understanding is that EPA testing is first and formost about emissions. There is also testing done for the NHTSA which administers the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program. Both testing programs are established in law, have been in existence for a long time, and have procedures and standards that appear quaint by current standards. EPA numbers are also included on the sticker on new cars and because the numbers generated by the legally required tests don't reflect real world driving results there are adjustments made to get the numbers put on stickers. The adjustment factors have changed over time but--but the numbers are still based on unrealistic testing criteria with adjustments. Here is one fairly easy to read discussion that I found helpful: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064925_outdated-tests-skew-cafe-gas-mileage-ratings-48-mph-freeways Here is a more technical discussion (see in particular the section on Methodology): http://www.epa.gov/oms/cert/mpg/fetrends//2012/420r12001a-appx-a.pdf

The following information about Hill Start Assist is taken from the Owners Manual: This feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated. Hill start assist keeps your vehicle stationary long enough to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when your vehicle is on a slope. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, (for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space). Using Hill Start Assist 1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed. 2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist feature will be activated automatically. 3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or three seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the process of driving off. 4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically.

I have not experienced the problem. I would check all the weather stripping for foreign material that might be acting as a glue when the door is closed. I would also carefully check the door and surrounding structure for any sign of damage and carefully examine the appearance of the door when closed--are the clearances all around the door the same and do they appear normal. Finally I would carefully check the latch mechanism(s) to see if there is any sign of interference between the part on the body and the part on the door. Most doors have at least one extra mechanism somewhere around the perimeter to keep the door from opening in a collision.

Actually it was not me but another Bob.

Daytime Running Lights The manual lists this feature as shown below. What is not clear is whether all models are equipped with the feature--I can't find it in the listing for either the SE or SEL. DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: Always remember to switch your headlamps on in low light situations or during inclement weather. The system does not activate the tail lamps and may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision. The system switches the headlamps on in daylight conditions. To switch the system on, switch the ignition on, and switch the lighting control to the off, autolamp, or parking lamp positions.