Jus-A-CMax

Please do!!!! It's beautiful...I was thinking of putting up some Mammoth mountain photos as well. Also, let me know, I can drop you some major hints and tips as I know the town pretty well. Also, as you are my fave poster, PM me as I can also get you some discount lift tixs since I have an MVP pass.

Well some bad news...I took my Max to Galpin Ford yesterday and had them check the sync software and my Nav card. For some reason, I have an A3 card but the techie confirmed it was an A4. He tried the A4 card and it would not take in my Max. I am suppose to have the latest and greatest. I asked the guy why was my GPS said I was driving in the houses to which he replied that this does happen and it has to do with all GPS, citing that even his Tom Tom does this. *sigh* The good news he said is that an update is expected soon for our MFT at the end of this month or early next month.

I'll take a 6 - 9 feet snow dump than have Max frozen in ice. I recall some years ago, seeing some unbelievable pictures of the north east coast got battered with some icy, icy storms...freaky and nasty.

Some sensibility, thanks for the post F8I. Still, $450 is a lot of beers ;)

F8I, nice to hear from an owner and thanks for the links, I will certainly check it out.

I think I have seen this at higher speeds when I drove back from Mammoth, the key here is to keep it in the ICE mode and nearly a full battery. The latter is hard to achieve unless you are a) going down a huge hill b) use ICE all along without the temptation to use EV. My question is whether this "stealth" high-mpg-ICE mode will bring any savings in the longer runs considering and realistically, most of us start with 1/4 or 1/3 batts and keep away from b). Great tip, appreciate it!

Shaners, what are you getting now in your MPGs with these 16s? (abliet its pretty cold there if you've got on snow tires so the MPG would suck anyway). I think you're pretty rare with this combo...actually, it was a reason why I posted that article here because I luv to see what the actual real world feedbacks are for owners of the CMaxs with smaller wheels. Right now, I don't think I can sway down to 16s for FE reasons, I just like the look right now but luv to see how your 16s look on your Max?

Sorry to hear about what you're going thru Rachel - that was one reason why I did not want to go thru the order process, something always happen. As it was, I picked up one from Galpin's lot and it was perfect. Not initially as I thought it was overloaded with the nav and parking assist but you know what, I LUV these extra features. If you were here in the "other" LA, I would have no hesitation in sending you to Galpin...they just rock! Keep us all updated we're all pulling for yer - you're truly a bright happy poster, :wub2: your postings girl!!!!!!

Great ideas. However, imo, Ford will need a lot more time to test any grill covers if they were to distribute it and in all sorts of temperature including high 100s so see the impact. Right now, those temps don't exist here in the US and you know some bumblehead will keep the covers on at the peak of summer temps and then likely to overheat something and you have another lawsuit. Yes, the posters here are smarter and will take off those covers in the summer heat. I think the big mistake here is the 62mph EV limit. Had they made this 65 or 68 with a slightly larger battery, it could have been a different story. We all hoon here in SoCal except lil ole me on the right hand lane.

I'll relate an interesting experience I had talking to a service manager yesterday (I sent my Max in for a Sync/Nav update). I asked him about whether hes been confronted with the mileage issues with the Max and he said definitely. One lady had less than 100 miles on the odometer for her CMax and she was not at all pleased it was not getting the 47 advertised mileage right away. He then explained to her the engine is too brand new and needed broken in - well we all know the story. The other tidbit that I got was that I said to him, the manual says 1000 miles to break in, I understood it was more like 3000 to 5000 - and then he said it was more like 5,000 to 10,0000. Will the real break in threshold please stand up, lol? IMO, the real world expections of 47 is not met and it is very disappointing to the new owners, just look at some of the threads in the Welcome section. But seriously, everyone who posts here are informed - enlightened - drivers who understand the fundamental workings and issues with hybrid driving and are getting close to the EPA numbers. Also, as I learnt myself coming from hungry V8s, there is a learning curve to hybrid driving and trying to maximize the FE (another bloody acronym) makes you read the roads better so you try to maximize - hey, here's a hill, I'll use it to coast to the top then roll and lay off the gas, saving say X gallons. If it was a gas engine, I would not have cared one bit if the road was inclined or not. I expect as the summer and weather heats up, the average MPG will rise as well.

Stock Michellins, comes with every CMax. I agree, over inflating does sound counter intuitive but the real test was the night I drove in....freaking freezing as well and the 203 (road from 395 to Mammoth Lakes) was covered with a nice layer of snow and ice, and I pushed on. It drove pretty good, sped away nicely, more than a few times I changed lanes to allow faster vehicles to pass me. However, when I drive these road covered snows I am very conservative, I try and find the lanes where the other vehicles have driven (ala the strips), no sudden jerking of the cars and I tap my brakes. There is a little gradient to climb up to the place where we stayed and it did fine - this is the gnarly one coming down as when it is iced and snowed in, the cars will slip but this time Max did fine climbing up this little gradient. So good question, I did not perceive any disadvantage of having higher PSI tires in the snow driving up the 203. I did not put the chains on this trip (thank goodness as it would have been an exercise in the sub zero temps getting my hands in there) and once you have the chains on, it doesn't matter what PSI your tires are, they work the same.

We made our second trip to Mammoth mountain, California. It's our favourite ski/snowboard mountain and it has TONS of snow right now, with really,really, really great coverage and quality snow. Alright, lets get down to it. MPGs - Home to Mammoth Lets talk conditions: Started in San Fernando and it was a cool 41F. Arrived at Mammoth and it was 1F to -4F. 15 to 20mph head wind all the way there and definitely blowing hardest from Palmdale to Lone Pine. Off the 395 to Mammoth, the "chains was required" sign was on...but it was only about 1/2" of snow covered road so I persisted without chains. Max handled beautifully in the snow, no loss of traction loss and no slippage or skidding. Compare this to Trip 1 getting there stats: 286 miles (69.7EV) that used 8.66 gallons with 33.5MPG. Temps ranged from 50F to typically 20-27F from Mojave to Mammoth Lakes. Its about the same MPG wise, little less EV on this trip but I think thats due to the much cooler conditions especially coming down from Toms Place and all the way to Mammoth town. I swear the EV was non-existent in the sub zero temps so it was mainly much more gas. I was expecting better MPGs but felt the MPG never got any better than 36-37 at its peak but thats the physics of climbing from 500ft to 7800ft over 290 miles. MPGs - Mammoth to Home Compare this to Trip1stats: 287.1 miles (80.6EV) that used 7.02 gallons with 40.8MPG. Max did really well, 44.6MPG on Trip 2 versus 40.8MPG. However, Trip2 had less EV, by 5 miles, than Trip 1. I suspect I was going faster on this trip back than I did Trip1 so ICE would have been on. Some tail wind from Mammoth to Independence and after that, it was more a side wind the rest of the trip. Again, 15 to 20 mph wind, I estimate. Now, the temp when I left Mammoth was around 21F. No EV, ICE was on all the way until 6 miles onto the 395. I am sure I lost alot of mileage there while the engine heated up but at least I had a full battery by then. Overall I had a total average of 39MPG for Trip 2, which is a big improvement over Trip 1 36MPG. More pictures Just a light dusting...but it was COLD! Don't let the sunshine fool you. -10F on the mountain....brrrrh. Empty... Full.... Using all the space... Coming down from Tom's Place to Bishop. Thats Owens Valley in the background. My favourite part of the drive...super, super long descent. Guaranteed to fully charge the batteries but don't speed...at least 2 CHP are waiting mid way. Guaranteed. A different angle. Some other random thoughts from this drive: 1. I felt the MPGs were much better due to the engine opening up. However, as proven, the cold conditions is an EV killer and it was really, really cold this trip. 2. Tires were pumped to 42PSI. Rolled well and may have contributed to the better MPG on the way back. Seems to roll much better. Road noise negligible. 3. Did some drafting. I think ptjones is right, saved some MPGs and I didn't get too close either. 4. On parts of the trip, I set the eco-cruise to 68mph and I noticed the instant MPG running around 40MPG to 43MPG with some boost from the EV. Now, heres the kicker, this was when the batteries were at least 80% charged and up. Lower battery level, the instant MPG was down to mid 20s. We need to investigate this further as this means that going at speed with no EV is efficient. This was on level road as I noted. Enjoy! :)

Just a suggestion.... I am pretty techie but even I am having a real hard time breaking down some of the acronyms used in the hybrid car forum postings, both here and some other sites. Trying to find a breakdown of one of these is just a nightmare - try finding the acnonym for "MFT" and see what a huge list it brings up - not even relevant to what we are talking about here. So to help, I have started this thread and will be adding acronyms as I and others come across them. ABS - Anti-Lock Brake SystemABS - Antilock Braking SystemACC - Automatic Climate ControlACCM - Air Conditioning Control ModuleACM - Audio Control ModuleAKI - Anti-Knock Index (Octane rating method used in U.S.)APP - Accelerator Pedal PositionAPPS - Acceleration Pedal Position SensorARB - Air Resource BoardARSC - Advancetrac With Roll Stability ControlATDC - After Top Dead CenterBARO - Barometric PressureBECM - Battery Energy Control ModuleBEV - Battery Electric VehicleBPO - Battery Power OffBPP - Brake Pedal PositionBPPS – Brake Pedal Position Sensor (master cylinder pressure)BSCM – Brake System Control ModuleBTDC - Before Top Dead CenterCAFE - Corporate Average Fuel EconomyCAN - Controller Area NetworkCARB- California Air Resource BoardCC - Cruise ControlCCA - Cold Cranking Amps @ 0 degrees FCCM - Comprehensive Component MonitorCEL - Check Engine LightCHT - Cylinder Head TemperatureCKP - Crankshaft PositionCL - Closed LoopCMP - Camshaft PositionCO - Carbon MonoxideCO2 - Carbon DioxideCOP - Coil On PlugCT - Closed ThrottleCTO - Clean Tach OutputCVT - Continuously Variable TransmissionDC - 1. Direct Current 2. Duty CycleDFSO - Deceleration Fuel Shut-OffDLC - Data Link ConnectorDMM - Digital MultimeterDRI - Deposit Resistant InjectorDRL - Daytime Running LightsDTC - Diagnostic Trouble CodeDTE - Distance To EmptyE10 - 10% ethanol, 90% gasolineE15 - 15% ethanol, 85% gasolineECE - External Combuston EngineECM – Engine / Electronic Control ModuleECT - Engine Coolant TemperatureECU - Engine Control UnitEEC - Electronic Engine ControlEEGR - Electric Exhaust Gas RecirculationEEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only MemoryEGR - Exhaust Gas RecirculationEPA - Environmental Protection AgencyESC - Electronic Stability ControlETB - Electronic Throttle BodyETC - Electronic Throttle ControlETM - Engineering Test ModeEV - Electric Vehicle (NOTE - Ford uses an additional "EV+" which is best described as an enhanced/GPS associated forced EV mode, please see Manual)EVAP - Evaporative EmissionFAOS - Fore-Aft Oxygen SensorFC - Fan ControlFCDIM - Front Control/Display Interface Module (4.2" or 8" center LCD display)FE - Fuel Efficiency / Fuel EconomyFEPS - Flash EEPROM Programming SignalFLI - Fuel Level InputFMEM - Failure Mode Effects ManagementFP - Fuel PumpFTP - Fuel Tank PressureGCU - Generator Control UnitGPM - 1. Grams per Mile 2. Gallons per MinuteGVW - Gross Vehicle WeightHC - HydrocarbonHEV - Hybrid Electric VehicleHID - High Intensity DischargeHO2S - Heated Oxygen SensorHPCU - Hybrid Power Control UnitIAT - Intake Air TemperatureICE - Internal Combustion Engine.IDS - Integrated Diagnostic SystemIPC - 1. Instrument Panel Cluster 2. Independent Plausibility CheckerISO - International Standards OrganizationKAM - Keep Alive MemoryKm/h - Kilometers per HourKOEO - Key On Engine OffKOER - Key On Engine RunningkPa - KilopascalKS - Knock SensorLEV - Low Emissions VehicleLIPO - Lithium Polymer BatteryLOS - Limited Operating StrategyLRR - Low Rolling-Resistance (tires)MAF - Mass Air FlowMAP - Manifold Absolute PressureMECS - Motor Electronics Cooling SystemMFF - Misfire Freeze FrameMFM - My Ford Mobile MFT - My Ford Touch MIL - Malfunction Indicator LightMRFS - Mechanical Returnless Fuel SystemN - NitrogenNOX - Nitrogen OxideNVRAM - Non-Volatile Random Access MemoryOASIS - On-line Automotive Service Information SystemOBD - On Board Diagnotics, for example, your Avg or Instant MPG, Trip1/Trip2OC - Oxidation Catalytic ConverterOCI - Oil Change IntervalOEM - Original Equipment ManufacturerOHC - Overhead CamshaftOSC - Output State ControlOSR - On Board System ReadinessP&G - Pulse and Glide. Technique used to speed (pulse) a hybrid car to a certain speed and then back off the acceleration and let the car coast (glide). The idea behind this is to utilize the hybrid engine design that shuts off the ICE in the glide phase to save fuel.PCM - Powertrain Control ModulePCV - Positive Crankcase VentilationPHEV - Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (as in the C-Max Energi)PID - Parameter IdentificationPIP - Profile Ignition PickupPPM - Parts Per MillionPRNDL – Transmission Range SensorPSCM - Power Steering Control ModulePTS - Professional Technician SocietyPWM - Pulse Width ModulatedPZEV - Partial Zero Emission VehicleRAM - Random Access MemoryRCM - Restraints Control ModuleROM - Read-Only MemoryRPM - Revolutions per MinuteRSC - Roll Stability Control RWD - Rear-Wheel DriveSAE - Society of Automotive EngineersSC – Speed ControlSOBDMC - Secondary On Board Diagnostic ModuleSOC - State of Charge (HEV battery level)SULEV-II - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles-IISSM - Special Service MessageTAC - Throttle Actuator ControlTACM - Throttle Actuator Control MotorTB - Throttle BodyTCM – Transmission Control ModuleTDC - Top Dead CenterTMK - Tire Mobility KitTP - Throttle PositionTPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemTR - Transmission RangeTRID - Transmission IdentificationTSB - Technical Service BulletinULEV - Ultra Low Emissions VehicleUOA - Used Oil AnalysisVCM - Vehicle Communication ModuleVCT - Variable Camshaft TimingVECI - Vehicle Emission Control InformationVID - Vehicle IdentificationVIN - Vehicle Identification NumberVSC - Vehicle System ControllerVSS - Vehicle Speed SensorWOT - Wide Open Throttle So if you know an acronym not on this list, please post it in this thread and I will update this #1 post to make it easier for everyone to understand what we are talking about.

ptjones, sounds like you are having a ball there and I have to say, I am amazed the amount of thought and work you have put into the grill covers to help out the CMax mileage issue in the cold weather. My hat is off to you sir :rockon:

Sweet story!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.... So, does this mean this vehicle is a good pickup car :drool:

With so much controversy over the real world MPG vs EPA MPG of the Ford CMax, I am curious if the owner/non owners in this forum - would you buy the CMax knowing what we know now? Does the MPG play as a major influence in your decision? As the OP, here's my take...I fell in luv with the CMax for its great handling, power, cockpit and superb view of the road. The fold flat rear seat was a bonus and as total snow bunnies, EVERYTHING fit into the CMax and trust me when I say, our family will bring a kitchen sink to the snow if we could, just for the comfort. The 47MPG was great but even if I got 35MPGs, I would be more than happy with our Max. Infact, my real world experience on my long hauls from SoCal to Mammoth Mountain is showing around 37MPG average roundtrip in somewhat harsh, cold driving conditions for hybrids. Also, as Max doubles as my work car and being an appraiser, I do a lot of slow stop and go driving so having an EV mode was a major bonus - knowing I am not burning gas going from house to house. Also, being in stealth EV mode has its advantage in not alerting home owners when I snap photos of the comparables - oh...the time I waste trying to explain to these people that this is my job and what I am doing is totally legal...*sigh*. So yeah, I would have bought the CMax even if the MPG was below 47/47. Your vote and thoughts are appreciated....thanks for participating :) Edit 08/21/2013: Thrown in the "Happy or not" question, if you are an owner.