Adrian_L

They are maintenance free--the electrolite needs to be checked once or twice a year to make sure it is reasonably full. AGM batteries are 100% maintenance free. Any new car that is driven regularly doesn't or shouldn't need routine trickle charging or battery reconditioning or whatever. As one owner pointed out, he checked his voltage at midnight and it was fine--6 hours later the battery was dead. This is a manufacturing/engineering defect, not an owner fix-it-yourself scenario.

You should be getting trip mileages of at least 30 mpg in the city--but don't worry about that for now: your mileage will improve as the car gets through it's break-in period. Drive like it's Sunday and you've got time on your hands......

My little project is a GMC van conversion. Will eventually put in Hella fog lamps and a rear-view camera (It sounds like you don't like Navs but you can get a Magellan nav/back-up cam combo. But I have to agree with Mike--not only would putting in push button starter be a huge amount of work, my guess is the parts alone would be prohibitively expensive.

That question has been answered above. (1041-1045)

Happy driving and happy washing!

I can't see why they would recommend that. Unless you have kids playing inside the car, with the keys.... Putting her in neutral and stepping on the gas pedal would enagage the ICE, no? About twenty years ago, I forgot to put the oil pan bolt back in, but fortunately I noticed the puddle of oil before turning the key.

+1 on Meguiar's vs Armor All. Armor-All contains alcohol and will crack a dashboard like nobody's business. Meguiar's is mineral-oil based. They also make a great leather conditioner. Want your tires to look brand new but without that tacky shiny Armor-all finish? Try a little brake fluid on a cotton cloth after you wash and dry them. Works like a charm. Any old brake fluid will do.

I'm convinced it's worth a trial run and see what happens on Fuelly.com after 4 or 5 tanks. I'm not sure what Pure Gas is, but Chevron 94 is the highest octane we can get this side of the border. As an added bonus, Shell Premium is ethanol free.

This is torture. Any Canadians receive their cheques/checks yet?

Shrapnel? You can get a war wound driving to the mall?! I hate to think what my old VW bus would have got in the ratings, but it was a damned fun vehicle. I'd love to get a '55-'67 split-screen model and do an electric conversion on it. One day... It's very, very easy to forget you're piloting a two-ton missile and not take that seriously. I saw a woman texting while on the highway doing about 65. 3 seconds on the phone. 1/2 second on the road. Unreal! I hate the idea of a nanny state, but anti-distracted driver technology is being developed by NHSTA, Apple and others because drivers insist on behaving like 6 year olds.

You could be in the EV mode for a long time, if the car is going downhill. You get out of EV mode if A) you accelerate to the point where the computer determines running on the gas engine is better or b)the high voltage battery dips to the point where recharging is needed--again the gas engine kicks in. Basically you'll be going back and forth between gas and EV with EV being about 65% of the journey (in my experience). Didn't the dealership go over this stuff with you?

Turn up the music?! Are you serious?! I would lose it if my mechanic was that apathetic. Frankly, you want the guy who can't sleep until he figures out what's wrong. From what you have written, it sounds like your accident may have affected the alignment. How's your road holding on a straight road. Does the car veer left or right?

Like wab, I'd suggest 12 volt multi-LED bulbs. Just make sure the lumens are equivalent or higher than incandescent.

I know that an "average" or worse crash test rating would be an instant deal-breaker for my dad--he drives a Volvo. I have to confess that crash safety stuff is not high on the importance list for me. I'm not sure if that's a good thing--but there it is. For me, style, interior comfort, build quality and even dashboard quality/style are more important to me. That's why I'm not driving a Toyota. lol.

From the 2013 brochure: For SE: 201A incl power liftgate, reverse sensing system, ambient lighting 202A MyFord touch 8" LCD, Sirius radio 203A Includes above plus voice-activated NAV Looks like you need to have an SEL for leather seats, however.

Good question. And here's another one: why the heck can't the 12 volt system tap into that huge power cell also known as the high voltage battery!?

With all due respect. Reading texts WHILE driving is as ridiculous as having a newspaper spread across the steering wheel. I commend FORD for having the motion disabler. Sorry, since I have two kids now, seeing someone text while driving sends my blood pressure through the panoramic roof!!

I have been contemplating trying 92 octane. Does it really make a difference? I'm running 43-45 psi and never use a/c.

The black interior is more of a charcoal grey. Nothing's worse than a beige interior in my opinion. It reminds me of my mother-in-law's Corolla. Just the thought is mak i nng m e drowzzzzzzzzyy.................

You misunderstood the comments. They were not aimed at the battery-less but rather the poster who left dismissive comments "No Ford for Me or my family!" for reasons some C-max owners find irrational and frankly, sanctimonious. You have to expect problems with a new build and the battery situation, although obviously infuriating to some, do not reflect most owner's experiences. As many have pointed out a $50 battery pack in the trunk will get you out of a tight spot. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to minimize the seriousness of the battery problem. But it isn't the Achilles heel, and most SEL owners have not had a single battery problem. There do seem to be a few SE lemons out there. But check out Honda or Toyota forums--horror stories can be found. It doesn't mean your new Honda will be a piece of junk. Anyway, Kostby said it better but it might have been on a different post

Not true. My Fuelly numbers match the computer lifetime average very closely.

David, check out the "Anyone receive a compensation check yet?" thread. Lots of info there. This is the second rebate.

Guys, there's a thread already started for this. "Anyone received a compensation check yet?"

How I covet that beefy Energi battery..........

I was told to avoid excessive RPMs and avoid driving at the same speed for long periods (i.e. don't go on the freeway at 70 mph for 2 hours) You'll notice that the milage starts to improve after break in period. (I think it was 3,000 miles but could be wrong) EDIT: from the manual: BREAKING-INYou need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics. The engine also needs to break in. Avoid hardaccelerations and driving too fast for the first 1000 miles. If possible,avoid carrying heavy loads up steep grades during the break-in period