kostby

As reported by timwil56 in the Safety Recall 14S04 thread, apparently dealers are able to reprogram the control module now, even though the 'official' notification won't begin until May 26th. Might as well ask, potentially saving another trip.

I understand the sales process from both sides, having spent many years in consultive business-to-business technology sales, and as a consumer, purchasing homes, cars, and big-ticket items. When both selling and buying parties achieve a positive outcome, everybody has the opportunity to win. The satisfied buyer gets to enjoy the desired item at a fair price, and the satisfied seller moves inventory, achieves sales objectives, and hopefully, by meeting the immediate as well as the longer-term expectations of the buyer, turns that buyer into a satisfied long-term client for the company, thus gaining word-of-mouth referrals, leading to more satisfied buyers who become clients, and the cycle continues… EVEN IN THE AGE OF THE INTERNET! Unfortunately, a major purchase, especially car-buying, is often a lose-lose proposition for both sides because of one or more of the following: 1) Failure of either party to fully understand all aspects of the buying/selling process. Buyers who are not prepared to pay a fair price. Sellers who aren't prepared to accept a fair price. Salespeople who lack confidence in their own company and/or don't understand what they're selling well enough to explain to a prospect why they and their product are a good choice for the buyer. The objective of any business is to STAY IN BUSINESS. Businesses that don't make any money go out of business, and do a disservice to their customers. 2) Failure of either party to have collected all the information they need to complete the decision-making process leading to a sale. For the car buyer: proof of insurance, FICO credit score, selecting vehicles that match available resources (money) and having a fair target out-the-door price in mind. For the car seller: Knowing the key selling features of the product, other options available if none of the products in stock meets the customer's requirement, and having at least one or more EXPERTS available who CAN demo and explain how all the features/technology work 3) Unrealistic expectations by either party For the buyer: expecting to 'steal' the product - buy it far far below true dealer cost, where no successful business can sustain itself. For the seller: expecting every prospect who walks in to be financially qualified, knowing exactly what they want to buy, have all the decision-making authority needed, AND ready to make a decision on-the-spot. 4) Lack of integrity e.g. "lying" by either party during the sales process and during completion of the actual paperwork. and, over the months and years of product ownership: 5) Failure to live up to the reasonable long-term expectations of either party. If the wheels fall off during the first month, that's not meeting any customer's reasonable expectations. If the wheels fall off after 15 years of hard use, it's no longer the dealer's problem! #5 is where Ford and some C-MAX early adopters will be for quite a while: The 'wait-and-see' phase. ===== Shopping (and especially car-shopping) is a sport for me. I truly enjoy it! I don't need a paid consultant. I'm retired. I had the time, the computer, and last winter was horrible, so I did three months of online research, first looking at Prius v, C-MAX, Escape, Fusion, Focus, Subaru CrossTrek, and several other hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles, new and used, while eventually downloading more than 100 C-MAX Monroney stickers from dealers in Indiana and adjoining states online before I prepared a list of the half-dozen C-MAXes equipped with at least the minimum options I was willing to pay for, in colors both my wife and I could live with (neither of us wanted black). Then I ranked the cars from best (lowest, in this case) price to highest, and closest dealer to farthest. We didn't NEED to buy any car that day, or at all. That took all the pressure off of us. I confirmed via the internet that the closest dealer with stock still had the first vehicle on my list, and that it would be available for a test drive later that day. We test-drove it, made a low, but fair, cash purchase offer, got a counter-offer $250 below my offer, and went to lunch to talk it over. During lunch, we confirmed with our insurance agent (by providing the vehicle VIN number) exactly how much annual insurance rates would change (increased less than $15 a month, going from a 2003 Pontiac Vibe to a 2013 Ford C-MAX). And we drove away in our brand new White Platinum 2013 C-MAX SE that same afternoon. The dealership, Bill Estes Ford in Brownsburg, Indiana EARNS outstanding marks on Dealerrater.com and everyone we met was extremely customer-focused. It wasn't just lip service. They are a modern, well-equipped, volume dealership in a newly-constructed facility in a western suburb of Indianapolis. They were very busy on the day we visited. Observing the positive energy of the dealership for a few moments while sitting and waiting to speak to our salesperson was an education in how to achieve high customer satisfactions ratings. Every employee treats everyone (visitor, co-worker, lot-boy) they encounter with courtesy and respect, giving each prospect an opportunity to become part of something exciting: to become valued clients of a great car dealership for life! We've since received a hand-written thank-you note from Brian Brickler, our salesperson, and follow-up phone calls the next day, the next week, and after four weeks. It's a great start to transforming us into valued clients who will enthusiastically provide referrals for both our vehicle, Brian, our salesperson, and the dealership. And it doesn't hurt that our C-MAX has met or exceeded all our expectations so far.

Update Just received a link to the 'official' notices from NHTSA this morning. Here are links to the documents you can read for yourself http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM455145/RCAK-14V237-2760.pdf http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM454933/RCDNN-14V237-3577P.pdf A few excerpts copied from the (Ford) second document: 573.6 © (2)- Potentially Affected Vehicles Vehicles potentially affected are certain 2013-2014 model year Escape and C-MAX vehicles equipped with Safety Canopy System ™, and built at the Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP) from October 5, 2011, to February 14, 2014, and the Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP) from January 19, 2012, to February 24, 2014, respectively. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this action to specific vehicles can best be obtained by either calling Ford's toll-free line (1 -866-436-7332) or by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database The information for the supplier of the Restraints Control Module (RCM), that is the subject of this defect report, is provided below. Restraints Control Module: Robert Bosch, LLC 15000 Haggerty Road Plymouth, Ml 48170 Christer Jansson (734) 979-4730 Country of Origin: Mexico 573.6 © (3)- Estimated Population of Vehicles Potentially Affected Approximately 594,785 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories are potentially affected. 573.6 © (4)- Estimated Percentage of Affected Vehicles with the Defect Condition 100%. 573.6 © (5)- Description of the Defect The Restraint Control Module (RCM) supplier inadvertently reversed polarity in the low-g, Z-axis (vertical axis) sensing configuration file. This sensing parameter is utilized in the deployment of the Safety Canopy System™ on the 2013-2014 Escape and C-MAX vehicles. As a result, the deployment of the safety canopy may be delayed in certain rollover circumstances, potentially increasing the risk of injury. No warranty, customer complaints, or injuries have been reported to date as a result of the subject condition. 2 ATTACHMENT 573.6 © (6)- Chronology of Events January 2014: During development of a forward model program, the RCM supplier engineering team detected a reversed polarity in the low-g, Z-axis sensing configuration file. Ford engineering was asked to determine the safety effect of the reversed polarity on vehicles equipped with the Safety Canopy System TM. February-March 2014: Ford analyzed and evaluated the design and determined that while it was fully compliant with all regulatory and Ford internal full-vehicle testing requirements, in certain rollover test scenarios, the effect of the reverse in polarity could be that Z-axis acceleration might not be sufficient to deploy the safety canopy as quickly as intended. April 2014: Even though all regulatory and Ford internal dynamic full-vehicle testing requirements were fully met, on April 28, 2014, Ford's Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action to reprogram the RCM to design intent. --- 573.6 © (8)- Service Program Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle(s) to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to reprogram the RCM to the latest level. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Mailing of owner notification letters will occur the week of May 26, 2014. Notification to dealers will occur on May 7, 2014. In accordance with Part 573.13(d)(1 ), Ford is excluding reimbursement for costs incurred by owners for repair of this concern because Ford's original warranty program would provide for a free repair for this concern for customers.

Odyssey lists this battery (PC1200MJT) with 1200CCA as a replacement for the 590CCA Motorcraft BXT-96R/590 original equipment battery, with the footnote 'Vehicle battery restraints may require modification': http://shop.odysseybattery.com/p/pc1200mjt-a?pp=12 I didn't find a 96R series Optima Yellowtop or Redtop battery in a quick search, but there could be other sizes that might fit. At double the price, and double the CCA amp rating, a higher-capacity battery still won't prevent some malfunctioning module or device that is causing a constant power drain from draining the battery to the point where the car is DOA/unresponsive, it will just take longer to get to that point. My 'failsafe backup' plan was a $50 rechargeable 'jumper battery', a much better investment for me, because it can also be used in other vehicles, will run 12v plug-in devices (like the Mobility kit air compressor when away from the car), power or recharge devices with a USB cable such as phones, cameras, and tablets, and serve as a work light if needed.

Yes. An SE with the Equipment Group 203A has cloth seats and all the features you mentioned. Adding the SE-only Winter Package would add heated front (still cloth) seats. I created a brief overview of models, listing the most significant standard features, available equipment groups, and options. I left suggested list prices off, because they can change during the model year. 2014 C-MAX model comparison.pdf You can look it up full details for each model here: http://www.ford.com/cars/cmax/trim/hybridse

UAV = Unidentified Acronym Vehicle ;)

Trying to get a handle on build dates, our C-MAX SE with a build date of April 11, 2013 does show the Outstanding Field Service Action when the VIN is entered at www.etis.ford.com. 14S04 - REPROGRAM RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE

Cross-shopped only in the vaguest sense. I saw a CT200h in January 2014 at an auto show when I was just starting to seriously consider hybrids. Never visited a Lexus dealership. I looked seriously at the Prius v Three at the time, talked to Toyota salespeople on the floor at the show, and gave them my info for a follow-up. (They sent a brochure, but no-one ever called or emailed to follow-up.) Prius v was originally my first choice, until I discovered the C-MAX... NOT a fan of the CT200h styling. Photos don't do them justice. They're far uglier in person. http://www.lexus.com/models/CTh/colors/ The car looks like an amateurishly-drawn body kit was hastily applied to a stretched Toyota Matrix hatchwagon, with a few pieces that didn't fit, but were stuck on anyway and then fairings added to make them stay put. I just don't understand the 'pinched grille' treatment the Lexus stylists seem determined to force on all of the models in the entire lineup. There's distinctive, and then there's just plain ugly. The rear side view and 3/4 view just has odd proportions in a 2004 Nissan Quest (after the Renault styling-influence) sort of way. Unfortunate choice to make imitation pleather (like the Toyota Prius v Five) the standard seating material except for the CT F Sport model where leather seating is an option, but WHO the heck wants a black headliner??? Interior space is tight, but OK if that's the size vehicle you want, and you choose to willingly pay extra for Prius technology with a Lexus price tag. The Prius v is far better proportioned and IMO a better value, though it's possible to hit $38,000 list with a fully optioned Prius v Five.

Judge for yourself: http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/S-MAX/Models The S-MAX Concept is an S-MAX that was chopped, channeled and sectioned, in the lingo of 50's era car customizers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chopping_and_channeling The result is closer in height and profile to a Fusion "wagon".

Looks a bit like a MUCH sleeker euro Grand Max (intimately related to the US Mazda 5) or, if you chopped the middle third out of the height of a US C-MAX and then stretched it about 20% longer. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/minivans-vans/1010_2012_ford_c_max_drive/photo_01.html They don't show these concept car doors opening, so I don't know if the rear doors are sliders or hinged. Wonder how many passengers it is supposed to hold? The euro Grand Max holds 7, the US Mazda 5 holds 6, in 3 rows of 2.

Handy with a blowtorch? ;) The Lincoln MKZ (Fusion-sized sedan and also available as a Hybrid) has a full panoramic moonroof that tilts and opens. Video from LincolnOwners.com via YouTube:

@Zathrus Lifetime Summary automatically displays after the ignition is turned off, but you have to be patient. First the most recent trip statistics are shown. Then, after a couple of moments, the lifetime stats appear for a few seconds, then the displays turn off. Page 108 in the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid manual, 3rd printing I have the SE, so I just turn off the key. I'm not sure how it works in the pushbutton SEL.

At 559.9 miles, all the rotors are still perfectly flat, no raised lip.

@Plus3Golfer re: a 'low mileage car' Not exactly sure what you're looking for, but here are stats: Built April 10, 2013We purchased it 03/26/2014 with 133 miles on the odometer.Ford ETIS shows no software updates available, so apparently all applicable updates were done. 559.9 odometer miles on the car.98% brake score210.3 EV miles = 37.56% EV miles26.7 regen miles = 4.768% regen miles Snapshots of the rotor surfaces Driver's side front disc Driver's side rear disc Passenger side front disc Passenger side rear disc

Slightly OT, but I was trying to catch up on 18 months of useful forum info... The original link to the YouTube video with Gil Portalatin is now is marked 'Private' when I try to view it. Does anyone have a public link? While searching, I found this GeekBeat video interview with Dr. Mazen Hammoud, Chief Engineer of Ford's Hybrid Drive Technology, taped at the 2014 NAIAS show in Detroit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtRYa84mQoM

Don't forget the recent NO SALE/NO DEMO seat recall affecting remaining 2013's that would affect April sales of both Fusion and C-MAX http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchResults?searchType=ID&targetCategory=R&searchCriteria.nhtsa_ids=14V164000 And the worst winter weather in 30 to 40 years in many parts of the midwest and east, affecting most December, January, and February sales

2013 C-MAX vehicles manufactured from July 23rd, 2012 through May 28th, 2013 and still on dealer lots are subject to the Stop Sale/No Demo order for potential defective welds in the seat recliner mechanism. This notice indicates recall expected to begin about May 19th. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchResults?searchType=ID&targetCategory=R&searchCriteria.nhtsa_ids=14V164000 That's hundreds, perhaps thousands of unsold cars just sitting there that can't be sold or even demoed until the seat recall is completed on them.

EDITED 07-02-2014 to remove old tables and charts C-MAX Energi Sales for April 2014 were reported at 525 here: http://insideevs.com/april-2014-plug-electric-vehicle-sales-report-card/ By subtraction from reported combined sales of C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi total of 2111 reported here: http://corporate.ford.com/doc/ir-20140501-april-sales-press-release.pdf that means 1586 C-MAX Hybrids were sold.

Just noticed that the actual code shown in the pic above is P1674, not P1764.

I think painting those stripes would be difficult to get even coverage with a spray can. Ford does sell a number of stripe kits (even hood, roof, and trunk-lids, for Fiesta, Focus, Mustang, and F-150's. http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com I guess Fusion and C-MAX owners just aren't racy enough. Apply the stripes, then replace SEL with "SVT" on the tailgate, and people will be astounded at how much faster your C-MAX goes and how much better the gas mileage is. ;) I've thought about a lower-body stripe of some sort to fill the 'gouge'.

Some people are only looking for attention, not solutions. EDIT: On Twitter you can see the 100+ attempts this, uh, "person", has made trying to make a story "go viral" by spamming: 173 messages posted. 5 followers. Draw your own conclusions.

Used C-MAXes originally titled in Florida are being sold at auction somewhere. When I first started looking for a C-MAX, I found around a dozen or so vehicles originally leased in Florida to car-rental companies, and all were now for sale in Indiana/Ohio/Kentucky. They all had a Special Order designation on the Monroney stickers, and all included a $45.00 Daytime Running Light (DRL) option. The dealers who offered free CarFax or AutoCheck on used cars, allowed me to confirm that the vehicles were originally titled in Florida. I've attached a window sticker example.

EDITED 07-02-2014 to delete old chart This really wasn't meant to become an active comment thread. I was actually posting a test table, hence the title TEST… and posted in the TEST forum, but then I wasn't sure how to delete the post, so I left it here... In any case, thanks to the Energi sales figures posted above by Plus 3 Golfer, I've revised the table and made it less colorful, but showing C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi model sales separately. With a sales hold on some 2013's because of the seat-weld recall, I don't expect that April sales will be spectacular.

In internet time, good news travels fast. BAD NEWS (Consumers Union trashing the car TWICE, once for the EPA rating (August 2013), and again for 'Unreliability' (April 2014 cover date "Annual Auto Issue") travels much faster, spreads farther, and most people simply accept the headline, without reading the full article, without questioning the source, without understanding the test methodology, AND WITHOUT SEEING ALL the real-world experiences (both good AND bad) of actual owners, as chronicled in this forum and elsewhere.

Welcome from another Hoosier (Lebanon), recent C-MAX purchaser, and Vibe owner! We just purchased a new C-MAX for my wife about a month ago. And if you're not aware, check out a family-friendly Vibe forum at www.genvibe.com. (I'm kostby over there too.)