stevedebi

I sometimes have trouble, but basically it is a Microsoft product - you have to adjust your speaking to match the programming. The exact opposite of Android and IOS. My favorite error is to speak too quickly after the prompt. That messes up every time.

The sensor pick up wide objects like curbs and walls best. If there was a pole there (or a person), it is hit-or-miss as to if the sensors will pick them up. I think I will always have a backup camera and sensors on my future cars.

The discontinued Ice Storm for 2015, so unless they had some in stock, you may not see them.

As it happens, I can see the bumper in the camera, so there is no chance of hitting accidentally.

I got my 303A because it was the only one on the lot in Ice Blue.

Well, I've got the Energi, which I suspect all have the camera. One note for the factory (or dealer) installed system - it integrates with the sensor, so that you have a visual indication of the distance (green, yellow, red), as well as visual, overlayed onto the video. Also, it provides two turn predictor lines that indicate where the car will go based on the direction of the front wheels. On my Escape Hybrid, I got by with just the rear sensors (it didn't have Nav). Invaluable. But with the sensor and the camera, it is really easy to park. If you have the 303a, it is even easier, with side and front sensors. I still don't use the auto park - scared the heck out of me, although I'm sure it would never actually hit the car in front (it just looked like it was within an inch).

I have a SGII from my 2008 FEH, but I've not plugged it in yet. And I may not, although I like the idea of monitoring the tire pressures. I don't hypermile enough to warrant plugging it in for normal use. On the FEH there wasn't enough information provided by the system. I am comfortable with the level of information the C-Max provides.

I appreciate all the folks who think it is a waste of money. As I said, in my case the warranty has more than paid for itself, even with the Honda, which are know for reliabiliby. I plan to buy one before I hit 34K miles. It is a matter of judgement and personal preferrence, of course. One thing that influences my decision: I want to have complete mechanical coverage on the car so long as I'm making payments. No unexpected costs that way.

It is not just turning themselves on. When a car passes me and splashes the windshield, the wipers automatically go to maximum. The wiper speed changes depending on how much rain (or thrown water) is hitting the windshield.

Wow, yours is the first SEL I've hear of that didn't have a backup camera. I looked at a 302a SEL and it had a camera.

I have to agree with you - and I own the Energi. We have a larger diesel car for longer trips. However for my daily commute the Energi means I could theoretically run for 2-3 months without adding gas. (I don't - I've been going 200 miles twice a month to visit a sick friend). I always suggest that folks look at the Energi before buying the hybrid - but especially look at the cargo area as well! Each car has its advantages and disadvantages.

Well, there were FEH in San Franscisco that went 300K on the original battery. However that was probably over only 4-5 years - I don't recall. But Ford adjusts the software as the battery loses capacity. I would expect a C-Max hybrid to last at least 8 years, since that is the warranty on the battery. Probably 10-12 years. Yes, the mileage may decrease, but the car will still run. Without the HVB it won't even start.

I found the rain sensing wipers to be very useful this past rainy season here in LA...

We ran over this in the Fusion Hybrid forum. It turns out that all states (including CARB) only warranty for 8 years, 100K for the hybrid version. The Energi has the higher 10 years / 150K (but only in CARB states).

That is very similar to the reported SOC on my 2008 FEH. It goes a bit lower in the C-Max. Ford has been doing hybrids for 10 years!

I missed the "Check Battery Charge" in the owners manual when I read it. It is on page 99 for the 2014 version. I've certainly never seen it, although I've run my bettery down to very low when in EV+. There is only one battery in the Energi. They just reserve a section of it for use when EV Now is no longer possible. It is a bit more complicated that that, but only one battery...

Yes, verification would be good. His profile said "SL" for the model number, I suppose that was meant to be SEL. Makes more sense. Just a FWIW, if the HVB stops working, it doesn't post an error. The car won't work at all. Is there some alert for the Hybrid that I'm not aware of? Having a "low" battery is a normal part of hybrid driving - the ICE kicks in to recharge it, between the programmed SOC levels.

If it were me I'd pony up for a new SEL. With the deals and rebates right now, it is worth it, especially if you plan to keep it a long time. Get the car you really want. I just saw 72 months at zero percent interest AND 3500 rebate on 2014s at my local dealer.

The accessory mode, where the engine is not enabled? I have the SEL (Energi), with the keyless start, so mine is a bit different. I did not realize the HV dropped with accessory position on the key. It should be the 12V battery supplying the power. That sounds unusual, although the HV is used to recharge the 12v. Maybe the engine came on to charge the 12v? In any case, there should be circuits protecting the HVB. I would expect the 12v to die if you left it on.

We get a fair amount of sun here in LA. I keep mine closed during the day. I think the shade does a pretty good job, and I believe the roof is the only window tinted at the factory. There is a lot of glass on the sides of the car, and that is going to let in the heat. I got the pano because it was on both the cars with the color I wanted. I often open it up in the morning and evening, or when cruising on a trip (the kids like it open). It really opens up the car. Also, with the pano roof, the lights are in a different position than the normal C-Max (from what I've read), and more convenient to reach.

Local prices were 2.99 last time I looked, although I was filling up a diesel VW at the time and didn't really notice that well.

Upsizing the wheels shouldn't have provided more ground clearance? The larger rims should have a narrower rubber, or your speedometer would be all over the place (reading too low). Plus, there isn't a whole lot of clearance in the wheel wells anyway (hence the reason the C-Max cannot use snow chains).

The only thing I can think of that the Ford mechanic could have meant is that the connections are different because of the layout of the cars, and the programming is different. The Fusion has a lot more features available. I would expect that 75% (or more) of the CPU programming is common between the two vehicles. The fusion doesn't have mechanical buttons for the seat heaters, for example. There is no BLIS option for the C-Max, as another example.

With several hundred demo miles on it I should the the main battery is likely OK. I would have them add a zero deductible, 8 year, 125K PremiumCare ESP warranty - from Ford - for 18K, and have them include the first day rental (usually $90 extra). That would cover you for any problems.

Yeah, pretty impressive. I had the 2008, with the earlier 2.3L engine and AWD to boot. My lifetime average was just under 29. His experience is one reason I really respect the posts that GaryG puts up.