stevedebi

It would also be against Federal law. That warm up period is part of the EPA pollution controls.

I always have mine serviced at the dealer during the warranty period. I've done that with every new car I've owned. It is a bit more expensive, but everthing is fully documented in the Ford database. Also, I've seen some sloppy service from the independent oil change shops. I think it is better to have my dealer familiar with the vehicle itself if something comes up. Also, the dealer often seems to find stuff that an oil change store won't - and it is under warranty, so they are not trying to make money, just keep the car up to snuff. But legally, it is not required, so long as you keep your receipts.

I have a question for the longer time C-Max owners. I used to own a 2008 Escape Hybrid. About every 30K miles or so, the car would do a "recalibration" event, where it allowed the charge to go down to around 30% (normally it was around 54% minimum) up to around 90% (normally a max of 66%). This was to determine the capabilities of the battery pack, and adjust the charge useage. After this event, it went another 30K before it happened. It was most noticeable when the engine kept running to charge the battery, even at stop lights with the engine warm. Has anyone seen this in the C-Max? I personally own the Energi, and I believe we have decided over on that Forum that the Energi doesn't need this, because the car is plugged into the electric grid every night, so the system can perform analysis constantly. But the C-Max is more like my old FEH.

There are limits as to what can be added on. Ford engineered a complete system, of which the MFT and sync are only part. Then they moved on to the next generation, which included hardware design changes. I see it as no different than when the computer manufacturers went to the ATX motherboard design. When that change was made, there were no upgrades - it simply wasn't possible. Other car manufacturers do it simpler by not integrating their electronics; Ford did it more thoroughly. For those other manufacturers, upgrades are possible because of a simpler integration; I prefer the way Ford did it. Perhaps it is because I test software, but I respect a decision to just move on to more advanced hardware rather than trying to crimp new stuff into older platforms. It has happened with PCs many times, and to some extent it happens each time a car does a complete redesign. Tesla does it because they know their batteries are going to go out, plus their upgrades are software based - and their product is much more expensive. It is more cost effective. I don't mean to "rail" on anyone - their car choice is a personal decision. But to me this is not upsetting. I'd prefer to get away from Microsoft, but I understand total engineering the integration of software/hardware into an entire experience. EDIT: Having said that, I have my own reasons that I may not buy a Ford next time. But that is another story involving corporate decisions, made one way for no logical reason at all. Pretty much the opposite of this "sync 3" thread.

Oh, I know each manufacturer has its issues - it is just that I've not had one with Honda or VW, and now I have had one with Ford. I've owned a lot of Fords in my life, and only a Honda and a VW otherwise. Anyway, it is interesting how a single event can color the perception. Of course, I'm getting to be older now, maybe that makes a difference!

It is simpler just to turn on the headlights instead of covering the sensor - that is the daylight sensor, and all it does it turn on the headlights. I don't do this for two reasons. First, the main headlights use a lot more energy - the DRL are only 20% (as I recall) of the headlight energy. The second is that the headlights turn on the tail lights, which I find confusing to other drivers during the daytime. The DRL only turn on the forward lights - and make it much easier for others to see me when approaching. EDIT: I'm concerned about the energy use because I have a C-Max Energi, which has an EV mode - the less energy you use, the further it goes. Never the less, I am willing to part with the small amount of energy for DRL - safety first! The problem I have with DRL is that the first year DOES have DRL - and so does the 2014. But only for fleet sales. My issue is that they won't allow it to be turned on by the dealer, and even removed the option of the dealer setting for 2014. Of course, for 2015 they made it avalabile to the operator in the left hand setup screens. But that doesn't help me. But hey, what is one customer who may not repeat for Ford on the next purchase? I've gotten good service out of my dealer, and fortunately they sell several brands, including VW and Honda (my two next choices). But what this entire response to the C-Max MPG fiasco says about Ford corporate is not pleasant. They removed the MPGe, and DRL, and evidently removed the range indicator on the 2015 Energi as well - all because they apparently think the customer is not smart enough to figure out mileage themselves, and not smart enough to decide if DRL are needed or not. More than anything else, I have to be confident in the corporate philosophy behind the car I buy. That was solid before this car, and now it is shaky. As I said, it all depends on how I feel about the company in three years. It is no longer a solid "buy" for me.

But if it is a new 2015 it won't be Ice Storm since they discontinued the color.

Ford has done a lot of that sort of thing, like removing MPGe because it shows a lower value than raw MPG. That rebate check really hit them, and they made a bunch of "perception" changes. The one I hate the most is that they removed the dealer option to enable Daytime Running Lights on the 2014. It is automatically set at the factor for fleet sales, but cannot be set for retail sales. So the 2013 could have it, and the 2015 has it as a setting option that the owner can enable, but I cannot have it on my 2014. They even told the dealer (incorrectly) that it is illegal to go into the dealer accessable settings (it is illegal to HACK those settings, but not for the dealer to maniuplate them per factory instrucitons). I still get steamed about it, and I'm not sure about buying another Ford. It will just depend on how much I like this one after my lease runs out. To me it is a safety feature and should be enabled if desired - at least by the dealer. I try not to think about it - but I see DRL on cars every day (just not on mine). It is not the DRL or lack thereof. It is the attitude displayed by their actions in this case. I've owned a lot of Fords in my life, and I like their engineering. But it may be back to Honda after this one, or maybe VW - my wife has a Passat, and the dealer and company has been great, plus it has great engineering. EDIT: For those interested, what Ford did is remove the DRL setting from the Body Control Module (BCM) settings menu in the firmware. For the 2013, there was a setting that the dealer could simply enable. WHY they did it? I suspect because the DRL use a very small amount of electric energy and they didn't want any mileage impact - this despite the fact DRL is required in Canada, so it was engineered into the car.

Yup, I didn't mention it because I figured you would know right away if it works - but the Energi has a lot less space back there.

I'm not interested in being correct, I'm interested in the correct information. Rather large difference... Sorry, I still don't see it. For the same engine size, the Atkinson has less power. The engine size largely determines MPG (along with how hard it is driven and etc - there is a ton of factors). If there is no difference, why don't the manufacturers use Atkinson cycle on all engines?

Now that is strange. How are folks supposed to figure their MPG? EDIT: I mean, deleting the guage is useless - folks can figure the mileage from the odometer. I wonder if the Energi version also deleted the KW used, which was in that same area. That would make it difficult to calculate MPGe, at least using the car features (as opposed to measuring the electric costs at the wall plug). But maybe the Energi is different.

Good point. It remains pressurized for some time, I'm not sure how long.

Very strange, considering the door isn't supposed to open at all unless the vehicle is in PARK.

The trip guages have to be customize to show detailed data like gallons. I found that out in my 2014. Not sure if the 2015 is the same way.

Well, it has got to be working or you'd have no brakes. Not sure why the sound has decreased. But if anything is actually wrong, the car will throw a yellow wrench light in short order, and probably not work anymore. As others have said, take it to the dealer if you feel uncomfortable. Could be the cold, I suppose. I no longer notice mine, but then my 2008 FEH also did the same noises.

If you trade, consider the Energi. With state and federal rebates it was actually cheaper (by a little) for me when I bought, over the normal C-Max.

Frank, The figures you posted: From 2014 Ford Focus Specifications: Engine type 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4 Horsepower (SAE net@rpm) 160 @ 6500 Torque (lb. ft. @ rpm) 146 @ 4450 From 2015 C-Max Specifications: Engine type 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine Horsepower (SAE net@rpm) 141 @ 6000 rpm Torque (lb.-ft.@rpm) 129 @ 4000 rpm I'm not sure of your point, because the Atkinson engine puts out less Horsepower and less Torque. how is that "comparable power"?

If I drove my C-Max like a Mustang, I could probably duplicate poor MPG a well. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to see how bad they could do for MPG?

Did you speak with a lawyer experienced in this sort of thing? You might have to sue.

That is probably the electronics cooling pump, it pressurizes. Or it could be the braking system pressurizing. You probably just are not noticing the pump. I hear the noise if I'm listening for it.

Too true. With the winter weather, and infrequent fuel fill up, I've taken to checking my tires each time I put in gas. They had lost a couple of lbs last fill up. I keep mine at 44. BTW, my dealer set mine to 34 at delivery. I didn't realize it until my first fill up a month later. One of the tires was actually at 32.

I found that when the right hand screen is in Navigation mode the "OK" button on the wheel has no effect. I've since gone to using the paddle buttons for all answer and end functions. That way I'm used to doing it when those Nav mode situations arise. I don't like using the MFT because with the sensitive electric steering I tend to drift when working it.

I have not seen any reports of problems with the 2015, and few with the 2014, in either the C-Max or C-Max Energi forums. I think they have solved the basic issues. Of course, and individual car may have a problem not related to design, but that is true of any vehicle. I'd certainly shop both and see which one fits your needs, without worrying about the battery. But really, the two vehicles are pretty different. The Prius seems more oriented to MPG, and hence is lighter and drives that way. The C-Max is oriented to good gas mileage if driven right, but with more solid ride and comfort - completely different design concepts, and appropriate for different folks. I would not expect the same ride from the Prius and I would not expect the same MPG from a C-Max.

If the car has less than 36K / 3 years, you could probably still get the extended warranty. Cost a couple grand with zero deductable, but it would provide 125K / 7 years of peace of mind. Combine that with a low price and it could work out.

Frank, I think you just proved my point. For the same engine displacement, the Atkinson cycle has less power. It does have better fuel economy at speed. This is the entire point of coupling it with an electric drive system for lower speeds and additional punch when needed. Otherwise they would have simply used a conventional cycle engine in the hybrids. EDIT: Thanks for the information, though, it is appreciated!