jestevens

Haven't put a dime into my SEL except for tires, light bulbs, cabin filter, oil changes and a new 12V battery after its useful service life. Have 104K mi now, I will go in for 100K mi service once oil minder comes on. For that service I do expect to spend some $$ but hard to complain.

I routinely average about 40MPG, mostly around town driving during week with highway driving on weekend. This is the problem FORD had when they initially claimed C-MAX got 60MPG .. thing is - the BEST average I could get with my HHR was 25MPG, my Blazer used a quarter tank of gas everywhere I went. The Prius did better, I could average 45-50MPG but that was not crossover. So C-MAX is still roughly double the MPG of any other crossover. Plus, it's also quiet, powerful, with nice trim .. my car was the ONLY C-MAX on the dealer lot and I didn't see too many hybrids when I needed emergency tire swap in MD last weekend. People just don't believe it, or don't care. If you really stretch it and the geography/climate is right, some of the members here HAVE been able to do 50-60MPG. Monday, with warm weather I was able to get 50MPG but that was on one isolated trip. I like the torque too much..

Well after 6 years I finally got my first flat - with brand new tires less than 1K on them. Driving 2 hrs to visit some friends, get within 2 miles of their place and I hear the "tick, tick, tick" -- as I turn through an intersection. It's getting dark and auto shops want to go home on Friday. After much consternation over not being able to find the plugs I bought a few years back - and pumping up the tire with the inflator going from garage to garage I was able to find an auto parts store and get a plug kit but it seemed like the tire still have a slow leak overnight. Next day a regional Ford dealer was able to help me out with two new Energy Saver A/S .. thank goodness for extended service hours on Saturday. So now I have my $400 memorial bolt.. the car rides like a dream .. Oh and while I was putting the inflator away I found the plugs I was looking for initially. I think I am going to bring one of those LED lanterns, work gloves, an adjustable pliers wrench and some plugs everywhere I go now...probably also invest in AAA. I agree that having at least a jack would also be helpful - it was a lot harder to plug with the tire still on the car but you gotta do what you gotta do.

You might already know this but you can pry up the Ford logo on the back of the smartkey to get an actual key you can use to unlock the driver's door.

The only reason I knew about it is that we had C-MAX in our vehicle fleet at work..the very first time I drove it I hated it - the engine was whining like crazy because the SOC must have been low - second time I drove it was much better - then I test drove the Prius V, with all intention of trading up from my Prius and I was really disappointed - even the sales lady could see it - the C-MAX was a much nicer car with a lot more performance. I really think they had too many focus, escape and F-150s to sell. People around here aren't keen on hybrid cars - they wouldn't believe me when I told them I was routinely getting 45-49MPG with the Prius.

This was at the same time when the Chevy Dealer near me was advertising the Colorado pickup getting 35MPG .. also dubious. I think they pretty much just wanted the government grant money to develop the HF35. The C-MAX beats the Prius V in almost every category - but they had lots of Focus, Escapes and F-150s to sell..plus my C-MAX rarely sees the service bay. The MPG is great, but not the only reason I've been driving hybrids for more than 10 years now. The cars are powerful, efficient, quiet and typically have up-level trim to counter the expensive price tag if you were to buy new..low mileage used is a much better deal. I used to like the Sonata Hybrid as well but after problem with oil pump and substandard HV power relay, no thanks - plus Hyundai decided to mate the hybrid drivetrain to a six speed rather than a CVT - it's so annoying when the power abruptly cuts out because of too much torque. Toyota cars routinely have over 300Kmi on them - when I traded in my Gen II 2007 Prius for the CMAX someone moving up from a Gen I Prius bought it off the dealer lot the next day.

The reason I mentioned the cabin air filter was because if an allergen is irritating your sinuses it might eventually impact your nose, ears or throat if it's severe enough...depending on how long you spend in the car or how sensitive you are to whatever it is. I am not sure how old your car is, if you were the first owner, etc. it was just a thought.

I just got to drive a 2020 Fusion Hybrid yesterday and I can say I actually like Sync 2 more than I like Sync 3 - I found that I needed to glance away from the road and look at the screen for many seconds while using Sync 3, Sync 2 has more intuitive controls. Apart from that the downhill regen braking button was also in a weird place that made me stare away from the road, and the throttle response is retarded - in more ways than one. The car is only about 100lbs heavier than the C-MAX but when I'm driving it is soo slow - seems like it weighs 5,000lbs?? ..and all of that just to get 34MPG.. Sad. Was bad enough to make me wonder if someone had put standard tires on rather than LRR tires. It's a fine car to drive, if you're not in a hurry. Oh, and then I found the ECO button - which was turned off - I can't imagine what it would have been like with it on. Sorry for the rant..

The only thing I can think of, short of allergens being stuck in the cabin filter or mold growing under the seat is that this car, like many new cars uses electronic noise cancellation? The mics and speakers are used to generate white noise that deadens some of the background noise? The cabin air filter is sort of a pain to change but it is doable with the right screwdriver bits - it's directly behind the center console stack near the floor of the car - inevitably I'm always replacing it when it's 100F outside and you have to contort your body to reach it. The side panel of the air box comes off and then you sort of have to squeeze and rotate the filter to get it in place .. sweating like crazy when it's done.

My car has always "whined" on electric but that is the noise I would expect it to make using an electric motor drivetrain? A loud continuous noise would be something completely different? I've also had the ANC reverb issue that happens if you leave the windows down - the exhaust/transmission sounds a little crazy there but it's only temporary annoyance.

I have a 2013 SEL with an April 2012 build date. The only things I have put into this car are oil changes, tires and a new 12V battery after 7 years of service. I think service manager replaced the engine air filter once at 60K and I replace the cabin air filter myself about once a year. I've also had to install new headlight and turn signal bulbs (not really fun but doable with the right bits). I now have 103K mi .. I drive mostly around town with occasional highway driving - no transmission problems so far, never had 12V battery drain issue - I think SEs may be more prone to that then SEL for some reason. Next time the oil service minder comes up I'll probably take it in for the 100K mi service - I'm expecting to pay more for that one since it involves changing spark plugs, etc. Some of the folks here say not to bother with the plugs but I'll do it anyway. I've heard that down south is not kind to batteries - if you are comfortable then HVB is comfortable - so hopefully whoever had the car before wasn't stingy with the AC or always parking it in 100F sun. I average 40MPG with Goodyear Assurance Fuelmax tires inflated to 42PSI. Hybrids use low rolling resistance tires and most of them start out at 7/10 tread so bear that in mind - you may be buying tires more often - but I've been driving hybrids for 10 years now with a Prius before this and really, wouldn't buy any other type of car. They are quiet, powerful, efficient and up level trim since they have to justify the higher price tag. If you buy used the sticker shock is gone. I wouldn't buy a Prius V, has absolutely no power whereas C-MAX has plenty. I'm going to try to wait at least two more years before I consider next car because I think the market is shifting more toward hybrid and electric. The only thing that would make me get rid of CMAX is if the transmission or power steering were failing but so far it's good. I think some folks mentioned after 270K the power steering was going bad. I have the one with the panoramic roof and I love it here in PA, but if I was in Mississippi maybe not - it's sealed glass with a window shade below it. At the time the C-MAX debuted you couldn't get a pano roof in any other car for less than $40K and I paid $20K for CMAX..

Originally Ford said the approved way of updating to 3.10 was via dealer using IDS, they weren't going to push it out through the owner.ford.com website. I have also updated via an image on USB, I had to search for a copy with google. 3.8 (or 3.08?) seems to be a worthwhile upgrade but I'm not sure 3.10 is that worthwhile - as other have said it may have introduced a few bugs as well. When I ask voice to "Play Track 1" it wants to know if I mean track 1 on the CD or track 1 in my media library and when I say "CD" it says, "That's not a valid track number for this disc" - then it says "CD" and I say "Play Track 1" and it goes ahead and plays the first track on the CD.

I found this info on an F150 forum: v3.7 ABOUT THE LATEST UPDATE The new software update for SYNC® with MyFord Touch systems includes all the improvements from previous updates, plus additional benefits such as: Navigation:Map content for Europe and Australia/New Zealand regions Mute button for SYNC Navigation prompts added to Navigation map screen Estimated "Time of Arrival," instead of "Time to Destination" now shown on map screen v3.8 ABOUT THE LATEST UPDATE The new software update for SYNC® with MyFord Touch® systems includes all the improvements from previous updates, plus additional benefits such as: Siri® Eyes Free*:Now iPhone users can use Siri® Eyes Free with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®. With simple voice commands, SYNC® with MyFord Touch® enables you to operate the iPhone and SYNC® together. Siri® Eyes Free can be activated by pressing and holding the voice button for at least 3 seconds. Secure, simple phone pairing: Phone pairing is now easier. Automatic reconnection: If your phone disconnects, SYNC® with MyFord Touch® will automatically reconnect it. Easier entry of destinations for China: Now SYNC® with MyFord Touch® allows for easier entry of destinations. v3.10 ABOUT THE LATEST UPDATE The new software update for SYNC® with MyFord Touch® systems includes all the improvements from previous updates, plus additional changes to accommodate new and updated customer devices, such as: Hazard switch illuminates on Focus / Escape with ignition off and park lamps on Next Track / Previous Track controls from SYNC touchscreen SYNC Maintaining Repeat / Shuffle settings that were set on the device side Compatibility updates for the latest phone and media devices

If you have Siri set to enable "Allow Siri When Locked" then you can use Apple Carplay by holding the voice button on the steering wheel for a long time .. instead of the usual Sync 2 "bong" noise the car will hook Siri up to the built in speakers and mics and you'll hear Siri's double beep tone. You can ask Siri to call a particular contact or say "New Message to Jane Smith.." and dictate a message - at least when certain features aren't already being used by the phone and car. A lot of actions won't work because Siri doesn't want to work while you are driving or you need to have your phone unlocked. To get the more full featured version of Android Auto and Carplay requires a substantial hardware upgrade to enable Sync 3. Ford doesn't support it, but there is a third party website the offers Sync 3 upgrade kits for @ $1500.. There were a handful of navigation upgrades, I think you can mute voice guidance by pressing button on nav interface screen now..

Has anyone tried the Escape Hybrid? It seems like it would be the successor to the C-MAX. It looks like they got rid of the CVT in favor of an 8 speed automatic and in the build configurator it doesn't list the MPG .. elsewhere on the site I was able to find MPG spec comparable to C-MAX. You can even buy the pano roof as an option. Given those were two big issues with the C-MAX it doesn't surprise me but I've driven a Hyundai hybrid with a 6 speed automatic at work and it sucks vs. CVT - they program rev limits on the Hyundai to make sure the powertrain matches up with the gears.. They also list the Explorer under "Electric Vehicles" but there doesn't appear to be a hybrid or EV option.

Toggle "button" that gives you the ability to mute GPS voice right from the map display? I think they also added the ability to connect the sync computer to internet via your cell phone but I don't think there is any benefit to that from a consumer standpoint. I ran 3.8 for a while and that was fine, 3.10 actually seems to have an issue with bluetooth audio streaming music from Google Play Music on my iPhone SE. The first time I connect, the audio stream speeds up to the point where it goes out of sync - eventually the whole phone disconnects bluetooth and reconnects - from that point forward if you restart the audio it works okay. It was a little grumpy on 3.8 but whatever they did in 3.10 aggravates the problem even more. Also, they still haven't fixed the track display for MP3 and/or Audio CDs - sometimes it will neglect to update the song title when it switches to a new song.

By the VIN I think mine was made in May 2012, just turned 102K miles and still going.. Really like this car, I will hold on to it until the transmission fails. Maybe then a Prius or we'll see what type of other electric/hybrids are available within two years. I used to like Hyundai Sonata Hybrid until the one we drive at work started having overheated HV power relay problems.

Yes, it reminds me of those cloth shades that you see on outdoor patios to avoid direct sun. Love mine, dealer tried to sell me a 2017 and I wouldn't take it because I would rather have my 2013 with the pano roof. Very nice in fall and winter to get a little extra sun. Never really had a problem with the heat or cold vs. another car but if I lived in a high heat area like MS or AZ maybe I would forgo it.

As I posted before when I bought my 2013 SEL it was a former fleet vehicle - worked like a motorcycle - engine on, lights on..very annoying. I had the dealer shop use IDS to reprogram the BCM to disable the lights..(now works via switch on dash). The instrument cluster lights seem to be always automatic based on the sensor in the dash. I don't know if there is difference in the BCM for SE vs SEL - sounds like there might be based on the option missing from the menu.

At least with an AGM battery if it goes completely dead you would be able to recharge it.. I've been lucky that my SEL never experienced the issue until the battery was truly ready for a replacement (> 5 years old).

I thought this was going to be a post on the "global express" down function of the FOB where when you hold down the unlock button all the windows unwind. But yeah, any time you reconnect the 12V you need to "re-calibrate" the windows..

Do you have to step on the gas (ICE) to get it to move all the time? Hybrid cars need low rolling resistance tires, period. Without them you won't be able to do all of the coasting that is necessary to save gas. There are multiple versions of the P7 tire. "Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus" and "All Season" (A touring tire, $150 or $174 on tire rack) have their "EcoImpact" formulation. I had a set of the P7's and although they were "stickier" than the other tires I found that to be helpful in wet/snow weather so I grumbled a little bit and kept them anyway until they wore out. With the OEM tires the car was reporting around 45MPG average. My average MPG when I switched to the P7s and ever since really has been about 40.2 with tires at 42 psi. On individual trips I range from 37-60MPG - depending on ambient temp, engine temp, traffic, use of EV+ around town, etc. The local dealership recommended Goodyear fuel max assurance tires and they seem like a good tradeoff between price and performance. I find that LRR tires already start out at 7/10th brand new, so although I don't seem to put that many miles on I go through one set of tires a year anyway, maybe I like the electric torque too much. It may be that brand new they are very sticky, and once they get broken in your mileage may get slightly better. One time just starting out with hybrid I was stupid and decided to put standard BF Goodrich Traction T/A tires on my Prius because I didn't know just how much difference LRR tires make. HUGE mistake, every time you step on gas engine comes on (the horror!). I took them back to shop immediately and very lucky they were willing to swap them for LRR without any additional fees.

My C-MAX was a fleet vehicle in a former life and must have been spec'd at the factory to have absolutely NO tinting on ANY window.. It also came with the BCM programmed to have the headlights on full blast any time the engine was on (like a motorcycle). I was able to get service to reprogram the BCM to allow manual control of headlights but I didn't want to pay to have ALL of the windows tinted - I just use the visors.

Service dept has something called "stop squeak tape" or something like that - it's like double sided foam tape that they can use to pad trim pieces.

If you have an air conditioned garage that would be ideal, the worst part is usually 90F in 90% humidity when I try to change mine and it's not easy to lay across the passenger footwell area. I get why they put the filter box there but it was a lot easier on the Prius and HHR (right behind the glove box vs. under the center console stack in C-MAX/Focus).