Tom

Interesting. Thanks.

After digging out my C-Max from under two feet of snow and several days of non-operation, it started like a champ. Maybe the dead battery problem is fixed?

Thanks, Tom

Some automotive experts recommend replacing all fluids on a two year basis due to water buildup -- especially brake fluids. I checked the owners' manual and could not find a recommendation one way or the other. Any thoughts?

My wife was driving our C-Max yesterday and something fell onto the road beneath her -- still partially attached. She pulled off the road and called AAA for a tow to our Ford dealer. Service writer asked if we had had an oil change recently -- which we had at the dealer. He speculated that the engine shield had become lose and dropped. Haven't heard back from him as of now but expect to today. I'm bring this to everyone's attention so that the do it your selfers will be careful. And to get some feedback on any other similar experiences?

Perhaps it’s like cancer, if it doesn’t reoccur in five years you’re cured.

LT MPG 40.8 Brake Score 96 EV miles 8852 Regen miles 4736 Total miles 16,997

I have a 2013 SE and have experienced three no start incidents. Other than that, no problems what so ever. Just got back from a trip to the Carolinas and had no problems. Got low 40's MPG using AC constantly and driving the speed limits. It's a great car.

Other than three battery failures - car wouldn't start - none.

I looked up my car and it is listed. Then, I called my Ford dealer to make am appointment to have 15B04 performed and was told that it's a Ford Motor Co issue and that the dealership had nothing to do with it. A customer satisfaction matter. Anyone have more on this? I can't call Ford until Tuesday. Thanks.

If one doesn't respond to all recalls, could you jeopardize your warranties?

I think the C-Max appeals to two types of owners: The computer literate and interested in state of the art, andThose who are older and enjoy the room and seating the C-Max offers.My wife and I are 72 &73. We enjoy our C-Max and expect it to be our last car.

Don't know if this is relevant to C-Max but ... In the news Recalls: Jump start batteries could cause fireAsbury Park Press‎ - 1 day agoA line of portable jump start batteries that can overheat and cause a fire are among ... DETAILS: Jump&Go Portable jump start and power supply 12-volt power supplies, with ... More news for 12 volt battery jump start recall

I may have missed it, but has Ford divined the reason(s) for the battery failures? It seems to me that there must be multiple reasons. If it were just one, Ford would have identified it and fixed it by now. I have experienced three failures that occurred at widely separated times and under no special conditions. Dealership did the "fix" of the day for me. Perhaps now it really has been repaired -- or perhaps not?

Anybody notice how the drought is affecting real estate sales/prices? I'm thinking of moving to the bay area to be with family. Thanks

Has Ford rewritten the owner's manual in an intelligible form yet?

I am going to wash the underside of my car tomorrow as the temperature will be above freezing. I know that car wash places will do this as part of there service but, around here, car washes have to recycle their water. I'm sure they filter it but still some salt must get through. I have a lawn water sprinkler that I will attach to a garden hose and drag slowly from one end of the car to the other to do the under body wash.

Has anyone considered using their parking lights as a substitute for DRLs? Less energy drain, but are they bright enough to be seen by oncoming drivers in the daylight?

The dealer performed TSB 14-0155 which is for 2013-2014 C-Max--Discharged 12 Volt Battery. It involves reprograming modules and checking wiring. A letter was left in my car that is part of this TSB. It is from Ford and addressed to C-Max Customers. It states in part that Ford recommends that you remove all devices that use 12 volt power before exiting the vehicle. A short list of offending ports and equipment follows. I hope this is the answer to our problem.

As stated above, AAA got me going and I drove to my dealer where I offered my battery failure history to the service writer and asked what Ford was doing about the problem? I also told him that when the car started from the jump, the radio was on. We usually shut it off as a precautionary measure just incase that is the source of the power drain. His reply was that he didn't see many dead batteries. I told him that there is a lot on the internet about it--to which he said they were the complainers. True, and I am one of them. If a Ford rep reads this, I would appreciate a response -- what's going on regarding dead batteries?

3rd dead battery! History: First on 12/29/12 @ 2,000 miles Second on 2/2/14 @ 6,500 miles Now @12,000 miles Will get AAA to jump me and take C-Max into dealer tomorrow morning.

This is from Hints fron Heloise in today's Washington Post: "Dear Heloise: In the wintertime, I spray the outsideglass on my vehicle with VINEGAR. In case it getsbelow freezing and snows, the ice and snow won’tstick to the windows. When the other cars’ windowsare covered with ice and snow, mine are clear. -- Marvin O. in Montana This is an old, classic Heloise hint. You want to mixeither white or cider vinegar with water (a ratio of 3parts vinegar to 1 part water) before using on carwindows." Anyone ever use this? Does it work? Will it hirt the finish? Tom

1959 Porsche convertible, model 356A

I took a week long trip from Washington, DC to Grand Rapids, Mich. and back. No special effort on the high millage side and still got mid 40s MPG. Very pleased.