hreppert

Torklift ecohitch with Thule Helium 3-bike rack is a sweet combination on my C-Max Hybrid. The Thule rack has a tilt feature that swings the bikes back allowing access to the hatch. Helium rack with 3 bikes weighs in well under the 200 lb limit of the class I hitch. Without the bike rack, the 1-1/4 inch receiver is barely visible under the rear bumper skirt. Ford even anticipated this kind of add-on with an option to disable the back-up alarm when bikes are on the back.

Traded in Toyota Rav 4 that got about 23 mpg, so anything better than 35 mpg would have pleased me. My new C-max hybrid is clocking about 37 mpg after 600 miles of local driving. So, I'm not disappointed with the car, but I do feel sorry for Ford. You see, I made my decision with a healthy disdain for corporate advertizing. Those folks specialize in propaganda and sadly Ford's ad makers are no exception. I'm sure that Ford's engineers know that the mileage efficiency to be realized is pretty close to what I am experiencing but their advertizing hype-sters just couldn't be that honest so they pulled the EPA voodoo wool over customer eyes - legal, I'm sure, but just plain wrong. It's a shame that such good engineering design and manufacturing has to be sullied with such shenanigans. Ford is too good for that. I hope they learn.

Many thanks to DTORRES for the contribution. it worked like a charm for me and I supplied my dealer with the following after he gave up on trying to follow the Remote Keypad stock instructions: 2013 C-MAX HYBRID SE RF Keypad Coding Instructions for 7L2Z-14A626-BA Actuator Assembly From driver’s seat: Fasten front seat belts, place shifter in PARK and arrange to operate the 2 integrated key transmitters (IKT) that came with vehicle and the Remote Keypad to be programmed. Unlock doors with one of the key transmitters Insert a transmitter key in ignition and quickly cycle ignition switch from OFF to RUN 4 times ending in OFF position. Press door lock button on each of the two key transmitters in succession.Then, press the 7/8 and 9/0 buttons on the Remote Keypad simultaneously for 2 seconds. Note: Contrary to instructions that came with the Remote Keypad, the door locks will not cycle during this procedure nor will there be any notification after each device is programmed. Button lights will go out on remote keypad 10 seconds after the last operation. Test remote unlocking operation of IKTs and remote keypad using the 5-digit factory code. Test relocking operation by pressing 7/8 + 9/0 keys on keypad simultaneously. Test power lift gate operation (if equipped) by pressing 5/6 key twice on remote keypad Program personal 5-digit code into remote keypad as follows: Enter 5-digit factory code (9/0 button will flash once to indicate programming mode) Enter 5-digit personal code. (9/0/ will flash twice to confirm code is accepted) Remote Keypad will now operate with either the factory code or the personal code. This is customer-supplied information. Harry Reppert (repp821@gmail.com)