wab

Thx WAB! So are u saying that a long distance from axle to hitch on F 53 is better?

No

 

IT MIGHT be why we have not had any problems.

 

I'm going to start another thread about this.

Maybe we can get our engineer members to post their thoughts about why some people are reporting a serious problem while towing their cmax and other members report no towing problems.

I finally started a "Death Wobble" thread.

http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/6326-death-wobble/

I did a little research about the CMax death wobble while being towed... I gave up!

A couple of weeks ago we traded the Liar for a Jeep Cherokee, joined a forum and found a possible answer.
Here is a link to the electric steering problem when towing a 2014 - (early build) 2016 Cherokee.

Please note that this thread is 56 pages long.
Post #'s 1 to 8 will get you started, # 13 states "According to postings on the Family Motor Home Association website, it happens with different brands of motor homes, different chassis (front gas or diesel pusher), different tow bar systems, different braking systems.
The only constant seems to be that they are towing Jeep Cherokees"
Post #71 pg 8 is where the forum finds out that Jeep is aware and working on the problem.
Post # 87 pg 9 is interesting and more evidence that the elec steering is causing the Cmax problem.
Post #92 pg 10 is where the forum finds out about Jeeps fix.
"A Jeep official said the company knows of several dozen Cherokee owners who have experienced the problem. For those owners, FCA will “provide a complimentary jumper wire harness and switch to ensure the vehicle’s EPS system has power to function while it is being flat-towed. These components have been engineered and validated by FCA US LLC and will be made available to all customers through MOPAR, as early as January 29. In addition, all Cherokee owners will be contacted directly by FCA US and provided with updated instructions for flat-towing. These instructions supersede all previous instructions. Also, the vehicle’s online owners manual will be updated.” "

http://jeepcherokeeclub.com/337-towing-towed/119874-severe-shaking-problem-towing-behind-motorhome.html
 
A quick comment about towing the cmax.
The liar was a great toad, absolutely no problems for 13k towed miles.
 
MPG not so good, 2 checks and 2 fixes from Ford finally got the MPG to 42/33 notice the 33 highway... once a liar always a liar!

:lol: :love_shower: GLAD it's gone,  I'm back to beating the EPA... in our 2015 and 2016 cars.

Our towing experience.

In 2013 I tried to follow the owners manual but the ICE wouldn't start.
Nice cool day HVB charged = NO ICE.
I ran the AC for several minutes and the ICE started.
After another 200 miles the ICE still wouldn't start, till I put it in gear and pushed on the motor home, wife asked "what was that??".

It's now 2016 and we have 11644 towed miles with 56310 miles on the odometer.
After several attempts to start the ICE the first yr I don't even try, just hook it and go.
Transmission is still supper quite and smooth.

Our most recent trip was from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Panama City Beach (834 miles).
From Florida we towed to Tunica Mississippi.
Then on to Canyon City Colorado where the motor home will stay till fall.
Total towed miles this trip 2490.
This is the second time we've made this trip.

Liar was built in Jan 13, we bought him (women don't lie) in March of 2013. 

We're home in the cmax 710 non towed miles.

Back on topic:

 

Is it just fbov and me who have many small and a few big problems with this forum?

 

Example: When I log into the Cmax forum I go straight to "New Content" just like ALL other forums I belong to.

One of the many small problem with the Ford C-max Hybrid Form is when I hover my mouse over the  subject "Another tire tread... sorry" I see "View Result"

But when I hover my mouse over the subject (Generator Exhaust Extensions) "on the  "Georgetown - Forest River Forums" is see "Has anyone made an extension for their generator to get the exhaust out from under the slide" which doesn't interest me because our generator isn't under a slide out, so I don't open the thread.

 

How does Chrome, etc handle this?

 

Edit: for our younger, non PC laptop forum members.

"A computer mouse is a pointing device (hand control) that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user interface."

I don't try hovering but just go by the topic headings after I click "New Content" -- let me see what happens...nope, just see "View Topic", which doesn't seem particularly troublesome (as I said, never did this before so never noticed).  I can understand why hovering and getting more details would be nice, but it doesn't appeal to be a problem so much as it's just how the forum works (my own forums don't do this either).

"when I hover my mouse over the subject"

"I don't try hovering but just go by the topic headings after I click "New Content" -- let me see what happens...nope, just see "View Topic", which doesn't seem particularly troublesome"

Anybody open the new thread "Virus" by new member 78Pinto?

78Pinto started the thread at 9:16, logged off at 9:17...HUM.

Hovering your mouse over 78Pinto tells a lot, sure would be nice to hover over the subject!

eli

Our 2013 owners manual, 3rd printing says it's a 3457AK.

Here's a link to autozone but any auto supply/WalMart should have it.
http://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/turn-signal-light-mini-bulb/sylvania-parking-light-mini-bulb/514808/?_requestid=4179150
 
If you have small strong hands you might be able to change the bulb without removing the headlight housing from the car.
There's a 3" rubber cover over the bulb base, it comes off easy.
 
Here's a thread about changing a headlight bulb. The bulb you want is the one on the right in the video in post #20 by joe.
http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/814-replacing-headlight-bulbs/

Thx WAB! So are u saying that a long distance from axle to hitch on F 53 is better?

No

IT MIGHT be why we have not had any problems.

I'm going to start another thread about this.

Maybe we can get our engineer members to post their thoughts about why some people are reporting a serious problem while towing their cmax and other members report no towing problems.

Regarding the "tire wobble" issue. Seems like it is more prevalent with Blu Ox and not other vendors products? I just purchased a new CMax and looking at Blue Ox products. Are there any RVers experiencing tire wobble and not using Blue Ox products?

We have a Blue Ox base plate but use a Roadmaster tow bar with adapters to the Blue Ox.

Something else to consider, diesel versus gas, our motor home is a gasser Ford F53 chassis which means it's long way from the hitch to the rear axle.

Update on towing cmax behind motorhome, car now has 46000 miles, just replaced tires, which had very bad flat spots on them, the noise was terrible, I spoke to a blue

Ox rep. He confirmed the shaking problem, said the power steering needed to be on all the time, he said jeep had the same problem with the electric power steering.

We are pulling the car dead level. I have made sure there is no excess movement in the hitch attached to the motor home. We are using Airf Force One for a braking system and

It seem to work well.

We our leaving Fla for home in a couple of days and I hate to run a new set of tires.

I wonder if we could tow the car in the run position. So the electric power steering would be active.

Has anybody tried this?

Thanks

A few people have accidently left their cmax in the "ON" position their odometer runs, not good for your warranty.

We have a little over 10K towed miles with no problems but I did have a 4 wheel alignment (it needed it).

You might want to get a 4 wheel alignment before towing in the on position. 

I know way too much about working 12 on 12 off, $ is good and you don't have time to spend it ;).
 
Your tires are good tires just not LRR's, probably costing you 4 or more mpg's.

If high MPG is your thing you should consider the oem Michelin.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Energy+Saver+A%2FS&partnum=25VR7ESAS&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Ford&autoYear=2014&autoModel=C-MAX%20Hybrid&autoModClar=SE

Back on topic:
 
Is it just fbov and me who have many small and a few big problems with this forum?
 
Example: When I log into the Cmax forum I go straight to "New Content" just like ALL other forums I belong to.
One of the many small problem with the Ford C-max Hybrid Form is when I hover my mouse over the  subject "Another tire tread... sorry" I see "View Result"
But when I hover my mouse over the subject (Generator Exhaust Extensions) "on the  "Georgetown - Forest River Forums" is see "Has anyone made an extension for their generator to get the exhaust out from under the slide" which doesn't interest me because our generator isn't under a slide out, so I don't open the thread.
 
How does Chrome, etc handle this?
 
Edit: for our younger, non PC laptop forum members.
"A computer mouse is a pointing device (hand control) that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user interface."

And I'll bet you dollars to donuts you won't have any of these issues running Chrome on your desktop.

 

(Truely, IE is a virus).

I run Chrome too. :)

 

Paul

I did a Google search for "how to get chrome to always open on my home page" thinking this was a good excuse to FIX my phone.

https://www.google.com/search?as_q=&as_epq=how+do+get+chrome+to+always+open+on+my+home+page&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=#as_qdr=all&q=%22how+to+get+chrome+to+always+open+on+my+home+page%22

I thought about reading ALL 27.5M hits :lol:

Back on topic, WHY should Frank have to install/learn a new system for ONE forum?

We have a 2015 C-Max and plan to pull it behind our motor home on a tow dolly. Our owners manual is vague on the subject and so we went to the dealer just to find out if it is okay to do, if we need to do anything special before we tow it on a dolly, etc. but they couldnt seem to come up with an answer. Have any of you been pulling a 2015 C-Max Hybrid on a tow dolly? If so...is there anything a person needs to do to prepare it for being towed that way? Have you encountered any problems? We just want to make sure we don't get to where we are going and have a car that has problems because we didn't do it right. Thanks!

UH... Greetings and Welcome Jayders

We used a tow dolly the first couple of trips for the cmax.

Nothing special just park it on the dolly JUST DO NOT set the parking brake.

Because the cmax is front wheel drive the back wheels are free wheeling if the parking brake is OFF!

#1 reason we bought (and still have ) the cmax was so we could tow it 4 wheel down, NO problems at all except chipmunks seem to like the wire I ran for the extra lights I added to the rear light housing.

This is my last post.

 

I am leaving out of frustration, having lost yet another post this morning when I tried to add a link. Simple stuff I've done in many forums for many years are no longer available to me here, and only here. No other forums I use have issues. I conclude this forum is no longer functional.

 

I can't quote.

 

I can't add links.

 

I can't view the forum. Nothing but HTTP 500 errors since the forum upgrade. Issues elevated to no avail.

 

I just retired from industry, ending the commute I've used to assess various things suggested to improve mileage. I have a bunch of last data I'd like to report, but I can't. The forum only takes text, like this post. That is unacceptable.

 

We once had a useful forum here, I'm very sad to see it go.

 

This is a very sad day for me.

 

Frank, who is not having fun.

 

PS this is posted single-spaced... yet another forum issue.

Like Frank I have these problems + a few he didn't mention.

Here are my work arounds.

"I can't quote."

The only way I've found to quote is to use the "MultiQuote" option, quote 2 posts then delete (backspace) the quote I don't want.

I quoted posts #1 and #6 then hit the "more reply options" at the bottom of the page then delete #6.

"I can't add links."

To add links (or paste) I have to hit the "BB Code mode" first button on the top "Reply to..." tool bar, then I can paste the link or other copied items, then hit the "BBCode mode" button again.

A few users suffer with this  :lol: forum, as mentioned by Frank and others we are members of SEVERAL other forums and this is the only one we have problems with?

This is being typed on a DELL Inspiron 5558, Intel i7 cpu, Windows 10

my desktop was running internet explorer professional 7, upgraded to Windows 10, SAME problems.

"- Idk what weight oil is in the engine & tires were brand new prior to purchase"
 
Both of these will make a big difference in your MPG.
I ALWAYS change the oil/filter in any used car I buy ASAP.

What tires did they put on? If they aren't LRR tires then that would be a few MPG's. oem Michelin are the best.
Energy Saver A/S
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Energy+Saver+A%2FS&partnum=25VR7ESAS&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Ford&autoYear=2013&autoModel=C-MAX%20Hybrid&autoModClar=SE 
 
You should check your air filter, it might be the original.

Why not use the ForScan app and you won't have to worry about entering PID data.   I believe the data for TFT is buried somewhere in this forum but couldn't find it with a quick search.  

 

Here's a link of how to convert the Scan Gauge code TFT shown below to the engine link format.

 

TXD: 07E6221E1C

RXF: 0462051E061C

RXD: 3010

MTH: 000900500020

NAM: TFT

"I believe the data for TFT is buried..."

YEP for some reason the powers that be  :lol2: have decided that "thou shall not search for ANY 3 letter words/acronyms... LED, PID, PDF,  ETC! 

I saw a report that C-max production will move there as well, but that was a union source, and they may be assuming this to be true. All they care about are the lost jobs. I will believe in the C-Max continuing when I see the 2017 model for sale.

Oh, I didn't mean to imply criticism. I think the NAFTA thing was a really stupid idea. My own job is ending soon, I'm searching now.

 

I only meant to indicate that they may not know or care if the C-Max is going to be built in Mexico; it doesn't concern them.

:thumbsup:  Good luck with your job search, if you feel the need to relocate please take a look at Texas it's unbelievable how many quality jobs are moving/being created.

The new Toyota Corp office is HUGE!

" All they care about are the lost jobs."

+1 For some reason losing my job was all I cared about, lost it once I was luck didn't miss a day of work, got a raise, kept the house, etc.

SEVERAL friends not so lucky :rant2: !

I researched several brake systems, US Gear was one of them. Went with a Blue Ox (3 legged stool :lol:) because it's such a GOOD idea, but like all good ideas in the real world NOT SO GOOD.
 
Here's a google search for "US Gear Unified Tow Brake" "hybrid" several hits, a few about Escape, MKX hybrids.
https://www.google.com/search?as_q=&as_epq=US+Gear+Unified+Tow+Brake+on+a+hybrid&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=#q="US+Gear+Unified+Tow+Brake"+"hybrid"&as_qdr=all&start=10
 
Will you have to leave the ignition ON in your Energi?
SEL's/SE's and Energi's don't play nice when being towed with the ignition ON.
 
Have you joined the Energi forum, they have a sub-forum devoted to towing the Energi?
http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/forum/14-cargo-hauling-roof-racks-towing/

+1

 

A similar post went to bit-heaven thanks to forum issues... this is getting old. Anyone else hate the new forum SW?

 

My one comment is that VW will not be found a willing participant. Delay is their only weapon against a huge financial loss, and given the government of Lower Saxony has veto power over any such plan, you know actual $$$$$$$$$$$ will never change hands. VW will leave the US diesel market first.

 

My money's on obsolescence. VW waits so long, the offending cars are no longer on the road. Fine is nominal. It's the government way (and I'm not talking domestically).

 

HAve fun,

Frank

"U.S. judge turns up heat on VW with March emissions fix deadline"

"A federal judge turned up the heat on Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) on Thursday, setting a March deadline for the German automaker to state whether it has found an emissions fix for 600,000 diesel vehicles that is acceptable to U.S. regulators."

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKCN0VY29M

We will be towing a 2013 C-Max this year also.  What parts were needed to keep the battery charged.  I heard this can be an issue after towing for over two hours.

Welcome keeper & ichrvready. 

 

Lots of good towing info here: Cargo, Hauling, Roof Racks & Towing

 

Hope they work for both or you,

Nick

ichrvready you'll need

12 volts and ground from your MH, hopefully you'll have 12v on the mh 7way plug, it should.

Here's the cable/plug kit we use from our mh to the cmax.

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Roadmaster/RM-98146-7.html

This is our charge wire from the 6way on the cmax to the 12v battery terminals under the hood (12v battery is in the back).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RCXB8A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00&tag=viglink21444-20

Take a look at this forum.

http://fordsyncforum.com/

Here's a link to the owner.ford web site.

http://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync-technology/myford-touch/in-vehicle-settings/changing-display-settings.html?sync=my-ford-touch

Did you get your check engine light checked/cleared?

Maybe the EPA figures all those made in the USA electric cars will counteract some of those "clean Diesels" and maybe even a few Atkins Cycle engines? 

Greetings Salwolfe

You will kill your battery without a charge wire from your MH.
Here's the one we use.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RCXB8A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

Make sure you have 12v coming from your MH, you can get a cheep easy to use volt meter at auto supplies, walmart etc.

Check pg7 of this thread for for your runing odometer, the cmax should be off not in ACC, in neutral, parking brake off, unlocked and the fob in your MH.
http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/374-recreational-towing-behind-a-motor-home/page-7

Greetings mojoz500

Take a look at this thread, Kia may be onto something by eliminating the 12v battery.

http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/5801-2017-kia-niro/

update:   The Ford dealer found the problem.   A seam on the right side, under the hatch, was where the water was getting in.   They sent a picture to Ford and they said that it appears as if the factory didn't put a gasket in that should have been there.  So off to the body shop to get it fixed and repainted.  I'm so angry about this.   I've been a Ford guy all my adult life, and I halfway would've expected this in the 80's, but it's completely inexcusable now.   Yes they are fixing it, but now I'm wondering what else they didn't do.   $32,000, and I'm having bodywork redone with 1500 miles on it.   I'm sure ours isn't the only car either.   I still need to fill out the owner survey, and it's not going to be nice, nor will I recommend anyone buy a Ford.   This car is too far into its product lifecycle to have this kind of problem.   At this point I'd probably just get my money back if that we'rean option, which it won't be.   So all you Cmax owners out there, you might want to examine your body seams, because you might have the same isues.

"So off to the body shop to get it fixed and repainted."

Repainting because of a missing gasket???

I hate to add fuel to your fire BUT.

Several years ago we bought an SUV from an unscrupulous dealer.

The first time I washed it I found overspray and a misaligned gasket.

I was young and naive so I let the stealer talk me into letting his body shop "FIX" it.

I suggest you have "your" dealer STOP and you need to seek a second opinion from a reputable body shop!