joe

I always considered recalls a good thing. Especially when initiated by the manufacturer - because they are willing to accept responsibility and to correct the problem. The issue is how long did it take for the manufacturer to take responsibility.

A long time ago, I visited a cousin in Canada. We sat outside an ice cream place in Gananoque, CA. I noticed this long procession of cars with their lights on. I remarked to my cousin that who ever died, they had a lot of friends because it was the longest funeral procession I had ever seen. He laughed as he informed me of Canadian's regulation for cars to have automatic daytime running lights.

I would have one question - Will this cover restrict air circulation and cause overheading of the calipers?

I have a Taurus with Sirrus and every so often it loses the signal. You go onto the Internet, click on this link: https://care.siriusxm.com/retailrefresh_view.action It sends a radio activation signal to your radio. Follow the instructions on the web site. You'll need the radio ID number which you should have in your paper work.

Remember, if you change the size rim size, it will most likely throw off the speed and mileage calibration ( mpg calibration too).

I'm curious to know how frequently you (all of the above forum members) apply the Grade Assist - the control switch on the side of the gearshift lever? And if you use it, under what conditions, e.g., step hills, approaching stop lights, etc.?

I'm not sure if this is the thread to ask this question, but it might relate to the problem. Can the navigation SD card data be copied to a faster SD Card? Several web sites suggest that the navigation system is a bit slow. If the navigation system comes on a class 4 or class 6 card, would it be possible to port the information to a class 10 or newer SD card technology to improve performance? April - Update - Dealer replaced GPS Module. Navigation is now working flawlessly.

thanks for the information. That's good to know. My C-Max should be arriving mid-December.

REC - One question. You said that the car had no power and not even the door locks would work. How were you able to open the front hood latch if you could not open the door to pull the hood latch? Did the Ford Road Service people have to jimmy the door open?

We're downsizing from the Mercury mini van to the C-max. But one of the selling points for us is the flexibility to load something big into the back of the C-Max. What we lose is the 7-passenger capability. But our mini-van gets under 20 mpg, so if the C-Max delivers anything above 40 mpg we'll be happy. Our C-Max will be arriving sometime early December. Our C-Max test drive convinced us that the C-Max is a nicer car to drive, more comfortable seats, with a lot of nice features.

My new C-Max has not arrived but the manual I downloaded indicates that you should have two keys. I would ask the dealer about it.

Regarding the subject of drafting other vehicles - I did some quick math using the following assumptions. Gas is $3.50 a gallon. By drafting, you increase your mpg from 45 to 47. The gasoline per mile cost at 45 mpg is .077 cents. The per mile cost at 47 mpg is .074, or less than a penny. Rounding the number to 1 cent per 2 mpg increase, and assuming you drive 10,000 miles a year. Overall savings would be $100 a year. The cost if you rear-end someone - your insurance deductible, usually around $250, higher insurance premiums, any lawsuits, and the ticket for following too close. The cost of death or physical injury is not included in this calculation. There are some conditions, such as the DC Beltway, where you have no choice but to draft but I would avoid the technique if possible.

The Ford warranty covers the hybrid part of the system for 8 years or 100,000 miles. I would assume that would include the inverter. Clark Howard of CNN recommends (in general) that if you're going to get an extended warranty, to only get the manufacturer's extended warranty (e.g., Ford).

A word of caution - changing rim size may throw off the speedometer calibration and possibly other measurements.

You can turn off the rear parking sensors.

I've always get white because it lets the trim stand out. In addition, white improves visibility for other drivers. Dark colors tend to be missed by other drivers.

Potential problem for installing a trailer hitch if you have the hands free - use your foot - lift gate option. It appears that the sensor is under the bumper and dead center.

Thank you NewMaxDriver. This is why I like forums like this. We can help each other avoid problems.

I believe the only difference between the hybrid and Energi is a larger battery pack. They both have gas engines and transmission. Energi costs more money when compared against the Hybrid model but I think the Energi has more features with the base model.

Nutzo - I too am concerned about not having a spare. But, the time it takes to spray a can of patch and then pump the tire is probably less time and less messy than digging out a spare tire, jacking up the car, switching tires, etc. There may be some options - buying tires that can still be driven on until you can get to a dealer. Buy a small spare tire and rim from junk yard and carry in the back boot. Not having a spare note was not significant enough not to order a C-Max. The real downside is if you use the spray can, the pressure sensor and the valve stem have to be replaced.

We ordered a C-Max SEL last week. Dealer would not deal below list price. Dealer was nice about it, explaining that demand is high. But there is a $1,000 dollar rebate. And some discounts when you order a more expensive C-Max packages. We test drove a C-Max SE and loved it, both on local and Interstate roads. Stable and quiet. Seats are very comfortable. Dealer cautioned that delivery would be longer than other Ford models, so we can only hope we get it before Santa arrives.

I just ordered a C-Max SEL last week. Manager cautioned that it might take two months or more because it is a new model (this was before I test drove the C-Max). My past experience with Fords is delivery is around six weeks for normal production vehicles. I loved the test drive. I also think the cost is at or less than comparable equipped vehicles, e.g., Fusion, Honda hybrid, Prius, etc. Even before the $1000 rebate.