Degrandbob

I proudly own a 2017 Cmax Hybrid and had my last oil change 12 months ago (March 2020). I have driven only 3800 miles in this one year period! However, my dealer is requesting I have them perform an oil change since it's been a year, irregardless of the low mileage! Anybody have any thoughts on that rule of period of time compared to actual mileage affecting oil changes? (My dealer has CarFax sending me alerts every other week with oil change alerts! ?)

Ha! Ha! ?

I have to say....driving at night on the freeway and following a newer Durango or Dodge Charger is challenging to the eyes. Those full width taillights are quite excessive and penetrating....in my opinion! Hey, maybe it's my aging years!?

First, I thoroughly enjoy my Cmax Hybrid. I pulled up next to a Toyota Prius and really noticed how much higher the seating position is compared to the much lower Prius! I took advice from other Cmax drivers and inflated my tires to 45 PSI....and must always alert the Ford service guys who change my oil to NOT deflate them to the 32 PSI they always seem to do! I finally was able to get my 'CMAX' personal plates this year, but noticed that Hybrid vehicles are now penalized $75 extra on plates....since the states are losing on gas revenue! I never use my wipers after applying 2 coats of Rain X on the windshield. The kids love watching the beads roll up the windshield in the rain! Of course, already applied 2 coats of wax/polish last month to prepare for the cold winter in Wisconsin! The car seems to be an optical illusion in a way. When I see a Cmax on the road, it appears small...however, when sitting in the vehicle it feels so roomy...especially the front seating with a high ceiling and comfortable distance from the passenger. I'm really impressed how I never hit my head getting in and out of the car compared to the sedans I use to drive. (I'm slightly over 6 ft)! I often try to talk to other Cmax drivers and they have always agreed on how they enjoy the car. I plan to keep this vehicle indefinitely. It's economical, it's definitely quicker than other hybrids, it has a high panoramic view of the road, it has incredible/comfortable seating and I never, ever come close to touching the front seat passenger ! I must finally mention the unique ability to haul oversized containers that a sedan could never handle....like lawnmowers, bicycles, large strollers, etc... and a 2 stage/ 24 inch snow thrower I purchased and saved a $60 delivery charge since I was able to fit the 200 lbs container through the rear in my Cmax! I think I impressed the guys that loaded it! Ha! Ha! Anyway, I'm a happy owner! Merry Christmas to all you Cmax owners!

Thanks! I noticed the dealer charges extra for the 0W20 oil! Also learned how to reset the oil change indicator after each visit (dealer forgets)...also must remember to tell dealer NOT to reduce my tire air pressure down to 38 PSI during each visit! Love my Cmax!

FYI....my dealer told me the charge for a new engine air filter, including labor, is $25!!

I'm old school and use to change oil myself in the driveway every 3000 miles (10/40w) in the 60s/70s with those big Ford V8s in my Mach -1 and Gran Torinos! Oh, those were the days! I regress, now that I drive my hybrid Cmax, I wonder if changing to synthetic oil ,after using non synthetic for a few years, will have any impact on the engine?

Since I retired, I'm only driving about 5000 miles a year ! The maintenance manual indicates never to exceed one year or 10,000 miles between oil change intervals!

My Ford dealer is offering a Synthetic Oil change for $20 more than the 'normal' semi synthetic oil change I get every 5000 miles! Anyone have input on any benefit to choose one over the other?

Its obvious noticing that lower black molding that runs the length of the body-side always turning a chalky white after a while. At the advice of an enthusiast, I applied 'Mothers Back to Black -Trim Restorer' on my Cmax molding! It really works and keeps the orignal black finish! It also holds up after a number of washings!

I never realized the distinct difference between the Cmax and Prius seating position until I recently pulled up next to a Prius at a traffic light. Amazing to see how much lower the driver seating is in the Prius when compared to the Cmax. Of course, I always enjoy zooming past these lethargic Toyotas but also was pleasantly impressed with the higher panoramic view with the Cmax! I love my Cmax. Happy New Year!

Thanks for answering both questions!

I am too old to change my air filter. Any idea what a Ford Dealer would charge for the service?

I have a 2017 Cmax Hybrid, with only 13,000 miles. What is the average price to replace the battery?

The video looked too intensive for my arthritic hands compared to the ease of changing the filter on the Fusion! My 2017 Cmax is close to its 3rd year at 12,500 miles , so I think it doesn't need a change for another year or so! Thanks for responding!

How difficult is it to change the engine air filter on the 2017 Cmax hybrid?

Will distilled white vinegar harm my paint in my effort to remove some bug splatter on my front bumper and grill? I would quickly rinse it with water once the bugs are removed...and then will apply 3m cleaner/wax....followed by Carnuba wax!

I noticed there is no tint line along the top edge of my front windshield that normally reduces the glare of the sun! I initially had all my windows tinted, (except the windshield) since Cmax does not offer any tinting option. However, I did not notice this glaring issue till after my Windows were tinted. I'm wondering why Ford never made an effort to at least tint the top windshield similar to other models! It's dangerous. I would have to pull down my visor everytime...!

It's not that distinguishable. It's interesting you also hear some sound, unlike non hybrid vehicles. I'll assume it's normal like the sound it makes when you are decelerating! Thanks for your input.

I'm curious if it's normal for the Cmax Hybrid drivetrain to make a slight swooshing / dragging sound when you first start driving it in the morning? Its barely detectable, but still increases and decreases relevant to my speed...as I drive very slowly in my subdivision....And then goes away after I increase speed unto the highway! I almost have 12,000 miles and love the car and assume it is a normal function with charging the battery? Any thoughts?

This forum is so helpful! Thanks for the hybrid battery info! I'm assuming the battery is liquid cooled!

So, on average, how long does the hybrid battery usually last on the Cmax Hybrid before it needs replacing? Any idea on cost?

I am planning on buying my 2017 Cmax Hybrid when the 3 year lease ends in one year....and am wondering if I still have the powertrain warranty...or do I lose it once the lease ends?