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After a certain amount of hassle, I followed the original suggestion of disconnecting the 12 Volt battery and can confirm that it worked for me also. And, all my settings appear to be intact.

I have the same "stuck at 0% Sirius update" problem, and tried the signal refresh, but it did not work. One problem is that the refresh instructions say to tune to a particular channel, and that you should hear audio. But, with the system stuck, It's impossible to select a channelThere is no audio of any kind Alan

Given all the troubles with the 3.5.1 upgrade, Sync, Nav, etc., I found the following news item telling: Ford Boosts Hiring of Engineers, Computer Workers USA Today (07/23/13) Chris Woodyard ; Alisa Priddle Ford Motor Co.'s recently announcement that it is boosting its planned hiring of engineers and software workers by 36 percent is part of a larger effort by the auto industry to recruit technology workers. Ford says that about 80 percent of the new hires will be engineers and information technology workers that can help design the next generation of high-tech vehicles. The greatest need is for workers with electronics and digital skills, highlighting how the auto industry is being driven by developments in infotainment systems, electronic controls, and safety systems. "The skill set is changing, especially with the amount of electronics...in the vehicle," says SAE International's Andrew Smart. However, recruiting is challenging because automakers are looking for a special combination of skills that relatively few professionals have. "The specialties we are having trouble filling are software, electric, and electronic," says Ford's Raj Nair. "There's a lot of demand for that talent." Meanwhile, both Ford and General Motors are involved in programs to encourage high school students to study science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/07/23/ford-hiring/2578425/

The rear vision camera comes on when you put it in reverse, but then even after you put the transmission in a forward gear, the camera stays on for a time. I'm not sure if remains on for a set number of seconds, or until the vehicle reaches a certain speed--based on informal observations, I think it's the latter. All in all, I really like the rear vision camera. And the car wash photos are pretty neat!

As an alternative to a hitch rack, both Saris and Thule have "trunk racks" they recommend for the C-Max, 1, 2, or 3 bikes. But not Yakima.

Sounds like your dealer needs some re-education. Hands free lift gate plus rear vision camera were the main reasons we opted for 302A, very clearly described on the Ford website.

Now there's an idea for the next generation of the car. A wind sensor! :) Great tips. Thanks.

Yes, I had a build date of 3/13/2013 and have both 3.5.1 and A4 maps.

I've had a similar problem (SEL 302A, 3.5.1), but don't need to use Sirius to cause it. Just turning the car off, running an errand, then a few minutes later turning it back on is sometimes (not always) enough to make it start playing songs in alphabetical order, rather than the album it had been on previously. Have now turned Auto Play off to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the suggestion.

SEL 302A, built March 13, 2013, 1400+ miles, no problems

I know that Consumer Reports, for one, buys its car anonymously precisely to avoid the possibility of being "gamed" by the manufacturer. But I don't know how far they drive it before recording their stats.

Change holder Power folding exterior mirrors Sunroof that opens/closes

That's why we really like the rear vision camera option. It may not get people behind you out of the way any sooner (BUG BUTTS for that!), but at least you can see them to avoid running them over.

This, and then you get 46.0 mpg on the way to work in a car that isn't broken in yet? This car seems to bring out the dual personality in us. Me too. :)

Great review. Thank you for the effort. With less than a month on my own Cmax, I'm definitely still learning and contributions to the forum like this are a big factor!

Two things I've appreciated: Putting a picture of my own choosing on the home screenBeing able to give a voice command like "Play artist Run Boy Run" to access my USB driveI'm sure both things are described in the manual and so not really "hidden." But as a retired software person, I try to avoid 500+ page manuals. :)

No, but obviously the Ford engineer did! Thanks for shedding light on this mystery.

I just have to ask. What Ford engineer came up with the number 11? And why?

Well, so far I have no issues, and hope you don't either. I think this is a Good Sign!

Wow! Seems to me that Mr. Coulter has truly mastered the art of irony in his letter.

My window sticker listed a build date of 3/12, but the car, according to the sticker on the car itself, was actually built on 3/13. So maybe they will be a day behind on yours as well and yours will get built on a Tuesday? One case where not meeting your deadlines might be OK. :)

There seems to be some debate whether one's hands should be at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel, or at the 9 and 3 as in the picture below. But in either case, my left arm is nowhere near the armrest on any car. ;) (Oh, BTW, I'm 5'10")

Didn't know about this feature, so thanks for the tip. Here's what works for me. From the Navigation screen, select "Menu." Then from the resulting set of choices, pick "Sirius Travel Link." From there, you can select "Weather." Several options, including a 5-day forecast and a weather map.

The Ford dealer we used does not do their own tinting--they outsource it to a local shop. Price seems to be the same if I go through the dealer, or go to the shop directly. Was quoted $160 for rear-seat & hatch windows only (front-seat windows & windshield apparently illegal to tint here in NY). Still mulling the offer; may end up at a closer independent shop with a good reputation, even if a bit more expensive. Also debating whether to tint the panoramic roof.

One problem I've had with another keyless car is the opposite of locking the keys in the car--instead, my tendency to talk away with the key fob in my pocket when leaving the car for service, or valet service at a restaurant or parking garage. The car will continue to run until it's shut off, but then it can't be restarted until somehow the car and fob are reunited. Was recently horrified in the middle of a meeting in our state capitol to realize the key fob was still in my pocket while the car was in a parking garage two blocks away.