Hybrid dude

Hi MikeB- Thanks for the nomination but until I find a less expensive set, I'll have to quote General Sherman "I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected." Here's a link to the Latvian OEM one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-C-Max-2010-Xenon-Headlight-LEFT-OEM-/150788128575?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item231bac3f3f&vxp=mtr They have a 30-day you pay the shipping return policy. My previous price quote was a bit low, as two lights would cost $1,220. Yes, I agree there are a wide variety of ballasts and bulbs for not too much money available. Since I have never seen them installed, I don't know if the ballast is contained within the housing. I can ask that question on the UK site. Less expensive used lights do appear occasionally on eBay Germany. eBay UK would have the incorrect beam pattern, since they drive on the left. I don't have the necessary electrical knowledge but I've seen discussions of voltage drop effecting other things, thus my mention of it. The bulbs do use fewer watts when illuminated but I think the initial amperage required to ignite them is more.

Can any Canadian member tell us if your C-Max has DRLs, aka Daytime Running Lights? Here's a reasonable article about DRLs: http://en.wikipedia....me_running_lamp I wish it were possible to keep the lights on all the time automatically but if I leave the switch in non-automatic position, the parking lights never go out when the car is parked and locked. For the moment, I just switch it to non-automatic, then back to automatic when parked. Seems silly to do but in this season when the sun is low in the sky and it is beneficial to be seen by other motorist/pededestrians, the auto setting doesn't activate the headlights until it is rather dark outside. It seems someone with a 2011 Focus was able to activate the DRLs by "IDS Programmer and the vehicles Smart Junction Box", coincidentally on a forum with a similar look to ours: http://www.blueovalf...hts-activation/ Here's a recent article about the design of automotive lighting: http://www.nytimes.c...to-be-seen.html As I've noted in other posts, Ford has the technology available but how they decide on which model(s) to use that tech is a mystery. For example, the new Escape has LED DRLs in the lower section of the headlight and several other models use LED bulbs/housings in various places. The C-Max, which could benefit from less electrical use, only uses LEDs in the interior lighting.

Thanks for mentioning LEDs, which I should have originally indicated in the topic title. At this point, I don't want to be the guinea pig and spend $1,000 for the HIDs from Europe and the additional many hundreds for the ballasts and bulbs here and then have it not work or worse, ruin something. I've already been through the 'what if' scenario with my foglight posts. Perhaps if the 2014 model has that option, at least the parts/electronics will be here and we can take a look at the installation, etc.

Oh, the photo is of a regular C-Max, not a 'Grand' version but as you can see, all three backrests fold individually, an option not available in US/Canada.

Thanks for all the comments and info. I love the cardboard and mouse fur description. Not that it really matters but I've attached the best photo I could find of a UK spec. cargo area. It's difficult to be certain but it seems that cargo area has what I'd call a normal 'lip', meaning the cargo floor is lower than the sill. If I don't go the container or strap route and even if I do, I think I can make a 'filler' piece, nothing too heavy duty, perhaps even attached to the existing flip-top with hook and loop fasteners.

Here's another design feature which led to me to ask, 'what were they thinking?': As you know, the cargo floor is not flat and has what I'll call a reverse lip, that is, the flip-up carpeted cover which reveals a bit of storage does not extend all the way to the hatch, which leaves a small area that is actually lower than the floor. If you have the hatch closed and look at the cargo floor while leaning over the back seat, you'll see there are gaps on either side, as well as a trench in the middle. The reason I bring this up is that on several occasions, my cargo, groceries, etc. have shifted and unfortunately on our last trip, a gallon of milk had shifted in such a way as to fall out onto the ground as I opened the hatch. The container broke, of course. Yes, one could say I should 'bag' my milk or perhaps use the built-in cargo nets. These are good ideas but why didn't they just make the floor meet the hatch evenly? I did notice the two D-rings onto which one can attach various straps, etc. These would be inaccessible if the floor were flush with the hatch. I would guess that this issue is specific to our hybrid and Energi versions, as the European versions didn't have the battery pack and perhaps do have a flat floor, though I will try to find some photos of those versions.

Can you elaborate on the TSB and perhaps create a new topic under the 'Repair, Maintenance and TSB' heading? I'm sure others have no idea there is already one for the C-Max. Thanks

If you go to the topic at the top of the Lounge section, you can give feedback to the forum administrators: http://fordcmaxhybri...is-site-better/ I'm confident they will soon merge the three forums. I've learned the forums were not set up by Ford but the administrators do have a close relationship with them. The forums benefit the JDRF, information about which you can see on the right side on the home page.

Motorweek reviewed the C-Max here: http://www.motorweek...rd_c_max_hybrid I think the video version is airing today but is not yet online.

It's named the C-Max because in Europe, it is classified in the C segment of vehicles and it is at the maximum size limits of that segment. Here's a more detailed explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-segment

Thanks for article link. I just came across it via a search engine and created a new post under Articles, News & Reviews.

Sorry about your door but glad you have an explanation and people who'll stand behind it. If you feel like checking, two other items on mine that were missed in pre-delivery inspection: 1. Clear protective film covering the word Hybrid on the plastic engine cover. 2. Clear protective film covering the climate control display in front of the gearshift lever.

Where did you find out about the LED headlights? Gas and diesel versions in Europe can be equipped with HID Xenon.

Here's an article that has a lot of photos of the C-Max production line in Wayne, Michigan: http://www.freep.com/article/20121108/BUSINESS0102/121108046/C-Max-Energi-joins-lineup-Michigan-Assembly-Plant?odyssey=nav|head

I did a lot of research before buying my base SE but even during the financial transaction, the salespeople thought there were several features, like fog lights, which could be added to an SE. Only after many posts on many forums did I find out that it is almost impossible to add the lights using the switch that comes with the SEL. There were several features which are on the SEL that I wanted but I absolutely didn't want leather. I didn't want to buy an SEL and remove the leather covers and replace them with cloth either. This has all been a learning process, as this is my first Ford. What I've learned, albeit too late and as others have stated on this and other Ford model forums, is that Ford bundles options and makes it rather difficult to add ones a la carte. However, it has been very helpful to post and get answers from other knowledgeable people about what options are possible and how to make them work. The dealers, for the most part, are not interested in this topic, though if anyone knows of a dealer who is, I'd welcome their contact info.

If you can display the most recent and/or most recently updated five or ten posts under each topic heading, it would enable more efficient viewing. Yes, this would create more scrolling but at least lots of posts would be on one page. I'll refer you again to the layout used by the UK site (link above). Thanks

Hi Bill- As I've posted and privately emailed, thanks so much for creating this forum. It's great to ask, get answers and share information about the C-Max, especially since it is a new vehicle to this continent. A few quick suggestions: 1. Condense all three forums so information is in one place, then create model specific sub-topics, if necessary. For example, a category entitled plug/charging station. I'm sure there are other ones too. 2. Create a topic entitled 'Events' and then sub-categories like 'Meetings' or 'Local gatherings' on which members can post local get-togethers or events of interest, car shows, dealer events, etc. 3. Maybe one called 'Group buys'. This is quite popular on many other forums, where owners interested in a particular accessory can get a better price through volume buying. An example would be some of the accessories which are not available here, like the side window sun screens made by Climair and available only on UK and European sites. 4. Take a look at the C-Max UK owners site and maybe get some ideas. From what I've seen, they are an on-line club, no dues or anything, with the forums as a topic. http://www.cmaxownersclub.co.uk/ 5. Additional sub topic: Design. In this topic, we could post design, engineering related issues, for example the one I posted about the somewhat sharp metal seat track/bracket below the cushion on the right side of the driver seat. It's not a repair, maintenance or service issue but one involving design and engineering. Thanks again

Sorry, I didn't realize there were two models of Weathertech.

The Weathertech mats are now available. Why are they, as well as the OEM Ford accessory ones only available for the front and not the back seat floor?

You could leave it as is and then let us know if you get better mpg on the driver side since it has less wind resistance ... Seriously, if you'd rather have it off, have them remove the passenger one too. In Europe and other places, one can order a new Mercedes or BMW delivered without the model number on the trunk ... why?... those with lower horsepower engines don't want others to know they didn't buy a super powerful engine and those with higher horsepower engines want to be in stealth-mode. I think having the hybrid emblem on the side of vehicles originated with Toyota, as that is where they put that logo beginning in 2004 with the Gen II Prius. As darrelld has, I too had a hood (and hatch) alignment issue, which you can read in another post.

Dead battery tested delivered 207 CCA (Cold Cranking Amperes), not quite up to spec. Part number is BXT-67R

I've noticed a few clear static cling protective covers that were not removed prior to our taking delivery of our C-Max. I'll assume these were supposed to be removed but cannot yet be sure. 1. Covering small climate control display (the one in front of gear shift lever) 2. In engine compartment covering the word 'Hybrid' on top of plastic engine cover

For what it's worth, while I was at the dealer getting my 12 volt battery issue diagnosed, I asked the sales folks what my one-month old, 1,200 mile C-Max was worth. Their answer: $21K, thus about $5K less (current $1K rebate not included) than when it drove off the lot. I have no Ford resale value experience and would assume one could get more from a private sale, so I won't make any sweeping generalizations. I do know when we were considering the competing Hybrid hatchback, the name I won't mention, it would have been without a doubt a better financial decision to buy a new one, since the used ones, both in private and dealer stock, were almost the equivalent price.

Contacted a few of the major trailer hitch players today. Ones for the C-Max will be available soon. In alphabetical order): Curt: Available in the next few weeks, You will have to enlarge an access hole, one on each side of frame rail. Draw-Tite Part # 24896 No timeline Hidden Hitch 60318 No timeline The latter two may be the same hitch with dual brands, availability unknown.

Diagnosis: Battery no good, new one being installed tomorrow.