JayCo59

With the prices of Ford parts and the fact that it may not even work due to programming issues I'm thinking of going with the the rearview mirror back-up camera solution from Gentex (50-GENK3345). It's pricey but it includes the Auto-dimming mirror and integrated Homelink garage door opener. I have this solution without the video in my Pontiac G6, Auto dimming with 3 garage door opener. This unit adds in the rear view camera (sold seperately) http://www.mitocorp.com/auto-dimming-mirrors-rear-camera-display.html Jay

I've had my car for just a few day's now (150 miles on the odometer) and I'm trying to learn how to drive the car for better fuel economy. Last nights commute home was pretty bad traffic (I-84 E\I-91 N in Hartford,Ct.) and I was "taking it easy" on the accelerator during start off (but on the highway I was doing 65-70 mph when I could, which wasn't very often) and I was able to get 48.5 MPG for the ~15 mile trip. I thought that was pretty good! Now instead of cursing out the traffic jams I look forward to them so I can use more motor than engine and save gas! Crazy I know! :drool: Jay

Thanks for the verification I was hoping that I was missing something but I wasn't hopeful. I also tried a thumb drive in one of the USB slots with .wma files on it to see if it would play video files. No such luck, it found the .mp3 files on the drive and played the audio but not the .wma video files. The next test is to see if I can play video's that are on my iPod...Maybe I'll try other video file types on the usb stick. Jay

The salesman told me that the CD player in my car is actually a DVD player and if in Park will play DVD movies. I tried it and it didn't work. It takes in the DVD and spins for 15 seconds and then spits it back out with some sort of a read error message. Audio CD's work fine. Has anyome else tried a DVD? I have the SE with the Sony head unit, "My Ford Sync" I think they call it, with NAV. Thx, Jay

Appriciate the link, it's certainly an option. I was hoping the Ford factory camera would be an easier\cheaper solution, but maybe not. So I went on-line and priced it up (MSRP) as best I could figure it might require and here's what I found... 1 - Camera (19G490) $379.92 1 - Camera Mount Bracket (19H421) $ 31.80 1 - Camera Module (19H405) $257.58 1 - Nut (HN1) $ 4.00 1 - Screw (HS1) $ 8.00 ---------------------------------------------------------- $680.58 This is assuming the wires all exist to hook up the camera to the module and the module to the head unit and there is no S/W upgraade needed to make the unit recognize and use the new H/W. So maybe the aftermarket solution is the way to go, because there's no guarantee adding in all this H/W wouldn't still require a S/W update from Ford and they wouldn't even do it at any price. Thx, Jay

Has anyone looked at adding the rear camera to an SE model? I somehow got a message on the screen when I put the car in reverse saying there was a fault in the reverse camera system, no camera is found see your ford dealer. Or something to the affect. But for whatever reason I can't seem to get the message to return. I got the impression that it might be able to be added by the dealer. Has anyone else seen this or similar message or looked into this? Thx, Jay

I know very manufacturer is different but when I did this on my 2010 Pontiac Vibe, you needed to insert a missing relay in a a relay panel under the dash. Even worse the power switch was on the blinker arm which required the steering wheel to be pulled. Pulling the Steering Wheel is a BIG deal because it envolves the air Bag. At least this car has the switch on the dash so no Steering Wheel issues. I wonder if the BCM can be opened and the missing relay be added? Also what's the wire jumper for? Thx, Jay

That's what I read in the manual as well. I have NAV so my SD Slot is filled up. I have my iPod Nano hooked up to the USB slot and getting all my tunes that way. Your right, who needs Sirius with all the 2 USB slots and SD slot! :) My Dealer told me that the CD player can play DVD movies, gave it a try and it just spits 'em back out...no movie. I wonder if you had a digital movie file on a usb stick of SD card it would play it? Something else to try. Jay

My understanding is the factory unit is single directional and is $400+ as an option on the SE. The bi-directional remote is quoted at $299 and is a dealer installed option, but the $299 does NOT include installation. Obvoiusly the factory unit comes pre-installed (I would hope ;) ). I've always been a big fan on remote start but for now I'm focusing on other goodies to add. Jay

Hi All, Took delivery last night on my C-Max SE with the 203A package. So far so good. I'm a bit of a "tinkerer" so I'll be looking around to add in features that I would have gotten if I could have ordered or had more cash!. Things like Fog Lights and a rear camera. I have high hopes since the fog switch is a button on the dash not a switch on the blinker (much bigger deal). Also when I put my car in reverse the display says something about "no camera avalable, contact Ford Service" which may mean you can "Upgrade" easly. Let the fun begin! Jay