darrelld

Are you using the cigarette lighter connection with your portable?

Can you upload some higher resolution photos of you trip to the gallery?

Always enjoy reading your detailed analysis, how do you like the C-Max so far?

I have already signed up.

Ford called them out at a press conference and cited CR's own test;

Have there been any SEL models affected?

Awesome story of C-Max capabilities in the mountains and snow, thanks.

http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/electric-vehicles-not-a-problem-for-texas-grid/ While Texas may not be the first place you think of when the issue of overusing the grid to charge comes up, EVs are growing in popularity in the state, especially Houston. Installing charging stations is a priority for a coalition of utilities, municipalities, Clean Cities coalitions and community groups. They'll be watching closely to see how the state's power grid can handle it.

I think Ford prepared for the test just like any good Graduate student does prior to finals. The Professor (EPA) gives students the info they need to pass and preparations are made accordingly. The Professor (EPA) ultimately has control over whats on the test and grades how well you do. I have interviewed 3.8 grade point Computer Science grads that couldn't pass our in house evaluations and interviews. Some of our candidates didn't get hired due to spotty work records. Would I hire someone (buy a car) just based on how well they did on their finals? No way, I check references from multiple sources (Fuelly, forums, fueleconomy.gov) do the interview (test drive), then decide if the candidate (car) is a good fit for the position (my garage).

The first thing you should do is reset your Lifetime Average. Cold weather will subtract significantly, up to 10 mpg, as the ICE will start more often to keep the engine temp up. Watch this video for hints at optimum driving. http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/index.php?/topic/804-mpgomatic-video-review/

Would be invaluable for troubleshooting these problems, searched but I can't find anything.

Does Ford have anything similar to VCDS? http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/

From what I am reading the 12v battery does not seem to sustain charge while running. Hard to speculate without an instrumented test to confirm the theories.

Just from the descriptions its sounds like the DC/DC convertor is leaking current back into the high voltage battery by passing the battery drain protection from the low voltage side. The techs should be able to O-Scope the DC/DC convertors for leaks.

Here is a pdf that describes some of the electrical components. https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=21F166D7103540!4208&authkey=!APyFF4INq4NvEZQ Page 7 briefly describes the DC/DC converter that charges the 12v battery. Seems like a rudimentary check to make certain this works.

Thanks for the update. If available, should we look for a Ford Certified EV dealer for these types of issues? Might be a good question for Ford Corporate to answer and save owners a lot of hassle.

I encountered an issue with Live Traffic not displaying. All my Travel Link services displayed as active on the screen. I called Sirius and had them resend the activation signal for all services and Live Traffic now displays on my Nav.

Here is good discussion on this; http://fordstnation.com/focus-st-general-discussion/347-nav-vs-mft.html

You made an excellent deal. I have no regrets about trading in my 2010 Jetta TDI. I asked the wife if she missed the Jetta any and she didn't hesitate to say "No".

My only concern with these lighter jump starters is how it works when the accessories auto shut off. Now you have no source to power the relays/SCR's that turn the aux circuits back on. Might need this too; http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Battery-Clip-On-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B00065L2D8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356623897&sr=8-1&keywords=lighter+to+jumper+cables

They give you a good trade for the TDI?

I have been looking at this; http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Simple-Start-Battery-Booster/dp/B005GO5E10/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1356620300&sr=8-3&keywords=cigarette+lighter+jump+starter

Hello and welcome. :)

If I understand the behavior you describe. You plug in your C-Max Energi after you have parked and left the vehicle it will use the passenger climate control to air cool the batteries while charging?