GreenChicago

Fantastic; thank you! Now for the $64k question: Have you noticed an improvement in FE since you did this mod? And, duh: which info screen shows engine temp?

Wouldn't putting insulation over the grill block necessary air flow? I'd love to improve my mileage this winter in chilly Chicago, but would be afraid that this would block all airflow. Can someone post a picture, or at least a detailed description about how you did this? That would be really helpful! Thanks in advance.

Seriously? Do not warm the engine before driving to improve FE? I'm totally confused. I also live in Chicago where we are promised ZERO DEGREES tonight. I have been firing the engine up in the garage for a few minutes prior to driving the car. Are you saying I should fire up and drive right away? My FE has taken a major, major hit in this cold weather and I'm also looking for ways to squeeze the most out of it, short of grill covers. Help, please?

Hi Pipewriter, I'm also second owner and did receive rebate. It goes to the owner of record on the date the suit was settled-- my memory says early September. Call Ford Cust Care-- you should be eligible.

What do you mean exactly by "reset?" I have been using trip #2 to track lifetime mileage since the upgrade. Is there something else you are suggesting?? Thanks.

I was trying to wait until I'd burned at least one full tank of gas following the update, so here goes. Prior to the update I was regularly getting 46-48 mpg averages, and now I'm hovering between 42-44 at most on the same basic trips as before. Nothing has changed in my driving habits as before, not using heat/ other power sources, etc. Ford engineers advised that it takes 30 days to "break in" the new update before it stabilizes, but I don't like the direction this is headed. Anyone else observing the same? I'm not saying I'm dissatisfied with FE overall versus my Subaru, but I thought this update was supposed to IMPROVE FE. What am I missing?

The rebate goes to the registered owner as of September 6, 2013. Frank, I am a second owner of my C-Max. When I phoned with a similar question as yours, Ford told me that eligibility for the rebate was based on ownership as of the date of the settlement, which was September 6, 2013. So whoever was the registered owner of the vehicle at that time would have received the rebate; hence your in-laws. I'm sorry this gets hung up in estate law in your case.

I am in northern Illinois and I received my check yesterday via FedEx (no signature; left inside screen door). Cashed and spent! Thanks, @Ford!

Frank, Yes, that perspective especially reminds me of a whale shark! You realize, of course, that whale sharks are filter feeders who feast on plankton, right? They are extremely docile, curious, and will slow down to have a look at you. They are also very endangered because it is (completely falsely) believed in Chinese culture that their fins have medicinal properties that improve male virility (gag.) Every scuba diver I know has a whale shark on their "bucket list" and I've been blessed to see them 4x. Here's a great youtube taken by my dive buddies about them -->

I always thought the CMax styling reminded me of a whale shark. (see attached image) Then again, I'm a scuba diver with a fondness for exotic creatures. Check it out and let me know if you agree. My ruby red CMax is called Lucy, for her flaming redhead.

KC, I got this direct message via Twitter from MazenHammoud early this morning in response to the above question. Okay so not live, but they guy obviously pays attention to his messages! Mazen Hammoud (Ford) answer.bmp

Dear Testdriver, Alas you are right about who they are addressing. Once again, the little guy gets hosed in the rain :-) I will leave capturing the rest of the love-in in your capable hands-- I need to leave the computer for now. Cheers.

Attached is a transcript of the tweetchat today on #EVTalk with Ford engineers. My humble opinion is that they pimped and retweeted all the posts that promoted the car positively (FE, Energi rebates, MSP) and dodged all the hardballs. I tried to ask several questions folks here requested and have not yet gotten a reply. If I get any direct answers after the livetweet, I will be sure to post them here. Meantime, here's what went down this afternoon with Planet Ford.EVTalk TweetChat Transcript.pdf

LOL so far on tweetchat #EVTalk, lots of questions from folks and zero responses from Ford! Maybe their lawyers are at lunch? <g>