Phil1336

Anyone spare an Aspirin? Yikes!

Odd that C-Max Buyers in the U.S. got $550 Rebate Cheques and Canadians are receiving considerably more at $895. Even with the Vehicle price difference and exchange rate, it appears to be quite significant. Just wondering........

Everything Posted in regards to X-Plan pricing is true. The one variable that was never mentioned was all this "Bottom Line" price on purchase and financing is all totally useless if their is a late Model Trade In involved. On an outright purchase with no trade, fine. If your trading in a late model vehicle as part of the Deal, your still going to have to arm wrestle and fight like hell to get even "Black Book" Trade In Valuations for your old Vehicle regardless of mileage or condition. What good is getting your (new) Vehicle at $500 or more below Invoice if they give you virtually nothing for your late model trade in? If your got a vehicle your trading in, your still going to have to fight and haggle like hell to come out with some skin still left on your back!

I know this is a C-Max Hybrid Forum but I want to make a point on my dislike of both Ford`s SYNC and their MFT. I personally would have gladly paid (extra) to be able to order a fully equipped Ford C-Max Vehicle (without) this troublesome nonsense that appears to need constant Software Patches and Program Updates. In exchange, how about just including as standard equipment a high performance Radio CD System with standard Sirius Satellite Radio. The upcoming 2015 Ford Mustang which I intend on purchasing as soon as the Order Guide arrives will have a completely different MFT system with lots of old fashion knobs and buttons to make adjustments and changes rather then having to navigate and leave constant "finger-prints" on the Touch Screen. Not all of us are "Gamers" and even those that are, they can amuse themselves at home with their Toys.

I personally purchased my first Hybrid for improved Fuel Economy and for Environmental reasons. The Gadgets, not so much.

So far, no problems to date with our C-Max SE. if the issues are related to a "usb thumb drive" being plugged in all the time, I might be safe. Don`t know what the device (is/does) nor where the "port" is to be plugged into. Sometimes ignorance (is) bliss.

Perhaps Ford needs to get back to "basics" and put more emphasis on more important issues such as reliability and offering user friendly features and options. Perhaps taking a step (backwards) and going back to buttons and knobs instead of SYNC and MFT. There`s eventually a price to be paid for excess "gadgets". They are fun and cool when they are properly functioning but cause nothing but aggravation and grief when they eventually fail. Less Programs and even less Programmers, thank you.

All this gibberish about Ford`s reluctance to add this or that so called safety feature or not depending on which (27) States that have Laws and Statutes that mandate or prohibit different items. What about the level of Tint used in their Fleet of Passengers Cars and different Laws pertaining to Trucks and SUV`s? Is that the reason Ford refuses to make Daytime Running Lights, DRL`s standard equipment and only available for Fleet Purchase too? How do other Manufacturers deal with these issues since they sell their Vehicles in the same States?

So much data and detail to digest and remember. Remember, for all functions to work as designed or (required by local Law) the Auto Rain Light Wiper Switch must be set for low or high speed, (not) Intermittent/delay. Also, Autolamp Headlight Switch (in Daytime) has a built in Delay of 5-10 seconds before they go on and will remain on for 5-10 seconds after the Wiper Switch is manually turned off. Hmmmm, I think I (almost) got it! Could`nt Ford do a Software Upgrade to SYNC and MFT and have it all incorporated into Voice Command too? Wonder if the latest Generation of Air Craft with all the updated avionics and Auto-Pilot features have Auto Rain Sensor Wipers and work in proper co-ordination with the Planes Landing Lights (in Daytime) conditions with or without the 5-10 second delay? Enough already..how much enabling is necessary? Is there an Android or iPhone App for that too?

Lets get one thing straight, despite what Yahoo and Consumer Reports rails on about how unreliable and bad the newly launched 2013 Ford C-Max is, "ITO" it has (NOT) been a failure whatsoever. It sold beyond Ford`s wildest expectations for a first year Hybrid/Electric Plug In Vehicle and took the spotlight off the Toyota Prius finally as the only viable alternative to an Internal Combustion Powered Engine. A majority of C-Max owners, including myself have had few if any problems with their First Year Inaugural Car. Fit, finish, handling, power, braking, roominess for 5 Adults, etc. Yeah, for most, Owners, the EPA 47 mpg Average was a stretch but whats wrong with getting in the high 30`s and low 40`s mpg for a Vehicle in this size and weight Class? Ford then voluntarily 'relabels" Fuel Estimates downward to a more realistic 43 mpg and sends "Good-Will" Cheques" for $550 to Buyers who purchased their C-Max`s before the change. Did Consumer Reports mention that? Lets call a Spade a Spade. The major knock on the C-Max is applicable to Ford`s entire Fleet. Their high tech info-mational Voice Activated SYNC and MY FORD TOUCH has been the main object of complaint and rightly so. Despite the Software upgrades and modifications, its a Nightmare! Not everyone wants or needs to have a Touchscreen to replace Knobs! To bash Ford and the C-Max in particular as a totally unreliable Vehicle due to a problematic SYNC or MFT is unfair. Modify, Improve, or simply Eliminate all this un-necessary Gadgetry and watch the Own/Buyer Satisfaction Ratings improve drastically and quickly.

Since relocating to South Florida from Massachusetts in 1998, the only reminder I have of Winters past is the Ice Scraper I kept as a souvenir. Can`t say I miss De-Icers, Dry Gas, Studded Snow Tires, Engine Core Block Heaters, and the other joys of Old Man Winter. Have to admit though, three things that come to mind that we do miss here in the Tropics. Runny Noses, Chap Lips, and Wool Rash, oh well......

I don`t take issue with an Automatic Headlamp Sensor. I personally never use the (auto) setting on the Headlamp Switch. My DRL`s that I had enabled/activated run all the time when the engine is running and I simple manually activate the Low Beams on the Headlamps at (dusk) and the Green Dash Indicator reminds me that they are on as well as my Tail Lights. Guess old habits die hard for some of us. I`ve been used to turning Headlamps on and off manually for over a half century as well as activating the Windshield Wipers as needed the same way. Guess when I finally accept the need to utilize the "auto-park" feature, I`ll accept all the rest at the same time or better yet, leave the driving for someone else.

Why (all) Auto manufacturers have not incorporated into their Vehicles regardless if they are equipped with Daytime Running Lights a feature that when the Windshield Wipers are activated other then the "clean & swipe" mode, the Headlamps are automatically illuminated. All this technology of "rain sensing" wipers and "automatic headlamp activation sensors" are fine and good if your (gadget) orientated but having the Headlamps automatically go on when the Wipers are on is a no brainer. While your at it, how about having the Headlamps automatically shut off once the ignition is off and the key is removed. No more fear about returning to a dead battery should the "automatic" Headlamp delay sensor fail to shut off the Headlamps.

Its the same kind of silliness that concerns some Folks that the minimal battery drain that (DRL`s) Daytime Running Lights (might) have on their Fuel Economy. "If" it caused a reduction from say, 43.9 to 42.6 mpg and it resulted in having on oncoming Vehicle seeing you better in certain conditions, it would`nt be worth the fractional difference?

I was`nt aware of that "make-shift" DRL setting that can be accessed by clicking the Headlamp Switch counter-clockwise. The Factory DRL settings that are a programable parameter in the BCM and enabled/activated by the IDS Programmer, which work off the Headlamps all the time when the engine is running are the "maximum" legal DRL`s illumination settings for Canadian Vehicles which are required by Law to have and the same settings that Daytime Running Lights that are available as an option for Fleet vehicles (only) in the U.S. I have no issue with LED DRL`s (except) when overdone like on many Audi Vehicles. Some have so much "over kill" they look like a Christmas Tree stuffed into their Headlamps! PS: The MY 2014 Mustang Order Guide indicates that the LED DRL`s incorporated into the Headlamps have been deleted from next years Model. Cost savings?

Me thinks that future Headlamp Replacements will be left for Dealer Installation. Wonder if they charge a Flat Rate including the cost of the Lamp or Parts plus $138@hr labor?

Ditto here. My C-MAX was less then a month and a half old with just over 1000 miles driven and the Low Air Pressure Tire Sensor "Chime" and Dash Indicator went on. Thought I might have picked up a nail and had a slow leak in one of the tires. Went to a Hess Gas Station which still offers "free air" used my own Tire Pressure gauge and discovered that all 4 Tires were (very) low. Vehicle was shipped and delivered with pressure varying from 31 to 34 PSI in all 4 Tires. Topped them all off at 40 PSI and everything was resolved.

Production date starts JOB 1 Dec. 2, 2013. First Dealership arrivals expected late Dec or Early Jan 2014.

It took 3 different Dealerships to pull the proverbial "rabbit out of the hat". 2 said it was no longer a "programable parameter" that could be changed with the IDS Programmer. A 3rd Dealerships service department Tech did the deed in 15 minutes for a $100 charge. Could be that had a program or software patch that permitted access since they sell quite a few Vehicles to vacationing Canadians that can`t Register their vehicles back home without DRL`s which are required by Law there. Other C-MAX owners on this Forum have been successful in having their DRL`s activated/enabled too, and some at no charge. Odd that Ford only allows DRL`s Option # 942 a $45 add on for Fleet Purchase Only requiring a valid FIN# Good luck. No change or reduction in Fuel Economy detected either.

Don`t know what you meant about switching the (round knob setting on the lower left side of dash) is all about? Are you referring to attempting to utilize the Automatic Headlamp settings as a make shift DRL set up? I had the Factory DRL settings activated/enabled through the BMC (Body Control Module) via the IDS Programmer. End results is that Headlamps are illuminated automatically during the daytime as soon as Vehicle is started at 75% or 80% of regular Low Beam intensity just like all Vehicles shipped to Canada where they are mandated by Law as well as those that choose this Option on Fleet Ordered Vehicles requiring a valid FIN#. I have no issue with LED DRL`s but saying that saying that the factory default DRL settings don`t provide enough illumination during Daytime conditions is false. Anymore intensity would be illegal! I personally choose not to argue the point on whether or not a non-OEM accessory protected by the Magnuson-Moss Law will hold up in a dispute with either the Dealership or Manufacturer. Unless your a Lawyer or have a friend or family member who is, who needs to get into a possible legal fight over ones New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Good luck on your installation.

I`m amused by your (an*l) obsession of scientifically attempting to derive every possible extra MPG out of your C-MAX. I for one am content and very satisfied if I can obtain Fuel Economy anywhere in the high 30`s for City and low 40`s for Highway. Considering its a comfortable decent size Vehicle and not a tiny "Flintstone Car", I was thrilled with my 11` Fiesta that got consistent 33-35 mpg City and 41-43 mpg Highway. If the C-MAX averages close to 40 mpg on average, whats the complaining about? Best of luck with your experiments but I for one will keep my C-MAX just as it is, both Wheels (uncovered )and utilizing (both) exterior Mirrors. Reason for Mod update: edited to make this post "G" rated.

One suggestion I have. Although you have the "Right" to add on non Ford OEM Accessories to your Vehicle without having to jeopardize your Original New Car Warranty thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Act, I`d still consider having a Ford Dealership install them for you. If something (unrelated) fails and Ford alleges it was the cause of the non-Ford aftermarket accessory that caused it,they could Void out your remaining New Car Warranty. A few dollars spend on Labor might be worth the peace of mind. If a Ford Dealership installs it, you would would at least have a legitimate gripe that you (assumed) that they thought it would do no harm to other components. If your stuck on having the LED DRL`s installed, go for it. I`m just as happy having the Factory DRL`s activated/enabled through the original headlamps like both Canadian and Fleet Vehicles have which is done through the Body Control Module and the IDS Programmer. Good luck.

I`d suggest getting a late model Ford Taurus or Ford Escort 16`` Emergency Spare (donut) and buy a Campbell-Haufeld RPO650 12 Volt Tire Inflator on Amazon.com for $12.91 while they still have them. Its a small mini Tire Inflator that has a built in (cooling fan) and it won`t blow the 12 V fuse. Its been discontinued so you better hurry and purchase one while they are still available.

After having my DRL`s "Daytime Running Lights" activated/enabled on my 2013 Ford C-MAX SE, no change in MPG City or Highway whatsoever. Energy used and 12 V battery drain is insignificant.

HKAG, Hyundia/Kia got caught too and what did they offer? A annual pre-loaded Credit Card worth about $50 a year depending on the mileage driven and verified yearly at a Dealership. Ford just stepped up at paid $550 in a lump sum regardless of miles driven and estimated savings on fuel costs. I know that for a fact since my (other) Vehicle just happens to be a 2012 Kia Rio5 that was given an EPA estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway and actually delivers 24-25 mpg city and 31-33 mpg highway. My 2011 Fiesta that I traded in for the C-MAX got 31-33 mpg city and 41-43 mpg highway and they (both) have a 1.6 ltr 4 cyl engine, the Rio5 having (GDI) as well.