Something new for Maxus

[mtb9153]

Just ordered these from Tire Rack.  Should get here  Monday.  Plan to locate them up in front grille on either side of the blue Ford oval out at the edge closest to the headlights.  Will wire them to come on during the daytime but go out at night.

 

Hella 30-degree LED Daytime Running Light Kit

[catsailor]

why would you want to draw ANY power off the battery during the day. You are already struggling to get FE numbers and any un-necessary power draw off your battery will be unwelcomed. If you run into fog use your fog lamps if you have an SEL.

 

BTW Gas Pods so far are doing the job

[wab]

why would you want to draw ANY power off the battery during the day. You are already struggling to get FE numbers and any un-necessary power draw off your battery will be unwelcomed. If you run into fog use your fog lamps if you have an SEL.

 

BTW Gas Pods so far are doing the job

 

Compared to incandescent bulbs (brake, turn, tail, etc) LED's don't use any electricity.

If 12v power was an issue relative to MPG Ford would convert to LED's for 2014.

[Phil1336]

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.

[mtb9153]

thanks for that info Phil1336, my Hella's are suppose to arrive by UPS on Monday.

[Skitime]

Let us know how they work and ease of installation, sounds greaat!

[Phil1336]

thanks for that info Phil1336, my Hella's are suppose to arrive by UPS on Monday.

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.

Edited October 7, 2013 by Phil1336

[wab]

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.

 

The act says that just because you replace all your bulbs with LED's or add your own DRL's and a wheel bearing goes out they can't void your warranty.

[mtb9153]

In my opinion switching the round knob setting on the lower left side of the dash for daylight running is a joke.  They have little or no affect, at least on my car that is.  They are too weak to be of any value for adding improved driver visibility to oncoming traffic.  I fail to see how Ford could think my installing these lights could cause another system to fail and be grounds to void my warranty.  Besides by putting on disc brake caliper covers over a year ago Ford could come back and say they caused my brakes to wear out faster or overheat my rotors which the manufacturer claims won't happen, they actually make the brakes run cooler and there's little or no brake dust.  I'm going for it, besides I spent the $159 and they arrived today.  One thing I did mess up on is the model of Hella DRL lights I ordered.  They are meant to be mounted at a 30degree angle for proper light strength looking straight forward.  In other words they were designed to be mount on a rounded portion of a front bumper, which of course there isn't on the CMax stock front bumper.  So this is going to take some ingenious mounting fabrication to get them mounted at 30 degree's.

Edited October 8, 2013 by mtb9153

[Tdefny]

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.

How did you activate/enable them Phil? I feel that the increased visibility on city streets is worth a potential modest hit to MPG.

[Phil1336]

In my opinion switching the round knob setting on the lower left side of the dash for daylight running is a joke.  They have little or no affect, at least on my car that is.  They are too weak to be of any value for adding improved driver visibility to oncoming traffic.  I fail to see how Ford could think my installing these lights could cause another system to fail and be grounds to void my warranty.  Besides by putting on disc brake caliper covers over a year ago Ford could come back and say they caused my brakes to wear out faster or overheat my rotors which the manufacturer claims won't happen, they actually make the brakes run cooler and there's little or no brake dust.  I'm going for it, besides I spent the $159 and they arrived today.  One thing I did mess up on is the model of Hella DRL lights I ordered.  They are meant to be mounted at a 30degree angle for proper light strength looking straight forward.  In other words they were designed to be mount on a rounded portion of a front bumper, which of course there isn't on the CMax stock front bumper.  So this is going to take some ingenious mounting fabrication to get them mounted at 30 degree's.

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.

[Phil1336]

How did you activate/enable them Phil? I feel that the increased visibility on city streets is worth a potential modest hit to MPG.

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.

[CarpeNivem]

So, where did you wind up mounting them? Can we see pictures? :)

[fotomoto]

Many aftermarket DRL's have a control unit with a sensor wire that is attached to a headlight wire.  When the headlights are turned on (manually or automatically) the DRL's control unit will switch off.   This makes installation easy-peasy (+ & - wires along with sensor wire).  I found some name brand ones on Amazon for significantly less.  The caveat is they are bigger (deeper) but should still fit if mounted by the FORD logo slots.  The middle and bottom grill openings have the shutters to contend with and could be fouled by any installations there.

[mtb9153]

Many aftermarket DRL's have a control unit with a sensor wire that is attached to a headlight wire.  When the headlights are turned on (manually or automatically) the DRL's control unit will switch off.   This makes installation easy-peasy (+ & - wires along with sensor wire).  I found some name brand ones on Amazon for significantly less.  The caveat is they are bigger (deeper) but should still fit if mounted by the FORD logo slots.  The middle and bottom grill openings have the shutters to contend with and could be fouled by any installations there.

Fotomoto, just be sure you don't buy the lights I bought by mistake. They are Hella 30 series DRLs. The 30 references that the housing must be mounted at a 30 degree angle so the LEDs are seen at their brightest to on-going cars. They were designed to be mounted on the corner of a cars front end. There is no place on a CMax to allow this because of the factory fog lights on my SEL. So unless I can come up with an alternate way to mount them, I'll have to return them. Cost me $130 and hope I can find a way to use them

[mtb9153]

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 don't see this as being a problem with my warranty, but thanks for your concern. I don't agree that the factory lights are bright enough to be seen during full daylight. But that's my opinion.

Edited October 11, 2013 by mtb9153

[mtb9153]

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.

What I meant is there is a setting on the headlights knob which has to be turned counterclockwise two clicks to allow the lights to be on during the daytime. As a make shift DRL They aren't very bright at this setting. But maybe if Ford is reprogramming the light functions? That might be something different that I'm not familiar with?

[mtb9153]

Ok I got the passenger side DRL installed but not yet wired.  I was able to fabricate a shelf for the Hella 30 series to mount at the required 30degree angle yet still behind the upper grille.  It required cutting up my front grille to enlarge the factory opening on either side of the Ford Blue Oval to allow the to allow the light to be seen through the grille opening since it is mounted behind the grille.  There still is a black plastic support standing vertically in front of a portion of the DRL lens which might mess up the light beam once they are turned on.  I won't know how much this might affect the overall look until I can wired them and turn them on.  This support is a body panel which is sandwiched between the front bumper facia and the radiator shutter assembly.  I could cut out the support bracket and I think it would not affect the integrity of the front facia.  But right now that is more customizing which can't be reversed without buying a whole new front facia assembly at great cost.

 

   

Edited October 14, 2013 by mtb9153

[Phil1336]

What I meant is there is a setting on the headlights knob which has to be turned counterclockwise two clicks to allow the lights to be on during the daytime. As a make shift DRL They aren't very bright at this setting. But maybe if Ford is reprogramming the light functions? That might be something different that I'm not familiar with?

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?

[mtb9153]

New for Maxus starting tomorrow after I buy the materials I will begin work on fabricating a flexible air dam underneath the front fascia which will mount using factory supplied Torx screws already in place on the undercarriage.  I plan to have this air dam hang down at least as low as the poorly designed plastic factory tire deflectors with the ends curving around and exiting right into the factory tire deflectors on both sides.  The air dam will be fashioned out of some 1/4" thick white extruded rubber-like material I found rolled up in my Dad's garage.  It is left over from material he used to lay across his work bench as his work surface in his work shop.  The leftover section is just about the right length to span the full width of the undercarriage.  Since it too wide I will be trimming it in half so there will be plenty for another time and project.  The rubber material will be secured along one side of the length with a section of extruded aluminum "L" bracket and hardware.  The other side of the "L" will have drilled holes to align with the factory Torx screws.  I did something very similar to this on my 1971 Datsun 240Z to extend the fiberglas airdam under the front bumper, but flexible to go up and down driveways.  Worked pretty nice and reduces air flow under the car.

 

My second project is too fabricate a rear spoiler/deflector across the full with of the tailgate.  Mounting just under the rear glass and bent upward to move the air flow coming off the rear window and from around the rear sides of Maxus up and outward beyond the rear bumper.  All while hopefully cleaning up the dirty air flow off the rear end.

 

Lastly I have still in the design phase an idea for a rear air diffuser underneath the rear section of Maxus.  This will allow air coming from underneath the body to be directed up and out off the rear bumper, while mixing further back behind Maxus with the air coming off the body and my GasPods and my rear spoiler.  Hopefully all this will assist in further boosting my mileage numbers.  If not it will be all for looks  I've been missing the ground effects I was used to on my lowered Datsun 240z.

 

I might even explore adding some of the flexible rubber to add to the length of black plastic side molding which runs across the rocker panel between the tires.  This might assist in keeping the air channeled down the length of the undercarriage and out through the rear diffuser.  Stay Tuned for updates on these projects.