C-Max Hybrid Factory Service Manual Sources

[RobMax]

I searched and haven't seen a new thread about this topic for quite awhile so thought I'd bring it up again in case things have changed.

Short of buying brand new Factory Service Manuals for mucho dinero, or a short term and expensive subscription to various websites, does anyone have a good source for the hybrid service manuals?

 

I bought a CD off ebay for my 2008 Escape Hybrid back in the day, but it wasn't quite up to snuff (the PDFs' various paragraphs were overlaid on many pages and unreadable), and I'd like to avoid buying crap like that again. 

 

If you do have a good source, please include a URL, which manuals you have, example of ebay buyer with good quality CDs or manuals, costs, etc. 

 

For instance, anyone ever buy a service manual on CD from these ebay sellers? Or from anyone else? If so, how's the quality, etc?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-FORD-FAMILY-OF-CARS-TRUCKS-Service-Repair-Manual-Workshop-WIRING-DIAG-/221540848358?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AC-Max&hash=item3394dd12e6&vxp=mtr

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Ford-Service-Manual-dvd-C-Max-Hybrid-Energi-SE-SEL-Escape-S-SE-Titanium-/141350103076?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item20e91f6824&vxp=mtr

 

Again, please post sources, seller info, costs, etc, to help everyone else out looking for service manual info. Thanks!

Edited September 26, 2014 by RobMax

[kostby]

Before you purchase something of dubious origin and questionable quality, why is $170 for the authorized CD-ROM too much to spend for a car that cost over $20k?

Ford's Interior Protection Package with all weather interior floor mats and matching trunk mat has an MSRP of $175. I've already spent more than that to refuel our C-MAX 4 times.

 

You really don't need to spend $170 now. You can get a short-term online subscription to either manuals or TSB's for $11 each for 72 hours or $20 each for a month.

 

http://www.helm.com

http://www.helminc.com/helm/ford_osi.asp?Style=helm&class%5F2=FRD

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?Make=FRD&Model=CMAX&Year=2013&Category=&class%5F2=FRD&mk=Ford&yr=2013&md=C%2DMAX&dt=&module=&from=result&Style=helm&Sku=FCS2122913&itemtype=N

[ptjones]

I have the CD from Helm, but need to figure out easy way to send pics and info. Easier to send by email. IMO :)

 

Paul

[RobMax]

Before you purchase something of dubious origin and questionable quality, why is $170 for the authorized CD-ROM too much to spend for a car that cost over $20k?

Ford's Interior Protection Package with all weather interior floor mats and matching trunk mat has an MSRP of $175. I've already spent more than that to refuel our C-MAX 4 times.

 

You really don't need to spend $170 now. You can get a short-term online subscription to either manuals or TSB's for $11 each for 72 hours or $20 each for a month.

 

http://www.helm.com

http://www.helminc.com/helm/ford_osi.asp?Style=helm&class%5F2=FRD

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?Make=FRD&Model=CMAX&Year=2013&Category=&class%5F2=FRD&mk=Ford&yr=2013&md=C%2DMAX&dt=&module=&from=result&Style=helm&Sku=FCS2122913&itemtype=N

 

As stated in the original post, this thread is to minimize the chances of anyone buying something of dubious origin/quality, and who said $170 is too much money if quality is excellent? Not sure I understand your meaning about the interior floor mats, but I appreciate the links to Helm.com you included. Have you personally used the Helm manual, or know anyone who has? If so, how's the quality? Ptjones, can you or anyone else who has it comment on quality?

Edited September 28, 2014 by RobMax

[kostby]

The Ford floor mat and trunk mat set for $175 was an attempt to compare the $170 cost of the HELM manual set on CD-ROM to the cost of something most people  'automatically' purchase for a new car.

[hybridbear]

You may be already aware of this, but I wanted to throw in there that you can buy access to Ford's OASIS system along with all the TSBs, SSMs, etc. I believe it costs about $110 for an entire year or $20 for a month. The mods on the Fusion Hybrid Forum & Fusion Energi Forum are sharing a membership so that we can access the TSBs, SSMs etc for the Fusion Hybrid Energi. The prices above give you access to one year and model only. If you want access to all years and all models, like dealerships need, that costs about $2500 for a yearly subscription.

[ptjones]

As stated in the original post, this thread is to minimize the chances of anyone buying something of dubious origin/quality, and who said $170 is too much money if quality is excellent? Not sure I understand your meaning about the interior floor mats, but I appreciate the links to Helm.com you included. Have you personally used the Helm manual, or know anyone who has? If so, how's the quality? Ptjones, can you or anyone else who has it comment on quality?

I think all the info is there, but sometimes it's hard to find.  I believe this is the same info the Dealers use. :)

 

Paul

[RobMax]

I think all the info is there, but sometimes it's hard to find.  I believe this is the same info the Dealers use. :)

 

Paul

 

The Ford floor mat and trunk mat set for $175 was an attempt to compare the $170 cost of the HELM manual set on CD-ROM to the cost of something most people  'automatically' purchase for a new car.

 

Ah gotcha. I agree. Once my 3yr/36k warranty is up I'll be looking closely at the Helm set then. Thank you both for your input here!

 

I think all the info is there, but sometimes it's hard to find.  I believe this is the same info the Dealers use. :)

 

Paul

[kc1174]

I bought one of those cheap DVDs off eBay, and to be honest, it's helped me out a lot. Yeah it's a burned copy of the official Ford one, and you have to backdate your PC, but it's worked out fine for me. Also have the wiring diagrams book. Is a bit confusing at first, but again, it's come in handy. I think I paid $30 for mine, but here's one on eBay. I've seen more available before now:

 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/371153154948?nav=SEARCH

[RobMax]

Any idea which DVD off ebay you got? Linky? And thanks for the feedback!

[kc1174]

Any idea which DVD off ebay you got? Linky? And thanks for the feedback!

Yeah 11/5/2013 I bought it from a seller called fopa13 on eBay. 3 discs - 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years and the 2013 and 2014 had the C-Max. Mine were $48 for the three discs. The link up above with the $18 or $19 DVD is the same I have by the looks of it, except it's a newer version. I've seen some on eBay for $170 or so, and they're the exact same thing.

[kc1174]

I think this one would be fine. It has no photo of the disc, but the screenshots are the same as mine. Can't go wrong for $19 :)

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Ford-Service-Manual-dvd-C-Max-Hybrid-Energi-SE-SEL-Escape-S-SE-Titanium-/141350103076?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item20e91f6824&vxp=mtr

Edited October 18, 2014 by kc1174

[Bill-N]

...  and you have to backdate your PC  ...

 

Why?

[kc1174]

Like most software, they add an expiration date to make sure folk keep up to date. Doesn't really apply to us though, because we still have the same car where dealers have new model years to support.

[BIG ROCCO]

Bought this one - seems to be the same as the full price version - totally worth the price IMHO:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Ford-CMAX-Hybrid-and-CMAX-Energi-Factory-Service-Manual-Repair-Manual-OEM-/171401381309?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item27e85185bd&vxp=mtr

 

Although all the wiring diagrams are included in the DVD, I also later bought a "used" copy of the wiring diagram manual for $15 I stumbled upon from another seller - seemed like new to me:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171441384528?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I'm an old guy, so for me, it's just easier to flip through a book.

[vitalic]

Is it possible to get image of this dvd?

 

Here is manual how to remove HV battery http://elvsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2014_C-Max%20Battery%20Removal%20Guide%20Final.pdf

Here is C-max Hybrid and Energy modifier guide http://www.motorcraftservice.com/content/pdf/2013_CMAX_Modifer_Guide.pdf

Edited April 10, 2015 by vitalic

[RobMax]

Is it possible to get image of this dvd?

 

Here is manual how to remove HV battery http://elvsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2014_C-Max%20Battery%20Removal%20Guide%20Final.pdf

Here is C-max Hybrid and Energy modifier guide http://www.motorcraftservice.com/content/pdf/2013_CMAX_Modifer_Guide.pdf

 

Nice, thanks. That battery removal guide can come in handy!

[Marc Smith]

not to be a downer...  but  being this is a ford sponsored site,  should we be talking about buying pirated copies of the ford service manual...

[RobMax]

not to be a downer...  but  being this is a ford sponsored site,  should we be talking about buying pirated copies of the ford service manual...

 

Why do you think this is a Ford sponsored site? Here's who owns the site according to every registration site I've seen. Doesn't sound like Ford owns or is sponsoring it, though they do have a customer supporting presence, as do other privately owned websites I peruse like SVTPerformance.com:

http://website.informer.com/Sharon+Elliott+Warnner+Robert.html

 

#2, what's wrong with getting as much information as possible on a vehicle we own? Factory service manuals are normally available thru multiple sources. I'm simply looking for the cheapest and easiest, and asking others about it. And who's to say what's been made available thus far isn't being supplied publicly by Ford? If not, then it's up to Ford to ensure that information doesn't leak.

Edited April 11, 2015 by RobMax

[Marc Smith]

I stand corrected on it being a ford owned site...maybe its just sponsored byt the blue oval,  or at the very least funded.  In either case.  this site is a pretty cheap way to learn more about your vehicle...  and promoting buying software pirated from the site funder (if the site is funded by ford)  seems like a good way to upset  a sponsor  or make them pull their factory rep from the site...

 

Saying its ford responsibility to ensure that their product is not used illegally  is tantamount to saying its Ford fault that they make a car that can exceed the posted speed limit and as such when you get a ticket for speeding you can blame them....

[RobMax]

I stand corrected on it being a ford owned site...maybe its just sponsored byt the blue oval,  or at the very least funded.  In either case.  this site is a pretty cheap way to learn more about your vehicle...  and promoting buying software pirated from the site funder (if the site is funded by ford)  seems like a good way to upset  a sponsor  or make them pull their factory rep from the site...

 

Saying its ford responsibility to ensure that their product is not used illegally  is tantamount to saying its Ford fault that they make a car that can exceed the posted speed limit and as such when you get a ticket for speeding you can blame them....

 

Ease up on the assumptions, Marc. At the very least funded by Ford? In an effort to improve customer service and their image, Ford has some reps create profiles on privately owned sites to assist owners with problems. They've done this on numerous other privately owned forums too.

 

Read this:

https://social.ford.com/our-articles/suvs/explorer/ford-customer-service-division-expands-its-service-to-social-media/

 

And who said anything about buying pirated goods? How do you know what's available is pirated? Again with the assumptions and generalizations. My point is if you want to keep something secret, you don't offer it for sale, as Ford does with their service manuals. You realize you can buy factory service manuals from the dealership right? Is the dealership breaking the law then? If I decide to sell a manual I purchased, am I breaking the law? Is Autozone breaking the law by offering service info free online? I'm simply asking where we can get quality factory service manuals cheaper than buying brand new. There's nothing "tantamount" in your example --- you've gone off the rails, mate.

Edited April 11, 2015 by RobMax

[Marc Smith]

if a person buys a new manual,  and then decides to resell it.  no worries..

 

Autozone-  they most likely have purchased the factory manuals or at the very least authorized updates.  personally I have access to Alldata... which many shops have purchased subscriptions to..

 

In theory.  since I have access to alldata  I could PDF the entire information and offer it for sale.  that, however would be illegal...

 

for instance-  this DVD

would be a legitmate purchase...IMO.  its not a pirated copy,  and I have to assume that the buyer legally acquired the disc

 

however,  this auction

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2002-Ford-Complete-Factory-Service-Manuals-Repair-Manual-OEM-/171593554854?hash=item27f3c5dba6&vxp=mtr

 

Would lead me to believe that the owner is burning copies of an original disc from ford or other company,  or dumping the data from a program like Alldata and making packaging it so it can be available....

 

just my 2 cents... that's all...  everyone is entitled their own opinions..

[kc1174]

It appears to me that all technical help passed on from one user to another by virtue of say, a forum, is in effect passing on proprietary information. We're in effect copying Ford manuals and illegally reproducing them right here when someone asks what pin 15 is on connector C175E is. Half of this site therefore contains "pirated" material.

Pin 15 is for the engine coolant sensor btw (oops).

[jdbob]

It appears to me that all technical help passed on from one user to another by virtue of say, a forum, is in effect passing on proprietary information. We're in effect copying Ford manuals and illegally reproducing them right here when someone asks what pin 15 is on connector C175E is. Half of this site therefore contains "pirated" material.

Pin 15 is for the engine coolant sensor btw (oops).

 

There is an exemption in the copyright law for sharing of small excerpts of copyrighted material for educational purposes. I've used that exemption many times, but refused when someone wants me to copy the whole chapter.

[Noah Harbinger]

It appears to me that all technical help passed on from one user to another by virtue of say, a forum, is in effect passing on proprietary information. We're in effect copying Ford manuals and illegally reproducing them right here when someone asks what pin 15 is on connector C175E is. Half of this site therefore contains "pirated" material.

Pin 15 is for the engine coolant sensor btw (oops).

 

Facts are not copyrightable. You can take every piece of information in the service manual and re-publish it, as nothing in the service manual could rightly be called a 'trade secret'.

 

But you cannot copy the service manual itself. You have to re-explain the facts, and re-draw the diagrams, or else you are "pirating" it.

 

In short: Copying the service manual is a violation; copying the information is not. 

Edited April 25, 2015 by Noah Harbinger