Charlie_The_CMax Posted January 11, 2015 Report Share Posted January 11, 2015 Hi everyoneNew to the forum, and new to hybrid ownership (Nov 2014). We were actually looking at the Escape, but the C-MAX caught my wife's eye and it was love at first sight. Since taking ownership in November, we've noticed a few things that puzzle us. Feel free to comment or add moreWhy is there no 'low washer fluid' warning light? We completely drained our washer fluid, and being used to a Toyota that told us when the level was low, we were surprised that the C-MAX does not. So we filled it up (from completely bone dry) and discovered that the reservoir 'doesn't quite' hold a full jug of washer fluid! Whose idea was that?!!! At least in North America they are all a standard size, and other auto makers seem to have figured out that it should take a full jug to make things easier. Has anyone else thought about this?Every once in a while, we 'start' the car and the engine warning light comes on (for no reason). Shutting the car off and starting it again puts everything to normal. What's up with that?!I see Ford has published new consumption figures for the Hybrid. Yeah. We certainly don't get close to those, and winter driving (even with premium which seemed to help our last vehicle) makes the numbers even worse with the requirement to warm up the car, and using the heat, seat warmers, etc. That's a bit disappointing.Is there an indication of engine temperature anywhere in the instrument cluster?We still joke when pulling away without the gas engine kicking in that this is as close to a Tesla as we will get.Overall very happy so far with the car. I'm glad we put winter tires on before winter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScubaDadMiami Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 You aren't the first to mention the low washer fluid light absence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 (edited) Every once in a while, we 'start' the car and the engine warning light comes on (for no reason). Shutting the car off and starting it again puts everything to normal. What's up with that?! Is there an indication of engine temperature anywhere in the instrument cluster? You most likely had a false start which typically happens by going through the start up process a little too quickly and not leaving your foot on the brake long enough or pushing down far enough. Next time this happens, look and see if the green car with arrows is lit up. Most likely it won't be and you're in accessory mode. IOW, push the brake first before touching the start button. Yes there is a temperature gauge. It can be selected in the left hand display in the "My View" screen. Cursor right till you get to the options and click through the numerous options. There's even a tachometer. Cool stuff. Edited January 15, 2015 by fotomoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveloMA Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Doug: there's a start-up process beyond simply turning the key? Can you illuminate? Thanks also for the remarks about the displays. Is there a thread that talks about them in detail/shows them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugblndr Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 I never knew there was no warning light for low windshield washer fluid, glad I read this post. All of my cars over the past 12+ years have had the warning light. With the way windshield washer containers are jammed into engine compartments nowadays, there's no real way to check the level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Doug: there's a start-up process beyond simply turning the key? Can you illuminate? Thanks also for the remarks about the displays. Is there a thread that talks about them in detail/shows them? Sorry, I forget that the SE model has a key. :doh: The SEL and Energi's don't use keys and have push button start. Here's a great video on the displays: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 However, he still is right about this -- "and not leaving your foot on the brake long enough or pushing down far enough". Even with a key you need to do these things, and there have been times I've turned the key without it and gotten the check engine light. With our vehicles it is easy to do, since just turning the key doesn't actually turn an engine on (so you're not quite sure you've pushed the break down or hard enough). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottwood2 Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Interesting, not sure if I have been putting my foot on the brake or not when I start. I am out of town and have a VW which requires you to have your foot on the brake to start. i did not do that the first few times so I am thinking that I don't do that when I start my SE at home. I will have to try that when I get back. I have not had the light come on. I will also have to look at the temperature gauge too. I have been using this but don't remember the color changing on warm up. Learn something new every day. This link might help. I had to look too. http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/3552-2013-c-max-where-is-temp-gauge/?hl=%2Btemperature+%2Bgauge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScubaDadMiami Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 When I first got my C-MAX, I wrote a similar thread. I added specifics, and part of the story was that I was either in a rush or some equivalent that caused me to go through the start up procedure quickly, and I got responses saying that I probably didn't depress the pedal, or depress it far enough (foot just barely resting without any pressure. It happens, especially when starting up with a new process after so many years of just having to turn a key. I've never had a repeat of the issue, so I am going to say that the gang probably spotted the issue on this one. Obviously, if it keeps happening, then there is something going on. However, don't worry about it until then. It could just be the same kind of thing as happened to me and at least a few others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigalpha Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 I've never noticed the temp icon change colors. I'll have to look later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 I've never noticed the temp icon change colors. I'll have to look later. Just so happens, I pulled up the temp gauge yesterday and didn't notice any change but I could have sworn it did previously. Must me losing my mind (not the first time). I deleted my reference just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiling Jack Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 Just so happens, I pulled up the temp gauge yesterday and didn't notice any change but I could have sworn it did previously. Must me losing my mind (not the first time). I deleted my reference just in case. A mind is a terrible thing to lose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveofDurham Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 My temp gauge starts out blue and turns white when engine gets warm enough. (2013 SEL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 (edited) A mind is a terrible thing to lose. A mind is a terrible thing. And it must be stopped in our lifetime. Please give to unicorn. (old but great comic bit) :) Thanks Dave! Edited January 16, 2015 by fotomoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizM Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 Sorry, I forget that the SE model has a key. :doh: The SEL and Energi's don't use keys and have push button start. Here's a great video on the displays: Did anyone else notice in the video that the Gasoline icon showed the filler door on the left...mine (2013 SEL) is on the right. Has that changed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 Did anyone else notice in the video that the Gasoline icon showed the filler door on the left...mine (2013 SEL) is on the right. Has that changed? That's most likely the Fusion hybrid display. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPL Tech Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 There is no low washer fluid because Ford chose not to add it. Those sensors are not free and if Ford added every feature that exists, the car would cost more than you want to pay for it. They had to pick and choose. Some made the list, others did not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Well, I'm glad they didn't (I probably need to refill the fluid once every five years on my Durango in the 20 years I've owned it). So there's a case where at least one person is happy for no added price for it. JAZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugblndr Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Well, I'm glad they didn't (I probably need to refill the fluid once every five years on my Durango in the 20 years I've owned it). So there's a case where at least one person is happy for no added price for it.Where I live you can fill it on Monday morning and then have to pull over halfway home from work and fill it at the side of the road on a Friday. That isn't too big of a deal if you have a spare bottle in the hatch. If you don't, you're wiping snow on the windshield and hoping you can see for long enough to get to a gas station so you can buy some more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigalpha Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Where I live you can fill it on Monday morning and then have to pull over halfway home from work and fill it at the side of the road on a Friday. That isn't too big of a deal if you have a spare bottle in the hatch. If you don't, you're wiping snow on the windshield and hoping you can see for long enough to get to a gas station so you can buy some more.Considering it can be a safety hazard if you can't clear your windshield, I think they should have added it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveloMA Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 I guess you guys would know, but a Ford rep at the New England Auto Show said there was a low fluid warning, which came as a relief to me as there was no dipstick like I have in my Subaru. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Where I live you can fill it on Monday morning and then have to pull over halfway home from work and fill it at the side of the road on a Friday. That isn't too big of a deal if you have a spare bottle in the hatch. If you don't, you're wiping snow on the windshield and hoping you can see for long enough to get to a gas station so you can buy some more. But if that's true you don't need a low fluid warning, any more than I needed a gas gauge when driving my V-8 Jeep (which got about 9 mpg). I mean, I just didn't pass any gas stations without filling up <g>. But, all seriousness aside, you probably have an excellent handle on how often you need to fill it up. I would argue that someone like myself, who uses the fluid action far less frequently, is exactly the kind who DOES need it, because they have no clue how much is in there (like, now, for example). But conversely, since we use it so seldom it a gauge also isn't really needed. IOW, it's the kind of thing where if you need it, you don't need it <bg>. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottwood2 Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Interesting, not sure if I have been putting my foot on the brake or not when I start. I am out of town and have a VW which requires you to have your foot on the brake to start. i did not do that the first few times so I am thinking that I don't do that when I start my SE at home. I will have to try that when I get back. I have not had the light come on. Checked and I do not have to put my foot on the brake to get the car ready to drive. It maybe required on the SEL but at least on my SE, it works fine with just turning the key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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