RedLdr1

Nice :hysterical3: "sissy sticks"... Do the LEDS just glow or do they flash with your turn signals.... ;) :hysterical: :hysterical:

It may not be up to the numbers the FFH has posted but in fairness mine was very close to it's "faked" EPA numbers of 36MPG and averaged around 35MPG. Our FFH isn't even doing that, I'd be happy with 35MPG right now.....with a car rated at 47/47/47MPG.....

Since you have a warranty for anything mechanical the biggest thing to check on delivery is the paint, glass, interior, and overall finish of the car. Once you drive the car off the lot it is hard to prove when that paint chip, scratch, dented trim, windshield rock chip, chipped headlight happened. The same thing for the interior as far as scuffs, tears, stains of other imperfections. For that reason go over the car very carefully and note any damages on the Delivery Inspection form. Also insure any loose accessories, floor mats, cargo kits, cargo nets, etc are accounted for before you drive off. If you could be blamed as the cause of any appearance issue it needs to noted before you drive away... Painting imperfections such as bubbles, streaks, or runs are obviously Ford's issue but I note them on the Delivery Inspection anyway, same for any interior issues. A little eagle eye inspection now can save you an argument on a warranty claim later....:D

Duplicate Post ... I'll blame it KBS... As in Keyboard Bounce Syndrome...:D

Here is a batch of acronyms, or initialisms to be technically correct, that we assembled on the C-Max forum. Some are very common others are a bit more arcane...to say the least! Hopefully this will help out anyone scratching their head trying to decode a unknown alphabet soup post...:D ABS - Anti-Lock Brake SystemACC - Automatic Climate ControlAKI - Anti-Knock Index (Octane rating method used in U.S.)APP - Accelerator Pedal PositionAPPS - Acceleration Pedal Position SensorARB - Air Resource BoardATDC - After Top Dead CenterBARO - Barometric PressureBECM - Battery Energy Control ModuleBEV - Battery Electric VehicleBPO - Battery Power OffBPP - Brake Pedal PositionBPPS – Brake Pedal Position Sensor (master cylinder pressure)BSCM – Brake System Control ModuleBTDC - Before Top Dead CenterCAFE - Corporate Average Fuel EconomyCAN - Controller Area NetworkCARB- California Air Resource BoardCC - Cruise ControlCCA - Cold Cranking Amps @ 0 degrees FCCM - Comprehensive Component MonitorCEL - Check Engine LightCHT - Cylinder Head TemperatureCKP - Crankshaft PositionCL - Closed LoopCMP - Camshaft PositionCO - Carbon MonoxideCO2 - Carbon DioxideCOP - Coil On PlugCT - Closed ThrottleCTO - Clean Tach OutputDC - 1. Direct Current 2. Duty CycleDFSO - Deceleration Fuel Shut-OffDLC - Data Link ConnectorDMM - Digital MultimeterDRI - Deposit Resistant InjectorDRL - Daytime Running LightsDTC - Diagnostic Trouble CodeDTE - Distance To EmptyE10 - 10% ethanol, 90% gasolineE15 - 15% ethanol, 85% gasolineECE - External Combuston EngineECM – Engine / Electronic Control ModuleECT - Engine Coolant TemperatureECU - Engine Control UnitEEC - Electronic Engine ControlEEGR - Electric Exhaust Gas RecirculationEEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only MemoryEGR - Exhaust Gas RecirculationEPA - Environmental Protection AgencyETB - Electronic Throttle BodyETC - Electronic Throttle ControlETM - Engineering Test ModeEV - Electric Vehicle (NOTE - Ford uses an additional "EV+" which is best described as an enhanced/GPS associated forced EV mode, please see Manual)EVAP - Evaporative EmissionFAOS - Fore-Aft Oxygen SensorFC - Fan ControlFCDIM - Front Control/Display Interface Module (4.2" or 8" center LCD display)FE - Fuel Efficiency / Fuel EconomyFEPS - Flash EEPROM Programming SignalFLI - Fuel Level InputFMEM - Failure Mode Effects ManagementFP - Fuel PumpFTP - Fuel Tank PressureGCU - Generator Control UnitGPM - 1. Grams per Mile 2. Gallons per MinuteGVW - Gross Vehicle WeightHC - HydrocarbonHEV - Hybrid Electric VehicleHID - High Intensity DischargeHO2S - Heated Oxygen SensorHPCU - Hybrid Power Control UnitIAT - Intake Air TemperatureICE - Internal Combustion Engine.IDS - Integrated Diagnostic SystemIPC - 1. Instrument Panel Cluster 2. Independent Plausibility CheckerISO - International Standards OrganizationKAM - Keep Alive MemoryKm/h - Kilometers per HourKOEO - Key On Engine OffKOER - Key On Engine RunningkPa - KilopascalKS - Knock SensorLEV - Low Emissions VehicleLIPO - Lithium Polymer BatteryLOS - Limited Operating StrategyLRR - Low Rolling-Resistance (tires)MAF - Mass Air FlowMAP - Manifold Absolute PressureMECS - Motor Electronics Cooling SystemMFF - Misfire Freeze FrameMFM - My Ford Mobile MFT - My Ford Touch MIL - Malfunction Indicator LightMRFS - Mechanical Returnless Fuel SystemN - NitrogenNOX - Nitrogen OxideNVRAM - Non-Volatile Random Access MemoryOASIS - On-line Automotive Service Information SystemOBD - On Board Diagnotics, for example, your Avg or Instant MPG, Trip1/Trip2OC - Oxidation Catalytic ConverterOCI - Oil Change IntervalOEM - Original Equipment ManufacturerOHC - Overhead CamshaftOSC - Output State ControlOSR - On Board System ReadinessP&G - Pulse and Glide. PCM - Powertrain Control ModulePCV - Positive Crankcase VentilationPHEV - Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (as in the C-Max or Fusion Energi)PID - Parameter IdentificationPIP - Profile Ignition PickupPPM - Parts Per MillionPRNDL – Transmission Range SensorPSCM - Power Steering Control ModulePTS - Professional Technician SocietyPWM - Pulse Width ModulatedPZEV - Partial Zero Emission VehicleRAM - Random Access MemoryRCM - Restraints Control ModuleROM - Read-Only MemoryRPM - Revolutions per MinuteRWD - Rear-Wheel DriveSAE - Society of Automotive EngineersSC – Speed ControlSOBDMC - Secondary On Board Diagnostic ModuleSOC - State of Charge (HEV battery level)SULEV-II - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles-IISSM - Special Service MessageTAC - Throttle Actuator ControlTACM - Throttle Actuator Control MotorTB - Throttle BodyTCM – Transmission Control ModuleTDC - Top Dead CenterTMK - Tire Mobility KitTP - Throttle PositionTPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemTR - Transmission RangeTRID - Transmission IdentificationTSB - Technical Service BulletinULEV - Ultra Low Emissions VehicleUOA - Used Oil AnalysisVCM - Vehicle Communication ModuleVCT - Variable Camshaft TimingVECI - Vehicle Emission Control InformationVID - Vehicle IdentificationVIN - Vehicle Identification NumberVSC - Vehicle System ControllerVSS - Vehicle Speed SensorWOT - Wide Open Throttle

I've used USAA and Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) for car shopping and financing. While the USAA / Zag car plan is good be aware you still pay the standard advertised "Dealer Fees" that can be outrageous. Dealers around here charge up to $750 in "Dealer Fees" that may make X-plan, which limits those fees to $100, the better choice. It has been my experience that X-plan is is usually fairly close price wise to USAA on the vehicle price but the $100 Fee cap makes X-plan the winner if just barely. If "Dealer Fees" aren't as ridiculous in your area as in mine that may make USAA more attractive. Interestingly PenFed somehow always lands in the middle of my spreadsheet.

Yes, I remember the movie quite well and even have it on DVD. Your saying there are cars in the movie? :headscratch: I don't recall seeing any cars... :confused: ;) Now I'll have to watch it again :lurk: just to see the solar powered car.... :) Since my HOA bans solar panels on homes I wonder what they would say to a solar powered car parked in my driveway.....

Ford isn't the only one with electric Parking Brake issues. When I bought a new 2010 Subaru Outback it looked like it had a piece of a metal coat hanger neatly stored in the spare tire area. When I asked what it was for I found out it was to free the electric Parking brake if it stuck! The rear brake calipers had a small hole you could insert the rod in to release the Parking Brake.....

I have not seen any yet. Unfortunately a lot hybrid owners consider "performance" to be a "dirty" word. So "performance enhancements" for any hybrid are almost a oxymoron and seldom marketed as they won't sell well. The funny part is when something like a low restriction exhaust is marketed as a fuel economy improvement / enhancement it becomes "okay"... go figure.. :doh: Anyway, that being the case you need to look for ICE performance mods for the other model Fusions that can be easily modified to transfer over to the FFH. Low restriction cat back exhausts, Cold Air Intakes, and possibly a custom tune should become available through the same sources that supply the 2.0 EcoBoost "hot rod" folks their tweaks. How much bang for your buck you will see is debatable though... I suspect due to the dual power nature of the FFH it may not respond very well to traditional performance enhancements. I don't know if I'll try to mod the FFH's powertrain but I just might tweak the suspension a bit when some good spring, shock, and sway bar kits become available. Blowing by a "performance car" in the north Georgia mountain twisties in a hybrid would be a very good laugh... :)

I have used both the older metallic and newer ceramic tint and metallic tint can negatively effect any aftermarket electronics used in the vehicle. But that is only add on electronics not the factory installed Navigation / Radio / Sat Radio. That is because the antennas for the OEM devices are normally either mounted outside the car or in the rear window glass in some cars. High metallic level tints are like putting your aftermarket dash mounted Garmin GPS, or your cellphone, behind a metallic screen or foil...they will still work but their reception may be significantly impaired. This is a really extreme example but think of a tin can with only the top opened...you will only get good reception when the opening is facing the antenna. With some high metallic content tints the only easy way "in or out" for a decent signal level becomes the windshield. When the ceramic tints became available I switched over and have had no complaints...or dropped calls. ;) You can see my FFH with FormulaOne Pinnacle 35% Ceramic window tint Here. That is the light sensor for the automatic headlights, toss a hat or some other dark cover on it, and your lights should come on if they are in Automatic mode.

I have not noticed any difference, but then my backup camera never has had any static or any other issues. You might want to get that checked as it isn't "normal"....

In some ways that is hard to answer as they are different vehicles for different uses in my case. But the FFH wins hands down since it is equipped much nicer than you can build a C-Max...

The "real time" data, actually it is near real time data, used for most of the "real time" traffic incidents comes from multiple sources but the local "511" Travelers Information provides most of it to which ever data aggregator that XM/Sirius utilizes. That is why you have a "heavy lorry" in Virginia and we have a "semi truck" or "tractor trailer" in Georgia.... ;) :) That is also why the displayed data can lag behind true "real time" and what your local 511 and news is reporting....

I had both cars tinted at 35% on all the windows except for the windshield. That 35% level of tint is the darkest legal tint for the front windows in Georgia. I don't care for the "limo" look with darker windows in the rear so I just stick with 35% tint all around. The passenger front door looks lighter in this photo due to the angle as the windshield is letting in more light. As for suggestions If you are going to tint your windows use a good brand of tint and find a reputable shop. I have been using FormulaOne Pinnacle, or other F1 products prior to Pinnacle being introduced, for over fifteen years and never had any issues. And with their lifetime warranty I'm covered if I ever do have a problem. I keep my tint percentage "legal" as I don't need any issues and the darker tints don't provide much more UV or solar rejection protection anyway...

Update: After some calls with Ford Tech Support the Sync PCIM module was successfully reset, rather than replaced, and everything is now working fine. We picked the FFH up last night and Version 3.5.1 seems to be an improvement over the 3.2.2 we were running. The new Hybrid Power Usage Screen looks very similar to the "power" screen I had in my Sonata hybrid. My wife doesn't like it as it "rats out" her lead foot and her need for the heater being on both of which reduce the fuel mileage... ;) We did loose our cell phones pairing and the radio / XMSirius presets in the upgrade process. The good news is the new software makes pairing a cellphone very easy compared to the older version as you no longer need to type in a passkey you just "one click" confirm what is displayed while pairing the phone. Hopefully as more upgrades are installed it will go faster for other folks. Since my dealership, Cherokee Ford, provided us a loaner car while they and Ford figured it out it wasn't a big issue. They also upgraded the shifter knob to the correct one for the 505A Luxury Package while they had the FFH so all the required actions are done on the FFH. Now if they would just release 3.5.1 for my C-MAx I'd be happy as the 3.1.1 version of MFT it has installed really stinks....

My dealership called on Tuesday to let me know 3.5.1 was authorized so I dropped our FFH off yesterday morning. Installing 3.5.1 over 3.2.2 caused a hard failure in the Sync PCIM module which now needs replaced. So I have a loaner 2012 Fusion while they work with Ford Tech Support to get my FFH working. I'm not worried about it, I have a nice loaner and my dealerships service department is very good. But the one to three hours that loading 3.5.1 is supposed to take is going to be one to three days I suspect. I'm glad I didn't try this one at home.... ;)

Thank you.. I'll run that number by the parts guys....

My dealer has ordered two cargo nets so far using the Part Number (DS7Z-54550A66-B) shown on the Ford Accessory website and neither came with hooks even though the description says they are included if required. The parts breakdown for the FFH does not list any hooks for the top two connections where the "rod" protrudes out of the liner. The Parts Manager has escalated this up the Ford food chain so hopefully I'll have an update soon, I'll post what I find out as soon as I hear something.

Having owned a 2012 Sonata Hybrid with the Luxury Package I'll add a few comments from my experiences. "Less pleasant to drive" is an understatement. The Sonata drivers seat killed my back, and the passenger seat had my wife saying she felt like she was sitting on the floor. The backseat is awkward to get in, uncomfortable, and very awkward to exit...ladies in skirts or dresses be forewarned... :redcard: Unfortunately the average thirty minute test drive does not reveal seating issues like these as it takes awhile to "feel" them. After this experience before we bought our FFH our dealer loaned us a new Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost to drive for a day to see if it would be comfortable...sometimes it pays to have a long standing relationship with one dealer. Performance, I know we are talking hybrids and that is a "dirty" word...but don't stop light race a Sonata...you'll lose. The non-CVT six speed transmission, bigger motor, and bigger battery all give the Sonata the edge. The more powerful drive train in the 2013 the article describes will just add to that advantage. But you will notice the six speed shifting and some times the transition to and from the ICE is a tad clunky...and you won't get the gas mileage a FFH is capable of.... Handling, the FFH feels much more stable and exhibits less drama running my favorite North Georgia mountain roads. But that is just my opinion with no subjective data to back it up... Gas Mileage, see Performance.... ;) If I drove it like a "regular" car I averaged around 30 MPG...by behaving and a little working at it I could hit the rated 36MPG. Entertainment / Navigation System, the Navigation / Stereo / iPod / Bluetooth Integration in the Sonata was much better than Ford and Microsoft MFT by a long shot. First and foremost there were no ongoing software issues like MFT. Using "BlueLink", the Hyundai Remote access application, allowed me to remote start the car, added theft prevention, emergency response services, vehicle locator, the ability to make calls without using my cellphone, and a few other toys. BlueLink does require a subscription like GM's "OnStar" after a six month trial to pay for that built in cellphone. The app they provided to link to the Sonata's BlueLink for my Droid was very good... Ford could learn a lot from Hyundai in this area.... Before anyone comments I know Ford has a similar built in cell phone system in the Energi version of the FFH and C-Max...but it has the same MFT issues from what I read on the C-Max forum... Technology, our FFH has more "tech toys" such as Assisted Parking , Lane Keeping, Adaptive Cruise Control, etc than Hyundai offers. The FFH is light years ahead of the Sonata in available technology...if you want "tech toys" buy a FFH... :) After three months I couldn't take the seating situation any longer and the Sonata was swapped for my C-Max SEL... My advice to anyone considering a Sonata Hybrid is to really check out the seating and see if it will work for them.

To me the C-Max feels like it has more interior room for the driver and front passenger than the FFH. I think this is due to the C-Max seating which is more SUV like as you sit up rather than fall down in to the seats. While the FFH has more leg room on paper having your legs bent, like when sitting in a chair, is much more comfortable for me. And at 5"10" I don't drive the C-Max with the seat all the way back and I still have plenty of room to spare. The power trains are nearly identical so there is no edge for either vehicle in that area. And the C-Max handles north Georgia curvy roads just fine so there is no great difference there either... Advantages of the C-Max: You can't easily haul my five dogs :dogwalk: in the FFH and if you did do it somehow you would never get it clean again. I can carry more, and bulkier, cargo in the C-Max, with the rear seats down, than you can fit in a FFH. The "station wagon" design concept still works nicely and is very functional. The seating of the C-Max allows for a better view of the road in traffic much like a SUV versus a car. Advantages of the FFH: Luxury...you can't even begin to equip a C-Max like our FFH. Our C-Max SEL has every option, the 303A Package and Panoramic Roof, and it looks like a "stripper" when compared to the FFH. As I posted above our FFH SE has 505A Luxury Equipment Group, Drivers Assistance Package, Navigation, Hybrid Technology Package, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist, Reverse Sensing System, Sunroof, 18"Luxury Wheels and the fancy floor mats. The C-Max is a very distant second place...but in fairness the C-Max is also priced lower. Styling: Looks are subjective... But on the C-Max forum a potato is often used when describing the C-Max's looks...and that what happy owners say! The FFH is a work of art... Summary: If you need to haul a lot of "stuff" the C-Max is a better choice as we are really comparing a station wagon to a sedan.

Just remember what happened to the guys who responded to that call.... ;) I have had enough "roll ups" that stayed permanently rolled after a few weeks that no "roller" will ever darken my dash again.... I only do "folders" now... :)

I purchased the Intro-Tech Automotive Ultimate Reflector Car Sun Shade (Part Number FD-54-R) from Auto Anything and it fits the FFH perfect. The Intro-Tech shields are a custom fitted, lined shield that folds, rather than rolls, up in several hinged sections making it much easier to put in place than the "rollers". The Ultimate is a "firm" shield that snaps in place from the top to bottom without the use of the sun visors to hold it. As they age the ends don't curl up like up like the "rollers" on the ends. Another nice feature is it is reversible which allows you to put the black side out to retain heat to help control frost and icing in theory...I don't get enough ice here, thankfully, to fairly test that claim. I have been using this brand for several years in various cars and SUV's and have never had any issues or problems. And before anyone "catches" me plagiarizing I did copy most of this post from my post on the C-Max forum... ;) Same product with a different model number, same review and I'm lazy... :)

More likely the tire manufactures... ;) I have replaced supposed LRR / energy saving tires on previous hybrids with regular Michelin Pilots and seen an increase in gas mileage. I have yet to see a decrease in my gas mileage when I swapped out the OEM tires on any vehicle....

Our FFH was built on 30 Oct 12, purchased on 28 February 13, and has had no issues to date.... :) The C-Max had a much rockier start (See Here) but it hasn't had a problem since that issue was resolved.... Both vehicles could use some MFT updates both nothing critical....

It may reduce your insurance costs. Not all insurance companies have a discount for glass etching.... If you really want it you can buy do it yourself kits for less than $25 and save a lot of money over the price most dealers charge....