READ THIS FIRST: Useful information for all new forum users

[hybridbear]

Over the last few months the forum has grown immensely with a proliferation of new users and topics. Jeff_h mentioned the idea of compiling one thread with some useful resources for new members so I wanted to put this together.

 

This thread explains a bit of information about the EPA 47 MPG rating controversy and helps us to understand why EPA test cycles don't necessarily match your driving style

 

This thread explains why a hybrid car is more efficient than a gas-only car. It also helps us to see how we can maximize the advantages afforded us with the dual powertrain

 

This thread explains the operation stages of the FFH and how it warms up

 

This thread and this thread have some excellent suggestions of how to increase your MPGs

 

This thread explains what an eCVT is and how it works

 

This thread explains some ScanGauge observations, the technical knowledge gained from the ScanGauge helps us understand how the car works

 

This thread explains Engineering Test Mode, a useful tool to further understand your vehicle's operation

 

If you have just ordered a vehicle and want updates on its progress please see this thread and this thread. Over at the Blue Oval Forum you can also request updates here

 

You don't need to create a new thread to ask if you're getting a good deal, use this rule - it's a good deal if you're satisfied with it

 

If that isn't enough then use www.kbb.com to figure out the invoice price of your vehicle with your options and use that as a goal in your negotiations. Some users have been able to buy below invoice, many right at invoice. That is a great deal.

 

However, feel free to create a new thread to brag about the good deal you got, we're just trying to stop the rehashing of the same questions over and over again

 

If you recently got your Fusion and are hearing a cracking, popping or clicking noise while braking & accelerating you can review these 3 threads: one, two & three

 

If you're wondering about oil change intervals you can read the long topic found here, or simply remember this rule posted by another user: "changing your oil more frequently than it is necessary will never hurt your car, it'll only hurt your wallet". The FFH is equipped with an oil life monitor that tells you the % of oil life remaining based on your actual driving data. Ford also puts the guideline to not exceed 10,000 odometer miles between oil changes even if the oil life monitor indicates there is still life left in the oil. You can change your oil more often if you'd like, I do, based on your personal comfort level.

 

If you want to know how to change oil yourself you can read this thread

 

If you wonder if an extended warranty is worth it then you can read this thread. You can also just follow the rule mentioned above about your purchase price. An extended warranty is a good deal if you're satisfied with the price you paid for the peace of mind the warranty brings. The actual dollars paid mean little in comparison with evaluating the value you place on your peace of mind

 

And finally, this thread is a fun one to read to see a smattering of high MPG trips. It's quite long now, but can be browsed through rather quickly because a lot of the posts include pictures which take up lots of screen space. Many of the posters here provide some detail as to what the terrain is like on their trips and this has helped us all to understand the optimum conditions for high fuel economy in the new FFH.

 

If there is something specific you're looking for the Moderators have tried to keep threads organized in the correct topic groups (General Powertrain Discussion, Interior, Wheels & Tires, etc) to make things easier to find. The search box function in the Forum itself hasn't proven super helpful. I've found that when you do a Google search for "Fusion Hybrid" and whatever you're searching for the Forum often shows up as the top result if it is something we've answered. An example is typing in "Fusion Hybrid shark fin antenna" to Google and getting the results found here. Our topic on the subject is the first result.

 

I hope others will feel free to add other links to this thread of useful resources for new users so that they can more easily find useful information that will benefit them

Edited September 25, 2015 by GrySql
added additional information, more info added 8/21 in green text, more info 9/20 in orange text

[corncobs]

Not much to add for now; thanks for taking the time to pull this together it's very nice.

Hopefully "staff" looks at this and pins it like suggested it would be very helpful for all newbies. It almost needs be a link in each sub forum so that people will find it looking under general power train for example.

[Aquineas]

Very useful. This should be stickied!

[corncobs]

It finally got pinned! Thank you staff.

[gkinla]

Thank you Hybridbear,

 

This will help the, where did I read that before crowd, including me.

[Guardian_Bob]

Thank you Hybridbear,

 

This will help the, where did I read that before crowd, including me.

 

When in doubt, there is a search box.... ;)

[gkinla]

I have used the search box many times and there have been times where I couldn't remember the necessary/correct words and came up with nothing.

 

Hybridbear did a lot of work here and it was more or less a heartfelt thank you.

[hybridbear]

I have used the search box many times and there have been times where I couldn't remember the necessary/correct words and came up with nothing.

 

Hybridbear did a lot of work here and it was more or less a heartfelt thank you.

You're welcome. I have also found the search box less than helpful when I've recalled the existence of a certain thread but couldn't find it. Hopefully acdii & I will be able to help keep threads organized in the right sections as well now as moderators to make it easier to find topics

[Guardian_Bob]

I have used the search box many times and there have been times where I couldn't remember the necessary/correct words and came up with nothing.

 

Hybridbear did a lot of work here and it was more or less a heartfelt thank you.

 

I was being facetious. It didn't translate well now that I re-read my comment.

[dalesky]

Not much to add for now; thanks for taking the time to pull this together it's very nice.

Hopefully "staff" looks at this and pins it like suggested it would be very helpful for all newbies. It almost needs be a link in each sub forum so that people will find it looking under general power train for example.

Really nice post for reference. Thanks for all the work that went into it! I will now have to 'follow' this thread for a while, to make it easier to get back to.

Edited August 25, 2013 by dalesky

[hybridbear]

Added additional links and info to the first post on 8/21/13. Additions in green text

Edited August 21, 2013 by hybridbear

[hybridbear]

Added some additional data to first post on 9/20/13 in orange text

[TomCinMI]

Professional & very appreciated!

[Ugachick]

Thanks for a great thread for a new FFH owner. This helps me a lot!!

[Debi Taylor]

I have a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid we went up to the mountains yesterday and they required snow chains we did have the chains with us but then when I read the owner's manual it said do not use snow chains on this car so we had to turn around and come home after driving 4 hours one way need your input on this thank you

[DeeCee]

You might have better luck getting a response if you would post this under the Wheels and Tires subject on this forum

[Waldo]

Probably should have read the owner's manual before the 4 hour drive. I mean the manual has said the same thing for 7 years.

Edited February 12, 2019 by Waldo

[wsloboda]

Hello to all, this is a great site and very helpful! The reason I ended up here I an now facing a transmission failure repair that I have been told by Ford customer service that there is no recall and the warranty is not in effect. I am bringing the car in for diagnostic next Monday.

Comments and advise welcome .

[lolder]

The transmission is covered under the hybrid warranty which is 8 years/ 100k miles. CARB warranty is higher but that might only be for the HVB. Read the manuals.