Robertminchin

The problem(s) should be logged in the computer memory. Take it to your friendliest dealer and complain. They should be able to read out the fault. ISTR that you have had the EGR done but it could be that again although I've not heard of tractor noises when the EGR fails. good luck Bob

How about tapping in to the back of the headlamp switch? Should find all you want back there. Bob

AFAIK there is no diy method for programming an extra cmax key to work with the immobiliser without compromising the basic immobiliser function. ** All keys contain a unique passive transponder electronic identity for which the immobiliser has to recognise. The only way to do this on the max is via WDS which a dealer has to do. Earlier Fords have allowed diy methods using either a master (red) key or latterly two exisiting keys to programme an extra key. Both these methods has security loopholes that Ford have decided to close by dealer only programming. It is also good for their business.!!

I think you are at the mercy of your dealer to find the current s/w level fitted to your Max. As for the latest version, Mastertech may be able to help or it is the dealer again. If you are entering a debate on fuel economy with your dealer, then be prepared for frustration and demand for historic fuel receipts. Good Luck Bob

Hi Mick, I do have sympathies with banging your head against the dealer brick walls. Some can be very dense. Once you can get through the front of house staff, most techs are pretty good and knowledgeable. The following SSM/TSB might help. Drop a few references into the conversation with the dealer to indicate that you might know marginally more than he does!! TSB41/2004 will possibly be the one that stops the RDS even trying to do updates and risk getting them wrong! SSM18356 is related to this too. SSM 18579 should stop the loss of clock accuracy ( few seconds per day) And finally

My understanding was that the RDS function never worked properly and the so called fix was to disable it with a software update.My 54 plate max with cd6000 has no RDS functionality. The timekeeping clock is in the dashboard computer not the radio and simply uses the radio as a display. So the normal action is for the radio to 'ask' the dashboard what the time is. It therefore is not a normal function for the radio to tell the clock what the time ie RDS update. There are also s/w updates to prevent the clock resetting when the battery is low during cranking and another one to stop it running

Have a look here http://www.focusowners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15640 Bob

Now that is taking the p*ss! I can see why you are peeved. That is possibly close to the cost price. Is it something that would have reasonable resale value? you might be able to cut your losses that way. Bob

I'd expect a charge of between 10 and 25% unless you had made it explicitly clear that you wanted to see it on approval before agreeing to buy. You entered into a contract when you asked them to get it in for you. They have to cover their costs as well as a return delivery and re-stocking charge by the central warehouse. Don't forget each ford dealer is part of an independent business with its own P&L to look after as well as Ford themselves. Tough but fair Bob

I've been wondering if the information from Ford ETIS can be saved on a PC for offline viewing later? Using acrobat writer or similar section of complete websites can be stored. I'm tempted to pay the 1 off 3day fee on ETIS for my max and then download everything I can for use later. Anyone tried this? Bob

As Pesmo says this is a known problem but usually observed on diesels and in cold weather when the cranking current is higher. The cause is low voltage on the battery and if you are getting this problem during some of the hottest weather then maybe your battery is giving up the ghost. As Mastertech has told us in the past there have been battery probs with the max. I'd be tempted to do some battery tests first before you get the clock reset modification done as once this mod is done it may mask an underlying battery problem. See http://www.ffoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... highlight= for th

Crank sensor is absolutely vital. Without it the ecu does not know when/where the pistons are and so can't poke in the fuel at the right time. Without this knowledge, it could not even manage limp mode. hth Bob

I was thinking anbout the MPG meter the other day when I was trying to work out the best gear/engine speed for best economy on a long journey. Just after resetting the MPG meter you can get a reasonably rapid response but after a while the averaging masks any experimentation. I concluded that a display of the average as currently programmed supplemented with either and up or down arrow to indicate whether the instananeous consumpton is higher or lower than the displayed figure would be optimum. What do you guys reckon? Regards Bob

Nothing available. I emailed them a few months back and they could not even tell me if there would be one let alone a date. Maybe if we bombard them with enquiries it might persuade them to publish one I guess your max must be the 1.6 (the others dont have a coil pack) FORD TIS cd does not show any specific procedures for what you are doing. Coil pack screws should be tightened to 6Nm. You can pick up a TIS cd on ebay for a few quid. It does not tell all but there is quite a bit of info and pictures on it. PM me if you cant get hold of one Bob

Chris, Not worth the effort of repair/replacing this cover IMHO. I understand the 1.6TDCi is no longer fitted with a cover in production. My cover split when I first tried to remove it as the ball-end pegs that retain it were not lubricated. I've now greased them and it comes on and off much easier. I keep it on just in case it has a useful function but one day it will get discarded no doubt. Regards Bob

Beware of the heat of an incandescent lamp of this sort of power and it's ability to melt plastic. Have you considered an array of white LEDs in strategic positions? My max is the first car I've had to have boot light so I'm quite satisfied although it could be mounted higher, the first suitcase into the boot can obscure the light. Another useful mod in the boot area would be to have the option to hacve the power outlet switched on/off by the Ign. switch. We are on hols in france at the moment and want to use a cool box but if left on will easily flatten the battery. I'll be sorting out a

Comparing on paper alone, there is minimal difference in quote MPG but 20% (ish) less power with the 90PS over the 109PS. CO2 is about the same so road tax will be the same for both. You might save a bit on insurance but not a lot else. My 2 litre tdci has more than enough power at 135 PS my gut feel says 90 PS would be too low especially if you are doing much work with it laden or towing. Just my 2p Bob

Hi Cata-tonic, Yes I do have the Ghia model. Prompted by Mandarin Mike, I've dug out the driver manual which confirms his response fully. Bob

Thanks for that insight Mike. Very helpful I was not aware of the link between the deadlocking and the ultrasonic alarm. I expect it is deep in the manual somewhere. I certainly did not wait 30 sec before doing my 'hand waving' test either. Regards Bob

I have a 2l TDCi with the standard alarm. Now we are getting some warm days, I sometimes want to leave the windows open just a little to allow air to circulate. On my Peugeot, there is a button to press to disable the internal ultrasonic movement sensors which would otherwise set the alarm off when air moves in the car. Is the Ford system smart enough to know the windows are open and disable the ultrasonics automatically? As a test, I left the window open enough to get my wrist through, and then set the alarm. When I put my hand into the gap and waved it around, the alarm did not go off. So

Why not get a quote from an independant? Provided they use Ford parts and do all the things on the schedule then your final year of warranty will be intact. I'm assuming that you run the Max as a private car not as part of your business otherwise the tax relief and VAT rebate make the cost differential much smaller than the figures you quote. Bob

I don't have parking sensors on my C max but they were fitted on the demonstrator that I had for a week. There was a switch somewhere near the hazard warning button that will disable the sensors. If that does not work then you do have a fault and the dealer should put it right. Bob

I reckon the trouble with some people in this forum is that they spend far too much time with their knob in their hands for their own good! Bob

Nothing to worry about see http://www.ffoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... light=d900 regards Bob