Ford C-Max

[Ford C-Max]

We have had issues towing the 2014 Ford C-MAX SEL. After towing, a warning light comes on saying to service the Advanced Traction Control. Ford engineering has "verbally" told me to drive a mile or two at 12 mph or greater and the warning light will clear itself. The warning does go away but stays with the computer for dealers to see. We did take it to a dealer and the error code was still in the computer. The dealer had no clue and no fix from Ford. Until this problem showed up, Ford had never seen this problem. I am waiting for something in writing from Ford stating that we will be safe and no damage will happen to the car as a result of towing. No letter yet. I should note that I have worked with Ford engineering to help solve the problem. They were able to replicate the problem with the 2013 and 2014 SEL on an anemometer. The issue only shows up on SEL models with push button start and the full option packages.

As far as battery life, we added a trickle charger powered from the coach. Works great. You will note in Fords manual for the C-MAX, it states to use a trickle charger on the car if not being driven for more than 30 days.

Finally, we do love the car. Ford assures us that they are working on a software fix for the warning system.

We just got home from our first trip towing our new 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid. It's a fully loaded SEL with push button start.

Sure enough, the "Service Advance Trac" alert light was on when we stopped the first day -- about 300 miles. It went out after driving less than a mile. Same thing on the trip back home.

I installed a 12 gauge charge line, with an ignition-activated isolator relay and 15 amp fuses on both ends. It works great -- no dead battery issues.

Have you heard from Ford regarding a fix for the "Service Advance Trac" light?

[Ford C-Max]

We have had issues towing the 2014 Ford C-MAX SEL. After towing, a warning light comes on saying to service the Advanced Traction Control. Ford engineering has "verbally" told me to drive a mile or two at 12 mph or greater and the warning light will clear itself. The warning does go away but stays with the computer for dealers to see. We did take it to a dealer and the error code was still in the computer. The dealer had no clue and no fix from Ford. Until this problem showed up, Ford had never seen this problem. I am waiting for something in writing from Ford stating that we will be safe and no damage will happen to the car as a result of towing. No letter yet. I should note that I have worked with Ford engineering to help solve the problem. They were able to replicate the problem with the 2013 and 2014 SEL on an anemometer. The issue only shows up on SEL models with push button start and the full option packages.

As far as battery life, we added a trickle charger powered from the coach. Works great. You will note in Fords manual for the C-MAX, it states to use a trickle charger on the car if not being driven for more than 30 days.

Finally, we do love the car. Ford assures us that they are working on a software fix for the warning system.

Hi -- I find your post both interesting and scary, since we just (3-7-14) bought a loaded 2014 C-MAX SEL with push button start. We bought it primarily for it's alleged flat towing capability.

I sold our previous tow car/tow bar and will be taking our C-MAX to Camping World this week to have a tow bar installed. Now I'm having second thoughts!

I would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind:

1. Do you put the ignition in the "Off" position when you tow? On page 183 of my Owner's Manual, it first says to "place the ignition in the off position." Then, after explaining what to do at the beginning of each day, it says to place the ignition "in the accessory position." I think this is probably a typo.

2. Why do you connect a trickle charger to the C-MAX while towing? Does the 12 volt battery go dead?

3. Where in the manual did you find the information about using a trickle charger? What kind of trickle charger do you use, and how do you connect it from your RV to the C-MAX?

4. Do you know if I could use a battery disconnect switch on the C-MAX while towing, like I did on the Saturn tow car?

Please keep us posted on what you find out about the Advanced Traction Control warning light.

Thanks!