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Your mention of the bendix type starter brought back memories. There were still a decent number of these vehicles still on the road during my childhood and we had a few Ford tractors (8N, 600, 800) that used a Bendix type starter. I always loved the distinctive sound of that starter. And don't...

I hadn't even thought of that. But you're correct. For example. If you took a trip along I-75 from Tampa Florida to Chattanooga Tennessee, You'd spend enough time in Atlanta traffic to significantly benefit from the improved fuel economy of the hybrid in that situation especially if caught in...

Did you have the update performed on the ACCM that Ford recommended? Besides, the late 2025 and 2026 do not have this issue anymore.

Be careful when doing that. Ford may choose not to reimburse if you had the axles replaced AFTER they issued the bulletin. Why not have the control arm replaced at an independent dealership then take it to another Ford dealership to replace the axles. ?

I bought it because I needed a small truck, it was affordable, and it got great fuel economy. But I REALLY appreciate how easy it is to get in and out of because my 94 year old mother rides with me a lot. And she can get in and out without assistance. She's proud and likes doing stuff on her...

A lot of dealerships are simply replacing the battery without performing the SSM 53801 which updates the ACCM (air conditioning control module) . When taking it to the dealership, SPECIFICALLY mention this special service message. It doesn't fix every vehicle. But it fixes MOST of them

Your truck is one for which Ford has an update available to the ACCM that usually works to fix this problem. Take it to the dealership and ask them to perform SSM 53801 , test and charge the battery, and perform a Battery monitor reset. While they SHOULD automatically do this, many individual...

Highway driving isn't that different. But city and suburban driving is soooo much better that it only takes a relatively small amount to make the hybrid worth it if fuel economy is the priority.

I'm fortunate in that I seldom get in my vehicle and drive less than 10 miles one way. I don't know what not fully warmed up means 😅. But I've found that cold weather affects MPG even on longer trips. The first time I actually paid attention was last year in my Focus when we had a rare week of...

I tried to price a Granger extended warranty. And found that Florida will not allow its purchase because they're out of state. I think a Granger warranty is unavailable in some other states as well

True. ome cases they got the new design first. But in other cases. They simply got the same design in a larger displacement such as with the Y BLOCK and flathead. But they were often introduced the same year. And Yes the Y block did have a (partially) undeserved bad reputation. Yes. The oils of...

We have different opinions as to the necessity of an early “break in” oil change. I don’t think he’s wrong Concerning what happens during the initial miles concerning what happens during this period. I just haven’t seen it make a practical difference concerning the life of the engine in modern...

That's not bad under those conditions.

I think so too. But in my opinion it's in a different way than the Maverick. The Maverick looks like the f150s little brother. The Santa Cruz looks "cute". That's not a bad thing. But even though the Santa Cruz is just as or more capable than the Maverick in some areas, I just can't visualize...

I. Not making excuses for mine because I don't hear any rattles. But if you're hearing rattles, take it in. Have someone ride with you and listen. As a tech. I Hate squeaks and rattles. But occasionally we get them (Thus far no Maverick owner has complained yet. But our dealership is small). And...

It's those little things that Ford got right that make a huge difference. It's not always a nicer , better equipped vehicle that gets the sales. It's the daily stuff that makes the Maverick easy to live with. Getting in and out would count as one of those DAILY things 😅. I also appreciate the...

Replacing the engine Does affect his check. It BOOSTS it. They get a commission check too based on their sales which INCLUDES warranty sales. The service writer simply either parrots (often poorly) what the techs tell him. Or if something was EVER the case even once before, extrapolates and...

Not bad at all. That's just a couple of mpg lower than in my hybrid at the same speeds. It's when city or suburban driving is in the mix that the hybrid QUICKLY shines. But if all my driving was highway, my hybrid wouldn't have enough advantage to justify it.

While I admit that the under hood of a modern vehicle is complicated, I recently looked under the hood of an 1980s carbureted engine during the spaghetti maze of vacuum hoses and smog pump with its extra plumbing days. Sometimes I believe that today's under hood view is a bit simpler 😅. I also...

Interesting, I'm 61. And I've been working on cars since my young teen years. So I've seen the transition from points to electronic ignition to coil on plug. From just a pcv to ever to smog pump to catalytic converter, to variable valve timing. From carburetor to throttle body, port, sequential...