Ford C-Max Common Problems and Solutions
Passenger Door won't Lock
Problem:
The rear passenger door fails to lock, but every other door is fine.
Solution:
There will be a broken wire between the door and the pillar. Locate the wire and buy a replacement from us to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Turbo Malfunction (All Turbo Models)
Problem:
The turbocharger fails to kick in.
Solution:
The turbo unit itself is probably clogged with carbon, which leads to a blocked oil feeder pipe. Simply cleaning out the oil feeder pipe will tend to resolve the issue, but in rare cases, it will have become too damaged. You will need to order a replacement oil feeder pipe or maybe even the entire turbocharger in extreme cases. You can find both on our website.
Difficulty level
Turbo Charger
Burnt Out Headlights
Problem:
The xenon headlights have stopped working.
Solution:
It's very common for the C-Max to burn out the xenon headlights. Replacing them can be a tricky job to do yourself, but there are online guides available, and you can find the right headlights in our store.
Difficulty level
Headlight
Clutch is Slipping
Problem:
The clutch slips as you change gear.
Solution:
The clutch tends to wear out on the C-Max quite quickly. In most cases, you will need to replace the entire clutch system, but you can find low-cost replacements on our parts list.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Slippery driving
Problem:
The car slides, especially in wet weather.
Solution:
The C-Max is very well known for excessive wear on the front tyres. Check the depth of the thread, and replace all of the worn tyres as needed. We always have tyres for the C-Max in stock and can deliver them to your home or workplace.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Car taking too much fuel and lacking power
Problem:
If the car is using too much fuel and not giving enough power then it could be a cracked inter cooler pipe. This pipe runs from the radiator to the top of the engine. The mid section of the pipe has a metal cover and this can cracked which mean the pipe will be covered in oil.
Solution:
Replace the pipe to solve the problem.
Difficulty level
Coolant Pipe
Rear brakes
Problem:
If you are noticing a noise coming from the rear end when you are reversing the vehicle, you will most likely have a problem with the caliper mounting bracket.
Solution:
In most cases you will have to change the pads. Make sure that you remove the caliper bracket and fit the new revised bracket to solve the problem.
Difficulty level
Brake Caliper Holder
External boot release button
Problem:
The boot release button on the rear is known to get water damage inside rendering it unusable. When water gets inside the switch it is known to corrode the contacts and stop it from working.
Solution:
To solve this you will need to seal around the button to stop water getting in. Try cleaning the contacts and refitting. If this still doesn't work you will have to buy a new switch.
Difficulty level
Boot Lock & Keys
Suspension
Problem:
If you are noticing a creaking noise when driving slowly this could be down to the front shock absorber top mounts. This is sometimes known to fail on this vehicle, reducing the performance of the suspension.
Solution:
To fix this you will need to get the springs re-compressed.
Difficulty level
Air conditioning
Problem:
This is a very common problem on the Ford C-Max and is usually caused by a faulty pipe attached to the compressor. The pipe in question is known to snap off easily, which results in the air conditioning not working as well as it should.
Solution:
To fix this you can detach and fit a new pipe. You will have to get the air conditioning system filled with gas at a specialist garage.
Difficulty level
Aircon Pipe
Misty Windows
Problem:
The windows steam up quickly, and you need to have your AC on to clear them, which can take a while.
Solution:
Check your cabin filter. It may be that it just needs a good clean. If it has broken, then you will need to have a replacement cabin filter delivered by us and install the new one.
Difficulty level
Parking Brake Failure
Problem:
When you remove the ignition key, the parking brake fails to automatically apply.
Solution:
In most cases, you will need to take the car to a Ford dealer and have your electronic parking brake module reprogrammed. Sometimes, you will have to replace the entire module yourself, but they are easy to find in our store, although it can be a tricky job to do.
Difficulty level
Loss of Steering Power
Problem:
It's becoming harder to steer the car.
Solution:
If your C-Max was built between April and May 2015, then there's a good chance that your power-assisted steering has the wrong hose. Not only does this make steering more difficult, but it could also lead to leaks that could result in a fire. You can order a replacement hose from us and change this yourself.
Difficulty level
Power Steering Hoses
