HeloCaptain

Pioneer.

Gary, I think the SG folks should realize the increased market value of having accurate codes. Many potential customers are information seekers, even if the information has no productive use other than "now I know," it adds value to the SG. Carl has done an outstanding job and many of us have benefited from his very significant contributions. IMHO, SG would be smart to contract with him to obtain and maintain the data. Again, it adds value to the SG and therefore more potential sales. I do monitor the SoC and previously read your reference to his "Reverse Fake Shift." Indeed, I have learned much from the forums here, GH, EC, and HC, mostly your writings, though in some cases, your sharing from others (such as the "Reverse Fake Shift"). Keep up the good work Gary. Many of us benefit from your (and other's) efforts Regards, HC

Donaldo, Q: Maybe a better question is why would you want to be looking at a gauge to check if your AWD system has engaged the rear wheels? A: I presume that is a rhetorical question? If not, then the only appropriate answer, from my humble perspective, is NOYB. Q: Maybe a better question is why would you want to be looking at a gauge to check if your AWD system has engaged the rear wheels? A: Just because. Q: How would such a gauge, which would likely only indicate "on" for fractions of a second at a time, help inform your driving technique? A: I have made no such assertion. Q: Do other manufacturers of AWD systems (Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Mercedes, etc) offer this feature and Ford missed the boat? A: I don't know. I do not own any of the vehicles you listed and I am not trying to compare features of the MMH to the vehicles you listed. Regards, HC

"... the 4WD gauge is incorrect ..." Thank you Gary. The SG folks email responses to my inquiries caused me concern, since they seemed to not understand that the MMH and FEH are the same vehicle (as far as the SG is concerned). I had assumed that the manufacturer of the SG had created the Xgauge data strings, so that is where I first tried to get a response. Am I correct that there is no factory included method of knowing when the 4WD is engaged? I will seek more information where you have pointed me. HC

I have entered the appropriate strings in the Xgauge (per scangauge.coms spec sheet) for the 4WD status. After several emails to Scangauge (trying to convince them that the FEH and MMH are the same vehicle except for appearance), I was finally informed that the Scangauge should display ON or OFF. I receive no indication at all. Does anyone receive a 4WD status on their Scangauge (that is "ON" or "OFF")? If yes, what year is your FEH or MMH?

bbf2530, I have not previously ordered a factory nav. I wanted it on my MMH for a variety of reasons, including the enhanced fuel/power data presentations, juke box, enhanced sycn, etc. I have had portable GPS auto nav units for 10+ years (upgrading both hardware and software over the years). In my opinion, they are the smart way to go in most circumstances. I seriously doubt that I will buy another factory nav, mainly because I like to try to get value for my money. I do NOT regret getting the nav on my MMH, indeed - I am glad that I did. But the price of factory nav and the map updates just make me feel like I should get free KY with the system. Thanks for your responses.

bbf2530, Thanks for the info. Navteq doesn't instill a lot of confidence at this point. As others have pointed out, the 09 MMH doesn't use a DVD for nav. Of course, the 08 MMH/FEH and earlier did use the DVD for nav. Ironic, IMHO, the Navteq site does not offer the 08 MMH on their drop-down menus. So much for being up to date (web site or product). It is disappointing that FoMoCo finds it acceptable to disseminate something as obviously out of date as the mapping software on their 09 vehicles.

I know that some new roads aren't incorporated for up to three upgrade cycles. However, in this situation, I am commenting on freeways, which I have not seen go beyond map update one cycle. Also, I have a Garmin Nuvi 660. I updated the Garmin's map s/w about six months ago. The freeway components I have noticed to be missing on my 09 MMH nav DO appear on my Garmin. Navteq is the supplier for both Garmin and FoMoCo.

I just noticed that the mapping software is very out of date. There are freeway stretches here in SoCal that have been open for more than a year that do not appear on the map. I had earlier decided that the POI database seemed to be thin, but now I suspect it is just old. I know that Navteq has supplied portable GPS providers with valid maps, so they do exist. Very disappointing find on an otherwise great vehicle.

Gary G Wilco. I will offer an update after using the SGII for at least a full tank. Thanks again! HC

Green Lantern (and prattman08), Thank you! That is precisely the information I was seeking. Seems like the perfect setup for my MMH, and I almost feel stupid for not self-identifying the described method. Gary G, Thanks for your response as well. I have the SGII for each of my vehicles, so I don't anticipate needing to remove them. With your historical data (your pasts posts), I am also confident that I will have the MMH's SGII properly programmed. I have followed with interest your adjustments to the fuel consumption settings as well. If you have not done so, it would be helpful to others if you can find a place to put a sticky with the best SGII settings (you may have done this, but I haven't seen a sticky from you on this topic in the forums I visit). It does appear to me, based on my reading this and other hybrid forums, that the EPA numbers for the 09 FEH/MMH should have been adjusted upward. However, it also feels great to exceed (significantly) the EPA numbers. This is my first hybrid experience, so I am still learning how to implement the many suggestions I have discovered here and in the other hybrid forums. To all: I have never enjoyed a vehicle as much as my new MMH. I look for reasons to drive it. My wife has a very sensitive back and most car seats will not permit her to travel for long periods of time (I recently had to swap a rental Grand Prix for a Toyota 4 Runner on a 3 week trip up and down the eastern seaboard to resolve her discomfort). The new seats in the 09 MMH are as comfortable as any she has ever used. She actually enjoys the ride in the MMH. While I have only learned to implement and utilize probably 50-60% of the technogeek tools/toys (nav, Sirius, FE screens, sync, etc), I am very happy with the system. Having read about the lock-out of the nav when moving, I wasn't sure I would be too happy with the system (I have been using Garmin GPS units for about six generations of evolution). However, my experience with the nav so far has been positive and I haven't had a lock-out issue that has annoyed me yet. Again, thanks to all who responded to my questions, but also, I want to thank all the posters who helped prepare me for the MMH experience over these past months.

Green Lantern, Thank you too for your response. It isn't the SGII settings that I am looking for (I think I have that figured out, thanks to GaryG's past posts). I am seeking suggestions for the actual mounting of the unit (running the cable for minimal exposure, placement of the SGII display, hiding the extra cable, etc.). I will also check CleanMPG.com also to see if anyone has already posted on this topic. Thanks.

fmorriso, Thanks for the response. The loss of sat signal has been a surprise to me. I don't recall where, but I have read that there is a four second buffer in Sirius units (to mitigate the loss of signal). I have experienced brief signal loss driving under a freeway overpass and on heavily treed streets(1-2 seconds). Again, thank you for the response.