Replaced Engine Air Filter.

96,691 miles.

In this case actually the Ford dealership replaced it while they were servicing my MECS pump. They didn't charge labor (it's super easy to replace) and the cost of the filter was $23. Amazon had it for $16, but another $5 isn't too bad to just have it done and over with. Plus I kept my hands clean.

Part number: FA1772

New MECS Pump.

96,691 miles.

Lately I've been hearing an odd noise from the engine compartment when the truck is stopped and the engine is off (but with the key still on). Sometimes I could hear a small motor running smoothly, sometimes it sounded like it was really struggling and "revving". I figured it was some type of pump for the hybrid system, and it sounded like it was near it's end of life.

This morning I went by Capitol Expressway Ford, and though it took them all day to get to it (I didn't have an appointment) they finally did diagnose the problem as a worn electronic cooling pump, or MECS pump. After they told me that I did some quick web searching and came across this page: http://blog.yagelski.com/2011/02/ford-escape-hybrid-electric-motor.html

Part Number: 5M6Z-8C419-A

Apparently this is a fairly common failure, the consequences are pretty severe if/when it does fail (red triangle indicator light, overheated motor, car shuts down), and from the comments on that blog quite a number of people are being gouged by their Ford dealers for what is really a pretty simple repair ($800+ repair cost).

In my case they charged $130 for the diagnosis, in which the tech checked out the full hybrid system. This had not been done before to my knowledge, so I figured it was a worthwhile purchase. He didn't find anything wrong other than the motor and the engine air filter which I was planning to replace shortly anyway. The tech's name was Bruce, an Asian guy; when I talked with him prior he really knew his way around the hybrid system, and I'm glad to know there is a local expert should anything really go wrong in the future.

I ended up having them do the repair, though I could have done it myself. They initially came to me with an estimate of over $700 (which includes the $130 diagnosis; this is a good deal cheaper than the $800 some other people are claiming this pump costs to replace). Since I had the part number by now I went by their parts counter. The gentleman there said they had it in stock for $300+. I mentioned that I had found it online for under $200 and asked if he would be willing to come down a bit. He said "well what were you thinking" and I said "how about $220", he thought about it and said "sure, I could do that." With tax it was closer to $250 of course.

So there you go folks. If your MECS pump should fail it's $202.50 labor, and you can get the new pump for $220 at Capitol Ford, plus tax. Add $30 for an anti-freeze flush and you could be out the door under $500, if you're able to diagnose the problem yourself. Or if you are able to complete the repair yourself, could be only $250 + anti-freeze. Again, check out this great blog for details on diagnosis and completing the repair yourself if you're so inclined:
http://blog.yagelski.com/2011/02/ford-escape-hybrid-electric-motor.html

Unlike most of the commenters on that blog, I've actually had a very positive experience so far, both with the hybrid Escape and with my local Ford dealer.

36.89 MPG

427.1 mi, 11.579 gal @ $3.759 = 36.89 MPG

96,362 total miles. Chevron on Lyons in Santa Clarita.

This tank was entirely freeway miles. I'm very surprised with the MPG! Actually it feels a little too high, I bet the next tank will be low. Probably didn't get entirely a full fill-up.

33.77 MPG

373.1 mi, 11.048 gal @ $3.599 = 33.77 MPG

95,935 total miles. Flying J in Frazier Park. This was on the way down to San Diego, nearly all freeway miles.

32.29 MPG

436.3 mi, 13.511 gal @ $3.519 = 32.29 MPG

95,562 total miles. 76 on Los Gatos Blvd.

Oil Change and Tire Rotation.

95,424 miles.

Capitol Expressway Ford in San Jose.

Here's three reasons why getting your oil changed at Capitol Ford is a stupid great deal:

Free Starbucks coffee and wifi; nice couches and tables too (go in the main dealership waiting room, around back by the parts and service desk, not the tiny waiting room in the Quick Change building). I always bring my laptop and am surprised what I've been able to accomplish while my car gets serviced.
Tire rotation! This is another huge timesaver; you don't have to drive back across town to wait in another service shop. They also check most of the other vitals: battery, tires, brakes, coolant, etc, and let you know if there's any problems.
Can't beat the price! Only $47 for my 2008 Escape Hybrid. The oil and filter alone would probably cost me $35, and I'd end up all dirty and swearing lying on the ground. It'd take me an hour and I still wouldn't have the tires rotated. Pay an extra $10 to sit on nice couches and sip fresh coffee while I check emails or get other online work done? Yes please! And no dirt under the fingernails.

Everything else checked out great, as usual. Total cost was $46.68.

31.54 MPG

403.7 mi, 12.799 gal @ $3.599 = 31.54 MPG

95,125 total miles. Chevron on California Circle.