430EX II: auto zoom with Canon T1i?

Rookie question here re: auto zoom functionality with my 430EX II on a T1i (500D). According to the 430EX manual:

EOS DIGITAL cameras have one of threeimage sensor sizes. The lens' effective focal length will differ depending on the camera's sensor size. The Speedlite automatically recognizes the EOS DIGITAL camera's 1 sensor size and automatically sets the flash coverage for lens focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm. When the Speedlite is attached to a compatible camera, <m>will appear on the Speedlite's LCD panel.
Example: ETTL zoom 35mm <m> symbol

I am not seeing the <m> symbol nor any focal length reading on the speedlite's LCD panel when connected to my T1i. I went into the custom functions and made sure I was in auto zoom: auto mode, but still I don't see anything registering in the speedlite zoom display. All I see is zoom "--". This is with a Canon 85mm prime if that makes a difference. Looks like I have to set the focal range manually every time then to get the correct flash coverage then? So, is the T1i compatible, and if so, is there something I'm doing wrong that would explain why I'm not getting the flash auto zoom for sensor size functionality?

As I recall I was getting the same thing with my 17-55mm lens attached but maybe tomorrow I'll try that to see if it's the lens focal length range that's making a difference.

Thank you!

Is your flash head facing forwards or up? (I can't remember without looking if this makes a difference)

Woops, yeah the head was facing up as all I've done thus far was bounce the light off the ceiling in my apartment. Wow, can't believe I didn't think of that... just flipped it down, and YOU'RE RIGHT, now it works just as it should! Thanks so much for your help!

You're welcome

D'oh! Don't you just hate those moments?

Another thing to watch for, is the wide-angle panel that is built into the head. It's purpose is for when you are shooting wider than 18mm, you pull out the panel and it spreads the light for wider coverage.
The problem is that you can slide the panel most of the way back in (but not all the way) and the zoom on the flash will be 'stuck' on it's widest setting. Only by pushing the panel all the way back in, can you return the flash to normal zooming functionality.

That obviously wasn't your issue here, but that problem comes up all the time so I think it's worth posting (again).