The Journey With My 2016 PIU

[AZONTHEDL]

I finally had time today to pick up my new to me 2016 PIU. I had about a 2 hour drive home with it and that gave me a chance to get to know it. Drives really well, quiet and it seems that everything works as it should.
Last Thursday, I reached out to the State Patrol HQ and inquired if there were any maintenance records available for it, and much to my surprise, I was contacted by the maintenance shop foreman and he sent me an XL spreadsheet with EVERYTHING that was done to this vehicle.
Oil changes, Tire changes, Brake work, Timing Chain, Water Pump, spark plugs, suspension work, transmission services, all documented.
All the work was done at Ford dealerships in Madison Wisconsin, and I added up the costs of the work that was done, and it was just over 18,000 dollars.
After getting home today, I spent some time cleaning the interior and removing about a hundred feet of wire that was still in the car from all the equipment that had been removed.
I removed the seats and gave the carpet under the seats a good cleaning, although I have to say, it was pretty clean to begin with.
I didn't take many pictures while I was cleaning, but here are a few of the car
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Overall, it's pretty clean. There's a few dings here and there, but no rust that I could find.

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the interior is very clean, but that driver's seat has the typical split on the side. I'll be changing the seat bottom cover as soon as I can figure out the correct part number

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The back seat is just as clean. Almost no wear showing. The door panels don't have scuffs or any marks really. I do need to open up the area where the speaker is mounted. It's odd that they covered the speakers up, or that the car has speakers in the rear doors at all...



And the wire that was all removed. That 0 gauge positive cable that I removed went through a grommet in the front passenger firewall/foot well, so I cut it off right where it goes through the firewall. I didn't see it tied directly into the battery, so I need to find where it goes after leaving the cabin.
I ordered a couple remotes, since I only got 1 key with the car, and I need to get a second key cut.
Another thing I'd like to research are the lights mounted in the sideview mirrors. Not sure if those were strobes or what, and what were they tied into?
Loads to learn here and so far I've been enjoying learning about what makes the PIU different.
More to come...

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This is my 2017 state of Wisconsin state trooper unmarked high pursuit PIU. I'm a Funeral Escort Officer here in Phoenix AZ so obviously I kept all the lights and siren/intercom/PA intact for work. I'll assume yours had the same setup as mine, so your mirror lights are a set of red n blue strobes.

 

['16PIU]

This is my 2017 state of Wisconsin state trooper unmarked high pursuit PIU. I'm a Funeral Escort Officer here in Phoenix AZ so obviously I kept all the lights and siren/intercom/PA intact for work. I'll assume yours had the same setup as mine, so your mirror lights are a set of red n blue strobes.

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I really like the color. What’s the story with the diamond plate?

 

[FruztalProjects]

Welcome to the PIU Owners club! Not going to read all the replies as it'd take to long. If you haven't already, invest in a remote start system, especially if you have no remotes! Can find the kit here, it's a bit spendy but you get a remote start system and you get long range remotes! It's from 12 volt solutions, they make very good products and I highly recommend one if you want a remote start system and keyless entry.

The kit also works off the factory fobs if you already got one, you can save a little bit and not get the long range remotes.

 

[JimNTonic]

This is my 2017 state of Wisconsin state trooper unmarked high pursuit PIU. I'm a Funeral Escort Officer here in Phoenix AZ so obviously I kept all the lights and siren/intercom/PA intact for work. I'll assume yours had the same setup as mine, so your mirror lights are a set of red n blue strobes.

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Good lookin vehicle. Was it repainted?

 

[JimNTonic]

Welcome to the PIU Owners club! Not going to read all the replies as it'd take to long. If you haven't already, invest in a remote start system, especially if you have no remotes! Can find the kit here, it's a bit spendy but you get a remote start system and you get long range remotes! It's from 12 volt solutions, they make very good products and I highly recommend one if you want a remote start system and keyless entry.

The kit also works off the factory fobs if you already got one, you can save a little bit and not get the long range remotes.

Thanks much. I got my first remote set up via Forscan last week. I can't say I really have a need for remote start. I've got it on my Lexus ES300H, and I rarely use it.
Thanks for checkin out the thread!

 

[JimNTonic]

Great news! Hopefully between your ownership and mine we can help those out with 16-19 PIUs. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around that’s flat out wrong or no longer correct when modifying these. Glad you’re enjoying your new ride!

Couldn't agree more! Anything I can add that will help others, I absolutely will share.

 

[JimNTonic]

I spent the day working on it today. Got the following stuff done;
1) Rotated the tires front to back and reset the TPMS sensors
2) Changed the gear oil in the PTU using this video as a guide
by far the easiest method I've seen done. I pulled about 8 ounces of fluid out and put back roughly 10 ounces.
3) Changed the oil and filter. There was about 5500 miles on this oil, so it was ready to come out.

While the tires were off, I took a good look at the brakes and they'll need replacement in the spring. The rears look great, but the front pads are about half way worn.
I have to research changing the rear differential fluid since it appears that it's never been serviced.
So, it's basically ready for the winter. I got the H&R springs a few days ago, but l won't be installing those until next spring. Probably do the brakes at the same time.

More to come...

 

[AZONTHEDL]

I really like the color. What’s the story with the diamond plate?

I don't like rock chips. Lot of chips right there on both sides, so I made diamondplate rocker panels for it

 

['16PIU]

I don't like rock chips. Lot of chips right there on both sides, so I made diamondplate rocker panels for it

Very unique approach. Makes perfect sense to me.

 

[Svo2323]

I too have a 2016 AWD FPIU with 3.5 TT Ecoboost... Blue & Grey Georgia State Patrol Ex Troop Post Commander Pursuit Unit. They had the Speed Limiter Tweaked/Bypassed by Fleet Technician. And other unknown tweaks. I installed a large K&N Cone with heat shield box and she tapped 158-160 mph first high speed run on interstate at night with no one on the roads. ( And it was still pulling ) I had to back off before my exit and didn't want to push my luck either. Next I purchased an SCTX4 Tuned for a 2017 Ford 150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost and it worked great. As at the time no one had tunes for the Interceptor Ecoboost specifically. I've had mine 2.5 years. In 93 Canned Tune Mode it throws you back with force and gets the boost screaming thru the gears quickly. You definitely won't want a 3.7 after finding and choosing a 3.5 Twin Turbo Ecoboost. Handling is amazing and handles tight and rides smooth at high speeds. You can hear the Turbos pulling air hard and loud thru the Cold Air Kit .
About to buy a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD 3.5 TT Ecoboost for the wife as she wants the 3rd row luxury Sport Version and man is it loaded with every bell & whistle. Just test drove it recently. Hopefully tomorrow the deal is done.
Next I'll add a 3 bar and downpipes on mine and change the end pipes to chrome tips ... Beyond that maybe full new exhaust down the road. You guys stay safe and I'll buzz back in later.

 

[JimNTonic]

I too have a 2016 AWD FPIU with 3.5 TT Ecoboost... Blue & Grey Georgia State Patrol Ex Troop Post Commander Pursuit Unit. They had the Speed Limiter Tweaked/Bypassed by Fleet Technician. And other unknown tweaks. I installed a large K&N Cone with heat shield box and she tapped 158-160 mph first high speed run on interstate at night with no one on the roads. ( And it was still pulling ) I had to back off before my exit and didn't want to push my luck either. Next I purchased an SCTX4 Tuned for a 2017 Ford 150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost and it worked great. As at the time no one had tunes for the Interceptor Ecoboost specifically. I've had mine 2.5 years. In 93 Canned Tune Mode it throws you back with force and gets the boost screaming thru the gears quickly. You definitely won't want a 3.7 after finding and choosing a 3.5 Twin Turbo Ecoboost. Handling is amazing and handles tight and rides smooth at high speeds. You can hear the Turbos pulling air hard and loud thru the Cold Air Kit .
About to buy a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD 3.5 TT Ecoboost for the wife as she wants the 3rd row luxury Sport Version and man is it loaded with every bell & whistle. Just test drove it recently. Hopefully tomorrow the deal is done.
Next I'll add a 3 bar and downpipes on mine and change the end pipes to chrome tips ... Beyond that maybe full new exhaust down the road. You guys stay safe and I'll buzz back in later.

Thanks for all that great info, SVO, but this thread is primarily about me and my vehicle. You're more than welcome to start a thread discussing your PIU.

Cheers!

 

[Svo2323]

Thanks for all that great info, SVO, but this thread is primarily about me and my vehicle. You're more than welcome to start a thread discussing your PIU.

Cheers!

No prob Jim . Sorry I jumped in..New to group although not new to Ford PIU's
I will copy my post and start my own thread soon..Cheers to you also and good luck with your Journey... Nice ride by the way !

 

[JimNTonic]

Just a little update. I went to the Pull-a-part here in Milwaukee to pick up the parts to add Automatic headlights to the PIU. I found a good light sensor and a headlight switch with the Auto function. Installed the light sensor with no issues, and went to install the light switch, only to find the connector is Waaay different.
Come to find out 16-19 PIUs have a different style connector from the 11-15 vehicles.
I pulled the switch out of a 2014 Exploder... Dang it!!!
So, I just ordered a new switch from parts.ford.com. The switch was 60 bucks with shipping. I paid 25 for the used parts, so I still feel ok about it.

more to come...

 

[peterk9]

Just a little update. I went to the Pull-a-part here in Milwaukee to pick up the parts to add Automatic headlights to the PIU. I found a good light sensor and a headlight switch with the Auto function. Installed the light sensor with no issues, and went to install the light switch, only to find the connector is Waaay different.
Come to find out 16-19 PIUs have a different style connector from the 11-15 vehicles.
I pulled the switch out of a 2014 Exploder... Dang it!!!
So, I just ordered a new switch from parts.ford.com. The switch was 60 bucks with shipping. I paid 25 for the used parts, so I still feel ok about it.

more to come...

It's been mentioned several times that because of the 2016 'refresh' several changes were made that essentially divided the 5th gen Explorer into two groups for mods/upgrades etc. The 2011-2015 and the 2016-2019 groups.
I didn't check Jim, but I'm guessing that the switch would have cost less at Levittown Ford who are a forum vendor and offer members a discount.

Peter

 

[JimNTonic]

It's been mentioned several times that because of the 2016 'refresh' several changes were made that essentially divided the 5th gen Explorer into two groups for mods/upgrades etc. The 2011-2015 and the 2016-2019 groups.
I didn't check Jim, but I'm guessing that the switch would have cost less at Levittown Ford who are a forum vendor and offer members a discount.

Peter

Hi Peter. Thanks for the info. I should have looked at our vendor list. I was a huge proponent of using vendors when I was an advocate for the 300ZX forum years ago (300ZXClub.com) and even now as a moderator on the Lexus Owners forum, I encourage vendor usage. senior moment, I guess....

Jim

 

[peterk9]

............................ I encourage vendor usage. senior moment, I guess....

Jim

Hi Jim. I'm very familiar with those moments.

Peter

 

[JimNTonic]

Well, it's been a minute since I posted here. The PIU has been fantastic. Averaging 22 mpg on my commute from Milwaukee to O'Hare each day. I've put about 2500 miles on it since I picked it up in October.

I was driving to work a few days ago and noticed the heat was only coming out of the defrost vents regardless of which position I selected.

So, some quick diagnosis told me that the Door Position Actuator was failing, so I ordered the Motorcraft part through Amazon and dove in.
The part was 28.00 bucks.

This is the part number, if anyone ever wants to accomplish this task

the hardest part was getting access to remove the screw that hold the actuator in place.
there are a few videos on YT that really are helpful.

You can just see the actuator in the back there, so I was able to get the screws out with a long 1/4" extension and a universal with an 8mm socket.
This was taken after I removed the Instrument Cluster. The arrows point at the screws.

the third screw is accessed under the dash, just inboard of the brake pedal assembly.

I pulled the driver's seat out, just to make it easier, and that definitely helped.
Heres after I got the new actuator installed and everything Tested good.

so, I have floor heat again and all is well. The job took about 3 hours total. I started yesterday afternoon and finished this morning.
I ordered an Auto light switch, to add Auto Headlamps and I'll be installing that when it shows up. I got the light sensor installed already.
Good stuff...