2017 Explorer Sport: what I love, and not so much

[DraftEdison]

I tried it the other day. Pretty cool feature!

 

[613GT500]

I've had double honk happen with the car off. It just means someone else had a door open and when it double honks, that particular door is not locked due to prematurely locking the car up. But it's weird and inconsistent. The only time I find double honk annoying is when I start the car and go outside to scrape the frost off the windows.

My list of dislikes:

1. Six speed transmission is clunky. Shift programming (gear hunting) is by far the weakest part of this car. But you learn to deal with it.
2. Stupidly limited 45lb roof rack limit with sunroof. (100lb without). I got a Yakima SkyBox Lo Carbonite -- low profile & wide with 15 cubic feet, opens on boths sides. Looks great on the car, but the empty box itself weighs 52lbs. And with skis inside, add another 20lbs. So I'm over a little bit, but I'm not going wild around corners and the Sport does have a lower profile and a lower center of gravity than the other trims, so I figure it compensates enough. Increases the car from 5'11" to about 6'10" -- which gets me in some underground parking lots. Also while highway driving, it's very quiet, so super happy with it.
3. Folding 3rd row seats -- switching modes requires emptying everything, every time. Seat backing is very weak and prone to damage if you start throwing heavy things in the back or try to crawl around back there, even kids.
4. Back of car gets utterly filthy, including the rear camera lense. Every time I backup, I have to rinse the camera. At least I can do it inside the car and it warns me when my wiper fluids are low.
5. Spotify integration could be better. Most of the time, I have to set things up through the phone, but once it's setup, it works well -- just can't alter anything with the steering wheel controls. For example, it won't show the entire playlist in the right driver info screen, just the current song. But I can skip songs on the main center touch screen.
6. The remote start is awesome integrated in the main fob with insane range, but what I don't like is that it doesn't turn on the heated accessories. Right now it's sub-zero, and it won't turn on the defrost modes for the mirrors. Doesn't seem to be any way to control that. In ideal world, it would engage max defrost, heat the seats, steering wheel, and mirrors. On hot days, it would crank the AC instead. Should base it's behavior based on temperature.

That said, this is a great car with a lot of performance and features -- a great blend of performance and value when looking at luxury performance SUVs. Sure Ford isn't a luxury brand, but it compares well to German equivalents for a lot less money. I really wanted the new Audi Q7, but the Ford cost 2/3rd the price out the door after taxes/fees with way better finance incentives. In Canada that was $60k instead of $90k for an equivalently spec'd Q7. And the Explorer is a bigger car with a lot more interior cubby space, and actual power plugs. The Q7 had the superior ZF8 transmission and gorgeous virtual ****pit. The 2017 Explorer is probably the best Explorer ever. All the kinks have been worked out since 2011, with the much improved facelift in 2016, and the introduction of the vastly superior Sync 3 in 2017, and the technology is mature, with over the air updates. I'm sure a redesign will be coming in a few years and it'll be interesting to see what they come up with. But I've had my Sport since August, and I'm very happy with the car.

When set to auto climate under autostart in the settings, it will turn on rear defroster+mirrors, air at full blast to the front windshield and also turn on heated seats and steering wheel.

 

[kmarnes]

When set to auto climate under autostart in the settings, it will turn on rear defroster+mirrors, air at full blast to the front windshield and also turn on heated seats and steering wheel.

Oooh, okay. I'll check that out

 

[Sgt1411]

I've had double honk happen with the car off. It just means someone else had a door open and when it double honks, that particular door is not locked due to prematurely locking the car up. But it's weird and inconsistent. The only time I find double honk annoying is when I start the car and go outside to scrape the frost off the windows.

My list of dislikes:

1. Six speed transmission is clunky. Shift programming (gear hunting) is by far the weakest part of this car. But you learn to deal with it.
2. Stupidly limited 45lb roof rack limit with sunroof. (100lb without). I got a Yakima SkyBox Lo Carbonite -- low profile & wide with 15 cubic feet, opens on boths sides. Looks great on the car, but the empty box itself weighs 52lbs. And with skis inside, add another 20lbs. So I'm over a little bit, but I'm not going wild around corners and the Sport does have a lower profile and a lower center of gravity than the other trims, so I figure it compensates enough. Increases the car from 5'11" to about 6'10" -- which gets me in some underground parking lots. Also while highway driving, it's very quiet, so super happy with it.
3. Folding 3rd row seats -- switching modes requires emptying everything, every time. Seat backing is very weak and prone to damage if you start throwing heavy things in the back or try to crawl around back there, even kids.
4. Back of car gets utterly filthy, including the rear camera lense. Every time I backup, I have to rinse the camera. At least I can do it inside the car and it warns me when my wiper fluids are low.
5. Spotify integration could be better. Most of the time, I have to set things up through the phone, but once it's setup, it works well -- just can't alter anything with the steering wheel controls. For example, it won't show the entire playlist in the right driver info screen, just the current song. But I can skip songs on the main center touch screen.
6. The remote start is awesome integrated in the main fob with insane range, but what I don't like is that it doesn't turn on the heated accessories. Right now it's sub-zero, and it won't turn on the defrost modes for the mirrors. Doesn't seem to be any way to control that. In ideal world, it would engage max defrost, heat the seats, steering wheel, and mirrors. On hot days, it would crank the AC instead. Should base it's behavior based on temperature.

That said, this is a great car with a lot of performance and features -- a great blend of performance and value when looking at luxury performance SUVs. Sure Ford isn't a luxury brand, but it compares well to German equivalents for a lot less money. I really wanted the new Audi Q7, but the Ford cost 2/3rd the price out the door after taxes/fees with way better finance incentives. In Canada that was $60k instead of $90k for an equivalently spec'd Q7. And the Explorer is a bigger car with a lot more interior cubby space, and actual power plugs. The Q7 had the superior ZF8 transmission and gorgeous virtual ****pit. The 2017 Explorer is probably the best Explorer ever. All the kinks have been worked out since 2011, with the much improved facelift in 2016, and the introduction of the vastly superior Sync 3 in 2017, and the technology is mature, with over the air updates. I'm sure a redesign will be coming in a few years and it'll be interesting to see what they come up with. But I've had my Sport since August, and I'm very happy with the car.

Im glad you posted that info about the defrost not engaging when you use Auto Start because I found that exact issue. It is supposed to engage defrost on cold days below a predetermined temp.

I noticed rear window defrost, heated wheel and seats came on but no side mirror defrost, thats gotta be a bug because side mirror defrost is connected to rear window defrost.

Wonder if having folded mirrors changes something.

Peter have you noticed that with your 17?

The Transmission can be reset if you disconnect blue connector on baterry + terminal. I will also say transmission shifts significantly better with a tune.

The rear camera dirt/visibility issue is driving me nuts, I don't use the Auto rinse feature because you have to engage the rear wiper which then drags across the salt/sand covered rear glass essentially etching it forever.

I thought with the 16/17 aero changes we might see better rear window aero to deflect some of that road spray but it appears to be the same.

I will contact some people in Dearborn about that mirror defrost issue because I agree it should be on with Auto Start every time.

 

[peterk9]

Im glad you posted that info about the defrost not engaging when you use Auto Start because I found that exact issue. It is supposed to engage defrost on cold days below a predetermined temp.

I noticed rear window defrost, heated wheel and seats came on but no side mirror defrost, thats gotta be a bug because side mirror defrost is connected to rear window defrost.

Wonder if having folded mirrors changes something.

Peter have you noticed that with your 17?

I haven't really noticed. I've used remote start a few times but the Explorer is parked in the garage. I hit the garage door opener in the house and then start the vehicle. I'll try to remember to feel the mirrors the next time. The camera washer worked great the one and only time I tried it after a wet drive and wanting to park. Haven't tried the self parking yet in this vehicle. I'm in the habit of just cleaning the rear lens with my finger every time after I park the car

Peter

 

[DHG2605]

Hi everyone, I still have less then 300 miles on my Sport and so far the only one minor disappointment with the stereo pre-sets. I wish they had designed it so when you scroll up and down the presets it would go through all of them not just the row selected. You have to hit the button on the dash to select a new range of pre-sets. Other than that I love it!

 

[Lewisra]

Im glad you posted that info about the defrost not engaging when you use Auto Start because I found that exact issue. It is supposed to engage defrost on cold days below a predetermined temp.

I noticed rear window defrost, heated wheel and seats came on but no side mirror defrost, thats gotta be a bug because side mirror defrost is connected to rear window defrost.

Wonder if having folded mirrors changes something.

Peter have you noticed that with your 17?

The Transmission can be reset if you disconnect blue connector on baterry + terminal. I will also say transmission shifts significantly better with a tune.

The rear camera dirt/visibility issue is driving me nuts, I don't use the Auto rinse feature because you have to engage the rear wiper which then drags across the salt/sand covered rear glass essentially etching it forever.

I thought with the 16/17 aero changes we might see better rear window aero to deflect some of that road spray but it appears to be the same.

I will contact some people in Dearborn about that mirror defrost issue because I agree it should be on with Auto Start every time.

Doesn't it wait until it's warm air before it blasts the defrost? That's the way my 08 outlook was. Didn't notice in my 14 Explorer and haven't left it long enough with my 2017 yet but it doesn't blast right away. As far as the rear window etching, I've never had a noticeable issue in my 3 previous vehicles and rear wipers. The camera washer is awesome.

 

[613GT500]

Doesn't it wait until it's warm air before it blasts the defrost? That's the way my 08 outlook was. Didn't notice in my 14 Explorer and haven't left it long enough with my 2017 yet but it doesn't blast right away. As far as the rear window etching, I've never had a noticeable issue in my 3 previous vehicles and rear wipers. The camera washer is awesome.

Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The cooled seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display).
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated or cooled seats do not automatically turn on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The heated seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display). The heated rear window and heated mirrors automatically turn on.

 

[peterk9]

Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The cooled seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display).
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated or cooled seats do not automatically turn on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The heated seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display). The heated rear window and heated mirrors automatically turn on.
Climate ControlClimate Control

When I click on the phrase Climate Control I get 2 separate results neither of which seem to be related to the post.???

 

[613GT500]

When I click on the phrase Climate Control I get 2 separate results neither of which seem to be related to the post.???

I removed the link and not even sure why it was embedded in my copy and paste.

Here's the direct link.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/F...picHRef=G1547516&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=True

 

[Lewisra]

So, in winter, it doesn't start blowing air until it's warmed up.

 

[613GT500]

So, in winter, it doesn't start blowing air until it's warmed up.

The fan will still turn on, but heated seats, steering wheel, rear and side mirror defrosters wont.

 

[Lewisra]

The fan will still turn on, but heated seats, steering wheel, rear and side mirror defrosters wont.

what?

 

[613GT500]

what?

As per below, copy/paste from the user manual.

The fan will...turn...on...until...the...vehicle...reaches...22C (71.6F)

Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The cooled seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display).

In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated or cooled seats do not automatically turn on.

In cold weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The heated seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display). The heated rear window and heated mirrors automatically turn on.

 

[peterk9]

Getting a bit confused here. Are we talking non remote start? With non remote start the heater starts blowing air once the engine has warmed up unless you manually turn up the fan. Heated seats and steering wheel will warm up if they were left in the ON position when you last shut down. With remote start, the fan comes on full blast along with seats, steering wheel, rear defrost and heated mirrors (if items are set in the display). Once you get in and press ignition/brake, the climate control returns the fan back to normal operation. I believe the rear defrost turns off as do the heated mirrors. Steering wheel and seats remain on. I think I've got that right.

 

[peterk9]

As per below, copy/paste from the user manual.

The fan will...turn...on...until...the...vehicle...reaches...22C (71.6F)

Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The cooled seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display).

In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated or cooled seats do not automatically turn on.

In cold weather, the system is set to 22 °C. The heated seats are set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display). The heated rear window and heated mirrors automatically turn on.

When quoting the Manual, adding the page number is always helpful.

 

[Lewisra]

With remote start, the fan comes on full blast along with seats, steering wheel, rear defrost and heated mirrors (if items are set in the display). Once you get in and press ignition/brake, the climate control returns the fan back to normal operation. I believe the rear defrost turns off as do the heated mirrors. Steering wheel and seats remain on. I think I've got that right.

Heated seats only remain on if occupied. If no one in passenger seat, it will turn off when you press ignition/brake. At least this is how my Limited works when in turned off in Auto mode.

 

[peterk9]

Heated seats only remain on if occupied. If no one in passenger seat, it will turn off when you press ignition/brake. At least this is how my Limited works when in turned off in Auto mode.

Could very well be. On mine with remote start only the driver's seat is on (3 bars). Nothing that I can recall seeing on the passenger side. I'll check my settings again to see if it is a selection. I'm the only occupant 99% of the time.

Peter

 

[Lewisra]

Could very well be. On mine with remote start only the driver's seat is on (3 bars). Nothing that I can recall seeing on the passenger side. I'll check my settings again to see if it is a selection. I'm the only occupant 99% of the time.

Peter

Correct, you don't see the 3 bars until you hit the ignition/brake. At that point nobody in your passenger seat so it shuts off and no bars are ever illuminated.

 

[peterk9]

Correct, you don't see the 3 bars until you hit the ignition/brake. At that point nobody in your passenger seat so it shuts off and no bars are ever illuminated.

Thank you for that. I never actually checked to see if the 3 bars were lit before getting in.