Another Newbie (Female)

[Red Head]

I just traded in my 1991 Ford Explorer Sport and got a 2004 Explorer EB. I love it. I actually read through the entire owner's manual. I must say, this car is a lot more complicated than my 91 Explorer. I spent 2 hours last night in my new Explorer trying to figure out how everything works -- Especially the Message Center.

I stumbled upon this Forum and have quite a few questions. The dealership only gave me one key, which I now realize that I need to get another key from the dealer and have them program it. Also, I do not have the code for the keyless access - it is not in the owner's manual anywhere. And the section for maintenance on the care has never been completed, so I don't know what has been done to this car. Shouldn't the dealer have provided that to me? If the dealer does not have the records, should I start my maintenance at the point of the number of miles I have on my car? I have 17,000 on it now.

 

[Jbrobeck]

At 17,000miles I would not be worried about the maintenance done to the vehicle this far, perhaps change the oil and filter and start your maintenance schedule from there.

As far as the Key and Keyless entry goes, I would just go ahead and go to the dealer and talk to the SALESMAN that sold you the truck. He has the power to OK the service guys to provide these to you for free. The key is just a simple cut and program. The keyless buttons on the door have a master code (perhaps you read about this in your owners manual) and the service tech can plug the truck into the computer and get that code for you, and you can then either just use that code, or set your own. the 2001 and older have the keyless control module in the jack compartment in the rear drivers side and it is possible to read the code on the side of the module with a bit of work, I am not sure how much that has changed in the new generation trucks though.

Hope that helps

Josh

 

[briwayjones]

Congrats on your new Eddie Bauer and welcome to the forum. If the dealer won't provide you another key for free don't buy one from them. They will probably charge you around $100 for it. Instead you can buy a blank key online for around $30, have any place that cuts keys cut it for you, and you can then program it yourself.

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

yeah, another va owner, welcome, these people on here amaze me at times w/ the answers they come up w/ so fire away and watch how quick u get a response, welcome, welcome!but first question, what are u going to do to it!! Someone had to ask!

 

[dreamr]

Welcome to the forum!!!!

If it was me just getting a new rig with under 20k on it, my first priority would be flushing all the fluids and replacing them with synthetics (Amsoil or Mobile 1 be my favs) for longer vehicle life and better efficiency..........

 

[Red Head]

Thanks for all of the replies. In answer to "What am I going to do to it?" First, put a Class 3 hitch put on. My old Explorer had one on it to pull my horse trailer. I may also get have a power antenna installed. My mechanic told me that I could have that done. It would cost about $125.00. Having to take the antenna off every time I go thru a car wash is a pain in the ass. Most of the time I hand wash my car, but sometimes I get lazy and want to use the drive-thru automatic car wash. You would think that the Edie Bauer with all of its "Bells and Whistles" would have a power antenna.

I have a question for all of you "experts." What oil should I use? The regular oil or synthetic. I have heard that you get better gas mileage and that the car will last longer. Is this true?

 

[BeauJ]

Yes, go with sythetic. Nothing but benefits with it. Welcome to the site also.

 

[Red Head]

BeauJ,

What are the benefits? My 1991 Ford Explorer that I traded in for this one (2004 Edie Bauer) had 243,000 miles on it. I just used regular oil in it.

So I'm asking, why should I spend the additional money for the synthetic oil?

 

[BeauJ]

lower engine temps, increased life, easier start ups which is really good in winter, smoother idle, better gas mileage, etc...

 

[IAmTodd]

Congrats on your new Eddie Bauer and welcome to the forum. If the dealer won't provide you another key for free don't buy one from them. They will probably charge you around $100 for it. Instead you can buy a blank key online for around $30, have any place that cuts keys cut it for you, and you can then program it yourself.

Buy the key from Ebay, $8, take it to Ford to program $30. You have two keys. You MUST have two key to program another key. So you will need to go to Ford to get it programmed.

Welcome to site, need another female around

 

[briwayjones]

Buy the key from Ebay, $8, take it to Ford to program $30. You have two keys. You MUST have two key to program another key. So you will need to go to Ford to get it programmed.

Welcome to site, need another female around

There were several people that said they programmed another key with just one even though your supposed to have two.

 

[briwayjones]

BeauJ,

What are the benefits? My 1991 Ford Explorer that I traded in for this one (2004 Edie Bauer) had 243,000 miles on it. I just used regular oil in it.

So I'm asking, why should I spend the additional money for the synthetic oil?

You can go longer change intervals(if you change your own oil, requires higher quality filter) on the oil using synthetic which balances out the price to about the same. IMO there's not really any point in using synthetic if you go normal change intervals. It'll still be better for the engine but really expensive.

 

[IAmTodd]

There were several people that said they programmed another key with just one even though your supposed to have two.

I've also heard of it. But I was unable to do this.

 

[dreamr]

First, put a Class 3 hitch put on. My old Explorer had one on it to pull my horse trailer.

Then after getting all the fluids switched to Synthetics I would add a auxillary transmission cooler and a transmission temp gauge.