First week annoyances

[911jason]

Had my 2020 XLT for a little over a week now and here are the things I've found most annoying so far.

#1 by a mile is the inability of the radio to remain on while parked. I run a lot of errands with my wife, remaining in the driver's seat while she exits to go shopping, and the radio shuts off as soon as she opens her door. It usually comes back on fairly quick, but sometimes refuses for several pushes of the radio power button. Then it will continue to shut off every once in awhile ad infinitum. It seems odd to me that the radio wouldn't remain on until at least the driver's door is opened.

#2 Power Liftgate constantly refuses to close, even when there is absolutely nothing close to blocking its path. I'm thinking this one may need attention from the dealer because it can't possibly be sensing anything. Fingers crossed.

#3 Excessive wind noise from the driver's side window. I believe it's coming from the side mirror. Is this a known issue or something I should have the dealer check?

Despite these items, I really do love my Explorer! Will love it more though, if I can get some or all of these addressed.

 

[KKRISKAL]

Had my 2020 XLT for a little over a week now and here are the things I've found most annoying so far.

#1 by a mile is the inability of the radio to remain on while parked. I run a lot of errands with my wife, remaining in the driver's seat while she exits to go shopping, and the radio shuts off as soon as she opens her door. It usually comes back on fairly quick, but sometimes refuses for several pushes of the radio power button. Then it will continue to shut off every once in awhile ad infinitum. It seems odd to me that the radio wouldn't remain on until at least the driver's door is opened.

#2 Power Liftgate constantly refuses to close, even when there is absolutely nothing close to blocking its path. I'm thinking this one may need attention from the dealer because it can't possibly be sensing anything. Fingers crossed.

#3 Excessive wind noise from the driver's side window. I believe it's coming from the side mirror. Is this a known issue or something I should have the dealer check?

Despite these items, I really do love my Explorer! Will love it more though, if I can get some or all of these addressed.

For the Audio, just switch on the Accessory power on (by pressing the start button without your foot on the brake) and your radio will be on and so will your windows up/down button

 

[quickfix]

The radio is on the always hot battery bus. No need for ACC on.
Just press the radio on/off button and give it a moment after doing so.

 

[peterk9]

Had my 2020 XLT for a little over a week now and here are the things I've found most annoying so far.

#1 by a mile is the inability of the radio to remain on while parked. I run a lot of errands with my wife, remaining in the driver's seat while she exits to go shopping, and the radio shuts off as soon as she opens her door. It usually comes back on fairly quick, but sometimes refuses for several pushes of the radio power button. Then it will continue to shut off every once in awhile ad infinitum. It seems odd to me that the radio wouldn't remain on until at least the driver's door is opened.

#2 Power Liftgate constantly refuses to close, even when there is absolutely nothing close to blocking its path. I'm thinking this one may need attention from the dealer because it can't possibly be sensing anything. Fingers crossed.

#3 Excessive wind noise from the driver's side window. I believe it's coming from the side mirror. Is this a known issue or something I should have the dealer check?

Despite these items, I really do love my Explorer! Will love it more though, if I can get some or all of these addressed.

#1. The radio is subject to the Battery Saver program. Using the radio's power ON button will give you the longest ON condition but it will eventually get turned OFF. Pressing the button should turn it back ON.

#2. Do you hear any chimes when the liftgate is supposed to close?

#3. There is a thread about a similar issue; Wind / Whistle Noise from Front Door / Mirror?

Peter

 

[Rick]

I read about how to keep the radio on by pressing the power button in another thread. Trouble is the amount of time it takes to fully shut down and then power up again. You will definitely miss programming in that span of time. Even worse when listening to Pandora, it does not go back to Pandora when the radio is re-started. In my opinion that is due to poor software engineering.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Had my 2020 XLT for a little over a week now and here are the things I've found most annoying so far.

#1 by a mile is the inability of the radio to remain on while parked. I run a lot of errands with my wife, remaining in the driver's seat while she exits to go shopping, and the radio shuts off as soon as she opens her door. It usually comes back on fairly quick, but sometimes refuses for several pushes of the radio power button. Then it will continue to shut off every once in awhile ad infinitum. It seems odd to me that the radio wouldn't remain on until at least the driver's door is opened.

#2 Power Liftgate constantly refuses to close, even when there is absolutely nothing close to blocking its path. I'm thinking this one may need attention from the dealer because it can't possibly be sensing anything. Fingers crossed.

#3 Excessive wind noise from the driver's side window. I believe it's coming from the side mirror. Is this a known issue or something I should have the dealer check?

Despite these items, I really do love my Explorer! Will love it more though, if I can get some or all of these addressed.

You could try this for the rear hatch, I'm thinking there's also a re-flash for the RGTM but I can't remember what issue it was for.

Power Liftgate Initialization​

Initialization

1. Disconnect the battery or remove the RGTM fuse(s).
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01) .

1. NOTE: Remove the battery power from the RGTM for 20 seconds before entering initialization mode.
   Wait 20 seconds and reconnect the battery or reinstall the RGTM fuse(s).
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01) .

1. If the liftgate is not already in the fully closed position, manually close and fully latch the power liftgate.

1. NOTE: If equipped, make sure the power liftgate system is turned ON in the message center before performing this step.
   NOTE: If the power liftgate does not open during this step, refer to the Symptom Chart to diagnose the inoperative power liftgate.
   Power open the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front control switch.

1. Once the liftgate is fully open, power close the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front power liftgate control switch.

1. Carry-out the RGTM self-test.

 

[SteveAZ]

I cured the radio problem. I just let my wife get out of the car and close her door before shutting down the engine. But, I don't know of a way to extend the time the power is on.

 

[peterk9]

That will result in the radio turning OFF after 10 minutes. As mentioned, turning the radio ON with the power button will extend it.

 

[911jason]

#2. Do you hear any chimes when the liftgate is supposed to close?

#3. There is a thread about a similar issue; Wind / Whistle Noise from Front Door / Mirror?

Peter

Yes, the chimes sound, but most times the horn then honks and movement stops.

I read through that whole wind noise thread, but most of them seem to be complaining about whistling from the passenger side. I don't have that issue, just a lot of wind buffeting from the driver's side. A few mentioned replacing the door seals, and I might talk to the dealer about that.

 

[1sttimeexplorerowner]

The whole "10 minute ACC on" after engine shut down is pretty common in modern day cars. I've own a lot of GM cars (still own a corvette) and it all did the same thing.

I can't comment about the rear lift gate as i never encountered that problem. I will try to experiment to see how close an object has to be for the power gate to deny an open/close.

As far as wind noise, YES. That is a HUGE problem with these EX's. When it's summer, i run the AC, for obvious reasons. I know some people who don't unless it's like 90+. Not me, if it's 75+, i run the AC. And in the winter i have the heat, so i rarely drive with the windows down.

But since i got the EX in july, there was a stretch, i believe for 3 weeks straight, in september, when i did drive with the windows down since it was nice enough outside.

The wind noise is horrendous. I couldn't believe the difference when you close all the windows, it's absolutely silent inside, you can hear your heartbeat.

Once you crack ANY window, it sounds like you're about to take flight.

Also what i noticed is that when i did crack my drivers window, just to get a breeze, i could see the window flap away, as if the glass was made of a thin plastic. Everything was wobbling. I didn't like that.

 

[911jason]

It just doesn’t make sense to me that the car turns off the radio when it knows I’m still in the driver’s seat. My 2016 Yukon had no issues like that.

Also, my XLT is definitely far from quiet with the windows rolled up. I figured it was because I got a lower trim level, they didn’t have as much insulation/acoustic glass, etc. The problem I’m complaining about is the wind noise on the driver’s side mirror with the window up. Anything over about 50mph is very loud.

 

[peterk9]

Yes, the chimes sound, but most times the horn then honks and movement stops.

Not sure why the horn would honk? Perhaps it is an issue with one of the pinch sensors.

Peter

 

[911jason]

Not sure why the horn would honk? Perhaps it is an issue with one of the pinch sensors.

Peter

Yes, I think it’s probably a bad sensor or one that needs adjustment. It will start to close, get about a foot and then stop.

 

[1sttimeexplorerowner]

It just doesn’t make sense to me that the car turns off the radio when it knows I’m still in the driver’s seat. My 2016 Yukon had no issues like that.

Also, my XLT is definitely far from quiet with the windows rolled up. I figured it was because I got a lower trim level, they didn’t have as much insulation/acoustic glass, etc. The problem I’m complaining about is the wind noise on the driver’s side mirror with the window up. Anything over about 50mph is very loud.

I have an XLT and it's dead silent with the windows up. In fact that was one of the major things i was reading about (watching youtube videos) before getting the EX. Even during the test drive, my salesman told me to go drive anywhere as he couldn't go with me. He let me drive a complete BASE XLT. And it was the same thing. Dead silent.

 

[911jason]

That’s encouraging... will definitely speak to the dealer about the interior noise. Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

It seems that the XLT does not have the hood insulation pad. Some members have added that.

Peter

 

[911jason]

Annoyance #4. Arm rest height... If I adjust my seat where I’m most comfortable driving, the center console and arm rest on the door are both too low. By a lot! I’ve lowered my seat for now, but feel like I’m driving a Corolla. Has anyone found a good cushion for the center console that extends the height? I found these on Amazon, but the top one looks odd... and I’m thinking they’re both probably too narrow for my wife and I to use simultaneously.

 

[DoraAExplorer]

I wonder if those complaining of wind noise have the sunroofs. Ford sunroofs are not the greatest and that leads to increased noise. I also would recommend auto vent shade or similar rain guards. You can crack the window and have reduced wind noise plus rain protection. My wife's 21 has some wind noise from the passengers side that she notices but I didn't hear.

Love the 21 Explorer though and the new XLT appearance package is worth it IMO

 

[yeet1331]

I wonder if those complaining of wind noise have the sunroofs. Ford sunroofs are not the greatest and that leads to increased noise. I also would recommend auto vent shade or similar rain guards. You can crack the window and have reduced wind noise plus rain protection. My wife's 21 has some wind noise from the passengers side that she notices but I didn't hear.

Love the 21 Explorer though and the new XLT appearance package is worth it IMO

Yes! They're actually great value now with that appearance package and all the price cuts.

 

[greeman]

I have had a similar problem with the liftgate. My wife buys groceries online and I pick them up at Kroger. When I arrive at Kroger I open the liftgate and after a while they bring out my groceries and put them in. When finished when I tried to close the liftgate (or the attendant tried to close it with the button) it would only go down part of the way, chime and toot horn. I finally learned that to correct this or prevent it from happening in the first place all I had to do was open and shut the drivers door. Sounds crazy, but works. I took it to the service department and showed them the problem and they were baffled. They ordered a new control module for the liftgate, but it hasn't come in yet.