I need your advice!

[brody Joe]

Hello everyone,
I just bought a new 2011 explorer base 4wd and I really made a mistake. I went with the base model because I could not afford the XLT (4k more) and there are two things I am really struggling with. The first are the headlights are so dim at night I can't see where Im going and secondly I find the vehicle is large and really needs the sensors to tell you when you are too close to something when parking.
So my question - Can I upgrade to a xenon type of headlight?
Can the parking sensors be added after the fact?
If so how would you suggest I proceed.
Thanks in advance for helping this first time Ford guy out!
Brody

 

[jrmexplorer]

I think the answer to both questions is yes. If you go to the modified forum, you will see others there have added the HID's and it doesn't seem all that hard: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=175

As far as the sensors go, I think you can install the Ford kit (talk to your dealer), but I'm guessing there are aftermarket kits you can buy as well.

 

[brody Joe]

Thats great thanks for the information.
Brody

 

[peterk9]

Thats great thanks for the information.
Brody

Why not try upgrading the bulbs first. I upgraded the halogens in my previous '09 Highlander and it made a big difference. In my opinion they were as good as the HID's I have now although the light pattern seems to be different.

Peter

 

[donm527]

yeah i would go with the bulbs first. even if you bought the xlt, the HIDs were only avail on the LTD anyways i believe. the HID kits do look interesting but really havent seen how they are over longer time periods.

Why not try upgrading the bulbs first. I upgraded the halogens in my previous '09 Highlander and it made a big difference. In my opinion they were as good as the HID's I have now although the light pattern seems to be different.

Peter

 

[MMM]

I put new bulbs OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER PLUS and they really do a great difference. took 5 min to change, very easy.

 

[spitfisher]

Go to a secluded parking lot and practice parking, check out potential blind spots and check out and determine " where you are" in relation to surrounding objects. not that I wouldn't! Rule out sensors, but depending what you owned before the EX is a big, and wide. ts just becoming familiar with it that the challenge.

 

[Turdle]

Wireless parking sensors

http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-70203-Curb-Feelers/dp/B001DQCDAA

 

[BrooklynBay]

Try Silverstar bulbs. They look like HID lights, but are regular lights without the need for a high voltage ballast or wiring.

 

[VinceL]

Wireless parking sensors

http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-70203-Curb-Feelers/dp/B001DQCDAA

Oh man! You brought me back to my childhood with your post. I haven't seen curb feelers in the longest! Talk about retro.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Just say no to the static strips though...

 

[JETZ]

That thing has 'fender skirts'???

Nice ironing board!

Just say no to the static strips though...

 

[bluelion]

are your lights dim, or just not aimed properly? because i've noticed a lot of people complain about the lights being aimed too low, therefore, not lighting up the road enough.....try aiming your lights a little higher and see if that helps first, before you spend money on lights.

 

[peterk9]

are your lights dim, or just not aimed properly? because i've noticed a lot of people complain about the lights being aimed too low, therefore, not lighting up the road enough.....try aiming your lights a little higher and see if that helps first, before you spend money on lights.

Although there have been complaints about the lights, I'm assuming that proper aiming of the headlights is part of the work done at the factory.

 

[182RG]

Try Silverstar bulbs. They look like HID lights, but are regular lights without the need for a high voltage ballast or wiring.

+1. Don't butcher your Explorer by installing a worthless Chinese HID "kit"...

 

[Spengracin]

Curb feelers, now that's funny! They still make them!

 

[peterk9]

Try Silverstar bulbs. They look like HID lights, but are regular lights without the need for a high voltage ballast or wiring.

I used Phillips X-Treme Power bulbs, ordered from the U.K. in my previous Highlander. If I had halogens today, I would be tempted to try the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Halogen bulbs or the Sylvania ZXE Twin Halogen bulbs. Not sure if they are compatible with the Explorer since I haven't really looked into them that much. I'm guessing they are available in the U.S. At Canadian Tire they start at $60 for a 2 pack and have a 1 year warranty. The most common complaint about most of these replacement bulbs is a shorter life span but I still think they are worth looking into.

Peter

 

[VinceL]

I used Phillips X-Treme Power bulbs, ordered from the U.K. in my previous Highlander. If I had halogens today, I would be tempted to try the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Halogen bulbs or the Sylvania ZXE Twin Halogen bulbs. Not sure if they are compatible with the Explorer since I haven't really looked into them that much. I'm guessing they are available in the U.S. At Canadian Tire they start at $60 for a 2 pack and have a 1 year warranty. The most common complaint about most of these replacement bulbs is a shorter life span but I still think they are worth looking into.

Peter

In saying that you would try the Sylvania bulbs, is it because you weren't happy with the Philips? Or is more a matter of availability?

 

[peterk9]

In saying that you would try the Sylvania bulbs, is it because you weren't happy with the Philips? Or is more a matter of availability?

I was very happy with those Phillips bulb but I could not get them here. The ordering process from overseas was very smooth and quick but now that Sylvania is producing similar ones, although a bit more expensive, and they are available locally, I would at least want to try them first. But I now have the HID's in the Explorer. By the way, one of the Phillips burned out in about 16 months.
Merry Christmas Vince.

Peter

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check WWW.RockAuto.Com to see if they sell Silverstar bulbs. They ship worldwide so it shouldn't be hard to get. Did you ever check WWW.Amazon.Com or WWW.EBay.Com?