Need some feedback before making a purchase

[sgtdon]

Thank you all again for your comments, we have had an intersting week.

I have photo's of my NEW Explorer in my computer now but I do not know how to get them on this site. I think it maybe because I am not a paid member yet. I am planing on bying the membership on the 26th since they have a 2 year special. I also deleted my 71 Mustang I restored from my profile picture and really do not know how I did it or where it is in my profile now. I am only a novice on the computer so I may need some help to load these pictures up. If you can upload pictures and you are not a paid member please let me know. Either way I am still joining next week.

This site has saved me about a lot of money since I have been on it and the people here are great. I have always gotten good solid advice and appreciate the time people have taken to answer my questions.

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cnsheets]

SgtDon,

First....I personally use photobucket for uploading pictures then linking them to this site. There are many free options for picture hosting that you can upload your pictures to, then share the picture link with us. You don't necessarily have to be a paid member.

Second.....how's the wife coming along? You get used to the couch yet?

 

[sgtdon]

I have a couple photo programs on this computer but I do not know where on the site I can upload pictures. I went through the edits and user cp but I did not find anything, I probably missed it. Heck I can not even put the avatar in and like I said I can not find the place that I had the picture of the 71 mustang I resotred that I had in my profile????? I guess I am having a VERY SENIOR MOMENT.

The wife surprised me last night and firmly "told" me she was going out of state Tuesday (today) with her 34 year old kid and grandson that live with us to see her relatives over Thanksgiving.(but not before she told me I was going to give her the money to go). She did leave this morning before I even got up. So if that answers your question on how the wife is doing, I guess you have a good idea now. It is really cold in this house even though she has departed.

Maybe when she gets back this will have WARMED UP. The only thing that really matters is that I HAVE A NEW EXPLORER AND I LOVE IT

SO AS FAR AS THE PICTURES GO where do I go on the site to post them? If you want to email me you can and not go through the site, that way you could go into detail for me. I will try and make sure my email is under my name.

 

[peterk9]

I have a couple photo programs on this computer but I do not know where on the site I can upload pictures. I went through the edits and user cp but I did not find anything, I probably missed it. Heck I can not even put the avatar in and like I said I can not find the place that I had the picture of the 71 mustang I resotred that I had in my profile????? I guess I am having a VERY SENIOR MOMENT.

The wife surprised me last night and firmly "told" me she was going out of state Tuesday (today) with her 34 year old kid and grandson that live with us to see her relatives over Thanksgiving.(but not before she told me I was going to give her the money to go). She did leave this morning before I even got up. So if that answers your question on how the wife is doing, I guess you have a good idea now. It is really cold in this house even though she has departed.

Maybe when she gets back this will have WARMED UP. The only thing that really matters is that I HAVE A NEW EXPLORER AND I LOVE IT

SO AS FAR AS THE PICTURES GO where do I go on the site to post them? If you want to email me you can and not go through the site, that way you could go into detail for me. I will try and make sure my email is under my name.

 

[peterk9]

I have a couple photo programs on this computer but I do not know where on the site I can upload pictures. I went through the edits and user cp but I did not find anything, I probably missed it. Heck I can not even put the avatar in and like I said I can not find the place that I had the picture of the 71 mustang I resotred that I had in my profile????? I guess I am having a VERY SENIOR MOMENT.

The wife surprised me last night and firmly "told" me she was going out of state Tuesday (today) with her 34 year old kid and grandson that live with us to see her relatives over Thanksgiving.(but not before she told me I was going to give her the money to go). She did leave this morning before I even got up. So if that answers your question on how the wife is doing, I guess you have a good idea now. It is really cold in this house even though she has departed.

Maybe when she gets back this will have WARMED UP. The only thing that really matters is that I HAVE A NEW EXPLORER AND I LOVE IT

SO AS FAR AS THE PICTURES GO where do I go on the site to post them? If you want to email me you can and not go through the site, that way you could go into detail for me. I will try and make sure my email is under my name.

Some people use a site such as Photobucket and then add a link to it from their post on this Forum. You can also wait until you pay your membership dues and then use the Manage Attachments link on here.

Peter

 

[sgtdon]

Thank you peterk9, that is what I will do.

 

[sgtdon]

I just noticed something on my Explorer. I do not know if it might be a problem in the future so if anyone has had the present body style let me know.

I notice that the front air deflector under the car is only about 6 1/2 inches off the ground?? Has anyone had a problem with this, especially in the SNOW??

I also noticed an air intake right behind the the air deflector (paasenger side), in fact there is a cut out for it and it appears the air intake goes to the transmission?? It is just plastic but I was wondering if it gets plugged with snow or if the water is a little high could it block the air. How important is the air intake or does it just move air towards the trany and is no bid deal. I know around here it is nothing to have six inches of snow on the ground. Any body had a problem with this or can advise me? THANKS

 

[peterk9]

I just noticed something on my Explorer. I do not know if it might be a problem in the future so if anyone has had the present body style let me know.

I notice that the front air deflector under the car is only about 6 1/2 inches off the ground?? Has anyone had a problem with this, especially in the SNOW??

I also noticed an air intake right behind the the air deflector (paasenger side), in fact there is a cut out for it and it appears the air intake goes to the transmission?? It is just plastic but I was wondering if it gets plugged with snow or if the water is a little high could it block the air. How important is the air intake or does it just move air towards the trany and is no bid deal. I know around here it is nothing to have six inches of snow on the ground. Any body had a problem with this or can advise me? THANKS

That front air dam is part of the vehicle's aerodynamics. A few people have reported problems in hitting curbs and those concrete parking blocks. I have done it once and now have adjusted my parking. I haven't had a need to go out in snow that deep yet but I imagine it could be a problem if the snow is hard packed. A member recently removed his.
I'm guessing you have the tow package. That would explain the other air intake. It does redirect air to cool the rear of the engine and possible the transmission. I believe it also must be removed to complete an oil change and a few members have reported that they have lost a twist screw or two that hold this item on. Some members have removed it when they are not towing.
Hope this helps.

You may want to check out the following link;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=342745&highlight=air+intake

Peter

 

[sgtdon]

Yes do have a tow package. iwent down to the dealer after I wrote this to ask about it and ask what the heck was the QUIET START in the settings I noted while setting up the remote start. They told me it just quiets your engine when you use the remote start so any body walking by would not hear the car running?

They also told me that yes the front air deflector was low but they have only had about 3 people come in with damaged one's. They said that they put it back on and re-inforce it. They also told me that yes the air intake under the car is for the trans and not to worry if it fills up with snow or water, it will not hurt anything unless you are towing something heavy. They did advise me though to check it once in a while especially if I am driving through a lot of snow, but he said the stuff should just pass through it since it only brings air to the area and has holes on the end of it. '

THANK YOU PETERK9

 

[peterk9]

Yes do have a tow package. iwent down to the dealer after I wrote this to ask about it and ask what the heck was the QUIET START in the settings I noted while setting up the remote start. They told me it just quiets your engine when you use the remote start so any body walking by would not hear the car running?

They also told me that yes the front air deflector was low but they have only had about 3 people come in with damaged one's. They said that they put it back on and re-inforce it. They also told me that yes the air intake under the car is for the trans and not to worry if it fills up with snow or water, it will not hurt anything unless you are towing something heavy. They did advise me though to check it once in a while especially if I am driving through a lot of snow, but he said the stuff should just pass through it since it only brings air to the area and has holes on the end of it. '

THANK YOU PETERK9

I believe Remote Start Quiet allows the engine to idle only at the lowest speed. It isn't a 'Stealth Mode'.

As per the manual; To help make the vehicle as comfortable as possible, the engine idle can be increased during a remore start. You can enable or disable engine idle increase by selecting Remote Start Quiet in the message center. Refer to Message Center in the Instrument Cluster chapter.

Peter

 

[sgtdon]

Thank you peterk9. I could not find it at first in the manual.

 

[FordService]

I have a couple photo programs on this computer but I do not know where on the site I can upload pictures...

Don,

Congratulations on your new ride and thank you for all you do!

I see you already got tips on how to post pics. Just to be clear, you’ll upload the photo to a free hosting site and get the URL. Click the “Insert Image” button when replying to a thread and paste the URL in the pop-up box.

...It's been sitting at a dealer since September 17 and no ship date on the parts...

WoodduckMN,

I want to lend a hand with your concern by escalating the case up to the customer service manager for your region. For me to do this, please send a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

I just purchased a 2011 LTD with 20,000 miles, so far so good. It's extremely comfortable and drives great. I love the tech features...

...if you want a great riding car, with more features than you can use, and oh by the way it looks great, then the Ex is for you...

I have an '11 XLT AWD w/MFT that's been flawless...

With +57,000 miles on my 2011 Limited, everything has been great...

'11 EXP LTD almost 30k miles, no real problems except for updates etc...

It’s great to see all the happy Explorer drivers; thanks for taking the time to share!

...Overall I'm satisfied with my X. The only problem I still have is the sulpher smell on hard acceleration...

Have you been to the dealer for this recently, JDraper? I’m able to arrange a follow-up call from your regional CSM. I already have your info from before, so please PM me your current mileage.

...Any other questions let me know, I'm more than happy to help!!

...First....I personally use photobucket for uploading pictures then linking them to this site. There are many free options for picture hosting that you can upload your pictures to, then share the picture link with us. You don't necessarily have to be a paid member...

...Oh, and I'll tell ya this now, you really need to read the owners manual front to back and back to front. These cars are capable of doing so many things, that you can miss out on some cool functionality if you skip the homework, lol...

...As per the manual...

I really love how much support this community has, guys! I wanted to add this link to download the Owner Guide for free :

http://Owner.Ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/OwnerGuidePage

Cory

 

[Nvious1]

Used 2011 Considerations

Hi All,

New to the forums but found this as the best place to ask my questions and get good honest feedback. I am interested in going after a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited to get all the options I want. I am wondering if anyone will be willing to share any considerations that I should watch out for when looking at this model year. My focus is to get basically fully loaded (power rear seats, power lift) and if possible find one with 2nd row bucks / console (not a deal breaker). Thanks for help.

 

[peterk9]

Hi All,

New to the forums but found this as the best place to ask my questions and get good honest feedback. I am interested in going after a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited to get all the options I want. I am wondering if anyone will be willing to share any considerations that I should watch out for when looking at this model year. My focus is to get basically fully loaded (power rear seats, power lift) and if possible find one with 2nd row bucks / console (not a deal breaker). Thanks for help.

Welcome to the Forum Nvious1. :wavey:
That is quite a request. The answers you will get will likely be all over the place. I have a loaded 2011 Limited and it has been virtually trouble free.
Others have had one issue after another but that also applies to the 2012 and 2013's.
I had a bad right front sensor replaced under warranty. The sensor affected the Park Assist. Other than that, I had the Random/uncommanded windshield wipe TSB done and that is it, except for the MFT/SYNC updates.
To get an idea of the issues that some have encountered you can browse the TSB thread; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343204

The one thing I would check is to see that the MFT/SYNC has been updated to the latest version, V3.5.1. You didn't say if you were shopping private sales or dealer sales. The dealer should be able to tell you what version you have.
When you said "power lift" I assume you meant the 3rd row seat power fold and tumble.

Mine is a 48 month lease and I'm seriously considering buying it at lease end.

Peter

 

[broken strut]

Well lets see. I'll start at the front of the vehicle and work my way backwards:

Check the small plastic piece under the front bumper for cracks or excessive damage ( These are famous for popping off)

Creaking noises coming from the front bumper

NOISE FROM FRONT BOLSTER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS

A pillars. Ask if they have been replaced by a TSB. They tend to make a buzzing noise in certain windy driving conditions

Turn signals on the side view mirrors Check if they have moisture in them

Front door black out tape: check for bubbling.

Where the roof line meets the windshield. Tap your finger and see if it sounds like a steel drum. TSB for this as well.

and these

12-08-12 - ALL WHEEL DRIVE - FLUID LEAK FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL VENT CAP - TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES C (32 DEGREES F)
12-08-09 - 3.5L ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) TERRAIN MANAGEMENT INOPERATIVE - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 7/30/2012
12-08-08 - 3.5L TI-VCT - FOUL ODOR FROM COOLING SYSTEM - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 7/9/2012
12-06-06 - TING POP NOISE - FRONT HALFSHAFT
12-05-11 - INTERMITTENT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 2/5/2012
12-03-16 - 3RD ROW POWER FOLD SEAT - NOT LATCHING IN STOW POSITION AND/OR BOUNCES BACK - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 1/24/2012
12-03-11 - MULTIFUNCTION AND INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY SCREENS SIMULTANEOUSLY GO BLANK/SCRAMBLED IMAGES/FLICKERING DISPLAYS - BUILT 10/30/2011 THROUGH 12/31/2011
12-03-03 - POWER LIFTGATE OPENING - INTERMITTENT OPERATION - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 3/2/2012
12-03-02 - FRONT WINDOW GLASS JUMPS/CHATTERS DURING UP/DOWN TRAVEL
12-02-07 - TIN ROOF NOISE - FRONT ROOF AREA DURING RAIN - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 11/5/2011
12-02-06 - POWER LIFTGATE DOES NOT OPEN OR REVERSES AFTER OPENING APPROXIMATELY 25 MM (1 INCH)
12-01-11 - A-PILLAR TRIM RATTLE AND/OR BUZZ - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 11/21/2011
11-10-29 - FRONT BRAKES - INTERMITTENT SQUEAL
11-10-27 - FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE STORAGE BIN DOOR DIFFICULT TO OPEN
11-09-13 - 2.0L GTDI - MIL WITH DTC P1289 AND/OR P1290 - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 8/17/2011

Then there's water leaking into the vehicle from the roof. Theres a post on here about that.

I wouldn't buy a 2011. I love the vehicle. So much I just purchased another one. 13 Sport in Black and I have a white Sport coming early next week as a surprise for my wife.

The 2011's are too risky as far as I am concerned and were treated as a beta vehicle.

Ford has fixed most of the engineering flaws. Some still pop up on the newer versions here and there.

My advice. Stay clear of the 11's. I was lucky and only have a few problems with mine. As it ages it seems to be developing some minor issues and a musty smell. Due to the leaking.

 

[FordService]

Hi All,

New to the forums but found this as the best place to ask my questions and get good honest feedback. I am interested in going after a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited to get all the options I want. I am wondering if anyone will be willing to share any considerations that I should watch out for when looking at this model year. My focus is to get basically fully loaded (power rear seats, power lift) and if possible find one with 2nd row bucks / console (not a deal breaker). Thanks for help.

Hi Nvious1,

If you haven't already, I recommend checking out our Certified Pre-Owned site: http://www.ford.com/certified-used/. Enter the options you want and locate your perfect Explorer.

Let us know what you bring home!

Crystal

 

[tryan1977]

Hi All,

New to the forums but found this as the best place to ask my questions and get good honest feedback. I am interested in going after a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited to get all the options I want. I am wondering if anyone will be willing to share any considerations that I should watch out for when looking at this model year. My focus is to get basically fully loaded (power rear seats, power lift) and if possible find one with 2nd row bucks / console (not a deal breaker). Thanks for help.

I would steer far clear of any 2011 Explorers. I know there are some out there that are satisfied but there are simply too many issues with the 2011. Transmission bump, A Pillar, Tin Roof Sounds, Squeeky Brakes, Jerky power windows, Radiator issues, Whistling windshield to name a few of the many confirmed problems. It isnt worth the risk. I would look into the 2012 or wait until you can afford a used 13. Buy with your head and not your heart and you will be just fine.

 

[broken strut]

I would steer far clear of any 2011 Explorers. I know there are some out there that are satisfied but there are simply too many issues with the 2011. Transmission bump, A Pillar, Tin Roof Sounds, Squeeky Brakes, Jerky power windows, Radiator issues, Whistling windshield to name a few of the many confirmed problems. It isnt worth the risk. I would look into the 2012 or wait until you can afford a used 13. Buy with your head and not your heart and you will be just fine.

That's 2 for stay away. I'm betting most on here would say the same.

 

[Nvious1]

When you said "power lift" I assume you meant the 3rd row seat power fold and tumble.
Peter

I was speaking to the power liftgate. Power 3rd row seats would be nice but definitely not a deal breaker.


Also thanks to everyone else that has responded. The feedback so far is exactly what I was looking for and it seems that I need to start looking at the 2012s instead. The big reason for looking at the 2011 was the pricing point but it seems that some of the 2012s are to much further off if I can find them with a bit more miles.

Can anyone comment why it seems so hard to find a Kona Blue with Black leather? I have seen a couple but the majority of them always seem to come with that Pecan Light which just isn't going to work for me with 2 little kids.

 

[peterk9]

Used 2011 Limited

While no one can guarantee that you won't have some problems with a 2011, keep in mind that there are many more owners who are quite happy with theirs than unhappy.
You can go through the Forum and find many issues with the 2012 and 2013 models as well. While some of the early issues have been addressed, no one can guarantee they will be trouble free either.
In the end it will come down to your choice. In any case, whichever model year you go with, new or used, it would be a good idea to take an extended warranty since these vehicles are loaded with electronics.
Happy hunting.

Peter