New Member HI All

[spacemonkeypg]

I recently bought a T reg 1999 Ex with 70K on the clock and only for £3K so was somewhat pleased.

So far ive had to replace the n/s ball joint but all in all things are working well with it.

Ive managed to get it tinted £250, sourced some bull bars, side steps and rear corner protectors £190 the lot. Window vents and headlight protectors so far.

However i do have a couple of issues. I only got one key and fob.. Ive managed to source both from the US. Reading through the forum i think the fob isnt' going to work though. Is this True?

How easy is it to fit and aftermarket alarm system to the explorer in respects of the existing anti hijack system.. The car does have a immobaliser but does not have an installed alarm system or atleast none that i can find.. And is there anyway of stiffening up the front end? as when i cruise the motorway at say 80-90mph and go over a bump on the surface it wallows like a boat for sometime.. Ive heard they have a washy suspension but would like to know if its normal and can it be rectified..

Thanks

Phil

 

[shytot4x4]

Phil, welcome to the forum!
I think you will find that the car does have an alarm system, but it is not very sophisticated. Try this test: wind down any door window. Close the doors and lock the car with the remote key fob. Wait 30 seconds or so. Reach in through the open window and open the door with the internal handle. The horn should sound in the traditional car alarm manner... deactivate it with the keyfob button.
If this isn't enough security foy you combined with the key activated PATS immobiliser the anti-hijack system can be deactivated to avoid possible conflicts with aftermarket alarms (search the forums for the method - it might even be explained in the drivers handbook).
Your US sourced keyfob may not work on UK vehicles. The one I got didn't... The key may well be OK but after having it cut you 'may' need to visit a Ford dealer to get it programmed into your system. (If you already had TWO working keys this is a DIY job). Some well equipped locksmiths/key cutters may have the kit to clone your existing key which would work out cheaper than going to Ford.
As for the suspension, both my Explorers have been rock steady on the motorway at the speeds you describe. Check that the sway bar (anti-roll bar) links are not missing; the link is a vertical rod (approx 6 inch long) located between the bottom wishbone and the ends of the anti-roll bar. Easily checked from the front of the vehicle. Also check your tyre pressures.

Hope this helps
Simon H

 

[Howard]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Explorer ownership.

Our key fobs use a different radio frequency to the USA ones. You may well have to get a dealer to program the second key. Finally my x is rock solid over bumps at speed so check all the front bushes for wear and play.

We would like to see pictures of your new ride. You can see mine with the link in my sig.

 

[spacemonkeypg]

http://spacemonkeypg.spaces.live.com

There are a few photo's on my msn space link above of my explorer.... be warned its not clean or showroom condition just come back from a trip in it.

I have a bad grinding coming on now when i brake so am looking into new pads and have found front for £28+vat and back £28+vat is that about right or can anyone get them for cheeper, incedently the disks are £28 and £23 +vat also.

 

[shytot4x4]

Those prices are about right for non-original parts. Front and rear pads often crop up on eBay - my last set of front pads cost £10 inc P&P off eBay!

Simon H