Newbie Questions on 03 AWD 4.6 Eddie

[Cobra2top]

Hello all....Last month I bought a 03 Eddie that is fully loaded with AWD and the 4.6. I needed the extra room and with gas hitting a high I got a amazing deal. The truck has 60K and was owned by a retired couple who traded it in on a new Lexus. The truck is perfect inside and out. But after 1 month of ownership I have a few questions that I would like some help on:

1) Tranny. I have been searching about the tranny issue. My Eddie has the class 3 with cooler. Looking at the hitch, there is not a scratch on it so I assume it was not used. The issue I noticed is that time to time if I would get on the gas, it sounds like it misses it's shift point and then drops into the next gear with a little bang. After reading about the tranny issues I may be listening to it a little more then most. Is this normal or could I be on the way for a repair?

2) Tires. I have the original BFG Ruggeds and they are getting close for replacement. The outer edge of the tire look ragged (little stress cracks on the edge which is alarming but after looking at some X's on ebay with originals, this could be normal). Should I replace with the factory BFG? Any suggestions on a good highway tire? Most important to me is ride quality. What are you running?

3) Radio. I have the 6 CD changer with the factory DVD. Over the past week when I turn on the truck, the radio takes about 3-5 seconds before it powers on. I always leave it on and all of my last Fords, the radio is on instantly once the car is started. Is this normal?

4) Hood paint. My Eddie is white and the hood has the paint issue. I have one spot right on the middle front of the hood where there is a 1/2 dollar sized chipped paint down to the metal. Then off on the front passenger side I have another that is bubbling. The Lexus dealer said that the car is still under warranty for paint until it's inservice date (end of this month) and Ford should fix it. Is this true? Searching I have found Ford is not fixing this although it must be a issue.

5) Rearview mirror. Anyone have what looks like a pretty substancial disc (like a anntena) attached to the arm of their interior rear view mirror. It looks factory, just curious what it is for

6) Rear seat latch. How many have the center rear seat latch cover broken? I have the 3rd row and it looks like someone slid something in the back and must have caught the latch cover and tore it off. It still works but is hanging there. Where can I get a replacement? I assume this is something that breaks often based on how it is placed.

All, please answer any questions you can. I was going to put each question up separately but figured for my first post, why not make it a long one!!

Love the X. Had a 91 back in the day and was a member to this site. I just can not remember my log on name! It had over 130K and ran like a champ. Hoping the same with this and also hoping gas $ come back down so this purchase looks that much better!

Ken

92 Feature 5.0 Vert Mustang
98 Lexus GS400

 

[Donner]

Welcome! I can only assist with no. 2 there: Ebay is not where you want to compare tires. The manufacturer's site is best. If you like the style you have, buy the same. I have Goodyear Wrangler ATs for the 01; and Mickey Thomsson Baja Claw MTs for the 03. Got pics if you need to see...

 

[Cobra2top]

Welcome! I can only assist with no. 2 there: Ebay is not where you want to compare tires. The manufacturer's site is best. If you like the style you have, buy the same. I have Goodyear Wrangler ATs for the 01; and Mickey Thomsson Baja Claw MTs for the 03. Got pics if you need to see...

Thanks Donner. On the Ebay thing, what I was trying to say is the 03's with the Ruggeds with similar miles also seem have little stress cracks like mine. At first I thought I might have some dried out tires but it seems alot do the same after 60K miles.

How do you like the Goodyears? After reading tirerack reviews, it seems the BFG Ruggeds last a long time but are noisy. Michelins seem to be the best but also cost a ton. I will need tires soon so if anyone has any suggestions on a nice riding tire please let me know.

THANKS!

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Michilin Pilots

Have the Pilots on the Aviator. VERY nice. 10,000 miles on them and they still look like the same amount of tread as new.

 

[justchecking]

1. Take it in for diagnosis, fluid change, adjustment. Shouldn't be too expensive.

2. I have my second set of Michelin Cross Terrains (factory and then this set) and at 131000 miles they still have good tread on them. I'll probably put new ones on this fall (they'll probably have about 75K on them). I'll bet with the cost of oil, those will be expensive!

5. I think that thing on the rear view mirror is your compass.

 

[EasyRhino]

Hello all....Last month I bought a 03 Eddie that is fully loaded with AWD and the 4.6. I needed the extra room and with gas hitting a high I got a amazing deal. The truck has 60K and was owned by a retired couple who traded it in on a new Lexus. The truck is perfect inside and out. But after 1 month of ownership I have a few questions that I would like some help on:

Welcome aboard. Lots of good help here, some of the guys know these trucks inside out. I mostly lurk and learn, but will take a shot at some answers.

1) Tranny. I have been searching about the tranny issue. My Eddie has the class 3 with cooler. Looking at the hitch, there is not a scratch on it so I assume it was not used. The issue I noticed is that time to time if I would get on the gas, it sounds like it misses it's shift point and then drops into the next gear with a little bang. After reading about the tranny issues I may be listening to it a little more then most. Is this normal or could I be on the way for a repair?

The class 3 towing can help with the tranny (cooler), but is no guarantee. the truck does not have to have been in severe service to have tranny issues - some folks have had very terrible performance from them. I would consider changing the fluid first and go from there. These units are very sensitive to condition of the fluid.

2) Tires. I have the original BFG Ruggeds and they are getting close for replacement. The outer edge of the tire look ragged (little stress cracks on the edge which is alarming but after looking at some X's on ebay with originals, this could be normal). Should I replace with the factory BFG? Any suggestions on a good highway tire? Most important to me is ride quality. What are you running?

That's a lot of miles on the originals, I replaced my original Goodyears at 50K although they had tread left, with Michelins. Greatly improved the ride - they now have 45K on them and measure out at about 1/2 tread life left, and still ride great - much better than the original Goodyears. Although I usually avoid buying French products, I wanted good tires, and have almost always had great service from Michelins.

3) Radio. I have the 6 CD changer with the factory DVD. Over the past week when I turn on the truck, the radio takes about 3-5 seconds before it powers on. I always leave it on and all of my last Fords, the radio is on instantly once the car is started. Is this normal?

Both of my Fords with factory but separate stand alone Amps (but no DVDs) take a few moments to come on full powered, although I can hear the radio without full power before that. I will time mine tomorrow on the way to work to see how long it takes to power up.

4) Hood paint. My Eddie is white and the hood has the paint issue. I have one spot right on the middle front of the hood where there is a 1/2 dollar sized chipped paint down to the metal. Then off on the front passenger side I have another that is bubbling. The Lexus dealer said that the car is still under warranty for paint until it's inservice date (end of this month) and Ford should fix it. Is this true? Searching I have found Ford is not fixing this although it must be a issue.

The hoods on these are aluminum, and have been known to corrode prematurely, causing bubbling paint, sooner than a steel hood (plus the aluminum bubbling is a different acting and looking mechanism than steel rust through bubbling. Mine is doing this, but just started recently. I have never checked what the Ford guarantee is for this case; however, there is anecdotal evidence that Ford warranty service may be under financial pressure more than usual. Good luck.

5) Rearview mirror. Anyone have what looks like a pretty substancial disc (like a anntena) attached to the arm of their interior rear view mirror. It looks factory, just curious what it is for

I will look at mine it the daylight, but mine has the autochromic dim feature and, I believe, contains the compass sensor unit. It is actually quite bulky.

6) Rear seat latch. How many have the center rear seat latch cover broken? I have the 3rd row and it looks like someone slid something in the back and must have caught the latch cover and tore it off. It still works but is hanging there. Where can I get a replacement? I assume this is something that breaks often based on how it is placed.

I am unsure that understand what latch you are referring to. I have the third seats, and there are several latches involved. There are the "pass-through" latches for gaining access to the third seat from the side doors, which are on the side of the side seat butt cushions, and all three second row seats have the back fold down latches on the top shoulders of the respective seats. Then there is a latch for folding down the third row seat back - I think that this is the one to which you are referring. Anyway, since none of mine have broken I have not had to replace one, but for this kind of part I would probably try for a junkyard.

All, please answer any questions you can. I was going to put each question up separately but figured for my first post, why not make it a long one!!

Hope this helps some.

Love the X. Had a 91 back in the day and was a member to this site. I just can not remember my log on name! It had over 130K and ran like a champ. Hoping the same with this and also hoping gas $ come back down so this purchase looks that much better!

Love mine too, although I was ambivalent at best when I bought it. I really liked my 1997 better, but this one, in spite of my preferences has actually been a better unit. Now at 94K miles and going great.

Ken

92 Feature 5.0 Vert Mustang
98 Lexus GS400

Later, Kevin

 

[rrgone]

Cobra2top

Looks like EasyRhino pretty much nailed all your questions. There is a Ford TSB about the corrosion on the aluminum body panels which they claim was (is) caused by contamination of the aluminum with iron particles prior to painting. Google for Ford TSB 06-25-15 to get the lowdown. I have seen posts where people got some relief from Ford even out of the standard warranty period, but I have to think it is probably too late for you now. I suggest you do some research and make some calls to dealers to find out if there is a hidden recall still available. Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

 

[jrford]

Same paint problem on my '04. Since its Alum its not going to rust i might just put on a bug shield on it and grab a beer. sorry for the fuzzy pic.

 

[Cobra2top]

Kevin, great information!! I really appreciate your help. Looks like I need to find myself some Michelins. I know they are the top brand but if they are as quiet as I read and improve the ride I will have to make the purchase. My ride right now is pretty rough. I know if is a Truck and I came out of a Freestyle (not the Freestar minivan, the FreeSTYLE AWD...everyone including my dealer would confuse the 2!!) and the ride was just better as it is suppose to be. If I can get more compliant tires that would help smooth out the ride I would be very happy.

Concerning the tranny, I thought these tranny's were 150K miles and were factory sealed. I did not know you could replace the fluids on them. If I can I will have to do this to assure I can keep it running in top shape for many miles and years. I plan on keeping it a long time.

The paint.....it is a pain in the *** to know that a 60K 5 yr old truck that is truely spotless and garage kept from the previous owner had bubbling and exposed metal on the front. I will take it up with Ford but not expecting much.......how much are those bug sheilds?!?!

Yeah, that must be the compass behind my mirror. That thing though is HUGE!

Lastly, the seat latch....after re-reading my post, I actually meant the 2nd row seat. The center seat back has a latch right in the top middle of the seat. That is broken. The latch still works but you have to hold it in place to flip the center postion seat down. I was just curious as to how many people have the same issue. It looks like just bad placement because when the seat is down and you slide anything back there you could get something hung up on it and if you push, I can see how mine broke. I guess I need to start looking around for another. Is there any good websites to buy parts? I can fix it myself as it is just screwed in, I just need to find a replacement to make the interior 100%.

Again, thanks for all of your help. So do I go with Michelins Pilots or Cross Terrains?? Decisions Decisions. This one is tough though because I will have them for a long time!!

 

[EasyRhino]

Concerning the tranny, I thought these tranny's were 150K miles and were factory sealed. I did not know you could replace the fluids on them. If I can I will have to do this to assure I can keep it running in top shape for many miles and years. I plan on keeping it a long time.

Although some may go with the factory recommendations for long fluid changes, given the expense of repairing/replacing one of these 5R55x trannies, and that they appear to be fluid sensitive, I would not recommend "going the distance". I had mine flushed at 30K (and reprogrammed) and have done two drain and fills since then (now at 94K miles). So far so good.

The paint.....it is a pain in the *** to know that a 60K 5 yr old truck that is truely spotless and garage kept from the previous owner had bubbling and exposed metal on the front. I will take it up with Ford but not expecting much.......how much are those bug sheilds?!?!

The aluminum hood seems like a waste to me, now more than ever with the paint bubbling. I had a bug guard, bought at the dealer, on for many miles, but it got broken in the transport to the islands, so I need to replace it. They are pretty cheap as I recall. Certainly less than $100, maybe $50.

Yeah, that must be the compass behind my mirror. That thing though is HUGE!

Lastly, the seat latch....after re-reading my post, I actually meant the 2nd row seat. The center seat back has a latch right in the top middle of the seat. That is broken. The latch still works but you have to hold it in place to flip the center postion seat down. I was just curious as to how many people have the same issue. It looks like just bad placement because when the seat is down and you slide anything back there you could get something hung up on it and if you push, I can see how mine broke. I guess I need to start looking around for another. Is there any good websites to buy parts? I can fix it myself as it is just screwed in, I just need to find a replacement to make the interior 100%.

Hmm, i have never heard of one of those breaking but see how it could happen. You might try to dealership first.

Again, thanks for all of your help. So do I go with Michelins Pilots or Cross Terrains?? Decisions Decisions. This one is tough though because I will have them for a long time!!

The Michelins worked for me. Your results may vary. I went with the "X Radial LT", basically a M+S tire that has a more car like than truck like ride.

 

[Cobra2top]

The Michelins worked for me. Your results may vary. I went with the "X Radial LT", basically a M+S tire that has a more car like than truck like ride.

Thanks again. I do want more of a carlike ride then truck as I have now. I like the look of the Ruggeds but hear Michelins are the best in the business and since my kids are regular passengers, I want to go that way.

How much does the tranny service cost? Are people taking it to Ford or can any tranny shop handle? Sounds like a good investment regardless as I am pretty sure mine is still "original" after 60K as it was sericed by Ford from day one.

Again, great information! This site is great!

 

[1tufgt]

My latch too has broken and you need to hold it down or the surrounding shroud will come up w/ the latch.

 

[Cobra2top]

My latch too has broken and you need to hold it down or the surrounding shroud will come up w/ the latch.

EXACTLY!! I can push mine back in when it is not used but as soon as I try to lower the seat I have to hold it down. Looking inside I see 2 black screws with the plastic from the latch still in place where it broke.

Minor but annoying.

 

[1tufgt]

EXACTLY!! I can push mine back in when it is not used but as soon as I try to lower the seat I have to hold it down. Looking inside I see 2 black screws with the plastic from the latch still in place where it broke.

Minor but annoying.

I haven't looked into detail on the latch. If it is held on by 2 screws I think you could get a replacement at ford.

 

[Cobra2top]

I thought I would send everyone a update:

Tires: Had Bridgestone H/L Alenza's installed today....WOW what a difference. I paid more for the tire then I wanted but the truck rides so much better. I also was able to get 245 65 17 in a raised white outline tire. They just came on the market this month and they look really great too. They have some sort of sidewall compound that makes them look dark black all the time. Ended up getting a 4 wheel alignment and sprung for the tire warranty (not sure if that was smart but we will see if I ever use it)

Hood bubbling: Took it into Ford today and they basically laughed at me. The guy looking at it said it had a 5yr 50K mile paint warranty. I am at 60K. I tried every angle and nothing. He said he has seen these before but if the previous owner would have came in before the metal was exposed they would have fixed it. Strange thing is you really have to look to see it if it is just bubbling on a white hood. The previous owner was a retired couple so I assume they were not into looking at the details of a little bubbling. The truck was serviced at Ford for everything and I assume the shop never "noticed" it either. The classic, he went on to say for me to have his shop repaint it, it would cost me $1200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He said the entire hood would need to be stripped and then repainted. I thought he was nuts and the kicker......he said the hood was steel!! I didnt even want to address that.....I just left knowing I was going no where and did not have the fight really in me. I pulled into Pepboys and as luck would have it they had a bugshield on sale for $39.99. It actually looks pretty good against the white truck.

Tranny: so far all is well which is good.

Radio: still slow starts from time to time. A little annoying because you start to pull away thinking the radio is off and try to turn it on and you actually turn it off.

Also one addtional upgrade, I tossed in a K&N filter. Had them in other cars and could feel a increase in performance. Have not tested this one yet but wondering if it may help in mpg.

 

[FordLover]

1) my guess is the tranny might just be a software issue. I'm going to take mine in soon for a reflash, since my warranty is ending soon. mine has 35K on it now, and it's acted that way since it was new.

2) I just put new Michelin LTX's on it, very pleased so far.

3) can't help you here, my radio is instant, but I have the single CD/Cassette

4) my paint has been flawless, but did have the black B, and D pillars replaced under warranty for fading/chipping.

5) Rearview mirror thing is probably for the compass, there is a lil button on it too, something to do with resetting the orentation of the compass.

6) my rear seats are 60/40, since I don't have the 3rd row, so again can't help ya, but I've never seen a broken one on explorers before.