Sgt1411
-
Posts
131 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Downloads
Store
Posts posted by Sgt1411
-
-
The thing I find amazing is how much you exaggerate. MFT has been very stable since early 2013. I can't remember a single problem the last 3 years. They're bundling the sync 3 bug fixes with the new carplay/android auto capability (which requires a new usb hub) and there are issues with some of the appslink apps. There are bug fixes available for sync 3 for specific problems that can be applied by the dealer. And I'm quite certain that Ford knows about bugs far before you do.
That post is not an exaggeration at all.
As the owner of a 2013 Explorer Limited and 2014 Explorer Sport with MFT your statement is inaccurate. MFT has not been very stable since 2013, it's been acceptable. That was only achieved by removing many features of MFT that were present or promised when it was introduced.
Creating stability in a mobile software application by simply taking away features as opposed to correcting the base OS or re-writing the code is lazy, and unethical
There are many MFT issues that were left unresolved for example;
The double horn honk on passenger exit with fob inside vehicle being one of the major ones.
The GPS module not tracking properly after firmware upgrades and hardware replacements.
The Class Action Lawsuit on MFT highlighted many on going issues still unresolved.
Applink never being available but marketed as such.
SYNC3 was marketed as a vast improvement over MFT and one of the KEY IMPROVEMENTS was that Ford would no longer have to hold bug fixes until one or two big updates through the dealer or via owner USB. The WiFi auto updating was supposed to facilitate a continuous improvement in the software with many continuous small bug fixes seamless to the end user.
The situation today where 2016 SYNC 3 owners are having to download unofficial updates off Internet Forums is ridiculous and another example of how not to execute a software release.
-
the USB part # for the Ford Focus ST is HU5Z-19A387-A (sold out everywhere)
http://2016-fost.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-to-upgrading-ford-sync3-to-version.html
Info from other Ford forums apparently many are ordering the Lincoln part number for the Focus USB.
The difference is the the Lincoln USB has white backlight vs blue Ford USB backlight.
Ford - HC3Z-19A387-B
Lincoln - GJ7Z-19A387-B
-
In speaking with the members of the Ford Police Advisory Board (PAB) the information I had was that the last police vehicles (CVPI) built would be on August 31st.
The last one for Canadian Police was being delivered to OPP for their museum.
The last one for US Police was being delivered to Kansas Highway Patrol for their museum.
Both are members of the Ford PAB.
Then after that, 2 weeks of building civilian version Crown Victoria's for customers in the United Arab Emerites.
TopGun can you confirm?
P.S. Also a special thanks to those employees at the St Thomas Plant for their hard work and commitment to Law Enforcement. I drive a 2011 CVPI 4 days a week and wouldn't have it any other way.
-
1
-
-
Tuxedo Black Metallic.......until it got discontinued
Sterling Grey Metallic now for 2012
Both look great with tinted windows and 20 inch polished wheels
-
Your in the wrong Forum
This is Explorers not WindStar.
-
-
$500-$600 is for the OEM RETAIL headlight assembly, absolutely NO police lighting installed.
So if an Agency decides they don't want Fords factory upfitting that is going to be done in a building next door to the Chicago Assembly Plant the they take the risk of paying for a replacement.
The concern is drilling holes in the 2011 headlight assembly to install corner strobes/LED or any other type of lighting. These new headlight bodies have multiple layers, so drilling a 1" hole for the strobe/LED bulb is a little trickier then an older CVPI.
If your installers are good, they drill perfectly, they vacuum all debris from the housing, they guarantee the seal is 100% waterproof, then you have no concerns too worry about.
-
My dealer had located 3 Kona blue explorers that where close to what we wanted. Matter of fact, one was. Dealer made 3 calls while we where sitting in front of him. All 3 would not trade. I would not buy from another dealership. I gone through a bunch of them in the past and the one i bought my last 6 fords from is where i am staying for now.
Maby ford has shuttered to many plants and is now experiencing capacity problems.
Just loosing one explorer sale, i am sure ford dont even care about, but then why would they....
STAP is producing all CV police units, Cabs and a pile of Lincolns...think 96,000 units last year. Both car lines are discontinued this September.
Potential loss of sales is great. I see more and more Dodge and GM cop cars lately.
Times are good for ford....making t he big bucks again......for right now!
Just a comment on the CVPI, because I have driven one 44hrs a week for the past 23 years.
Probably the best piece of equipment I have used on a daily basis, but getting long in the tooth and time to retire the legacy panther platform.
I hope everyone understands it was the impending Federal roof crush standards that forced Ford to discontinue the CVPI not just a corporate decision.
I have been involved in the new Interceptor (s) development and can tell you the GM Caprice and the Dodge Charger are nice but not even close to the two new Ford Interceptors. This isn't lip service this is from someone who has driven all 4 vehicles.
Dodge build is legendary for poor quality, ask any agency that has bought some to test. Ask them what they think of them after a year in service.
GM Caprice looks pretty but as a poster said above, its built in Australia, and they're not selling very many so the platform may not support itself. When asked about parts and service GM has very little information. Telling customers the floorshifter is something THEY will have to deal with is arrogance beyond belief in my opinion.
The deal breaker for many is safety, only the Ford vehicles are 75MPH rear crash rated.
The Ford Ride and Drives are changing a lot of opinions right now.
-
Hey Pete
There are some significant changes to the 2012 GMC Terrain so you may want to hold off on buying a 2011.
The new Terrain has some very nice multi-media upgrades from 2011.
-
Yeah, but you are a genius...I am only a half-wit.
I have to come clean.....the guy who tinted my windows suggested it as he offered to do it for free with his left over material........I never would have thought about it either..... but works like a hot dam!
-
I used some left over 3M film type material from the front bra kit and it is almost invisible.
-
So, if there are enough orders, will they push out the cut off/end?
Ford Police Advisory Board was told that they cant push it any further because of parts availability and the agreement with CAW.
That said, originally it was August as the drop dead date and thats been pushed till mid September.
The 2012 NHTSA Roof Crush Standards are whats driving this platforms death so Im not sure if there is a cut-off date for how long Ford can produce a vehicle that doesnt meet these standards.
-
I had the same problem with baked on brake dust and still see it on vehicles that are driven hard. After I bought my first Ford Escape Hybrid in '05, I stopped having the problem. One reason was regenerative braking and the other was I stopped hitting the brakes so hard by timing the stoplights to get green as I went through them. When my wife took over driving my FEH, the dust started to show up for the first time. She changed from racing to the stoplights and hitting the brakes at the last minute and now my wheels stay clean again.
When I now see cars that have good looking rims on the back and black brake dust coated rims in the front, I know why. Take good care of your new Explorer and I'll bet it takes care of you.
I took the front two wheels off today as it finally warmed up.
The inside of the rims were really dirty probably from shipping since the vehicle is two months old.
Cleaned them thoroughly and put on a coat of RejeX.......both the inside and the outside looks great.
Next sunny day it's the back two wheels.
Anyone know the torque spec for the wheel nuts?
-
The Captains Chairs roll over and fold almost flush with the third row.
The center console top opens up and flips forward to drop the console level matching the seats so the entire area behind the front seats is level.
I suggest you sit in one with a console, my kids love the fact they have somewhere to put all their stuff especially on longer rides.
Fits both DVD headsets, remotes, and a giant DVD collection.
I was going to see if its water tight for use as an ice bucket but that might be pushing it.
-
I detail cars all the time. They are probably clear coated, and I would be shocked if they weren't. What ever you use on your paint, in terms of both polish and was/sealant, is your best bet, along with a generous amount of elbow grease. I, myself, am very partial to both Zaino and the Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Professional series (do not mix and match - Xaino doesn't work well with non Zaino products). Get a new Mothers Powerball polisher (the one you have is now well contaminated with the Mothers wheel polish) and use that with either Zaino or Meguiar's, then step back and admire the results.
Is it also good for removing all the baked on brake dust on the inside of the rims?.........Im a little OCD so I take the rims off the vehicle to clean them once a year after winter is over.
-
I rent cars quite often for work, usually from Budget and Hertz.
I have been getting the last few '11 Grand Marquis when I get into a "Premium" car, but now, I'm seeing the supply of those dwindling.
Today, a client came to my office, driving a Dark red 2011 CV from Hertz.
Car has column shift, LX Sport 17" wheels, Single Exhaust, black rear fascia with chrome trim under the tail lights and the rear fascia, and a flex fuel badge on it.
So this has promise that maybe some used 2011 Vics are going to show up on used car lots in the next 12 months, unless they all get shipped to the UAE.,....
Might be hard for the St Thomas Plant because Law Enforcement has ordered 22,000 units and thats a big order to fill before shut down in September.
-
My son-in-law is "on the job" in SE MI. A "friend of a friend" of his is on the evaluation team of the new Explorer PI. One issue they have found is brake overheating. Funny thing is, it is caused by them switching to steel wheels (cost and more importantly, durability). Not enough air flow.
Your source is 100% incorrect.
I have driven the Sedan and Utlity Interceptor and there are NO heat issues with the brakes as they have completely upgraded everything to a brake package thats almost NASCAR level.
The brochure steel wheels are gone and they have a new 5 spoke open wheel design.
Hit your local ride and drive to see yourself, see tour dates here........
www.fordpoliceinterceptor.com
-
The Government Sales people told me they took in 22,000 CVPI orders in the last two months of ordering (Feb/March 2010)
Yes, 22,000 .........thats not a typo.
I asked them to confirm that number because I couldn't believe it.
Thats unreal but shows you that many agencies are loading up on the proven CVPI and waiting a year or two to see how all the new vehicles play out.
Apparently dealers are going to hold stock in the USA and Canada for agencies who need replacements.
Order bank opening for NGPI is not confirmed but ASAP because Advisory Board members told Ford they would miss many agencies 2012 orders if it wasn't soon.
-
Here is the latest info for the Next Generation Police Interceptors
Job1 is still set to run in Q4 2011 for deliveries to customers in Q1 2012
US pricing almost right on the previous CVPI pricing with exact pricing to be released shortly.
EcoBoost is $2000 more but not an issue for many agencies because it's not required for urban policing.
Options are similar to current CVPI and lighting packages are very reasonable almost too cheap to have agencies do it themselves.
AWD is STANDARD now and FWD is an option.
This decision was based on Police Advisory Board (PAB) feedback Ford has received because the safety of AWD in a vehicle driven like a Police is has justified the base cost.
Sedan Interceptor is standard V6 3.5L 290HP AWD
Utility Interceptor is standard V6 3.7L 300HP AWD (more torque because PAB said most utilities will replace many Tahoe's and they will have 400lbs cargo as a minimum)
Utility beat Tahoe at LASD Vehicle Testing this year.
EcoBoost Sedan beat Charger Hemi at LASD Vehicle Testing this year.
Both built in the Chicago Assembly plant on the same line as the Taurus and Explorer.
Big news is warranty for these vehicles has been increased to include 5 yr 100,000 powertrain ESP warranty due to the concerns about AWD and EcoBoost turbo.
No more 3 yr powertrain warranty.
The PAB told Ford if you want people to except AWD or FWD Police cars then you better stand behind them with warranty
Their main point was that today's AWD is not AWD of the 80' and 90's that cost 3X as much to repair when you hit a curb.
Due to the complexity of the new vehicles they are offering vehicles pre-drilled and 4 corner lighting installed from the factory because putting LED strobes in the headlights is very complicated now and if an Agency does it themselves they will void the warranty. The headlamp assembly is approx $600 each so it is recommended that Agencies order the cars pre-wired with wigwag headlights, siren speaker, 4 corner LED lights wired and installed.
To get headlights out you must remove front "clip" of vehicle which is approx 2 hrs labour. That alone pays for the factory lights and pre-wire never mind the fact Ford will warranty all of it if they do it.
Part of the Driver Distraction Program Ford listened to the PAB and many agencies who have been asking for emergency equipment controls on the steering wheel. GM and Chrysler have nothing like this at all.
Steering wheel switches will have 4 functions for lights and siren, wires will be left in the center console area for each Agency to use as they see fit. Essentially the switch is 1 amp trigger to a relay which will be installed by the agency with this feature being 100% agency configurable
All vehicles now standard with a crash tested base plate mounting plate between seats creating a wire channel to the trunk. Agencies cannot use seat bolts anymore for console attachments points or warranty voided. This is another big outfitting saving as now we attach our own non-crash tested base plates.
Essentially the Police Advisory Board has told Ford you must make this new vehicle(s) plug and play with old equipment and new equipment. Outfitting costs cannot double because of a new vehicle they must stay close to the CVPI. So Ford has priced the wiring options very cheap in order to have the majority done through the factory.
As an example they have the siren and grill lamps (red/blue in grill) mounted and prewired to the console area with factory wiring for a price that you probably couldn't buy the parts that cheap never mind include the labour or warranty.
On mobile computing issues the most common CF-30/31 clambshell laptop WILL fit in both vehicles with a new style docking station.
Equipment packages to follow shortly with a new ordering guide as well.
Special paint is now being done with 3M wraps. So for black and whites you order the car black and they wrap the doors with white 3M wrap at the factory. Saves big money on rollout and at the end of vehicle life for stripping. You can even give them your graphic and they will silkscreen it right into the wrap.
The prototypes are going around the USA and Canada now for the Ride and Drive events so make sure you get your name into the local Government Rep if you want to drive these.
-
Try Meguiars Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner... use it all the time and it should do the trick. It works on both polished and uncoated wheels.
Will try it thanks
-
Are the second row bucket seats comfortable? Without armrests, they look like you could fall out of the seat.
They are very comfortable, I sometimes make the wife drive and I sit in the second row with kids in 2nd and 3rd row so we can watch a DVD.
Cant hear the wife for the entire trip......also a bonus of sitting in the second row!
I wish the 2nd row was heated though. If the second row in the Taurus is heated so should the Explorer.
Might try after market rear seat heat package.
-
I recently ordered a new explorer limited. I noticed in the brochure that there is mention of wifi to be shared in the cabin. In the picture there is a USB stick in a slot for the wi-fi. What is that stick and is it a ford stick or a verizon, att, etc.?
Ford doesn't make a USB modem, you have to purchase one from a cellular carrier but be for-warned this feature is in its infancy and very few have had success.
You can also use the BlueTooth data tethering feature on your cell-phone if you have it.
Here is what I have found so far.
Tried the Sierra Wireless 308 GSM HSPA+ USB modem and it works great in my MacBook but wont work in SYNC MFT. Doesn't even light up. When you plug it in it auto downloads its modem user interface software so perhaps it has to do that in SYNC but SYNC wont allow that right now.
Called SYNC Tech Support they told me only two USB modems work with the current v2.4 SYNC MFT software.
Sierra Wireless 598 CDMA EvDO
Sierra Wireless Mercury USB GSM modem from AT&T (apparently discontinued but you may find old one around)
Apparently the Sierra Wireless 308 USB modem is being tested and may be approved in the next version upgrade of SYNC.
New SYNC Gen2 V2.7 due out soon so it may allow more USB modems to be used......stay tuned!
-
LOL!
Doesn't your smartphone have one?
-
I can speak to the X Limited leather seats after a two hour drive, and they are excellent.
I like to keep the interior air a little cool and then keep the heated seats on.
Very good lumbar support too.
11/30/20 - New SYNC 3 update available (SYNC 3.0.20204). Updated.
in Lincoln MKZ Forum
Posted
That's only for those older SYNC3 vehicles with V3.0
If the vehicle is newer and is running SYNC3 v3.4 there appears to be nothing newer then build 20136, unless the Ford Owners SYNC update page is lying to me again.