On mine it's selectable - top vents in the headliner (with a sunroof) or from a side vent on the driver's side between the 2nd and 3rd row seats. Should get the 3rd row nice and toasty. Or chilly depending on season.
akirby, I have a question about the rear air. I can hardly feel any air blowing out of the console between the first-row seats. Does that seem normal from your experience?
Update to all @ 6300 miles.
I had the tracks replaced on the driver's seat, which worked for a while, but the seat is loose again.
Something new is a slow leak in one rear tire since the temperatures have dropped to the 20's. Drops from 32 to 25 psig overnight. Don't see a nail-has anyone had any trouble with the tire pressure monitoring system? Does anyone know how the mechanical connection seals?
Also, still have the other problems
the intermittent slow whoooooop from the back of the vehicle the rear window, styro-foam squeak the metal lid, tin-metal hinge sound grinding noise from the engine compartment
Is that squeaking sound coming from the driver's side? If so, I might have the same darn thing. It is sooooooo annoying! What did the dealer say about it?
You can both look back at my more detailed post #1022-There I also list other posts with similar symptoms and noises...
But for nvbanker, the grinding noise is intermittent and happens when I put it in reverse in the driveway, sounds like the engine is going to drop out. It is a loud, loud noise..see #1022
For hapstar1, yes. I once rode in the back and when I PUSHED on the molding that sticks out from the hatch below the window it quits. It seems to be temperature-related. When the weather is cold it doesn't squeak! I was able to get it to stop by slamming, and I mean slamming the window closed-obviously I didn't do it very often, but on a 4-hour trip it worked. Look at #1022 and see if we have any other wonderful problems in common.
regarding what did the dealer say..... I live 100 miles from the dealer, I have only had it to the dealer for the loose driver's seat, which BTW is loose again even after replacing the tracks. When I have time I can address the other issues...let's see, since 8/1/03 I have only had time to visit the dealer once and the thought of sitting in the dealership all day is not a pleasant one.
I'm afraid, you may need to get used to the play in the seat track. My wife's Mountaineer also does that. I think they all do. The older they get, the more noticable it becomes, yet I don't really notice it much anymore.....not a great solution, to be sure, but that's how it is.
I hope it is not the tranny. The noise sounds "high" in the engine compartment...like if you drew a line from the drivers head through the bottom edge of the nav screen into the engine compartment towards the passenger side.
It's intermittent, I guess I just wish it would go ahead and brake so it can be fixed.
I've heard of no anecdotal evidence of any injury or dis-attachment of the seat. But the seat tracks in the Town Cars have done this for about a decade, so although not a weakness of structure, it is an apparent and inherent trait of the seat tracks. I think Johnson Controls makes the seats for these.
I have also noticed my front drivers seat seems loose. It does not always feel loose, but I particularly notice it on the right side of the drivers seat back. Also an update on the Nifty floor mats that match the Aviator Interior colors. Nifty is now telling me February for the Aviator set. I am not sure if I am going to wait until most of the worst of the weather is over for a nice set of mats.
The vents in the center console is not the "rear air" that we're talking about. That's just auxilliary vents from the front climate control system and no, you won't get a lot of air out of those. Try turning the fan up to max up front and see what comes out.
The lower rear air duct is just behind the driver's side 2nd row seat and blows across the vehicle from driver's side to passenger side.
As I have said before, I am also trying to get these puppies for my Avi. It is real unfortunate that they have been telling me the same story (another month)since August 2003. I wish they could just say the truth. It would be great to get a hold of someone with real authority and get them on it so that we could get these mats in place before winter is over with. I will probably wait since these mats are ideal for me especially with 2 kids. They feally are worth the money. My brother in law just got a set for his Navigator and he loves them. I need to have them!
"This week, Lincoln’s total sales for 2003 exceeded those for all of 2002, said Lincoln-Mercury general sales manager Al Giombetti. Business has been driven by the brand’s two SUVs, the full-size Navigator and mid-size Aviator, sales of which have nearly doubled this year. "
"Navigator volume through November was up 23 percent from a year ago with 33,753 sales. Dealers sold 26,598 Aviators for the same period. The Aviator was introduced late last year.
Giombetti said the luxury SUVs have helped attract customers who in the past have driven import brands, “and we’ve been able to capitalize on it.”
As I have said before, I am also trying to get these puppies for my Avi. It is real unfortunate that they have been telling me the same story (another month)since August 2003. I wish they could just say the truth. It would be great to get a hold of someone with real authority and get them on it so that we could get these mats in place before winter is over with. I will probably wait since these mats are ideal for me especially with 2 kids. They feally are worth the money. My brother in law just got a set for his Navigator and he loves them. I need to have them!
I am thinking about buying an Aviator. It was not clear to me whether the Ultimate 4WD version comes with AdvanceTrac as a standard option or not. The website and brochure mentioned late availability but I am not sure they are referring to the Roll Stability Control or the AdvanceTrac. Does anybody know?
I like to have it because without it, the truck won't be able to climb my driveway if on side of the road has ice. It seems that the regular 4wd only shifts power between front and back. You need AdvanceTrac to shift between left and right. Is that right?
Has anyone experienced the substantial ROAR that the engine lets out when starting and the engine is cold. How long the roar continues upon acceleration after starting seems to vary, but the very noticeable roar from the engine is very annoying. Lately, it seems to last for at least 15 to 20 minutes after initial cold startup. After the noise settles down, it doesn't return for the day typically.
ypshan - you misunderstand how this works. Traction control - which may or may not be part of the advance trac system on the Aviator - is what will direct power from a wheel that loses traction to the other wheel that has traction. If Advance trac comes with traction control then that will help your situation. So will a limited slip differential.
Advance trac will only help if the vehicle starts to understeer or oversteer - it will cut engine power and/or apply brakes to one wheel before control is lost. It won't help you getting up your driveway. In fact, AWD with limited slip differential(s) will probably work the best - even better than electronic traction control.
I understand the AdvanceTrac stuff now. My X5 has a similar system and it saved me a couple of times when the truck was not going toward where I pointed the steering wheel to. It's a useful feature in our area.
How do I make sure I get it? It is nowhere to be found when you build your own Aviator on Lincoln's website. It is not on any of the window stickers I have seen at dealerships' lots. Lately the website allows an option called Roll Stability Control which pre-req's AdvanceTrac. That got me thinking that AdvanceTrac may be built into the base model. However, the brochure says it's optional. I am confused and the sales persons at the dealership don't have a clue.
The engine roar is quite loud, and quite annoying, especially since it seems to last for several minutes, especially on a cold day. I understand that a large, V8 engine would be louder than other vehicles with smaller engines, but the roar from the aviator is not what one would expect from a luxury vehicle. Its just too loud. Acceleration while the engine is cold is also very poor, unless you really floor it, and I can just imagine what that means for gas mileage!
It's your fan clutch, but this has been a problem on Ford's SUVs for 10 years, dating back to the Explorers. I assume it's a bad part, but they keep making them that way. So I don't know. Might be a TSB out on it. I just usually ignore it, although I haven't noticed it since my 87.
The roar is normal, so long as it quickly goes away as the engine warms up. Nvbanker is correct. It's the belt driven engine fan which is controlled by the fan clutch. The clutch is thermostatically controlled. It's fully engaged upon a cold engine start. You might hear the same noise on an very hot day when more cooling is needed...perhaps when stuck in traffic for an extended period or when the engine has been under a heavy load such as climbing a long steep hill or towing a trailer. The noise is not unique to the Aviator, my wife's Explorer does the same thing, and I had three Grand Cherokees V8's...they made the same noise, too. A fan clutch is used so that your engine does not have to run the fan all that time, which would needlessly take power from the engine and waste fuel. (and create more of the unneccesary noise that you object to). I'm really not certain why the fan clutch starts in the fully engaged position. Perhaps in case it breaks it would be preferable to have fan working than not?...I'm just guessing. Anyone know the answer to that?
The solution to resolve this issue is simple, turn on the radio. :-) Just wondering how many are out there that actually have the radio and A/C turned off to actually hear these noises.
Exactly!!!!! I notice so many more rattles & noises in the winter because the A/C fan isn't running full speed. In the summer, I have the quietest car on the road! All my noises return in the winter.
Anyone have problems with their "message center". Mine is unreadable when my Aviator is in the sunlight. And REALLY unreadable when it disappears for days at a time. Always manages to reappear just before it goes into to dealership for repair so they can't do anything about it and have never heard of the problem. Also the rear view mirrors tilt down when backing up but don't quite come back to the original setting and after awhile I'm only looking at the side of the vehicle. Dealership couldn't do anything about it so I disabled that feature in the menu.
I would not accept that the dealership "can't" fix the mirrors...that's nonsense! Obviously they did not try very hard. Let's not let these damn car dealers get away with trying to brush us off! I suggest you call the dealer Service Manager, and if he or she won't immediately arrange to get the repair done correctly, call Ford...the phone number is in your owner's manual. I learned a long time ago that you sometimes have to make some noise to get the service you are entitled to.
That's right, perhaps the mirrors are troublesome, but the failure rate is obviously far from 100%...they would have been tested by Ford before being ordered from the supplier. They are probably expensive to replace, but that's Ford's problem...and ultimately the supplier of the mirrors. Ford's suppliers have to reimburse Ford for warranty repairs when they exceed a negotiated percentage of installed units. If Ford can't repair Herb30's mirrors, then he needs to demand they be repalced without delay.
A common feature in most Lincolns for years. Town Cars are famous for it. My Wife's Mountaineer does it. Sad to say, but you may as well get used to it, because your replacement track will do the same. It doesn't bother me, but if it does you, you're gonna need to try yoga, or something.
I have a hard time believing that I am the only one that has a hard time reading the message center (mileage, MPG, time, etc) in the daylight. Had the same problem with my previous Mountainaire and everyone I have look at it has the same comment. Am I the only one??
Apparently. Looks fine to me. Are the headlights on? Sometimes the displays will dim if the lights are on - not sure if this one does or not. Maybe you should get your eyes checked?
Sorry herb30 but I can see my message center just fine too ('03 Navigator -- almost identical interior to yours).. at first I thought adjusting the light dimmer on the console next to the steering wheel would help you but I tried it and it does not affect the message center much. The only other thing that might make it look dim is if you are wearing very dark sun glasses. Otherwise, my only suggestion would be to take it to the dealer and compare it to other aviators to see if yours is dimmer, if so then the techs can fix it. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas.
I've noticed that if I have my sunglasses on, and the sun is coming thru the passenger window, I can't see it, but this is probably true of any led display.
By any chance are you wearing polarizing sunglasses? Others have pointed out that light from some LEDs is polarized and those sunglasses can block the light.
To test this (while parked!) rotate your sunglasses while viewing the message center through them. You'll see the intensity of the light vary dramatically if polarization is the culprit.
The only time I have trouble reading ours is with my polarized sunglasses on. Otherwise, rain or shine, it's just fine. So, it's your eyes, your glasses, or yours is burned out I'll bet.
"Rumors that Lincoln is killing the Aviator sport-utility vehicle, launched in 2002, are half right. The current Aviator, built off the Ford Explorer truck chassis, is giving way by 2006 to an Aviator built off a car platform. The more carlike ride is meant to better compete with Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330 and Infiniti FX45, and to distinguish it from Explorer-based Mercury Mountaineer, sold in the same showrooms."
I love my Aviator, but I probably wouldn't mind it handling more like a car. Sometimes it looks too much like a regular ford explorer from the side. In any case, my lease is due up in 2006, so I guess that updated Aviator will be a truck on my list to look at.
They are talking about the replacement, which is based on the Mazda6 architecture. Here's a pic of it, which was released yesturday at the auto shows...
I am happy that Lincoln's trying new things and I HOPE people like this new style. This new styling is not to my liking but at least no one can say it is just a "baby" Navigator any more!!
After researching SUV's I thought the Lincoln Aviator might be a good choice. I went to the local dealer and asked to see the Aviator. The salesman quickly told me that I didn't want an Aviator it was simply a Ford Explorer with a wooden steering wheel and a price tag $10,000 higher. He also advised Lincoln will stop producing the Aviator with the '05 model. Any reactions from the Aviator enthusiasts out there?
I just acquired an X-Plan PIN from a friend, and I plan on using it to acquire a 2004 Ultimate AWD Aviator. I would have preferred if the Aviator, like the Navigator, came with a true 4WD option (with lo), but the AWD will suffice for my needs. I'm not into rock crawling, but I do intend to take the Aviator off paved roads (forest service trails, and slightly more remote National Park areas).
For me, I want the truck based platform, and ground clearance, though I have also grown accustomed to a more refined driving experience (I've had an LS8 Sport for 4 years now). The Aviator delivers both and does a fine job of differentiating itself from the MM and Explorer. The front suspension and steering mechanicals are clearly designed to provide a better ride for the 90+% of it's miles on paved roads, yet haven't gutted the rugged aspect of the utility either. While the newly unveiled 2006 model is rationally aimed at competing brands, it (and the competitors) are not scratching my itch.
FYI-here in MN you can beat the X-Plan pricing by a huge margin on an Aviator. I got mine for $1,800.00 under dealer invoice, while the x-Plan was $1,150 over invoice. A big difference.
Your salesperson is quite uneducated about the vehicle overall. Just make sure you don't give me his information or I would have him fired instantly. I suspect he won't be there long if this is how he carries himself....
The basic chassis and some body panels are shared (doors e.g.) but the engine is definitely different (300 hp versus 260) and the interior is signature Lincoln just like the Navigator. People who make comments like that are just plain ignorant of the facts. He probably didn't have any in stock or got more commission off the explorer for some reason.
X plan is not $1150 over invoice. It's more like $250. The dealer is also not allowed to add dealer markups like documentation fees. That's $400 right there. You can do better than X plan in certain cases but not on a new 04 Aviator. They're selling quite well.
In any event, with X-Plan pricing as an alternative, I'm confident that a suitable deal can be arranged. My current problem determining whether a suitably equipped vehicle is in the southwestern US, or whether I'll have to order one, which could take upwards of 8 weeks. I'd like a Vivid Red AWD Ultimate (though Silver Birch or Blue Pearl Metallic could suffice) with the AdvanceTrac (RSC enhanced), Navigation System, moonroof, and Class III/IV Tow Package.
Apparently the Nav system option is in short supply in these parts, and the RSC option is so new that it may also necessitate an order. I could live without the RSC component of AdvanceTrac, but it would be nice. The Nav system has been deemed a "must" by the spouse, as it removes those duties from her.
Chris, I don't have the website in front of me but you can go to the X plan website with your pin and check inventory for any dealer in your area. Not only can you see the window sticker just as it appears on the vehicle you even get the X plan price.
Go with X plan - it's just too easy. And it's fun telling the salesman he can't add the $400 doc fee. Mine tried - I said he couldn't do it - he said that was only for A plan. I told him he was wrong. He went to check and came back with tail between legs. It's the little victories that count....
We went with the Silver Birch although my first choice was Vivid Red. Wife said it wasn't "red" enough whatever that means. It's her ride so it was her choice. I wouldn't have ordered the nav but since we were looking at leftover 2003s to get the $5K rebate and she did NOT want the parchment interior we had to get the Nav. Now I'm glad we got it. Don't use it often but when you need it it really comes in handy.
My new "Ultra-modern" and enlightened dealership in North Scottsdale has been very upfront with me. He disclosed the X-Plan pricing before I actually got the PIN, and indicated that there were no $388 doc fees on an X-Plan deal. They are already very familiar with me and the contacts I have at Lincoln . . . I even shared the DVD produced from this past summer's fun in Michigan with the LS gang.
Unfortunately, there are no Vivid Red AWD Ultimates with the Nav system in Phoenix, and so far, they tell me nothing comes up in Las Vegas either. This may actually push us toward a Navigator, though we already know that it would put a strain on the limited garage accommodations. :-(
At this point, I'm enjoying the anticipation of an excellent new vehicle and the knowledge that I'm at least able to get the great X-Plan pricing!
Comments
Update to all @ 6300 miles.
I had the tracks replaced on the driver's seat, which worked for a while, but the seat is loose again.
Something new is a slow leak in one rear tire since the temperatures have dropped to the 20's. Drops from 32 to 25 psig overnight. Don't see a nail-has anyone had any trouble with the tire pressure monitoring system? Does anyone know how the mechanical connection seals?
Also, still have the other problems
the intermittent slow whoooooop from the back of the vehicle
the rear window, styro-foam squeak
the metal lid, tin-metal hinge sound
grinding noise from the engine compartment
But for nvbanker, the grinding noise is intermittent and happens when I put it in reverse in the driveway, sounds like the engine is going to drop out. It is a loud, loud noise..see #1022
For hapstar1, yes. I once rode in the back and when I PUSHED on the molding that sticks out from the hatch below the window it quits. It seems to be temperature-related. When the weather is cold it doesn't squeak! I was able to get it to stop by slamming, and I mean slamming the window closed-obviously I didn't do it very often, but on a 4-hour trip it worked. Look at #1022 and see if we have any other wonderful problems in common.
I live 100 miles from the dealer, I have only had it to the dealer for the loose driver's seat, which BTW is loose again even after replacing the tracks. When I have time I can address the other issues...let's see, since 8/1/03 I have only had time to visit the dealer once and the thought of sitting in the dealership all day is not a pleasant one.
It's intermittent, I guess I just wish it would go ahead and brake so it can be fixed.
The lower rear air duct is just behind the driver's side 2nd row seat and blows across the vehicle from driver's side to passenger side.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0312/19/autos-13786.htm
"This week, Lincoln’s total sales for 2003 exceeded those for all of 2002, said Lincoln-Mercury general sales manager Al Giombetti. Business has been driven by the brand’s two SUVs, the full-size Navigator and mid-size Aviator, sales of which have nearly doubled this year. "
"Navigator volume through November was up 23 percent from a year ago with 33,753 sales. Dealers sold 26,598 Aviators for the same period. The Aviator was introduced late last year.
Giombetti said the luxury SUVs have helped attract customers who in the past have driven import brands, “and we’ve been able to capitalize on it.”
I like to have it because without it, the truck won't be able to climb my driveway if on side of the road has ice. It seems that the regular 4wd only shifts power between front and back. You need AdvanceTrac to shift between left and right. Is that right?
Brianhd1000@comcast.net
Advance trac will only help if the vehicle starts to understeer or oversteer - it will cut engine power and/or apply brakes to one wheel before control is lost. It won't help you getting up your driveway. In fact, AWD with limited slip differential(s) will probably work the best - even better than electronic traction control.
How do I make sure I get it? It is nowhere to be found when you build your own Aviator on Lincoln's website. It is not on any of the window stickers I have seen at dealerships' lots. Lately the website allows an option called Roll Stability Control which pre-req's AdvanceTrac. That got me thinking that AdvanceTrac may be built into the base model. However, the brochure says it's optional. I am confused and the sales persons at the dealership don't have a clue.
Anybody knows? Thanks.
Acceleration while the engine is cold is also very poor, unless you really floor it, and I can just imagine what that means for gas mileage!
Also the rear view mirrors tilt down when backing up but don't quite come back to the original setting and after awhile I'm only looking at the side of the vehicle. Dealership couldn't do anything about it so I disabled that feature in the menu.
Good luck!
To test this (while parked!) rotate your sunglasses while viewing the message center through them. You'll see the intensity of the light vary dramatically if polarization is the culprit.
tidester, host
But Shifty is always right too.
Steve, Host
"Rumors that Lincoln is killing the Aviator sport-utility vehicle, launched in 2002, are half right. The current Aviator, built off the Ford Explorer truck chassis, is giving way by 2006 to an Aviator built off a car platform. The more carlike ride is meant to better compete with Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330 and Infiniti FX45, and to distinguish it from Explorer-based Mercury Mountaineer, sold in the same showrooms."
I love my Aviator, but I probably wouldn't mind it handling more like a car. Sometimes it looks too much like a regular ford explorer from the side. In any case, my lease is due up in 2006, so I guess that updated Aviator will be a truck on my list to look at.
http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/01/05/WKA2004010533021_pv.jpg
For me, I want the truck based platform, and ground clearance, though I have also grown accustomed to a more refined driving experience (I've had an LS8 Sport for 4 years now). The Aviator delivers both and does a fine job of differentiating itself from the MM and Explorer. The front suspension and steering mechanicals are clearly designed to provide a better ride for the 90+% of it's miles on paved roads, yet haven't gutted the rugged aspect of the utility either. While the newly unveiled 2006 model is rationally aimed at competing brands, it (and the competitors) are not scratching my itch.
X plan is not $1150 over invoice. It's more like $250. The dealer is also not allowed to add dealer markups like documentation fees. That's $400 right there. You can do better than X plan in certain cases but not on a new 04 Aviator. They're selling quite well.
Apparently the Nav system option is in short supply in these parts, and the RSC option is so new that it may also necessitate an order. I could live without the RSC component of AdvanceTrac, but it would be nice. The Nav system has been deemed a "must" by the spouse, as it removes those duties from her.
Go with X plan - it's just too easy. And it's fun telling the salesman he can't add the $400 doc fee. Mine tried - I said he couldn't do it - he said that was only for A plan. I told him he was wrong. He went to check and came back with tail between legs. It's the little victories that count....
We went with the Silver Birch although my first choice was Vivid Red. Wife said it wasn't "red" enough whatever that means. It's her ride so it was her choice. I wouldn't have ordered the nav but since we were looking at leftover 2003s to get the $5K rebate and she did NOT want the parchment interior we had to get the Nav. Now I'm glad we got it. Don't use it often but when you need it it really comes in handy.
And yes - the cooled seats are very handy!
My new "Ultra-modern" and enlightened dealership in North Scottsdale has been very upfront with me. He disclosed the X-Plan pricing before I actually got the PIN, and indicated that there were no $388 doc fees on an X-Plan deal. They are already very familiar with me and the contacts I have at Lincoln . . . I even shared the DVD produced from this past summer's fun in Michigan with the LS gang.
Unfortunately, there are no Vivid Red AWD Ultimates with the Nav system in Phoenix, and so far, they tell me nothing comes up in Las Vegas either. This may actually push us toward a Navigator, though we already know that it would put a strain on the limited garage accommodations. :-(
At this point, I'm enjoying the anticipation of an excellent new vehicle and the knowledge that I'm at least able to get the great X-Plan pricing!