2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - II

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Comments

  • pigmanpigman Member Posts: 1
    Just wanted to share how well my white sport trac held up getting rear ended by a brand new Land Rover at 15-20 mph. Not a mark on it. I was at a stop light and could see in my rear view mirror this lady not looking at the road and talking with her kids in the back. What a helpless feeling waiting for the impact. It sounded and felt pretty bad. When I got out and checked for damage I imagained the worst. I looked real hard and could't even see a mark. The lady in the land rover had a huge Rhino bumper guard and maybe that helped dispearse some of the energy. What ever my Sport Trac more than held its own, and believe it or not I seem to be getting better gas milage after that. Ha Ha! Just thought I would share my story with you. I've been reading these posts since late Feburary and are very interested with the comments. It sure is refreshing to see people helping each other and sharing valuable information. Loving my sport trac since June 13th when I took delivery. Keep this site going there's alot of class people in it.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    I called the customer relations number this morning and she could give me no info at all. She said to stay in touch with my dealer. As I stated previously he has no info. My dealer told cust. rel. that job 2 started 11 Sept. That's not what I read on this site.Whassup? I've never heard of such poor cust. relations.If anybody knows A better number to call please let me know. I don't mind waiting my turn but I want to be in line. Thanks & have a great day, Mel
  • slurpee98slurpee98 Member Posts: 6
    My order was placed and accepted on June 22 for a 4x2, Estate Green, Tan Leather, Spt, Conv, cargo cage, limited slip 4:10, Audiophile sound. Today, my dealer read me a statement saying I should get all the numbers and dates on 7/27, but that he hadn't gotten that yet. His dealership's order guy said that ford is holding off determining that information for all the product lines while the factorys are down setting up for the 2001 product lines. Just a little more info for the guy in Houston waiting on his. I'm here to, ordered sooner, and am still waiting. Soon enough we should get some useful info. That's an excuse they definitely can't use forever.
  • viper31viper31 Member Posts: 1
    Anyone have problems w/4WD while backing? I put ST into 4wd and began backing to launch my Waverunner. Felt like a rear wheel locked up. Drove forward, disenegaged 4wd and had no problem backing in 2wd. I tried it since, same problem. Will contact dealer tomorrow.
  • greenwadegreenwade Member Posts: 24
    I've been in touch with fords customer service and my dealership recently. They told me that my truck was built on July 17, initially they told me July 24 but I'm not complaining, and it's been released from the plant to a rail car. The dealership said delivery may be August 14 but they have a tendancy of being at least four to five days early.

    LASVEGAN: I've been waiting since February 19 for my truck and was hoping that the covers would be built soon. I took no chances and canceled the cover in May because of fear that it would still be delayed in July. I am so glad now because the truck will be here next week. I feel your pain and aggrevation.

    Has anyone received a cover yet after ordering with the letter? I guess i'll order it when someone actually post a message here to be on the safe side.
  • greenwadegreenwade Member Posts: 24
    Is there anyone else out there with a build date of July 17? What is the delivery date that you received from the dealer? I'm in Houston and curious on when the delivery date will actually be.
  • obr123obr123 Member Posts: 18
    I to have been in touch with fords customer service (fcs) and my dealership recently.

    FCS told me the same as you on "build date"

    They told me that mine was released from the plant on the 27th of July.

    They could not tell me where in transit it was... they said the best source for that info was the dealer.

    I was told my delivery date will be August 11-14 but the first date I was given from a prior phone call was Aug 7-14.

    I asked for an reason as to the two different time frames and the guy said the people who actually track the load change the delivery dates based on the advancement made by the people who deliver the vehicles.

    I asked for there number and he said he didn't know... he was only an end user for that info.

    My dealership had a BIG BLOW OUT sale with the surrounding FORD dealers this past weekend so I'm going to give the lady I normally talk to till this friday to get all that paperwork finished then I am going to stop by and see her and get the real deal info on my truck.

    It would be nice to go up there this friday just to get info and drive home in my ST. :-)
  • jjjtmcjjjtmc Member Posts: 2
    I ordered my cage the same day I bought my sport trac, 28 June. The cage came in 3 weeks later. Also the "locking in" of the cage. I had two stainless steel plates(1 1/2"x 1 1/2") welded to the bottom tube so that the cage cannot not be removed when the tailgate is locked. When the retaining clips are pushed in you could, in the past, push down on the cage and remove it. Now the only way to remove my cage is to unlock the tailgate and swing the cage out and then remove by lifting upwards. Ford should have thought of this.....simple fix. The guy did a GREAT job welding it. Looks as though it was originally built that way.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    I'll be keeping an eye out for you in Houston. I have not yet received a build date, so while I continue carpooling I always look for STs on the road. I've spotted two white, a mandarin gold, two black, a dark blue, and a light blue. Still waiting to see a green! ;)

    I'm trying to replace our second vehicle since someone ran a red light and totalled it. No injuries, but I am sure those I am carpooling with will be just as anxious for me to receive the ST if it's too much longer. :)
  • lasveganlasvegan Member Posts: 53
    I called FCS and she said that "unscheduled" means that my truck hasn't been built yet. It dosen't mean there is no parts (tonneau cover) just that your truck isn't built yet. She did tell me to keep in contact with my dealer he has the most updated answers........ HA HA!

    re: greenwade
    Thanks for the support.

    QUESTION > Has anybody who has ordered the ST with the tonneau cover included got thiers yet?
  • rgt3000rgt3000 Member Posts: 7
    My Sport Trac was built on 7/25 after an order date of 5/13. It is scheduled to arrive next week and the dealer and I will have some dealing to do since I was assured when I ordered it, it was "X" plan ok. The funny part is that I called customer service yesterday to try to get a better idea of delivery date (I leave for vacation today) and I was told the ST was "no status" and they had no idea when it would be built.

    Called the dealer and he confirmed the ST will be delivered next week and we will talk next Wednesday.

    I hope the deal can be finalized. How much over invoice is reasonable - I would not hold him to a program Ford is not backing.
  • londonscott1londonscott1 Member Posts: 2
    Hello all. Ordered an Island Blue 4x4, graphite interior - fully loaded, with cage/cover 17th July.

    Getting a bit of runaround from my dealer as to when I should expect a VIN#, build and delivery date. Anyone with similar timing have info yet from Ford?

    I know part of the problem is that when I finalized our offer to lease and settled on price ($CDN 6,000/$US 4150 below MSRP) the dealer and I both assumed that the automatic transmission, upgraded stereo (w/o subwoofer) was included. However when they went to input the order, it nacked because these are now chargeable options. I held my ground and stuck the dealer for the difference, because it isn't my fault that Ford's marketing department can't communicate their pricing changes to their [Canadian] dealers. I have the spec sheets (supplied by this news group) saying that these changes were communicated (at least in the US) on 12 June 00. This unfortunately has not made me very popular at the dealership, especially when their business manager assumed they would be getting the 3% hold back, and 1.25% additional incentive free and clear.

    Any info the group can provide would be great. Thanks!
  • bikersullybikersully Member Posts: 13
    I recieved a letter from Ford yesterday stating the tonneau cover had been shipped to the dealer. I also noticed my charge card had been charged. I ordered it on 6/28 when I recieved the first letter offering the $590 deal. I guess they really do exist. I'll contact the dealer today to schedule installation.
  • jcaustinjcaustin Member Posts: 22
    What type of place did you find to weld the plates to your cargo cage? My ST and cargo cage should be in next week so I have not examined the security problem. When you are talking about the bottom bar do you mean the bar that becomes the top bar when cargo cage is in use? Are the plates close the the pivot point or the outer edge? Thanks
  • rverginiarverginia Member Posts: 10
    Well, the state of Washington has just figured out that the Sport Trac is a truck. I bought mine in May (love it, by the way) and it was licensed like every other SUV in WA, like a car. Well, yesterday I received new license plates in the mail with a letter from the state patrol stating that they have re-evaluated the vehicle and have determined that it is a truck. Go Figure - We knew that the whole time.
    WA owners - Look for your new plates.
    ALSO - When you get your vehicle, talk them into a 3rd ignition key. It will save you $100 or so if you lose one. You need 2 to make 1 because of the anti-theft feature. I was only given 1 key when I took delivery and had to make a 1 hour appointment to get a key made. The service manager gave me an extra at no charge - so I went to the parts department and ordered the bed mat. ($40.00 + tax) I'm getting 17 MPG at 3000 miles.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    My latest news is that I'm not likely to see my ST before Labor Day. Mid to late Sept is my expected delivery.
    Ordered Feb 19th.
    I've heard the specifics on my build date etc. too many times to pay attention to them.
    My car runs fine & I'm keeping it so when my ST comes, it comes.
    In the meantime the stereo & exterior accessories wait in the garage:

    - Kenwood head unit & CD changer (will mount changer in Job 2 cloth comfort console).
    - a/d/s/ component front, coax rear & 10" sub speakers
    - Soundstream 5 channel amp
    - Manik Brush Guard
    - Hidden Hitch
    - K&N Filter

    For me, the plus sides of waiting are:
    - Job 2 (console, etc)
    - Accessories paid for
    - Miles on old car
    - More $ off with program credit card ($2500 of points so far)

    Nevertheless, I'm certainly anxious to see my ST.
  • jjjtmcjjjtmc Member Posts: 2
    I checked with a couple of machine shops and welding shops before I found someone who could do the job. It's my understanding that not everyone has the capability to weld to stainless. Yes, they are welded to the top bar (when in use, pivoted out over the tailgate). When not in use(pivoted into the bed) they are located on the bottom pipe closest to the black framing that holds the pipes together at the pivot point, right in front of the locking pins. Hope this helps~~
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    I believe if you scroll back quite a few posts there was a person in Texas who had ordered the cover with the certificate, received it, and had it installed.
  • greenwadegreenwade Member Posts: 24
    Does anyone know how long it takes for delivery to Houston, Texas after the build date? My build date was July 17. The dealership said maybe August 12.
  • ssicchissicchi Member Posts: 18
    Has anyone heard of a cage being stolen?I tried to take mine off with the tailgate up and it is not the easiest thing to do.
    I've installed my bugshield and the splash guards.Today I got my gargo mat.
    Called today about my cover , and the lady would not tell me if it was on its way but hinted to check the mail for a letter from FORD about the cover.
  • nocalbearnocalbear Member Posts: 1
    Any one know of a Bed topper for the SportTrac?

    I have contacted SnugTop, and was told to wait 6 months. Leer has failed to respond to my requests for information.

    I haul dogs in all kinds of weather and I don't want wet dogs on my new leather seats. A shell for the bed is the perfect solution. Now who can make some money making one that looks good
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    Don't they give you two keys to start with? Are you saying that you only received one and they had to make another for you, so while they were making the second one, they threw in a third?
    Please elaborate. All my new vehicles have come with at least 2 keys.
    Let us know.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    Whats A PROGRAM CREDIT CARD? lOOKS LIKE WE ORDERED FROM THE SOME DEALER.mY DEALER SAID JOB 2 DOESN'T START UNTILL 11 sEPT.,BUT NO CLUE ON VIN OR BUILD DATE.i HAVEN'T HEARD OF ANYONE WAITING AS LONG AS YOU.
    gOOD lUCK
  • jlurksactojlurksacto Member Posts: 17
    It is my understanding that job2 started with
    the reopening of the plant after the two week
    shut down in July. Restarted the assembly line
    about 7-24 I think. Any orders placed after
    June 22/23 would be job 2.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    For pictures of my ST and Job#2 paperwork go to Driveway.com
    username: harvestgold
    password: harvest
  • rverginiarverginia Member Posts: 10
    When I got my truck, I was only given 1 key. It was a unique situation. My reason for posting was to let you know that if you need to have a key made, it is a lot cheaper and easier if you already have 2 keys. 2 keys are required to program a 3rd. I recommend that everyone get an extra made (under $20.00) while they still have 2. Otherwise it will cost closer to $100.00.
    I hope that is clearer.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    ...so I figured out what the "Scribble" command does to your post...

    Rather than repost the original message, I'll shorten it here. I was asking about an update for info regarding the audiophile system. I keep seeing Pioneer mentioned, and am wondering if the system is 100% Pioneer or just the amp and speakers? I thought the in-dash component would be the Visteon changer (Ford subsidiary).

    Visteon Pic at Crutchfield

    image




    In any case, though I haven't found a solid answer I find something interesting at the Pioneer website. Check out the feature Sport Trac and the upgraded *Entertainment* system.

    (Click on the picture to go to the website.)



    image
  • greenwadegreenwade Member Posts: 24
    Good news! My dealership, Tomball Ford, just received an ST with a tonneau cover. This was a special order and he said that it looks great.

    My truck will be here this weekend and I can't wait. I wish I still had the tonneau cover on the order but I didn't want to take any chances. Hang in there everyone for the covers because they are just now getting the orders sent out.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    The program credit card I have is a Citibank "Driver's Edge" card that accumulates 2% of all purchases in points towards GM, Ford & Chrysler vehicles. A few years back it was a Citibank "Ford" card that earned 5% (that's when most of my points were earned). A bunch of Ford points will expire in December so I need that ST!...

    Congrats on your order Greenwade!!
    I'm still waiting for mine with the Tonneau.
  • stjngstjng Member Posts: 2
    U.S. Agency Looking at 21 Deaths in Tire Probe

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal regulators said Thursday they were now probing 21 deaths in crashes of trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) where tire failure may have played a role.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating Bridgestone Firestone tires in May after reviewing reports of tread separation from consumers.

    NHTSA said initially the agency had reports of 33 crashes and four deaths but news reports about the probe brought in a flood of additional complaints. ``Frankly, we can probably expect more,'' said spokeswoman Elizabeth Neblett.

    Bridgestone Firestone said Wednesday that properly inflated and maintained ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires were ``among the safest tires on the road.''

    Two safety groups, Strategic Safety and Public Citizen, have asked number two automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F - news) to recall millions of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks that had Bridgestone Firestone tires fitted as standard equipment.

    ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tire lines have been fitted to Ford Explorer SUVs -- of which 3.5 million have been made in the last 10 years -- and Ranger small pickups.

    Ford says the tires have also been standard equipment over the last decade on most Ford Expedition and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs and F-Series full-size pickups.

    The automakers's top safety executive said Wednesday the company was conducting its own investigation into the situation.

    While stressing the automaker does not have all the facts, Helen Petrauskas, vice president for environmental and safety engineering said the company was considering all of its options to take care of its customers. That could include recalling vehicles or changing tire brands.

    ``We don't have all the facts yet. But one thing I can say with certainty. If we find there's some common cause to these accidents that have been reported to us, Ford is going to take care of its customers, and that's a promise,'' she said.

    NHTSA has requested information from Ford and Bridgestone Firestone.

    Bridgestone Firestone encouraged concerned customers to come to their nearest Firestone tire center for a free inspection for damage, excessive wear and proper inflation.

    Ford offered free replacement tires for Explorers this spring in Venezuela after media reports of accidents there.

    The automaker said the accidents occurred because the tires were under inflated, overloaded, excessively worn, improperly repaired or otherwise damaged. It added that many of the accidents occurred after driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph for multiple hours in extreme heat.

    Nevertheless, Ford replaced the Explorer tires in Venezuela ''in the interest of customer satisfaction.''

    Japan's Bridgestone Corp. (5108.T) bought U.S. tire maker Firestone in 1988.
  • danny25danny25 Member Posts: 119
    I've never seen any pictures posted in here, how did you do that???
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    rjkunkle,
    I hope Ford didn't over inflate your tires, since
    this may be what is causing the Firestone tire failures. See post #563. I hope Ford switches to
    Goodyear anyway!
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    rjkunkle,
    I hope Ford didn't over inflate your tires, since
    this may be what is causing the Firestone tire failures. See post #563. I hope Ford switches to
    Goodyear anyway!
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    Those same Firestone tires are standard equipment on the Cadillac Escalade SUV, Subaru Outback, GM and Chevy trucks, Tahoes and Suburbans, Frontier, Toyota truck and other vehicles too. Firestone said they have sold more than 40 million of the tires. Have to wait and see how that tires failure rate compares against other similar tires before the lawyers get involved and distort any real information.
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    I just found these pics at http://www.wieck.com ---

    [1] For those of you who like the boooooring, non-color WHITE, how about the ARTIC Explorer SportTrac --- ALL white, even the bottom trim. To see a pic, go to:
    http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_009855

    [2] Wanna see a close-up of the Tonneau cover (installed) everyone's drooling over? Go to:
    http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_008661

    [3] The new Silver Frost color (at least it looks Silver to me) is available 'for your eyes only' at:
    http://www.wieck.com/public/*wieck_search?ws4d_nav=true&operator=and&source=wik&source=wka&source=wkt&search_criteria=explorer&operator=AND&search_criteria=&operator=and&keyword=&Number2Return=30&sort=import_date&thumbyes=thumbyes&Preview=PUBLICpreview.html&Thumb=PUBLICthumb.html&Results=PUBLIC.html&Results%20with%20thumb%20Table=PUBLICresult-thumb.html&Results%20no%20thumb%20Table=PUBLICresult.html&Page=7&OffSet=30&Record=152&*EOF=*EOF&submit_button=Search

    When you get to the site (i.e., [3] above), page down about 10
    pics.

    Enjoy!
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Dear Edmunds,

    I noticed that the topic appears to have been filtered to show only articles after post #563. Was it because of the posted picture links (#559) or the tire article (#563)? The only reason I tried to use the picture links is because someone in the Daewoo vs whatever forum did it.

    I don't want to be a forum renegade, so please, let me know. It's not fair to all the others... :(

    Hey, when I tried to post this I noticed the Post button gone. I'm not getting a good feeling about this... (so I used spellcheck and found it there).
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    All the messages are really here its just all of edmunds pointers got screwed up. I think they must of done a major overhaul or had a major problem cuz I had to reestablish my login today.

    Your method of posting the message is just fine.
  • pcorey2pcorey2 Member Posts: 1
    Anybody trying to get their Firestone Wilderness tires replaced before they unravel on you in high speeds? Any luck?
  • jab1964jab1964 Member Posts: 21
    I put 2,300 miles on my ST in the 2 months I have it,and have had no problems. Until the past 3 days, I have had a slight problem with a cold start. it has to be cranked a second time, and then it sounds like it wants to stall, but after that, it runs fine.If I jump out and get back in after a short while, its fine. has this happened to anyone? I'm thinking I just have a bad tank of gas.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    Are you using 87 octane? If you use a higher octane, then you might have that symptom...
    yes...if you use higher octane it could actually be worse for the engine.

    If you are using 87 octane then it could be bad gas. I assume that you are not prtessing the accelerator when starting. Just turn the key, don't press on the gas pedal.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    As mentioned in a previous post, the ST has a new Electronics Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system to provide shorter, safer, straighter stops.

    Here is a description of the system:

    'The ABS with EBD employs dynamic proportioning to achieve shorter stopping distances. It works by measuring braking force versus traction and allocating brake force to the wheels that have the best grip for stopping even before the ABS system kicks in. This helps reduce the braking distance. '
  • jab1964jab1964 Member Posts: 21
    I am using 87 octane, and I do NOT press on the accelerator. I just turn the key.
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    On Friday, 8-4-00, I posted message # 568. Why was it made a "Hidden Response"? I did not post it that way.

    Please explain.
  • bart11bart11 Member Posts: 3
    Took my ST in to the dealer to get the bed aligned and they said the cab was what needed to be moved so they adjusted it and it looked good. Now it makes noises whenever I step on the brakes. Looks like they left some bolts loose. Back to the dealer.

    Has anyone noticed bad vibration at 80 MPH. My ST is really smooth till the speed gets up to 75 then it starts vibrating and it get worse as the speed increases. Really bad at just over 80.
  • tonysal88tonysal88 Member Posts: 6
    I also received a letter with a temporary "red sticker" from the State of California DMV notifing us that that our ST should have been registered as a truck and not an automobile. They request that the plates be taken to the nearest DMV office along with a check for $80.00 (for commercial plates)before they order you a new set of plates. The red sticker is a temporary registration you apply to the window until the new set of plates arrive.

    Californians be on the look out and start saving your nickels......
  • anitareneanitarene Member Posts: 3
    Hi, my local dealer has an ad running in the paper.."EVEN THE NEW SPORT TRAC IS ON SALE" @22,995 has a stk and ID # below it....is this a good deal or a scam to get me in...Help..I am wondering what the "best" price is? I do want alot of extras like leather, 6 cd. tonneau, ...all but the 4 WD...Anyone who can share advice? Thanks everyone..Peace
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    I received a note from our DMV friends in Sacramento too. I called to find out more. They told me you do NOT have to remove your plates and take them in to the DMV, if you prefer, you can send the $80 check to the address on the DMV letter and explain that you 'do not want to surrender your current plates at this time but will destroy the plates when the new ones arrive'.

    That is what I did, sent them the check for $80 and a note. I'll let you know what happens.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    mine is smooth at 80-90 and all other speeds. Or it could be misbalanced OR could be defective Firestones. Check the air pressure and check for any signs of damage to your tires. Firestone will perform a free inspection too.
  • ryno63ryno63 Member Posts: 10
    I checked the ford credit site. They are show a 3.9% rate on loans now. It had been 6.9%
    Just in case anyone wanted to know.
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