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Comments
Where are the six speakers located?
Where is the sub-woofer located?
I'm trying to create a Sport Trac FAQ document for the www.MySportTrac.com web site. I'd like to document common problems found on the Sport Trac. So far, I've heard of:
- Vibration in the steering during tight, low speed maneuvers
- Fuel door rubs against body panel.
- Moonroof leak
- Inadequately painted areas in door frame
Any others that seem to be common?
Email me suggestions at rbstern@aol.com or post here.
Thanks!
Rich Stern
www.MySportTrac.com
Beard1 - do you know of or have personal experience with the rattle/ringing coming from the bed area? My service dept was still not able to pinpoint it. They supposedly have talked with the engineers (I don't know if I can fall for this one) and still cannot come up with an explanation or fix.
My a/c was recharged ($140 worth of A/C work under the warr). Not sure if there was really something that wrong with it or the service dept is just making me happy and them money?!
I need to check into the RPM at idle which was mentioned on here for our engine size. I still don't feel the A/C blowing as cold as my 96 Sport does at 5 years old.
Planning on ordering the mat, flaps, painted bug shield this week. Also want to make appt for my window tint. Have a good reference and used them before, they are just far away from me. They are the only one's that will guarantee the illegal film they put on. Georgia only lets you have 35% whereas I want 15 on my ST. I heard the back is 20, but not sure how true that is. I want all the tint to match (that's the Virgo in me) so I might go with the same shade as the back windows.
I have posted some shots of my JOB 2 Pioneer Audiophile on the yahoo site. Why didn't Ford put the 'Sport Trac' logo under the 'explorer' logo on the side doors? Feels like it should be there? What do you think? I saw an 'Ford Outfitters' logo on one special edition sport and that logo was under ALL the Explorer logos.
Lastly, I was able to tuck the rear floor mat neatly under the center console and it all fits nicely now.
Tailgate was up. (Have a LOADED EsGreen 4x4)
On the way back, I dropped the tailgate/cage extended and took the same exact route home. (still had all four people in the ST). I picked up 1 extra MPG with the tailgate down.
Two things I noticed on my trip. First, there was another estate green ST at the army base (Fort Jackson) visiting their loved one too. It was WEIRD because at some point, we were driving right behind each other. People must have been doing double takes as we drove by them.
Secondly, I encountered a torrential downpour on the return trip. I must tell you, I have never felt so safe before driving in such [non-permissible content removed] weather. I have the 4x4, 4.10 w/lim slip and felt like I was glued to the road driving at 40-60MPH with a TON of water on the road. There were puddles of water AT THE TOP of hills. I was impressed with the way the ST handled in the weather.
I have reached my 1,000th mile in 11 days of ownership. I think I need to let my wife drive us around in her car for a while, but I don't want to give up my luxurious rid in the ST. She has the new beetle, which is different, but cool.
it is coming from the rear: I had this rattle from the day of the test drive in March. It was not road surface sensitive and happened at almost any speed above 20 mph but was not constant.
It sounds metallic but it isn't.
I fixed mine as follows: Look inside the
passenger side rear wheel well. At the front lower
corner the plastic inner wheel well is not attached
(by design) and can flop around.
If you gently pull back on it and let it go you
will see the contact point about 8" up from the
bottom. On mine it had actually worn a depression
in the other plastic piece it was banging against.
I cut the corner off with a pair of side cutters
and the rattle has disappeared.
Anyone know of a good tire to put on an Explorer?
The guy at my local tire store is really pushing a set of Pirelli Scorpions ($89 installed/tire). I have read some good reviews of the Michelin products, though. Tire dealer really opposed the Michelin All Terrain tire, saying it was a "harsh" ride. From what I read the Michelin was hands down a better handling tire (wet, dry, snow) over the Firestone. Anyhow, I priced them at $105/tire. The other tire they really recommend is a Michelin all-season, but it seems pricey at $120.
PS...Firestone is not only horrible in the issue of the treads wearing off, but these tires are horrible in the rain. Two months ago, was driving down the famous NJ Turnpike in a decent rain, me and my XLT were hydroplaning all over the road at 55mph. Cars were handling it better than my $30,000 4X4 SUV!!!
There is no damage done to the sport trac bed when the tonneau cover is installed. If you'll notice, the holes needed to install it are already built into the bed.
With the furror over the OEM tires (and for appearance as well), I plan to replace mine with larger Geo+ tires here sometime soon.
As frustrated as I was by the other driver's stupidity, after I calmed down, I felt very good about how the Sport Trac handled in that situation.
A moment after this had happened, I was overtaken on the left by a 4 door Explorer. The driver looked at me, pointed to the car that had almost wiped us out, then pointed to his head and moved his finger in a circle as if to say, "that lady is crazy." Couldn't agree more.
Funny, I've driven on that same highway (I-85, downtown Atlanta) hundreds of times and never had a close call like that. The first time I go down there with my new Sport Trac, 200 miles on the odometer, I'm almost get wrecked. Maybe the ST will stay in the garage for a few days.
Rich Stern
www.MySportTrac.com
"Unlike other moon roofs this roof can be tilted open any amount. Not slid open but rear tilt/vent."
Are you saying that the ST's moonroof can "rear tilt/vent" •AND• "slide all the way open" (horizontally), OR just rear tilt/vent only?
I'm confused.....
This 6-CD Pioneer audiophile system (incl. six speakers plus subwoofer) has been offered on the 2-dr Sport since day one as an extra cost option.
Only the ST has gone through the confusing evolution of 3 different audio systems.
The ST and SPORT •audiophile• systems SHOULD be identical.
Slide open ------> The same motion the moon roof shade does. But it will also Vent or Tilt up in the rear.
To vent the roof, close it all the way first. Then push the close button again and the rear will tilt up.
My water came from not closing the vent position all the way. Unlike the rear window's 2 positions the roof venting can be a fraction of an inch which will let water in.
My wifes moon roof in her Honda only vents fully open or closed.
I have seen alot of pics, but I would like to see a pic of the 6-CD Changer (Premium Sound System) if anybody has one or knows where I can see it, could you please let me know?
Also: Is the problwm with the "rubbing" of the gas cap cover still going on? Just curious! Thanks in advance!!!!
The Gas Cover must be hit and miss. I was under the impression that JOB 2 ST's are free and clear of this problem. My Job 2 ST hasn't had any problems with the gas door yet.
On the rattle, I will check out the wheel well idea. I don't think the tailgate has anything to do with my noise because even when it's down you hear the noise.
SMC is durable, tough stuff.
I would guess the cargo box will outlast the rest of the vehicle, and when Sport Tracs start getting scrapped in large quantities fifteen years from now, the cargo box will have to be recylced by heavy machine shredding or pulverizing, similar to fiberglass boat hulls.
Rich Stern
www.mysporttrac.com
smcbox --- Hmmmm, I would have thought the plastic itself would have been colored also. Are you sure that the scratches aren't possibly paint that rubbed off of the washing machine?
If the box IS really painted, what color is the plastic •under• the paint?
Thanks!
Here is a reference from Univ of Hawaii
SMC (Sheet Molding Compound)
Currently, SMC composites are utilized in body panels, hoods, and bumpers. Typical SMC composites are made up of about 30 to 50% chopped glass fibers with about 25% resin (polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, and epoxy) and the rest fillers (such as clay, alumina, calcium carbonate).
How about this type of bedliner for protection?
"Perma-Tech, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, now offers the industry's first glow-in-the-dark bedliner. The company uses a polyurethane chemical that can glow for up to 10 hours. The bedliner is sprayed on to 1/4-inch thick and comes in a variety of colors including yellow, blue and purple. "
Now *that* wouldn't that be cool if you like to cruise in a tricked out vehicle?
The SMC is white underneath. I had the bad experience of a minor ding from a metal sprinkler head my brother ran over with the lawn mower, but it's not all that noticeable.
It was my understanding that there are actually 6 speakers in the Audiophile system + a sub woofer. Separate tweeters (2) and mid-range (2) in the front doors, mid-range in each of the rear doors (2), plus a woofer.
Taking the ST on my first long road trip from Lincoln, NE to South Bend, IN for the big game this weekend and am excited about it! Will report back with any updates from the trip. GO BIG RED!
Tonneau covers were offered to people who previously bought their STs at retail price $590 b/c it wasn't available when they purchased. Through parts department tonneau would be over $1000 although it may not be available right now. If you ordered a ST, tonneau would be a $590 option at retail but I've heard it's on hold again.
Took my ST into dealership and computer told them to order a new gas door. Hasn't come in yet, but hopefully it does the trick. Others have fixed the door by heating the arm and rebending it.
You are right the gas door seems to still be a prob. I was at my dealer last wk. and he had three ST's, 1 rubbed the other two were perfect. I just got back from another dealer and he had 6 ST's and
I only checked three, 1 ok, 1 rubbed, and 1 will most likely soon. Anyway don't let the dealer parts dept. charge you that silly amount for the cargo cage, put your foot down and make them sell it to you for invoice price if you can. Go to Edmunds' site to check options and their prices and then go in armed with the info from there and this forum and don't pay more than 1% over invoice if you can. Act as if you don't really need the vehicle. Call Ford customer service for the Ph# for the Ford incentive/fleet discounts to determine if you qualify for any of them.
Has anyone else had this problem with their repair?
Will install the mud flaps this weekend. Now, I need to go to Pep Boys for that color matched bug deflector. Also, I am now interested in the rear window deflector. It has been raining non stop here in Atlanta and I haven't been able to vent my window because of the water. NO leaks in the moonroof.
Speaking of Ford's shortcuts on the ST, I have a couple of 'complaints'.
(1) The sun visor is cheap! It doesn't have a lighted mirror and there is not the second flip down visor. My 96 Explorer Sport had these little extras and it was not a loaded model.
(2) The back window only vents or opens completely. I don't want to open it all the way when the dogs are in the back because they will want to come through the window (only on short trips are they in the back, but tied to the hooks in the bed)
(3) heated seats were not an option with the leather package, yet my sis-n-law's new Jetta has heated seats
(4) Unfinished headliner edges
(5) No light under hood when you open it. Again, my 96 sport had it.
(6) Rear seatbelts not adjustable height making a safe trip an uncomfortable one.(passenger complaint from recent roadtrip)
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my ST. It just seems that some of these things ar an oversight by Ford.
What do you think?
I like the fact that they spent the money on the berber floor mats, the neat waterproof seat fabric, the white gauges, a 5 speed automatic, a power outlet in the bed, a locking tail gate, the storage compartments behind the rear seats, the power read window (which does not stop in an intermediate position due to safety reasons discussed previously on this board) the cool headlights, the Electronic Brake Distribution ABS system, etc.
Going on 5 months now of ST ownership and have not had one problem or one trip back to the dealer. Still tight and solid.
I JUST PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT ON AN ST... I PUMPED!!!
Anyway, if anyone has a update on where (outside of Ford) I can go to get the cargo cage, please let me know. I'll check Pepboy's as suggested, but any others suggestions/part #'s would be great.
As for the gas cap, mine has that problem. I'm going to call them tomorrow and request a new gas cap.
Jim
UAW-KTP (Kentucky Truck Plant)
Anyone have any additional info (i.e. Brand Name, part #, etc.)?
P.S. Great info on this site. Info on this site influenced my to buy mine! Thanks again to everyone responding!
Thanks for the info. I was able to get my Sport Trac for $150 over Dealer Invoice. I'm pleased with the price and the dealer gets a little pocket money too.
The only thing I did not get that I may end up regreting down the road is the upgraded stereo. Maybe I can upgrade it with after market one down the road, if needed.
Anyway, thanks again for the informative responses, and posts!