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First, I'd like to thank everyone who has participated in this forum. I am getting ready to purchase a new ST and have found your collective insights invaluable!
I am trying to decide if I should purchase any of the extended warranties my dealer is offering me. For about $1550 he's offering 5yr/100,000 mile Extra Care coverage (that's less than premium coverage, but more than basic). Any thoughts as to whether that's a good deal or not? Any experienced Explorer owners out there that have a feel for the likelihood of major repair?
I have to confess I am a little miffed at essentially increasing the cost of the vehicle by roughly 5% because Ford anticipates there will be big problems.
Many interest groups are trying to expand the Firestone recall to all AT's regardless of size, date, or factory. In Latin America and the Middle East, Ford has replaced all sizes of this tire as of May. It makes one wonder what data Ford has that they did not inlcude in the letter many of you may have received last week stating that your ST's tires are safe. Of course, congress is asking that same question of Ford this week.
Has anyone heard of the 16" version having a tread seperation? Try inspecting your tires visually, looking for the missing ply or internal bonding integrity. Right.
Best method.... reduce pressure to 26psi as Ford once recommended, head to 90+ degree temps, and drive 'er at 80mph for a few hours. That's the acid test.
I have 16" Wilderness AT's on my Sport Trac. I was (am) worried about their safety. I went to a local tire dealer (not a Firestone dealer) and checked into replacing them with another brand. This dealer's opinion was that the Firestone Wilderness tires had always been a good wearing, safe tire. He thinks the media has blown this situation out of proportion (no pun intended!). I did some checking and here's some data I found interesting. During 1900-1998, there were 16,000 instances of rollovers involving Ford Explorers, resulting in 568 fatalities. 46 of those deaths were believed to be associated with Firestone tires. That means 522 were from some other cause. Maybe Ford should be considering recalling Explorers? Everyone needs to drive these vehicles with a little intelligence - and with properly inflated tires. Just an opinion.
At long last I have a delivery date, 9/24. Ordered with Tonneau cover 2/19. Luckily I haven't changed my mind on wanting my Estate Green 4x4 ST in the past 6, going on 7 months. Thanks for the posts in keeping me going.
I have a 2001 Wedgvewood Blue Sport Trac. All in all, I love it. However, the very first day that I had it, I was proudly driving it to work, when I noticed the most horrible shimmy at about 60 MPH. I immediately called the dealership, who took it in, and after a full day's delay reported to me that ALL FOUR wheels were defective. While I didnt buy this highly unlikely story, I allowed them to change the rims on the truck with another they found here in town. I got the truck back just in time to take it on vacation and it performed beautifully! Since that time, we have noticed that at low speeds, it has a shudder, that after reading these posts, I find is the power steering unit. In addition, I just took it on it's second trip, and once again, at 60 MPH, it has a shimmy. To me, it feels like the front end, but my boyfriend says its the rear-end, since he could feel it under the seat (I have to admit, I felt the "fanny massage" as well) I now have a call in to the dealership here to get it looked at AGAIN. While I love the ST, and the looks that I get and it's versatility, I am quite dismayed at all the things I have read here. Also, sometimes when stopping, the breaks kinda "lock" making a normally gentle stop a sudden jerky stop. My gas mileage is about 15 MPH, no matter what, in town, on the highway, air on or off, 87 and 92 octane gas. Any thoughts?
I have had my ST since May. I have not noticed any shimmy at "speed," but I have done several unique stops and the tires feel like they are locking up. In actuality the ABS really works well. I did not loose the ability steer and the dam thing stopped before I mated with a large chevy truck.
The gas mileage is the same as yours. Car & Driver says it has the manners of a Road Grader and feels as heavy. With that I would also agree. Enjoy your truck and don't waste all of your summer fixing minor stuff; Unless that shimmy is so bad you can't keep it on the road.
jimz2, you are going to LOVE the Estate green. I get SO MANY compliments EVERYDAY on how sharp the ST looks in that color.
Has anyone noticed a high pitch rattle coming from the bed area at 40+MPH? It is like a ringing and it is a little faint, but nevertheless, noticeable.
Also, my rear berber mat seems way too big for the area it is supposed to cover. The hooks in the floor don't even help and it looks all bunched up in the middle. Take a look at your to see that it isn't smashed up against the center console. I am curious to know.
And one more thing, my AC doesn't seem to blow out very cold. My 96 Explorer Sport blows colder air than this ST. I remember someone complaining about the AC getting warm if not in drive or if idle. Tell me what you think. I use the max ac setting and i am not impressed with the lack of arctic air.
I am scheduled to drop off my ST on Wednesday and they are giving me a loaner 'car'(of course it's NOT an ST). They needed it longer to try and determine the cause of the rattle/ringing in the back of the ST.
Todays Wall Street Journal had a good article about the Venezuela tire situation. These tires were MADE IN VENEZUELA and were not shipped to the US. They were mounted on Explorers that were also made in South America.
It is cleary a Firestone problem. Firestone did not put the proper number of nylon strip/straps or whatever they are yet still labeled the tires that they had the extra strip. Anyway, these tires were specially spec'd for Venezuela but Firestone did not make them to spec. Ford found out about it and recalled them and put Goodyears on them. However, Firestone does not want to recall them.
The Firestone tires in Venezuela also affects GM and Toyotas.
The Wall St Journal article also talked about how 2.5 million Goodyear tires were put on Explorers in the mid 90s and there are no reports of tread separation from the Goodyears. Most of the omplaints with the Firestone tires came fromt he Decatur IL plant.
My friend was almost ripped off by a dealer who charged him 1700 for a 5/75K extended waranty on a ST. Ford only charges something like $1155 for a 6/75K bumper to bumper. Fortunately he lives in California and had 60 days to cancel the warranty, which he did. Most states don't have that protection.
Before you buy an aftermarket warranty, call 800-FORD-ESP and check out their price. You will need your VIN number because you have to own the vehicle already.
The good thing about the FORD warranty is you can pay for it over 10 months with no interest. They just charge your credit card 10 equal payments. Also, you don't have to worry about the warranty being accepted or receiving payment on any claims you may have.
Despite what your dealer says, you do NOT have to by the Ford warranty at the time you buy your truck. You can the warranty direct from Ford after you buy your vehicle.
I've been getting a little over 18 mpg with a combo of city+ highway driving. I actually got a little over 21 mpg with 90% highway driving. My ST is the 4x4 with the 4.11 rearend with just under 3000 miles on it. I have yet to install the k&n filter or use synthetic oil which should give even better gas mileage. It surprises me that people are only getting 15 mpg unless its all city driving, or they have a heavy foot.
My rear mat fits perfectly. No bunching at the center console. Perhaps your hooks got installed in the wrong location.
I've just went through a hot summer in Vegas with afternoon temps around 110 and my ST a/c worked fine. Just kept it on Max and the fan all the way up. So I'd have your a/c checked out if it's not cooling you down.
Extended warranties are for suckers. This is one of the biggest money makers for an automobile dealership. I bought my ST about three weeks ago and a lot of pressure was applied to buy their extended warranty. The salesman obviously was on a commission. Who needs it? The new ST comes with a 36 month/36,000 mile bumber to bumper warranty. Most new cars and trucks are capable of running 100,000 miles with no major problems. I cannot believe how many people allow themselves to be ripped off by buying one of these warranties.
re: jimz2 Boy I thought I was the only person on this site who ordered and held out for the tonneau cover. I have just about every assesory needed sitting around the house but no truck! I've posted that I see on a regular basis Sport Trac Taxi's running around Vegas with the tonneau covers on All of them! Makes me feel confedent Ford put the ST on the road to test under the demands of 24 hour heat and abuse a cabbie can expereance. I finnaly got a VIN # last week. When did you get yours? What does it mean? Is it biult? Is it on the train headed to Vegas?.......
TRACTION: I found the code for the keypad with my extra set of keys. It is located on a little white card (same material/looks as a credit card only 2/3 the size). My st was delivered to my door and I never gave any special attention to the little plastic bag with the spare keys. ALSO, I understand that the code is located inside the glove compartment behind the light. An earlier post recommended removing the light in order to read it fully. Good Luck! Keep posting, someone will be able to help you. It helped me because I never would have thought to look inside the bag with the spare keys. (I keep them locked in a file cabinet!)
TONNEAU COVER: I purchased my st from a dealer's lot on 7/25 and ordered the cover at the same time. The cover came in on 8/21 (4 weeks). Looks great and keyed to work with the existing ignition key. Now I have an st with all the options I wanted with an original SPECIAL ORDER. (Ordered April 24 with cover) The "special order" still hasn't arrived at the dealership.
I saw where someone had an estate green ST...is it the light mossy green or is it the color that is in the brochure?? If it is the lighter green, that's the one I want...I saw it on the Explorer Sport. The brochure color for it is different, too.
Also...how much over invoice should I consider a fair deal for both me and the dealer??
My tonneau cover is in! I am having it installed tomorrow and they said it will take a short time and that keying the locks takes longer than the install. They are also going to heat the gas cap door arm and realign it while it's in and touch up the paint that has rubbed off. If they can't touch up the paint, they will repaint the whole side of the bed and keep my ST overnight.
I can't believe someone is getting 21mpg with a 4x4 with the 4.11 gear ratio. The best I have ever received was just under 20mpg and that was just once! Generally it's around 17-18mpg and I don't have a lead foot.
I believe the Estate Green is like a deep Pine type color not light and moss-like.
When I first place my rear mat in the ST I thought it didn't fit right either, but then I noticed the middle part slips under the rear console slightly. Now it fits just fine.
Thanks to everyone here, I am ordering a bed mat tomorrow as well. Thanks to all who post! Happy STing and GO BIG RED this weekend!
I want to thank you all for the information about the hard covers - bought my sport trac about 1 month ago (they have a lot of them available here on the west coast) - the dealer NEVER told me about the hard cover deal!!!! - instead, I only learned it through this forum - also, my sport trac has had a little trouble starting up (takes a couple of cranks sometimes and seems hesitant) - called the wonderfully helpful dealer (sarcasm!) who told me they just received a letter from Ford saying that "cheaper" gas can cause some clogging problems - they suggested that my next tank be Chevron or Texaco gas - I can't help but wonder whether Ford owns stock in those companies!!!
The estate green color is most definately not the same color as in the brochure.
The estate green can be seen on the Sports, and I've seen them on the Eddie Bauer Expeditions and Excursions (with Tan trim). The closest example I can give is a somewhat worn dollar bill. That color comes close. And come to think of it, that's probably why I liked green so much. Next to black, that green looked the most classy and sophisticated, with the bonus that it doesn't get as hot or visually dirty as the black does.
As a proud and happy owner of a Toreador Red ST, I faithfully follow this site as well as the Yahoo site for ST owners. I have learned alot and picked up some helpful suggestions. I have also been warned about issues I may face with my vehicle. But every once and a while you see a posting from someone considering buying a ST who says, "Based on all the problems you guys are reporting, I think I will pass on buying a ST." I think it is important to remember that this forum is widely used and represents a large cross section of the entire ST population. Check out other users groups on the web and you will find just as many if not more problems. The ST is a fine vehicle that fits a special user niche. I am happy with my choice and do not feel the problems I have had or heard of are significantly different from other new vehicle designs. In the past, it was hard to find out about problems others were having (the dealer certainly wouldn't tell you!). Let's keep posting and enjoying our special vehicle!
I, also had problems starting my ST when it was new. My friends had a real good laugh. It would crank over but not start and they would say, "Sounds like a Ford." The problem went away after the first thousand miles. I don't think it had anything to do with the gas I use, because I haven't changed. Maybe Ford used bad gas.
Ordered my silver frost ST on Monday under the X-plan, yes it is now definitely avail. It is under invoice price that is posted on most web-sites, but I got stuck with the advertising fee, though! I purchased it at Al Packer West in West Palm Beach, FL, my salesman is Russ Wernish, tell him Stephan sent you. I was in and out in 10 min. On Monday I spoke to Ford marketing and the gas door problem is fixed (counted 2 out of 3 on lot not rubbing, good sign) and tonneau's are being shipped to everyone that ordered one with or without their truck and only orders that are placed through part depts are being restricted. Anyway mine is loaded with every option except the moonroof and leather, too hot for S.FL. In addition, the K&N filter is avail at www.carparts.com for $42. This is the best price I found w/shipping, most vendors wanted from $49-57 w/o shipping. Keep up the informative posts and I will keep y'all posted.
I know everyone is probably sick of hearing about tires but the media seems to be pretty sloppy on reporting things so here is some info I thought was pertinent regarding the Bridgestone/Firesont problem in Venezuela
"Bridgestone/Firestone has acknowledged that some tires it provided to Ford in Venezuela were mislabeled to show they contained a requested safety layer, when in fact the layer was missing.
Vines said Ford's examination of recalled tires found a defect trend "at least 500 times worse" than that found in the recalled U.S. tires. Ford also found that more than half of the tires analyzed didn't meet Firestone's own standards."
These tires were built in Venezuela and were not shipped to the US.
Ordered my silver frost ST on Monday under the X-plan, yes it is now definitely avail. It is under invoice price that is posted on most web-sites, but I got stuck with the advertising fee, though! I purchased it at Al Packer West in West Palm Beach, FL, my salesman is Russ Wernish, tell him Stephan sent you. I was in and out in 10 min. On Monday I spoke to Ford marketing and the gas door problem is fixed (counted 2 out of 3 on lot not rubbing, good sign) and tonneau's are being shipped to everyone that ordered one with or without their truck and only orders that are placed through part depts are being restricted. Anyway mine is loaded with every option except the moonroof and leather, too hot for S.FL. In addition, the K&N filter is avail at www.carparts.com for $42. This is the best price I found w/shipping, most vendors wanted from $49-57 w/o shipping. Keep up the informative posts and I will keep y'all posted.
I couldn't believe I got 21 mpg either , but it was almost all highway. I use Sonoco and Mobil regular unleaded , whichever is cheaper.I ease the gas from a stop and don't tromp on it and 99% of the time I don't go over 65 mph. I have a friend with a new Dodge dakota with all options and it has a gas mileage readout, believe it or not, and he says the best gas mileage is between 55-60 mph. So far I've ordered and received the rear window deflector and the vinyl rubber heavy duty snow+ice mats.I had to bend my handsfree cellphone antenna to install the deflector.The rear window is the only place to install the antenna ,and only on the part that doesn't move.Last but not least the tonneau is stil on order.
Has anybody opted for cloth in their ST because you intend to have aftermarket leather installed? I've had a vehicle (Dodge GC) with custom leather. It was nicer than the factory leather, but it was dealer installed, so I don't know how much it cost.
Interested to hear opinions on how people like the factory leather in the ST.
I have the deep wedgewood blue st 2wd w/o non-slip and was wondering if anyone in this forum has had this version truck in the snow yet?? and how does it handle. I live in MA and have not had my st through a winter yet and am curious how it handles & if extra weight is needed in the rear to help with traction. Thanks to all for the great info on this site...It has really been informative. Thanks
I have been looking all over for a rear window deflector!!! Could you state color, (smoke, black, painted, etc.), cost, part #, etc. Does it cover up the rear brake light or obstruct it in any way? Do you have any pictures you can post? Sounds like a neat idea! Is there an internet site I could go to to get a picture and other information? (ex., JC Whitney catalog)
COLORS: I think all of the st colors are really sharp! I've noticed that several people are interested in what the estate green looks like. I think it's a shade that you would be satisfied with and it looks great! I've seen all of the colors now except the new silver. My st is torreador red. (my favorite) I was really surprised with the wedgewood blue! Nice. For those of you with the mandarin gold, you have a treasure now since there won't be many st's out there of that color. (We all know that Ford has discontinued the gold.)
HELP: Someone posted a few weeks ago that there was available (or soon to be available) a catalog with sport trac accessories only. Does anyone have one or can provide additional information? THANKS!
I purchased the smoke Ford deflector from their web accessories site.I did it from home so I'm not sure of the site, it maybe from www.ownerconnection.com and you navigate from their. I will post the site ,part number and price tonight, it wasn't cheap but no more rain can get in and ya still get air flow. It becomes invisable on the back window from the outside because of its dark color blends with the black trim.I just tried to get to the ownerconnection site but its timing out. Stay tuned.
There does seem to be a variance on the rear mats. Mine was too long front-to-back to fit properly. We raised the rear of the console and slipped it underneath. It now hooks up to the floor hooks. My neighbor's ST rear mat fits fine without having the mat under the console. The mats are simply not the same size no matter what Ford says. It is a supplier problem.
I have installed the Ford Accessory rear window visor. Fits fine, comes only in smoke, and cannot be painted. Only clear can be painted, and then only on the back side... that keeps the paint on and not subject to damage (no clear coat required either). I also installed the Ford soft tonneau cover which works very nicely (gave up on the hard cover). Lund makes a front hood bug deflector for the ST, which comes in clear and can be painted to match (back side) the vehicle. Looks great and fits nice.
Mileage... 15 no matter what. Now at 3000 miles with no improvement.
As for the Firestone 16" tires... nothing much matters now. The public perception is in control, and it will take years (i.e. Firestone 500 Radials in the 70's) to recover if at all. Perhaps these tires are safe, but the real test is: try selling your ST and see if the Question/Concern comes up from the perspective buyer. Any takers?
In any event... I'm pleased with the ST, and have accepted its shortcomings.
Which is the proper way to install the cargo cage, so that it pulls up to disengage or pushes down to disengage? When it is stowed in the box should the locks be at the top or bottom? Does it make any difference either way?
Called Customer Service after getting a VIN# and was told the ST was NOT BEING HELD BACK because of tire recalls. Mine is do to arrive in Las Vegas in September week of 18th to 25th. At this point of waiting for 7 months they can put retreads on it and I'll drive it home just to have it in MY DRIVEWAY! I had 15 AT's on my old Explorer and I got 80,000 miles on them with regular rotation every 6000 miles. Only reason I changed them was because of the developing small cracks on the side walls. Something normal in our dry heat climate. I was very happy with them. Oh I did keep 30 psi in them. Anybody who drives a SUV should feel how it responds to sudden turns and then use caution at all times above or at freeway speeds. Mine did feel top heavy but not dangerous to drive.
RE:jimz2 Let me see T-minus 19 days 6 hours 12 min and 18 seconds and counting to delivery.........
I purchased the Sunflector made by AUTO Ventshade company. I purchase it from Weathers Auto Supply (www.weathers.com ). I also purchased the Bugflector ll from them. They both install without drilling any holes and look great on the Sport Trac.
3 things done this week to my ST: 1) Tonneau cover installed yesterday. Love it so far. Great to finally be able to lock up my golf clubs & tools; 2) one of the knobs on the cargo cage recently broke off. They ordered the new part & when it came in, Ford sent a WHOLE NEW CAGE!. The parts guy said they redesigned the knobs due to a problem with it. The new one looks exactly like the old one. I couldn't see anything different, but maybe they changed/reenforced the fitting. 3) Also requested they fix the gas cover rubbing problem. They went and ordered a new cover. I even told them about the heating/bending fix that I had been reading about here, but they didn't want to do that. Has anyone else had their cover replaced successfully?
The instructions say one way but it FITS and is more difficult to remove if you install it the other way.
So IMHO, Install the cage by pressing down while the cage is in the "open" (over the gate) position. This makes it more difficult (but not impossible) to remove with the tailgate shut.
You will also notice the rubber feet that are closest together fit into dimples molded into the tailgate.
Georgiadog - The Ford part # for the rear window deflector is 1L2Z-18246-BA (smoke only); not sure of the price yet (on order & should be in next tues-wed). Also, have a couple of the Ford No Boundaries SUV catalogs - what do you need to know ??
On 8/28 I had the Firestone Wilderness AT P255/70R16 tires taken off my Island Blue 4x2. I was concern with the recall of the 15-inch that soon all the Wilderness would be recalled and there would be a tire shortage. I wanted a larger tire I now have "Michelin P265/70S16 XCLT4" I like the way the Michelin tires handle over the Firestone, more control of the road. Also last week added the Hard Tonneau Cover, splash guards and bed mat.
Could someone give me advice on the K & N filter, I spoke with a Ford service manager on buying one for my ST. He said he only saw problems with them since most people don't understand how to clean them well. He said not to put one in the ST.
Gas Cap Lid: Was told by the service dept manager last night that FORD had issued a letter that no more doors were to be worked on until the engineers researched and fixed the problem.
Has anybody noticed if your grab bar that you use to close the door getting scuffed up. I have been very careful getting in and out so I would not hit it with my watch. I can't say how careful the service dept has been when they have been jumping in and out the last couple times it has been in the shop. But it appears that a clear plastic coating is peeling off. I wonder if it is because of the sun and high temps here in GA. Plan to have them look at that when it goes in to get the gas door fixed.
BTW: Found out that out of the "ST", "Focus" & "Escape" the "ST" has had no recalls and has spent less time in the shop for repairs.
I ordered a cargo mat today and it was $46. Is that what everyone else has been paying? I remember reading $40 earlier, but maybe that was an estimate. Also I noticed the molding on the lower part of my tailgate has begun to pull away on the left side. I will have them look at this tomorrow when they install the tonneau cover and adjust the gas door. One more question--For those who ordered their cargo mat, how long did it take to come in? The parts guy either said 3-5 days or 3-5 weeks--I can't recall. Thanks for all the info!
To dberndt: I have yet to resolve my AC problem. If the idle is high enough (700 rpm's) the compressor stays engaged and the air is cold; however, if the idle drops to 500 rpm's (while in drive with your foot on the brake)the compressor kicks off. My first thought is the high pressure switch on the AC. I am unsure how this relates to the idle. Anyway, I sure they will find something, as for now all the dealer did was remove 2.0 ounces of freon. My rear mat is a little on the large side too. I have it neatly tucked under the console so there is no buckling. It look good. PS My ST is Estate Green, maybe it's a color thing!
I too notice the A/C isn't as cold at idle, but isn't that kinda normal? I remember thinking the first time I noticed it that it was a little unusual though. I guess I just chalked it up to the ST not having the greatest A/C. It really does cool you down when you're actually going though, YIKES! Does anyone else notice that it doesn't seem very cold at idle? I know cars don't cool as well at idle, but I think it should cool more than this.
I haven't received anything from Ford as of August 30th, 2000. I have owned my ST for 1 month. It may take a while to get anything, I would just like to have the catalog to see if I can order some accessories. Thanks for your answer.
Comments
I am trying to decide if I should purchase any of the extended warranties my dealer is offering me. For about $1550 he's offering 5yr/100,000 mile Extra Care coverage (that's less than premium coverage, but more than basic). Any thoughts as to whether that's a good deal or not? Any experienced Explorer owners out there that have a feel for the likelihood of major repair?
I have to confess I am a little miffed at essentially increasing the cost of the vehicle by roughly 5% because Ford anticipates there will be big problems.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this.
http://www.1sourceautowarranty.com
(I found them through a link on Edmunds.com)
Anyway, a 7 year / 100,000 mile Diamond Plan
(which is a "Bumper to Bumper" warranty)
is only $979 (add $100 for 4WD)($50 deductible)
for a 2001 Explorer (the ST should be very close)
Has anyone heard of the 16" version having a tread seperation? Try inspecting your tires visually, looking for the missing ply or internal bonding integrity. Right.
Best method.... reduce pressure to 26psi as Ford once recommended, head to 90+ degree temps, and drive 'er at 80mph for a few hours. That's the acid test.
Zderf
Ordered with Tonneau cover 2/19.
Luckily I haven't changed my mind on wanting my Estate Green 4x4 ST in the past 6, going on 7 months.
Thanks for the posts in keeping me going.
The gas mileage is the same as yours. Car & Driver says it has the manners of a Road Grader and feels as heavy. With that I would also agree.
Enjoy your truck and don't waste all of your summer fixing minor stuff; Unless that shimmy is so bad you can't keep it on the road.
Has anyone noticed a high pitch rattle coming from the bed area at 40+MPH? It is like a ringing and it is a little faint, but nevertheless, noticeable.
Also, my rear berber mat seems way too big for the area it is supposed to cover. The hooks in the floor don't even help and it looks all bunched up in the middle. Take a look at your to see that it isn't smashed up against the center console. I am curious to know.
And one more thing, my AC doesn't seem to blow out very cold. My 96 Explorer Sport blows colder air than this ST. I remember someone complaining about the AC getting warm if not in drive or if idle. Tell me what you think. I use the max ac setting and i am not impressed with the lack of arctic air.
I am scheduled to drop off my ST on Wednesday and they are giving me a loaner 'car'(of course it's NOT an ST). They needed it longer to try and determine the cause of the rattle/ringing in the back of the ST.
It is cleary a Firestone problem. Firestone did not put the proper number of nylon strip/straps or whatever they are yet still labeled the tires that they had the extra strip. Anyway, these tires were specially spec'd for Venezuela but Firestone did not make them to spec. Ford found out about it and recalled them and put Goodyears on them. However, Firestone does not want to recall them.
The Firestone tires in Venezuela also affects GM and Toyotas.
Before you buy an aftermarket warranty, call 800-FORD-ESP and check out their price. You will need your VIN number because you have to own the vehicle already.
The good thing about the FORD warranty is you can pay for it over 10 months with no interest. They just charge your credit card 10 equal payments. Also, you don't have to worry about the warranty being accepted or receiving payment on any claims you may have.
Despite what your dealer says, you do NOT have to by the Ford warranty at the time you buy your truck. You can the warranty direct from Ford after you buy your vehicle.
My rear mat fits perfectly. No bunching at the center console. Perhaps your hooks got installed in the wrong location.
I've just went through a hot summer in Vegas with afternoon temps around 110 and my ST a/c worked fine. Just kept it on Max and the fan all the way up. So I'd have your a/c checked out if it's not cooling you down.
Extended warranties are for suckers. This is one of the biggest money makers for an automobile dealership. I bought my ST about three weeks ago and a lot of pressure was applied to buy their extended warranty. The salesman obviously was on a commission. Who needs it? The new ST comes with a 36 month/36,000 mile bumber to bumper warranty. Most new cars and trucks are capable of running 100,000 miles with no major problems. I cannot believe how many people allow themselves to be ripped off by buying one of these warranties.
Boy I thought I was the only person on this site who ordered and held out for the tonneau cover. I have just about every assesory needed sitting around the house but no truck! I've posted that I see on a regular basis Sport Trac Taxi's running around Vegas with the tonneau covers on All of them! Makes me feel confedent Ford put the ST on the road to test under the demands of 24 hour heat and abuse a cabbie can expereance. I finnaly got a VIN # last week. When did you get yours? What does it mean? Is it biult? Is it on the train headed to Vegas?.......
TONNEAU COVER: I purchased my st from a dealer's lot on 7/25 and ordered the cover at the same time. The cover came in on 8/21 (4 weeks). Looks great and keyed to work with the existing ignition key. Now I have an st with all the options I wanted with an original SPECIAL ORDER. (Ordered April 24 with cover) The "special order" still hasn't arrived at the dealership.
I saw where someone had an estate green ST...is it the light mossy green or is it the color that is in the brochure?? If it is the lighter green, that's the one I want...I saw it on the Explorer Sport. The brochure color for it is different, too.
Also...how much over invoice should I consider a fair deal for both me and the dealer??
Thanks!
I can't believe someone is getting 21mpg with a 4x4 with the 4.11 gear ratio. The best I have ever received was just under 20mpg and that was just once! Generally it's around 17-18mpg and I don't have a lead foot.
I believe the Estate Green is like a deep Pine type color not light and moss-like.
When I first place my rear mat in the ST I thought it didn't fit right either, but then I noticed the middle part slips under the rear console slightly. Now it fits just fine.
Thanks to everyone here, I am ordering a bed mat tomorrow as well. Thanks to all who post! Happy STing and GO BIG RED this weekend!
The estate green can be seen on the Sports, and I've seen them on the Eddie Bauer Expeditions and Excursions (with Tan trim). The closest example I can give is a somewhat worn dollar bill. That color comes close. And come to think of it, that's probably why I liked green so much. Next to black, that green looked the most classy and sophisticated, with the bonus that it doesn't get as hot or visually dirty as the black does.
If you go to http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/explorersporttracclub
you can join for free and see the pictures DBerndt87 posted of his Estate Green ST.
I too have a pile of accessories: Brush guard, Hidden Hitch, K&N & Stereo awaiting in the garage.
Soon.....
Keep the faith.
Can you post a link to the referenced site? Thank you.
cjhess
This is the best price I found w/shipping, most vendors wanted from $49-57 w/o shipping. Keep up the informative posts and I will keep y'all posted.
"Bridgestone/Firestone has acknowledged that some tires it provided to Ford in Venezuela were mislabeled to show they contained a requested safety layer, when in fact the layer was missing.
Vines said Ford's examination of recalled tires found a defect trend "at least 500 times worse" than that found in the recalled U.S. tires. Ford also found that more than half of the tires analyzed didn't meet Firestone's own standards."
These tires were built in Venezuela and were not shipped to the US.
This is the best price I found w/shipping, most vendors wanted from $49-57 w/o shipping. Keep up the informative posts and I will keep y'all posted.
So far I've ordered and received the rear window deflector and the vinyl rubber heavy duty snow+ice mats.I had to bend my handsfree cellphone antenna to install the deflector.The rear window is the only place to install the antenna ,and only on the part that doesn't move.Last but not least the tonneau is stil on order.
Interested to hear opinions on how people like the factory leather in the ST.
Rich
www.mysporttrac.com
I live in MA and have not had my st through a winter yet and am curious how it handles & if extra weight is needed in the rear to help with traction.
Thanks to all for the great info on this site...It has really been informative.
Thanks
COLORS: I think all of the st colors are really sharp! I've noticed that several people are interested in what the estate green looks like. I think it's a shade that you would be satisfied with and it looks great! I've seen all of the colors now except the new silver. My st is torreador red. (my favorite) I was really surprised with the wedgewood blue! Nice. For those of you with the mandarin gold, you have a treasure now since there won't be many st's out there of that color. (We all know that Ford has discontinued the gold.)
HELP: Someone posted a few weeks ago that there was available (or soon to be available) a catalog with sport trac accessories only. Does anyone have one or can provide additional information? THANKS!
I have installed the Ford Accessory rear window visor. Fits fine, comes only in smoke, and cannot be painted. Only clear can be painted, and then only on the back side... that keeps the paint on and not subject to damage (no clear coat required either). I also installed the Ford soft tonneau cover which works very nicely (gave up on the hard cover). Lund makes a front hood bug deflector for the ST, which comes in clear and can be painted to match (back side) the vehicle. Looks great and fits nice.
Mileage... 15 no matter what. Now at 3000 miles with no improvement.
As for the Firestone 16" tires... nothing much matters now. The public perception is in control, and it will take years (i.e. Firestone 500 Radials in the 70's) to recover if at all. Perhaps these tires are safe, but the real test is: try selling your ST and see if the Question/Concern comes up from the perspective buyer. Any takers?
In any event... I'm pleased with the ST, and have accepted its shortcomings.
Peace.
Zderf
RE:jimz2
Let me see T-minus 19 days 6 hours 12 min and 18 seconds and counting to delivery.........
2) one of the knobs on the cargo cage recently broke off. They ordered the new part & when it came in, Ford sent a WHOLE NEW CAGE!. The parts guy said they redesigned the knobs due to a problem with it. The new one looks exactly like the old one. I couldn't see anything different, but maybe they changed/reenforced the fitting.
3) Also requested they fix the gas cover rubbing problem. They went and ordered a new cover. I even told them about the heating/bending fix that I had been reading about here, but they didn't want to do that. Has anyone else had their cover replaced successfully?
The instructions say one way but it FITS and is more difficult to remove if you install it the other way.
So IMHO, Install the cage by pressing down while the cage is in the "open" (over the gate) position. This makes it more difficult (but not impossible) to remove with the tailgate shut.
You will also notice the rubber feet that are closest together fit into dimples molded into the tailgate.
P255/70R16 tires taken off my Island Blue 4x2.
I was concern with the recall of the 15-inch
that soon all the Wilderness would be recalled
and there would be a tire shortage. I wanted
a larger tire I now have "Michelin P265/70S16
XCLT4" I like the way the Michelin tires handle
over the Firestone, more control of the road.
Also last week added the Hard Tonneau Cover,
splash guards and bed mat.
Could someone give me advice on the K & N filter,
I spoke with a Ford service manager on buying one
for my ST. He said he only saw problems with
them since most people don't understand how
to clean them well. He said not to put one in
the ST.
Has anybody noticed if your grab bar that you use to close the door getting scuffed up. I have been very careful getting in and out so I would not hit it with my watch. I can't say how careful the service dept has been when they have been jumping in and out the last couple times it has been in the shop. But it appears that a clear plastic coating is peeling off. I wonder if it is because of the sun and high temps here in GA. Plan to have them look at that when it goes in to get the gas door fixed.
BTW: Found out that out of the "ST", "Focus" & "Escape" the "ST" has had no recalls and has spent less time in the shop for repairs.
I have yet to resolve my AC problem. If the idle is high enough (700 rpm's) the compressor stays engaged and the air is cold; however, if the idle drops to 500 rpm's (while in drive with your foot on the brake)the compressor kicks off. My first thought is the high pressure switch on the AC. I am unsure how this relates to the idle. Anyway, I sure they will find something, as for now all the dealer did was remove 2.0 ounces of freon.
My rear mat is a little on the large side too. I have it neatly tucked under the console so there is no buckling. It look good.
PS My ST is Estate Green, maybe it's a color thing!
I received my No boundaries catalog in the box with the free Sport Trac director's chairs that Ford sent to me.
Thanks for your answer.