2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - III

1…34689…11

Comments

  • lapointerlapointer Member Posts: 18
    I compared my Ford rear window deflector to ventvisors side window visors and guess what, they were identicle , same bends/curves matched perfectly, even the same 3m tape to adhere them. This means Ford buys their products from auto ventvisor ,no doubt,so the bug deflectors and the rest of the products can be purchased alot cheaper from Auto Ventvisor.
  • lapointerlapointer Member Posts: 18
    OOPS THE SITE WOULD BE WWW.VENTSHADE.COM IN MY PREVIOUS POST.
  • lasveganlasvegan Member Posts: 53
    re: gbut

    Where are the six speakers located?

    Where is the sub-woofer located?
  • rbstern1rbstern1 Member Posts: 11
    Hi everyone-

    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
  • psikomompsikomom Member Posts: 5
    OK, here's a new problem. I left my dog in the car for about 5 mins. I had the rear driver window cracked about 3 inches. When I got back the window was down about 3/4 and the dog had jumped out of the car. Yes, she is a big labrador retriever. Should she be able to pull the windows down when the vehicle is off?? What if you were driving with a kid and they tried the same thing. Seems like they shouldn't move if the car is off. Anyone have this problem?? And, you don't have to lecture me, I know I shouldn't have left her in the car!!!
  • beard1beard1 Member Posts: 15
    don't forget the rattle / ringing sound that comes from between the cab and the pick up bed.
  • rbstern1rbstern1 Member Posts: 11
    beard1, thanks, had seen a reference to the rattle, didn't know how common. I'll include it.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    The power door lock switches are SUPPOSED to remain lit for a while after you turn your vehicle off or open and close the door the door. That is so you can find the button to unlock the doors when it is dark. I don't know how long they stay on, never bothered waiting around to find out.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    stinhoutx - I am glad I got a pic of that Pioneer System on there for ya! Now quit bugging me...just kidding. I heard a question before about where the six speakers are. I, too, want to know where they all are. I know where four of them are (doors) and the 'sixth' is the subwoofer which is located behind the rear driver's side passenger seat in the 'accessories panel'. Where is the fifth speaker? I haven't really looked for it at all.

    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.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    I took a road trip to Columbia, SC to visit my brother-in-law during his mid-cycle in Army basic training. I paid close attention to the gas mileage. I had a total of four people in the ST and got 16.2 MPG on the way over there. Cruising speed (with the cruise control on of course) of 80 MPH on interstate for mostly the entire trip.
    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.
  • timdeltatimdelta Member Posts: 3
    Some folks say that there are 3 choices on the stereo. #1- single cd, #2- six cd, and #3- six cd audiophile system. Is this correct or is it just the 2 choices the single cd and the 6 cd audiophile system. My build date is next week and I want it all! Thanks
  • tracguytracguy Member Posts: 28
    For you St owners with a rattle that sounds like
    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.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    I know this is the Sport Trac forum, but it's dead in the Explorer room. Anyhow...

    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!!!
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    droland1---

    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.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    Check with wal-mart for all your vent shade needs.I think you will save money.
  • moose21moose21 Member Posts: 14
    In reference to different tires; go to www.tirerack.com and check out the customer comments of the differtent tires (by type). The Michelin LTX series consistantly gets top-notch ratings (especially the A/T), and get excellent tread wear; several tire dealers in the area highly recommend them. Also, the Yokohama Geolander A/T+ have gotten excellent reviews in a couple of 4-wheel magazines, wear almost as long as the Michelins, but cost A LOT less (also, have a radical tread design). FYI, the Wilderness A/T rates towards the bottom of the barrel (imagine that!).
    With the furror over the OEM tires (and for appearance as well), I plan to replace mine with larger Geo+ tires here sometime soon.
  • kdaroskdaros Member Posts: 19
    Consumer Report rates BF Goodrich radial Long Trail T/A ($80) as an excellent tire for a SUV. The Michelin ($105) only gets a very good rating. I have never owned either one so I do not know for sure. They never tested the Firestone.
  • rbstern1rbstern1 Member Posts: 11
    Had a real scare today on the interstate in my ST. Doing about 65, I was cut off by a driver attempting to cut across five lanes in one maneuver to make an exit. I saw her just as she was about to clip my front corner panel. I reacted without thinking and made a panicked, short swerve to the right that made it a very close miss; her car occupied some of the space I had just vacated. I encroached on the lane to my right by a couple of feet, but fortunately no one was there. The Sport Trac steering reacted quickly, and the vehicle felt stable and in control at all times. The lack of a dead spot in the ST steering really helps you make steering inputs where "what you steer is what you get."

    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
  • stnewbiestnewbie Member Posts: 11
    I heard last week that Ford workers are talking about going on strike. Has anyone heard any definites about this. It makes me sick to think what that will do to the production of my ST. I really need if by early Dec. Anyone know if this will affect all factories or just some?
  • mkazarian1mkazarian1 Member Posts: 17
    Does anyone know what the slots on the dash just left of the passenger side air bag door are. No air comes out of them and no sounds come out either. It has got me baffled. It is probably something simple. Thanks, Merl.
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    fordsporttrac, in a recent post you said:

    "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.....
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    lasvegan or anyone else who wants to see this system "in the flesh", check out the 2001 2-dr. Sports that are on the lots.

    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.
  • ssicchissicchi Member Posts: 18
    For the rattle in the back of the S/T,try taking a ride with the tailgate down.I had a rattle in my S/T and found out that the noise was coming from the tailgate latches. I lubed them up a little and the noise went away.
  • denverdavedenverdave Member Posts: 13
    This drove me nuts too so I asked my service guy at the dealership. He told me that the AC/heating system thermostat is behind that little vent.
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    The ST's moon roof will do both.

    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.
  • smcboxsmcbox Member Posts: 1
    The Sport Trac has now been field tested for 8 to 9 months by those lucky enough to get theirs' early. After some initial discussion on the box being plastic, I have read no comments since. So here are mine ( a proud owner since June, 3K miles). No significant interaction other than paint scratching while hauling a new washing machine home from Sears (Why does the box have to be painted? Why not just color the plastic?). It has handled other hauling jobs with no issues...4 sets of golf clubs, 200 ft of drain tile, 10 80lb bags of cement, 2 yards of wood chips and other normal small-box truck jobs. I am glad I do not have to worry about rust, but I wounder if and when I will notice the box starting to wear out? Any feedback from those with more miles / usage?
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    I do not have access to seeing a Sport Trac in person as I am now living overseas. I will be returning to the states in January and would like to have a ST waiting for me!

    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!!!!
  • fordsporttracfordsporttrac Member Posts: 300
    Yup the problem with the gas cover continues. I just saw a 2001 explorer (not trac) the other day with the rub problem.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    If you want to see the 6cd changer, go to the yahoo sport trac site and look in the photos section. There, under "Derek's STanley Estate Green" you will find some close ups of the 6cd system. I plan to take some pics of the subwoofer/amp location this week.

    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.
  • rbstern1rbstern1 Member Posts: 11
    Jetski hulls are made out of SMC that is thinner than that of the Sport Trac bed. If you've ever ridden a jetski in rough water, you know it can take a real pounding with enormous stress on the hull. Many jetskis spend most of their life exposed to sun, water, and in some cases saltwater.

    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
  • mandarin_gmandarin_g Member Posts: 17
    fordsporttrac --- thanks for the clarification on the moonroof.

    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?
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    I had not heard about this option until I was readind some more here on this site....It lists Side Air Bags as an option on the Sport Trac. Is this true? Can anyone confirm? I did not see this as an option on the Ford web site.

    Thanks!
  • rb125rb125 Member Posts: 28
    My floor mat hooks on the passenger side have ripped out and torn holes in the rubber floor mat. The hooks are like a safety pin and is installed with 2 small slits. It seems to me they should have secure them some other way. Now, the way they are installed, if you get enough water/liquids on the floor it could settle in between.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    What is smc and what does those letters stand for? My dealer called and left me a message that my st was on convoy (whatever that means) and may be here this week.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Ahhh..the wonders of the Internet and search engines. ;)

    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?
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    I've had my tonneau for about a week and love it! When I washed my car the other day, I noticed a little water leaked into the bed though--very little. I really tried to shoot water up under there though and don't think water is able to get in the bed if not coming from below at a very high rate. It is very easy to remove--just flip the back onto the front and slide the pin over and lift. The only advice I have is that you make sure your tailgate is up when you close the back half of the tonneau. I would highly recommend you purchase this!

    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!
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    I'm close to buying a Sport Trac that's on a dealer's lot. I've seen in some discussions about a "discount" if you buy it when you purchase the car". Is this only when "ordering" one from the plant, or is there a "special offer" available when you purchase your vehicle (order or get one off the lot).
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    I'm looking at a ST on a dealers lot. I like everything on the vehicle, but it doesn't have a cargo cage. I've talked to the parts dept. and they can order one for $400. QUESTION: Is it easy to install? HELP.....:{)
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    A ST that I'm close to buying on a dealers lot has the gas cap that rubs. As a matter of fact, out of seven on the lot, three caps rubbed! Anyone able to get this problem fixed?
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    Cargo Cage is easy to install.

    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.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    gsyoung,
    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.
  • cjhesscjhess Member Posts: 8
    The body shop at my Ford dealer repaired the gas cap by heating it up and bending. It looked great for a couple of days, but now it has moved off center toward the tailgate. It hasn't started to rub, but it looks odd.

    Has anyone else had this problem with their repair?
  • lapointerlapointer Member Posts: 18
    I had the gas cap door replaced and the new one definitely fixed the problem. It came in already painted the same color, and covered by warranty.I personally would not consider the heat method of fixing. The cargo cage can be ordered at pepboys for $149.00 and it is made by the same manufacturer Ford buys from. Someone in a previous post gave the manufacturer and I believe a part number.
  • dolphins66dolphins66 Member Posts: 78
    No, the side airbags are NOT an option on the ST. I remember reading that waaaaaaaay back when we ordered ours in February. That is only available on the Explorer Sport and the four-door Explorers excluding the ST. Yet another short-cut I think Ford took. That should definitely be an option especially since it's a safety option. Maybe the next generation ST will have that.
  • dberndtdberndt Member Posts: 45
    I purchased the bed mat and molded mud flaps today. The dealer had them in stock so I didn't have to wait at all! The liner looks great. It has now made it impossible to remove the cargo cage while it is in the bed as long as your cargo cage pins are pushed in.
    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?
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    I like the way the ST is equipped and glad it is not loaded down with frills like heated seats, lighted mirrors, etc. If I wanted all those types of options I would get a Eddie Bauer Explorer or Navigator or something.

    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.
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for the responsed...

    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.
  • jpfeifferjpfeiffer Member Posts: 8
    Ford workers are not going on Strike. Some Ford plants have had slow downs but LAP (louisville Assembly Plant) is going strong. Right now they are busy working on the new Explorer.

    Jim
    UAW-KTP (Kentucky Truck Plant)
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    Just go off the phone with my sales person at Pep Boys. I'm trying to order a cargo cage (listed in previous posts for $149), but the sales person cannot find this item.

    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!
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    fordnut...
    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!
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.