2K Ford Explorer Sport Trac's - III

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  • kdaroskdaros Member Posts: 19
    I had my Hard T Cover installed on Friday. It took the dealer over two hours to install. It looks great and works well. It is worth the money if you can get it on the special deal for early owners.

    I like the tire recall letter and plan on modifying it and sending it in.
  • hbcarterhbcarter Member Posts: 5
    I just got my letter regarding the cover. I THOUGHT that it could be removed and installed by the owner easily. If so, why does it need to be taken to the dealer to "install" it? Do the persons who have it like it?

    Also, I was told when I bought it that there were no "correct" hitches available but that one was being designed. That was in early July. I have called every week and told that the hitches haven't come in yet. Does anyone have a "correct fitting" hitch installed?
  • mkazarian1mkazarian1 Member Posts: 17
    go to Bageco.com for the hitch. They make the round or square hidden hitch. I installed one on my S.T. in about 45 minutes. No drilling is needed.
    Also, regarding the overhead console. I have the temperature guage and the compass. I did not get the garage door compartment. Are we supposed to get both? Thanks,Merl.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    You either get the button to open the moonroof or the garge door opener compartment.
  • murphy22murphy22 Member Posts: 1
    On June 23, I ordered my Sportrac with everything, except the sun roof and 4WD. Originally, they told me it would take 4 to 6 weeks. The dealer just called on Monday to tell me the ship date was September 8, and that it takes 3 to 4 weeks to ship. It took 12 weeks to get it built, so I'm looking at 15 to 16 weeks. Did it take anyone else that long?

    Jim
  • scotthawscotthaw Member Posts: 6
    I ordered my Sporttrac on June 1. I was told last week that the build date is Sept. 18-22. I have a VIN now also. Hoping to get it by mid-October. Ordered every option. White 4x4, sport group, leather, Tonneau, flip gate, etc...
    Can't wait.
  • bmarcusebmarcuse Member Posts: 7
    Bob Kunkle - I saw your pictures on yahoo. What brand is your grille guard? Did the installation affect the tow hooks? How do you like it? I am currently looking at the guards and would like to purchase one shortly. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
  • weteverwetever Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know whether the ST in California is considered an auto or truck for license purposes?
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    It is considered a Truck in California. It costs about $80 more a year to register than if it ws considered a car. My dealer registered mine as a SUV (whcich is the same as a car) but the DMV sent me a note saying that I need to register as a truck and pay 80 bills more.
  • dsb2001stdsb2001st Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know what axle code "D2" means? I hope 4.10 because mine was supposed to have a 4.10 limited slip rear axle.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    XD2 refers to 4.10 limited slip
    XD4 refers to 3.73 limited slip
  • storm254storm254 Member Posts: 1
    Mine is registered as an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle.....Marylandese for SUV)....strange thing is there is another Sport Trac in the parking lot where I work that is tagged as a truck....go figure!

    I expect that one of us will be hearing from DMV soon. :-(
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    I thought the ST has a factory alarm/anti-theft system. Why would you need an additional alarm?
    The ST has a chip in the key doesn't it, just like the Corvette? I'm confused! Can someone in the know, post the advantages/shortcomings of the factory system in the ST--why I would need an additional alarm. I put one in my '94 ranger because there was no factory alarm option avail.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    porkroll--The wait times for orders vary greatly but probably not less than 8-10 weeks. Ford is still putting Firestone tires on ST's. However, if the dealer thinks he might lose the sale, he'll often change them to another brand at time of delivery.

    hbcarter--The main thing that a dealer does during install of the tonneau cover is key the locks to fit your ignition key. You are correct that the tonneau cover is meant to be removed and installed into place as needed.

    fordnut--Yes the Sport Trac does come with a anti-theft system and it does have a chip in the key. The reason you might want an additional alarm system is because the standard system, does not protect the interior of the vehicle from intrusion, it only prevents the engine from being started.
  • kdaroskdaros Member Posts: 19
    Yes the locks are re-keyed to your ignition key but some latch posts must be installed into pre-existing holes already provided inside the box. The latches must then be adjusted so that when the cover is locked down it will be even and aligned properly. My dealer took two hours but I think that it could be done in less than one. The cover works nicely and is a sturdy unit. It can be removed but because of the bulk of its size, two people would be best. It does not weigh too much.

    The hidden hitch from BAGE was a two person install if you do not want to strain yourself.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    The brushguard is made by WAAG at WAAG.com. I purchased it through www.suvbrushguards.com The owners name is John. Tell him Bob Kunklefrom New Jersey toldyou about his company. John is a nice guy. The guard went on with no problems and it left the tow hooks intact. I am sure the lead time is shorter now. I ordered mine 6/6/00 and recieved it 7/24/00. I am glad I bought it. I needed to get some protection for the front end, in case I hit a deer or something.

    Bob
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Fordnut: As mentioned in another post, the Sport Trac comes with anti-theft in the form of the SecuriLock(tm) system. That's a coded "pellet" in the key that is required to start the vehicle.

    It is considered a Category I anti-theft system by my insurance company.

    Category I requires one of the following: cut-off (ignition,starter, or fuel) to prevent the car from starting or running, VIN-etching, an alarm that sounds when a door/hood/trunk is opened, or a steel collar on the steering column to prevent access to the ignition system.

    Category II requires both a cut-off and the alarm with automatic shut-off and reset, plus at least two of the following which activate the system: glass sensor, motion sensor, vibration sensor, ultrasonic sensor.

    Category III requires Category II, plus Hood restraint and backup battery.

    Category IV requires Category III, plus passive method of activating or deactivating the alarm system

    Category V requires Category IV, plus a stolen motor vehicle recovery device (like a Lojack or the new GPS systems).

    It seems like these things can get excessive and I don't usually carry much around inside that's left inside the vehicle. But, if it will pay for itself in lower insurance premiums and offer a little more security to prevent theft then it's something I'll explore. Supposedly air bag theft is growing also. And then there's all those Job I folks wanting the upgraded floor console. ;)

    The aftermarket rep at the dealer gave me a brochure on the System 3 and the System 4. The System 4 is supposed to be a Category II (3 is a Cat I). The System 5 and 6 are the same, but for those who don't already have the remotes.

    I hoped to find an active topic on alarms in Edmunds, but they are either dead, frozen, or...

    Has anyone performed the equivalent to window VIN etching on their accessories, Tonneau, flectors, cargo cage,...?
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    rb125,
    Thanks for the advise. I'll give her a call and let you know what happens...
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    After 7 months of waiting, my ST is at the dealer. I saw it at lunch & love it!!!
    I pick it up at 6pm tonight!!!
    Can't Wait.....

    Lasvegan- Were you picking yours up this week too?
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Ordering from Wal-Mart, vent visors, sunflector, and bugflector II. Is it desirable to affix these with the 3M tape prior to treating the finish with wax, etc.?

    It would seem for best adhesion the answer should be "Yes".

    I've seen pictures with the smoke colored deflectors that look pretty good. Anyone know of any pictures of the color-keyed deflector for the lighter colors, like Harvest Gold?

    Smoke vs. color-keyed.
  • rjkunklerjkunkle Member Posts: 74
    Check out any of my pictures at driveway.com for color-keyed Harvest gold Bugflector.
  • snickysdadsnickysdad Member Posts: 1
    I've had my ST about 7 weeks. Bought the demo. Tried to order additional parts, but dealer screwed almost everything up. Between Edmunds and Ford on line, I seemed to know more than the dealer.

    I received a letter/coupon for the tonneau today. I bought the truck 7/25.

    I installed a Manik brushguard. Fits well with the tow hooks. Was a breeze to install and is specific to the Sport Trac.

    I already replaced my 16 in. Firestones with just 3200 miles on them. I hope they eventually come through with a reimbursement, but what the hey, it's only money!

    Love the truck, it just seems "right"
  • lapointerlapointer Member Posts: 18
    Just got my tonneau cover installed, it's just what I expected. I've read posts awhile ago about the hinge possibly leaking, the hinge was covered by plastic on mine, so my guess is they added plastic/vinyl to assure no leakage. Anybody out there with the hinge exposed?? Maybe they can send the updated hinge cover to ya.
  • zack1000zack1000 Member Posts: 84
    Here is the link to the Firestone site where they state which tires they are replacing under the new government advisory as mentioned in Post #503:

    http://mirror.bridgestone-firestone.com/news/atx/newsmain_CSP.html

    There are some Wilderness tires on the list, but I don't believe they are the ones that come with the Sport Trac...
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    The October availability information was listed on the Maisto website.
  • gbridgemangbridgeman Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know if a new 2002 Sport Trac is
    scheduled to come on the market when the other 2002 Explorer models arrive in early 2002? If so,
    would there be any significant changes from the
    2001 model?

    Does anyone know when the Tacoma Doublecab is
    scheduled to arrive in show rooms and what the
    pricing might be?
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    The 2002 Sport Trac will not arrive until a year from now and it won't have many changes from what I have read. The 2002 Explorer is supposed to arrive in January but is quite a bit different from the ST.
  • spttrcspttrc Member Posts: 14
    Had my T-Cover installed just this past Thurs. Had a hard rain here in Atlanta last night and our T-cover leaked, just a little at the end of the hinges on each side. Yes, our hinge is covered with rubber, but water leaked in just at the end. Still pleased with the cover.

    Called Customer Service yesterday. They told me earlier that the divider came with the cover. (I knew that it did not, due to reading the posts here). They told me to contact my dealer. The dealer called Ford and said that the divider is not available at all. Is that the answer that y'all are getting? (Sorry about the y'all. Been in GA from CA for four years now and it is rubbing off!)
  • rb125rb125 Member Posts: 28
    I was waiting since June for my letter and each week when I called, they said it was in the mail. To this day, I still didn't get it. Come to find out, they only mail out a batch of letters every 2 to 3 weeks. With the offering ending this month, with just over a week left, I would ask to have it fax to you.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    stinhoutx, zack1000
    Thanks for the responses, but can I install these
    additional alarms--to protect the inside of vehicle--myself or does the dealer have to, and will the dealer sell it to me? Will they interface with the factory system and remotes and are their aftermarket ones available that do the same thing and work with the factory sys.?
  • gsyounggsyoung Member Posts: 27
    After all the greef of trying to get a tonneau cover, I was able to get a "T Certificate". I'm pumped! Just ordered it, and was told that the shipped dates have been improving (i.e. 3-4 weeks).

    Thanks for the updates, and suggestions!
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Zack, the answer to your question is Yes...sort of.

    The dealer will sell it to you. The aftermarket department at my dealer will glady install the Ford alarm, System 4, for $399. The accessories price is 141.33, which means they are charging $250+ for labor alone. It is an upgrade to the system that allows you to use the remote fobs you already have.

    You also have the option of third-party upgrades or replacements. The upgrades are designed to work with the fobs (fob=the keychain remote) you have. Alternatively, you could install a complete alarm which would have its own remotes.

    Your dealer (most likely) will tell you that if you install another alarm that your electrical system warranty will be void. I am still working on an intelligent response to this, but as I understand it according to the Magnuson-Moss act a manufacturer cannot require the use of a specific brand of a component ("tie-in sale")unless they demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FTC that their product will not work properly without a specified component. There is some verbage that states that without the FTC waiver a manufacturer cannot make this specification unless they provide the component free.

    The gray area is if the process of the installation or the component itself causes problems, that those repairs may not be covered by your warranty.

    If you choose to purchase a third-party product of sufficient quality and it is installed by a knowledgeable technician, and it does not induce any problems then there should be no problems with the warranty. Of course, it is always possible that the warranty provider will try to lay blame even if untrue.

    This is why you don't have to buy all of your computer memory from the manufacturer of your PC.
  • stinhoutxstinhoutx Member Posts: 47
    Sorry, the reply was to fordnut.
  • tractiontraction Member Posts: 141
    I don't understand why tires that are not recalled should be replaced. I checked my 16" tires and they were made in Canada not the Decatur plant.

    I don't expect anyone to come give me a new set of tires just because they say Firestone on the side. The feds (NHTSA) are analyzing all the data and tires complaints and if they think the recall should be expanded then I'm sure they will force a recall.

    Until then, I don't see where I am in a position to complain given that I have absolutely no data, no information, no specifics on failure rates for my tires.
  • bmarcusebmarcuse Member Posts: 7
    I found a list of complaints on firestone tires at the NHTSA website. I don't know how accurate it is but I thought it was interesting. I wish they actually had some more of the results showing how they determine the bad tires. I would prefer to interpret the results myself.

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hot/Firestone/complaints.xls
  • denrichdenrich Member Posts: 8
    I would like to put the vent shades on but have some concern with the tape. Has anybody had any problems with the tape coming undone?

    Seen the silver frost today. That's the color I wanted when I ordered mine but wasn't available then. The color really looks nice but the gray trim doesn't do anything for it, needs to be black. Ford shouldn't think that one color fits all.
  • sporttrac1sporttrac1 Member Posts: 13
    After having mine for a while I noticed that the middle was actually resting on the 2 pins that go into the sides of the box...After ajusting them up (the holes on the cover are slotted to allow for this adjustment) the cover now rests on the weather-stripping more and seals tighter...The 2 pins should not be resting on the bottom of the holes...
  • paul512001paul512001 Member Posts: 10
    I saw the silver for the first time last week, like the color, but the gray trim just didn't seem right. My silver ST that I ordered will be here the week of OCT 2nd. I guess it will just have too grow on me.
  • georgiadogsgeorgiadogs Member Posts: 9
    I was surfing websites yesterday and found an interesting tonneau cover.
    Check out www.leer.com then click on "products", "new leer products". You'll then see a red sport trac. Next to it click on the button for TSC 700. The cover is really sharp! If you look closely, it has the similar pattern/design as the front hood! Leer specifies that it's a "easy on/easy off" design. Also, no drill installation working with exsisting holes in the bed. They will paint to match. Cover not available however, until October 1st. No Price listed. I e-mailed their marketing dept. for more specifics (price, how long for delivery after ordering, etc.)and will post their response when received. The website also mentioned some add on features (additional cost I'm sure) like installed light in the bed area and some other things. Check it out! Maybe someone will be interested in this since I noticed the frustration with Ford as to price and availablity of their cover. I have the red sport trac with the Ford tonneau cover which I really like. NO LEAKS, PROBLEMS, etc. but, with this Leer product claims of easy on/easy off I may buy it too (IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT!) I mentioned price several times in my e-mail to Leer. Hope this is helpful.
  • melvin7melvin7 Member Posts: 32
    I put my vent shades on a week ago and they seem to be adhering fine.They look really good and they fit perfectly. I also added the bugflector 2 without the screws and I think it's going to hold. If anybody thinks I need to add the screws, let me know.
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    My first full day with my ST was met with mixed emotions. The "Check Engine" light went on at about 50 miles & the engine bogged down from time to time at highway speeds. It's at the dealer this morning to get the computer reset.

    I still love my ST but hope this issue is a fluke & is resolved quickly.
  • weteverwetever Member Posts: 8
    "Misbuild" is what the dealer says when the truck is not built to what the sticker says. I picked my ST up last night (8 1/2 weeks on order). I ordered the 4x4 which comes with tow hooks - nowhere to be found. I have to go back to the dealer to have them installed. I did get the new upgraded Pioneer Sound stereo. Its incredible. Speaker and Amp are behind the driver's side passenger seat which is much improved over what I test drove 2 months ago.
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    Thanks for pointing that out sporttrac1! I adjusted my tonneau this afternoon and I agree that it will make a difference. Thanks again!
  • lapointerlapointer Member Posts: 18
    Ditto, good tip on the hinge, mine was also resting on the pins, not allowing the cover to put even pressure on the rubber seal. I had to use an adjustable wrench on my T-27 torx to break the screws loose, I wonder if a gorila at the factory is tightening them down. Now the cover lays flat and is not bowed up in the center. I adjusted the hinges so the pegs were centered, the only function they should perform is to prevent the cover from shifting when opened, and obviously so it won't and can't come off.
  • tae121tae121 Member Posts: 20
    Has anyone installed the Westin Sportsman Grill guard? I'm wondering how it looks, besides just in pictures, and if it works with the tow hooks. Thank for any info!
  • spttrcspttrc Member Posts: 14
    Thank you for your hinge adjustment tip. We will try it!
  • robertc5robertc5 Member Posts: 18
    As a loyal Sport Trac owner I have followed the discussions on this site carefully, and learned alot. I don't remember seeing any comments on the windshield wipers. I know, what's to discuss. Either they work or they don't! Well, I've had a great number of vehicles, and these wipers are among the tiniest I have seen (especially of a SUV). And they don't work all that great. Has anyone considered replacing them with a more "effective" type. And if so, what kind? Or do I simply go back to the dealer and ask for new stock ones?
  • amadeus00amadeus00 Member Posts: 10
    This is my first FORD and it's getting a bad review from me already. I got my ST 3 days ago, and there are some many things wrong with it. Just today, the "Check Engine" light came on. WTF!! People always say that Ford will fix it and all that but why does it go wrong in the first place. That's time I have to take out to go to the dealer, fix the car and hope it's fixed. FORD...Fix Or Repair Daily is right!

    I don't mean to sound so negative and I know better than to expect a perfect car. I'm a design engineer and I know whats good and what's bad. Ford might have a good car but it's the quality control that has a problem. Just look at the COMMON complaints on this board. Almost everyone has experienced somekind of problem. BAD QC, BAD TESTING, BAD QA. I'm just very disappointed.

    Anyways, has anyone else experience this "Check Engine" light comming on? I called and they told me to bring it in and see. I would like to know the possibilities before I take my car in.
  • fordnutfordnut Member Posts: 80
    The one on my Ranger are also tiny, but they work.
    I don't have my ST yet and I didn't notice the wiper size on the ST. If they are smaller than my Ranger, that would be pushing it, in my opinion, but I always use Rain-X and rarely use the wipers anyway. In addition, I live in FL and we do get a lot of rain and I have no problems not using my wipers
  • jimz2jimz2 Member Posts: 44
    Amadeus-

    The service department diagnosed my "Check Engine" light issue I posted on & determined that one cylinder was getting intermitant mixture errors (too lean & then too rich).
    They're replacing the processor today.
    After a 7 month wait on the delivery, I'd like to drive the ST that I'm now making payments on.
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