The Outrage

My liftgate hasn't failed to close since the update.

I was trying out the Chrysler Uconnect system last night. It might be a little uglier than MyFord Touch but it's blazing fast in comparison. The touch screen's responsiveness is much better as there is no need to finger-stab the screen to register a "tap" as is required with MyFord Touch.

While discussing the increasing number if issues I've been experiencing with the Edge I had one of the technicians at my local dealership tell me that all the Ford Edge headliners are like this. If this is true is there anyone on this forum which has a flush mounted headliner? Is the proper fitting only by chance? It seems odd that Ford authorized the headliner's replacement if it was already known to be a common and impossible to solve issue.

My 2012 Ford Edge Sport has a non-metallic black grille. The grille was not painted Tuxedo Black by the factory. While Ford specified that the Sport model was equipped with a Tuxedo Black grile, it would seem that some (or all) 2012 Sport models did not come so equipped. What color is your Sport model's grille and what model year is your Edge?

Here's the product on their website: http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/displayapplications.asp?partnumber=15482

Ford is attempting to revive Lincoln by forcing individuals who would otherwise purchase higher-end Fords to instead purchase a Lincoln. Withholding the most powerful engines from the associated Ford model is a side effect of this new strategy.

This interests me. I hope they post more information soon.

With the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is coming with an available 3.7 liter V6 you can be all but assured that the MKX will be using a non-weezey engine. While I can see the Edge using a variant of an existing turbo I4, I'd think it would be a bad idea to equip it with the same engine from the 2013 Ford Escape (2.0 turbo I4), at least in high trim levels. Perhaps a larger displacement version of that engine is in store.

The new headliner was installed in my Edge. Unfortunately, the new headliner still has a gap in the leading edge. It's a slightly smaller gap, but it's still there. While the warranty work was being performed I was provided a 2013 Lincoln MKX to use. I noticed that its headliner did not have a large gap, however, it was not equipped with the Vista Roof option so its headliner is of a different design. Perhaps this issue is unique to the Vista Roof equipped models.

I have both the Ford OEM cargo mat and the WeatherTech cargo mat. The WeatherTech cargo mat is superior in both fit and material quality.

Let's do the math: 3.5 liter V6: 15,000 miles / 22 MPG = 682 gallons 682 gallons * $4.00 = $2,728 per year 682 gallons * $5.00 = $3,410 per year 682 gallons * $8.00 = $5,456 per year 2.0 liter turbo I4: 15,000 miles / 24 MPG = 625 gallons 625 gallons * $4.00 = $2,500 per year 625 gallons * $5.00 = $3,125 per year 625 gallons * $8.00 = $5,000 per year Assuming the 2.0 turbo I4 has a $1,000 price premium: @ $4.00 per gallon: $2,728 - $2,500 = $228 per year (break even @ 4.39 years) @ $5.00 per gallon: $3,410 - $3,125 = $285 per year (break even @ 3.51 years) @ $8.00 per gallon: $5,456 - $5,000 = $456 per year (break even @ 2.19 years) The fuel cost savings of the EcoBoost engine is greatly offset by its higher premium price. Even at $8.00 a gallon it would take over two years just to break even. It would only be from that point to the vehicle's sale that any savings would be realized.

I installed some Polarg J-62 LED bulbs in place of the 168 sized incandescent bulbs used in the licence plate lights. The Polarg J-62 uses 1 Watt 6000K LEDs. The J-62 uses a compact wedge base. This makes them suitable for other applications beyond 168 sized locations. Polarg J-62 LED Bulbs by The Outrage, on Flickr These bulbs are produced in Japan by Polarg. Most aftermarket automotive LED bulbs are Chinese in origin and sold without a brand name (many companies rebrand the same Chinese bulbs). I have found that Chinese bulbs have poor build quality (exposed electronics) and inconsistent LED colors (poor color matching). The Polarg LED bulbs have a proprietary design which incorporates a lens to refract the light (which is otherwise directional). Small venting holes in the enclosure to allow heat the escape from behind the LEDs. Polarg J-62 LED Bulb (Front) by The Outrage, on Flickr Polarg J-62 LED Bulb (Side) by The Outrage, on Flickr This shows the difference between a Sylvania SilverStar 168 sized incandescent bulb and the Polarg J-62 LED bulb. Polarg J-62 LED Bulb Color Comparsion by The Outrage, on Flickr The light spread is decent, at around 180 degrees, but is not as comprehensive as a real incandescent. For the purposes of the licence plate fixtures, which do not incorporate real reflectors and use lens diffusers, this proves adequate. The 6000K color matches the front OEM LED arrays fairly well. The actual illumination levels once installed mimic the stock level of lighting provided.

I saw a 2013 Edge SEL with the SEL Appearance Package at a local Ford dealership today. It was even painted Ruby Red; which is a close to Candy Red (my Edge's color) as it gets for 2013. The SEL Appearance Package includes body colored grille inserts. I still prefer my Sport's black grille inserts.

Here are some examples I've found on eBay: Early 2011: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-LH-SIDE-PTM-POWER-MIRROR-W-HEAT-MEMORY-PUDDLE-LAMP-AT4Z-17683-CAPTM-/230693202006?fits=Year:2011|Model:Edge&hash=item35b662e856&item=230693202006&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_2204wt_1308 Late 2011 and 2012: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-DRIVERS-SIDE-POWER-MIRROR-2011-2012-FORD-EDGE-LINCOLN-MKX-CT4Z-17683-BAPTM-/230693202213?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AEdge&hash=item35b662e925&vxp=mtr#ht_2140wt_1308

The blind spot monitoring system mirrors on the 2012 model include LED side marker lights. I'm not sure if the side view mirror change occurred part of the way through the 2011 model year.