New '07 Owner

[Brucifer]

Just saying Hi to everyone before delving into the appropriate forum for questions. 2007 SEL with 130k on the clock. Coming off a BMW where I was spoiled as for answers to everything. Edge info seems to be a bit sparse.

 

Only have one key and I'm sure my eyes bugged out a little with a quote of $225 from the stealership. Paid the same amount for BMW, but didn't expect with with a Ford. Salesman said he'll try and contact the former owner to see if they have any floating around.

 

Would like a rear-view camera, but a mirror based one is running $700 at the local audio shop.

 

Need to pull the front plugs to hopefully see if they were ever changed.

 

Transmission is slow going into reverse. Fluid is fine. Maybe a flush/refill.

 

I think all I can afford at the moment is LED bulbs to make be feel special. Between the Bimmer's Xenon bulbs.

 

Did get a set of service manuals off EBay.

[akirby]

You can get keys from eBay and have them cut at a locksmith. If you only have one key the dealer will have to add the new one (for security reasons - don't want a valet to be able to add their own key).

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Welcome, Brucifer! AWD or FWD?

 

I wouldn't say this forum is short of information. Look at some threads for the backup camera alone:

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/2768-backup-camera-install-into-factory-nav-unit/
http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/7415-edge-mid-range-touchscreen-stereo-upgrade-top-to-bottom/
http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/743-rear-view-camera-photos/
http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/12616-back-up-camera-install/

 

If the fluid in the trans is of unknown age/mileage, it is not advisable to flush. Instead a 3x drain and refill should be the first thing to do, to ensure there is no gunk floating around in the fluid. That may fix the "slow reverse" problem. But may need an additive, a "stop slip"-per if you will from Lucas or Lubegard. Better would be to step up to a quality full synthetic ATF like Amsoil. But if you can access the solenoids/valve body for a direct cleaning, that will likely be of great help in resolving the issue.

 

Easy enough to do the plugs, take your time though.

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/8724-sparkplug-replacement-job-info-with-photos/

[Brucifer]

Do the keys have a security chip in them? I'm taking they do since there is a section in the owner's manual about adding a key, but you need two dedicated keys to start with. Hopefully my salesman can come up with a second key so I can use the money elsewhere.

 

FWD. I found a lot of those threads already about the camera (I am a mad Googler!). That AV Electronic box seems interesting. Don't understand why they don't have the price listed. I'm not in desperate need of a rear view camera, but my wife's CX-5 has me somewhat spoiled (along with LED headlights).

 

BMW's transmissions came with 'Lifetime Fluid' and there was some debate as for replacement. I'll do some more research as to possible causes, but why the hate on the flushing? Yes, drain and refill is a more gentle way to replace the fluid, but ATF is high detergent oil and if something is going to break loose, I would think it would in a cleaner environment. I take it there is no readily available filter on it.

 

As for the plugs, I already have a YouTube video bookmarked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QES9mgex8cw

 

Speaking of bookmarks, I have all sorts of bookmarks for my old BMW. There might be information here, but is there a page like this?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46

or listings like this?

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

 

I have sub-folders dedicated to the radio, transmission, and wheel bearings for info and DIY's. I have another folder just for info on the knock-off scanner ($40) that will show me all errors and allow me to change features on the car such as which windows go up or down when I hold the unlock button on the fob.

 

I'm not saying that an E46 is better than an Edge (it is, but that's another debate), but the amount of information I was able to pull from was staggering. I found the Pinned 'How To' thread here, so that will help a lot. I don't mind doing my own wrenching, but sometimes I know I am in over my head and having a well documented DIY will help determine if I have enough patience to tackle a project.

 

I'm looking forward to hanging out here and pestering you guys.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

There is no filter as such in the transmission, there IS a mesh screen. I doubt ATF has enough detergents to last 100,000 miles. The longer you let it go, the more likely a flush should be avoided to prevent potential trans clogs. Plus, not knowing the conditions the trans has been subjected to in its' service history, you have to assume the worst, and start with the drain & fill approach. If all looks well after a while, move forward to a flush later on. I am of the mindset that would rather do more fluid changes than specified by the OEM, than have to replace parts because of poor service history.

 

"Lifetime" is a relative term. Not to be taken as "forever & ever & ever & ...". Marketing gimmick mostly. Best case scenario is what is specified by the mfr under "Normal" conditions. "Severe duty" is what a lot of see in real life. If you are not a hypermiler, if you drive in a lot of stop'n'go traffic, if your area is subject to climactic extremes, if you are a leadfoot, "severe duty" is what you should go by.

 

BMWs are great (as long as they are under warranty ). However, I feel that as a %age, there are more "enthusiasts" in the BMW community (appropriately so), and hence more information (& parts) available readily for repair/mods.

 

Nope, no such organization of information for the Edge/MKX. Good idea though. Have seen similar deals for other platforms as well.