humitex

Hello All, Ok, here are the pics of my stereo, amp and sub as promised...and the new mobile video screen I installed yesterday. It a 14 in drop down and I use my ipod to play the movies and I have 3 RF headphones...1 for each kid! (So much for a work truck) Since I drive the truck daily and the kids love driving in it, I decided to go all out with my tunes...well, all out for me that is. The install was a breeze (15 years exper. installing) and looks great Justin

Willie, I'm sure you can make it smaller...you can shorten the unit that I installed, but I find the extra space very useful. I just ordered a 14 inch drop down screen and will use my IPOD to play movies for my kids when they come along for a ride. justin

I can only guess that the TC has far less of a decent ground plane than the Ranger. The manufacturer used to install ground straps to the base of the antennas to allow AM reception to come in clearer. The TC antenna has a plastic housing and relies on the radio for a ground, plus Ford is using a volkswagon antenna adapter which is fine, but since the radio is not physically grounded to metal, the AM is not so great. Although, I removed my antenna because my TC wouldn't fit in my garage...and my AM worked ok...guess it helps being in Houston too... I plan on reinstalling my antenna so I can listen to my program from 11am-2pm....sports come in better with Sirius radio anyway. JK

I would if I had my antenna plugged in, but I listen to Sirius radio 99.9% of the time. I will get it back....I miss listening to Rush! JK

Well, I finally received my radio kit from the UK...took almost 2 weeks to get here...got the harness and antenna adapter...but found out after I removed the radio that the antenna adapter is a Metra part number 40VW-20...so you can pick this up at any local stereo shop. I also found out today that Scosche carries the TC kit...now they tell me! Their part number is: FD1444B... I installed a Pioneer deck, 2 kicker 5.25in front door speakers, 2 6.25 rear door speakers, a kicker 4-channel amp, which mounts perfectly under the drivers seat and a Infinity powered 10in sub which I mounted behind the passenger rear seat. I ran a 4awg wire from the battery (using a 150amp fuse) into a distribution block which I mounted to the frame behind the kick panel. I also installed a Sirius direct connect unit which I mounted behind my glove box and I mounted the antenna to the right of the 3rd brake light. My TC sounds awesome! JK

The install took about 1.5 hours to install...from start to finish. I used sheet metal zip screws into the roof frame, one on each corner, then bent the supplied extender bars to match the contour of the truck then secured them to the body of the truck using the same screws. The rack is very sturdy and is being used to hold a step ladder and cart, and I have a hand truck secured under the rack using bungee cords. I just added another piece today...I needed a place to store my non-slip shoe covers and my metal invoice clip board..so I installed a wire shelf and secured with 12lb tie wraps...looks great, plenty of space and it was only 12 bucks. jk

LOL.....that is great!! Thought I'd get a good laugh from my post! Indeed it is the same system that is in your garage...purchased from Home Depot for $60....hope everyone knew I was kidding about the price..LOL I've had it installed now for a few days and it is awesome! no rattles or squeeks! JK

Here are some more shots of the racks.. By the way, I also have storage racks that came out of a 1998 Safari Cargo Van....in excellent condition...never used..just has dust on them from the garage. If anyone is in need of them. or knows of anyone in need, please let me know. I'm asking $400 for BOTH racks...I paid over $1000 for both when new.

Hello everyone, Hope the photos are clear enough! Last night I decided to create a little extra space in my TC...since all the floor space is valuable and I carry a step ladder and cart, I decided to be creative. If you are interested...I can box up and ship this custom rack for about $240...well, not mine...I'd make one for you! You may be able to get the parts yourself...but I cut the rack to size. JK

Mad, One thing I noticed while removing the rubber grommet from the back right door is water or washer fluid inside the rubber grommet..which is strange, which may indicate a leak. Also check behind the right rear light..when I removed it I noticed the hose was wedged between the light and the body of the truck..that may explain the weak results you are experiencing too. Hope it helps!

Hello TC owners, Found a problem yesterday and thought I'd pass it on. I removed my rear brake lense to fish wires up into the van for speakers and found a wad of putty gooped up on the brake light assembly. The putty was placed over the OEM gaskets which is concerning to me...is there a leak issue that Ford is aware of and this is a quick fix? If water gets in there behind the lights, there is no place for it to go...and since wires and your brake harness are in the same pocket, that worries me. Future issues may occur including rust and the brake lights may not function...I really don't believe that Ford will cover this issue in 5 years when I start having issues. It only takes a few minutes to check your lights....let me know if anyone else out there sees the same thing. This needs to be checked into. I don't know about you, but craftmanship and longevity are important to me. JK

Brad, Yes, you must adjust each side independently

Hey Brad, The adjustment is very easy! Best advice is to put your truck on a level road, bring a flashlight (so you can find the adjustment hole) and turn counter clockwise (if I remember correctly) Then drive around and make sure you can see enough of the road ahead of you.

Hey Mike, Please be careful regarding the bypass of your system. First, it's dangerous and secondly it's against the law. (don't worry, I'm not a cop) Your rear camera should be hooked to your reverse sense wire. Not sure if the WSC has a video input to allow you to switch from PC to Back-up cam. Your VSS wire is used for GPS. They have the GPS disabled during movement due to the location and angle of the screen. You can find your VSS wire on the transmission. Go to Best Buy and ask one of the guys in the install bay if they can look up the color for you, but it would be wise to test prior to tapping into it. JK Need to add a rear camera to the work solutions computer screen - is this possible? Also - Any info on the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) and disabling it so my passenger can type/nav while driving? THANKS! (Any info on the wiring for the work solutions computer is what I am asking I guess)

Guess I never thought about someone stealing my battery....then again, I never thought of that in any of my other cars either, and they had a cable/latch system, but would require you to break into my car first, which would set my alarm off. (not the 70's anymore) And i prefer not carrying that 150+ dollar spare key around with me either. As far as gas going up to $5, I say drill here, drill now and besides since the gas cap is plastic and can bend, the need for a lock is pointless (to me) and where are you parking that people would have time to suck out your gas....lol Hey, I still love my truck jk

Ok, so I shared information on how to adjust the headlights which is fine, but last night while driving I wanted to adjust them again because they were too low. So, I pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the truck (problem with that #1) got out in the 40 degree air, inserted the key, turned to the left to unlock, then turned to the right to unlatch (problem with that #2) then had to remove the key and go back into the truck to turn the key back on to allow the headlights to work (problem with that #3) then go back and fumble around in the dark trying to find the access hole for the adjustment screw. (I now bring a flashlight) WHY, WHY WHY???? I want to meet the design team and talk to them. I want to know what they have against "normal" I still love the truck..don't get me wrong...I just really love easy stuff. Ok, they create a feature that allows the radio to come on without the key, but the hood is like Fort Knox, WTH? Let's put on our thinking caps.... Justin, Cypress Texas

Mad, The first thing to do is find out what the output amperage of the cars' alternator is. Most cars have between a 120-150amp alternator. (may be more) Then you need to find out what the amerage draw is on the inverter you choose. Since the alternator runs your power accessories while the vehicle is running, you should know how much power the car is consuming with ALL the accessories on at the same time. (lights, wipers, radio, a/c) This will give you a surplus amperage to use how you'd like. Ok.....or, you can just get a standard 110v dc to ac converter and just plug it into a stardard 12 volt "switched" circuit using a cig. lighter plug. Most any converter will work, you just need to ensure the inverter can handle a heavy amp load. Under the driver seat is a perfect location....flat and very easy to run cable to. (I installed my 4 channel amplifier there) Sorry for the rant.....hope I didn't confuse....bottom line is, you should have no worries...just remember, the inverter should have the ability to handle higher amperage. JK I like how the TC has convenient 12V power access at the rear-end; and there are time when that can be really convenient. However, my needs are much more frequently for 110V A/C for which I intend to install a high-capacity inverter wired directly into the battery/main vehicle power. Does anyone know how powerful an inverter (in watts) the TC can safely accommodate? I'd also appreciate any placement and mounting suggestions (I'm hopelessly anal about retaining as much of an "OEM look" as possible) that would keep the inverter as concealed as possible yet readily accessible (I'm thinking beneath the driver's seat) without turning the TC into a rolling electric chair. Many thanks.

Sorry about that....had trouble downloading....they are in the picture gallery Justin

Hello everyone, Well, incase you don't know that you're blinding people while you're driving at night....you are. Here are some pics of how to adjust them so you can feel better about yourself at night! Tools you'll need: T15 torx tool, eyes, at least one hand and light. Justin

We purchased the Garmin 1690 GPS unit. Not only is it awesome for building routes for our service company, but it has a great handsfree feature that blows away even the motorola handsfree kit. It sells for $499 and is well worth the expense. JK Given the generally-bad experience I've been having with my Transit Connect (many of which are the result of bad luck, happenstance, and issues unrelated to the vehicle itself), I've decided to take the depreciation hit of trading it in once the rear-end collision damage is repaired. One of the features I'm keen to be rid of is the FWS Computer. While I'm sure others have found it useful, I just find it to be a poor implementation of technologies that are far better-performed by less expensive alternatives like handheld or netbook systems, even if it means foregoing dash-integrated navigation. One of the absolute worst aspects of the FWS I've found is its handsfree phone performance. It's like speaking from an echo chamber inside a toilet, and there just doesn't seem to be any way to improve its performance. Can anyone vouch for the performance of the Nokia system? It may become a criterion for the replacement vehicle, but only if it seems to be of good audio quality (within the context of the TC's somewhat noisy cabin). Thanks in advance.

Please post images of the adjustment steps! Thanks, Until then, blinding people daily. When I first drove the van at night the lights were bright but couldn't see far, so I decided to adjust the headlights up a bit. When I went to adjust them the screw was turned down to the lowest setting (couldn't go any lower) Adjusted them up about 2 turns and they are great now and no problems with on coming cars. Guess the dealers don't check headlight adjustments anymore.

Humi.... (Justin) OK, why would you want to keep us in the fog? Enlighten us please..... Thanks, REC Happily Transiting Ok....since you're twisting my arm, here is the data: FOG LAMP Part numbers are as follows, lights: 1209177 screws: 6707417 clips: 1369539 switch: 1323829 website: www.fordpartsuk.com Here is a funny question for the group: How often do you get high beams flashed at you at night because other drivers think you have your high beams on? Every single night, without fail, I get at least 10 passing cars flashing their lights at me....my lights are so damn bright and aim high, I don't blame them, but I have to keep my finger on the highbeam switch to get back at them!! I feel bad, but my kids love keeping count. Does anyone out there experience the same issue? if so, did you adjust the lights? comments please!

Ed, Yes, that would be me! We made our decision to purchase the TC after seeing it at one of your competitors..but I didn't want the white one. Here is what helped us decide to buy it so fast: 1. We found your dealership on the internet and you were the only game in town with a Blue TC 2. Your team greeted us promptly and was very friendly 3. We were treated like Family 4. Your team spent time explaining the buying process, details of the van including the history...(very rare for a dealership) 5. We were not pressured to do "anything" 6. We met your service team (another thing that NEVER happens at dealerships) 7. You offered to make our first oil change appointment...hmmmm 8. Your Finance guy was not a "smoke and mirrors" guy...up front, honest and real! 9. We liked the fact that 10 or more sales guys weren't hovering around the door where customers enter....which makes car buying a nightmare The most exciting part of the process was seeing the van cleaned and prepped, with the temporary tags on.....before we even knew the deal was sealed! Thanks for the experience. Hope you didn't mind the little "plug" for you guys FYI, if anyone would ike to know, I have the model numbers to the FOG LIGHT kit for the TC along with the site where to purchase. Let me know. Justin Did you buy the Blue Wagon that we sold a couple weeks ago? It is a good looking color. I like the blaack one we have on display as well. Good luck with your new TC. You can't miss mine if you see it on the roads around Houston.

Hey Roland, Enjoyed your post! LOL Seems there are more complaints about the cup holders then expected!...oh and the driverside sliding door sticks too...may need some grease. I'm getting the truck lettered tomorrow..can't wait. Speaking of a Ferrari...my favorite car, by the way...I get so many looks it kinda feels like I'm in a Ferrari....but without Christy Brinkly I had to remove the antenna so the van would fit in my garage...hey, as long as I can still listen to Rush. I started my radio transformation, I ran a 4awg power wire for my 4 channel amp which will be mounted nicely under the driver seat, and a 150amp fuse under the hood. Next phase is to run speaker wires to the rear doors for a set of 6.5 speakers. Then the CD deck, Sirius Sat and a small Infinity amplified amp, which is still being considered...not sure if I want to loose any space even though its only a 10in sub. I hate the fact I have to order the kit from the UK, but I found a company that seems good. I used to install for many many years, and it looks like a VW kit, VW harness and VW antenna adapter. I'll post some pics of the lettering...the only lettered Blue Transit in Houston! woo hoo Justin By the numbers... 1 - Amen. I'm looking into the eropean style ones. They're taller. 2 - Amen. Radio got to stay, but the attached parts are in a box in the shed now. Much better.... 3 - Huh? I outran a scooter the other day. Yeah, it's not as quick as the Crown Vic (complete with attitude) it replaced, but it doesn't eat as much either. (by a long shot!) 4 - Yeah, you will... 5 - What parts? I had to get a wiring piece for the radio to direct hook my XM, but found out later I could get it through a shop locally. He said it was unusual, but obtainable. Fog lights...Yup. 6 - Drive like you're in a Ferrari.... Who needs a rear view mirror? Agreed. I'm looking in the boneyard for one like I had in the Crown. (It had a compass and dimming) 7 - As long as it holds my large coffee.... (it does) 8 - Thats all? I'm still chasing a few others, but have reeled in most of 'em now. 9 - Amen. I'm working on the back a little at a time. It is a slow process with no money! 10 - AMEN! That is a P.I.A. to say the least. It is secure though... 11 - a second push of the button undoes the rear doors - and if you do them first, a second push of that button undoes the others. I'm already used to this. I thought it was odd at first, but there are other little oddities that exist too. Over and above all of this (And by the way.. I'm not too serious for the most part), I really like mine. I passed the 5000 mile mark on Thursday coming home. No problems that have to do with anything important. The bigggest issues so far were two small trim pieces that were broken, both to do with doors, and the rattles I've been killing one at a time. Yeah, it's under warranty, but I've seen the test drives for this type stuff.... not with mine! The worst two were the tether for the spare tire was not fully secured at the wheel, and the other end can be metal to metal contact with the bracket that holds it, the other was the left sliding door had a loose bolt in the striker. I would never have found this one had I not just gone to making sure visible bolts were tight. It was LOUD! I did crank the spare tire a little tighter right from the start too.. My biggest dislike is the wiper switch setup. Too sensitive. the slightest touch set it into motion - and usually right after you are finshed cleaning it! Arrgh! The radio part of your post is hilarious. (And oh so true.) I like the automatic speed sensitive volume, and the CD and radio are good, but the speakers were a joke! Glad they're gone now. Enjoy it.. and I like the blue. Mine is not blue.... or silver, or red..... or even black. It looks like most every other one I saw up to the day I bought it. Of course, one of the places I had been looking was waiting for a silver one... and it came in the day after I got mine. Mine is white. Oh well.... I can live with it. By the way... how about that front seat armrest? Roland C. Happily Transiting

Well, so far I'm pleased with my new Blue TC...my only compliants are: 1. Hard to see sideview mirror on driver side due to window rail 2. Radio sounds like *&^% 3. Little sluggish 4. Key fobs are hard to see, but I'm sure I'll get used to it 5. Parts needed to install aftermarket items must be ordered from overseas 6. Rear view mirror is too small (I own the XLT wagon with rear seats) 7. Cup holders are too small and cramped between seats. (ok if you drink from soda cans) 8. Arm rest squeeks 9. Would like to see more mounting areas in rear cargo area. Maybe a secure spot to screw into? 10. I would like to see a standard gas cap door without a lock 11. The rear doors should unlock with all other doors, or have a owner option feature that allows you to choose Thats it...I still love my van! We own a service business that helps school kitchens comply with USDA and HACCP regulations by monitoring and controlling humidity inside the walk-in cooler and freezer. So, we don't carry much on-board besides a step-ladder, cart, tool bag and 5 or 6 boxes of filters. The TC has the perfect amount of space needed for us, and the fuel economy to help control expenses. I used to be in the automotive aftermarket installation business installing radios, alarms, amps, lights, GPS or any other electronic item..so if I can assist anyone, please drop me a line. Justin/Filter Guy