windguy

welcome to the Forum congrats on your new TC Wagon. How about a pic of your new wheels? The Wagon has the option to add roof rails when ordering from the factory, the Cargo version doesn't. DarbukaDave is correct in that ordering the roof rack option from Ford as a spare part is really expensive and not the best option. See the link below for extensive discussions regarding roof rack options. http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2406-roof-attachment-points-on-2014-transit-connect/#entry6928 I plan to add rails and crossbars to my Cargo van at some point if I need to put my windsurfing/surfing boards on the roof for a road trip. For now they go inside for local use. I'd go with Thule or Yakima rails and the same for crossbars. I think the systems are interchangeable. I have a friend that did that for his pickup truck shell and it's a nice system. size wise the rails can sit in the channel. perhaps you can post any questions on the existing rack thread to keep that info in one spot. good luck!

@mikeeshaq - is your trailer hitch a Ford part or aftermarket like the Curt that GBL mentioned and others have installed? I'm curious about these springs because I checked to see how my Ford installed hitch attaches to the frame and only see the four studs (two on each side) sticking out but can't see the head of the stud because it's behind the frame so not sure what holds those studs in place and how they were installed. The hitch sits on the studs with a nut holding it in. I've mentioned this before, for me, the hitch is in the way because it sticks out from the bumper and is a real shin grabber. I keep having to be careful not to bonk into this while loading gear and also even just sitting there tailgating, which I do a lot because I sit on the edge and put my wetsuit on or have a snack. Let me throw this idea out to the group. I don't have any immediate plans to use the trailer hitch so is it feasible to order a new bumper from Ford parts and swap it out? If I have a need to use the hitch then I can put it back on but for everyday use it's not required. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the Ford hitch framework is in place of a regular bumper. One or the other. If the cost isn't that much for a new bumper and it's not that hard to install I would do this to improve my use of the van. thanks!

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that next time I use the van. will report back

I checked again and there are no ducts under the seat for the Cargo Van. in fact there is a slight gap between the lower console of the dash side and the center console The floor carpeting under the seat hides any possible cutouts for ducting. thanks

nice job - I like the modular design and craftsmanship. do you plan to finish it for added protection? PS - I'm behind in the times. I had to search out who Chewie is.

GBL said in another thread just used heat for the first time since spring yesterday. didn't have it blasting but I know the problem is still there. how did you figure out what the problem is for the cargo van models? do you think it's worthwhile to have the dealer take the housing off and check it out. Is that an easy thing to do? thanks

thanks GBL. I'll continue with the 44 for a little while then try 42 next to compare. regarding the heater, I'll copy this post to the other thread we had going on heater issues.

I posted about the sunshade that I got for my Gen 2 in the thread link below http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2743-tailer-made-front-seat-covers/page-2#entry9816

thanks GBL. how does the ride suffer?

I'm curious about the proper tire pressure and the TPMS system in the Gen 2 TC. I found two threads (links below) that discuss this a little with some good input but need to know a little more. TIRE PRESSURE http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/897-how-improve-gas-mileage/page-2#entry8948 TPMS http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2883-low-tire-pressure-light/#entry8444 I checked the tire pressure on the van for the first time. Normally a monthly check for me with cars but haven't bothered yet on the TC cause it was at the dealer a few times and figured the TPMS would let me know if the pressure dropped too low. I think that was a bad assumption. I checked the work order from my last service (shown below), about 1,000 miles ago (2.5 months), and it shows the TP is supposed to be 44, which they set for all four tires. Also shows 44/48, which is what my door placard recommends for front and rear tire pressure. Without a heavy load in the van I'm okay with 44 front and back. When I checked the tires they were between 36-38 psi. I was shocked at how low they were. I aired them up to 44 and was wondering what others are doing. I carry a light load in the cargo area most of the time. What's the tolerance for the TPMS sensor to go off and what is it based on, 44 front and 48 rear or an average for all tires, like 44? I checked the manual for more info on how this works but didn't see anything specific, unless I overlooked it. Thanks

the seat massager feature is da bomb. especially when you turn the seat heater on. glad you like your van. what always strikes me funny is that in the garage, the van looks really big, but in a parking lot next to other vehicles it's about average or sometimes overshadowed next to bigger SUV and pickups.

I actually think the idle is pretty quiet in my van - 2.5L standard engine - cargo version. when you first turn it on, it's a little tinny sounding (I think that might be the cat converter) but once warmed up and with the windows closed, it's hard to hear the engine, almost like a hybrid.

congrats on your new van. your signature says SWB but you mentioned LWB. How about a pic of your new wheels? regarding the hook thing, I was wondering the same thing but never got around to asking about it. thanks for bringing it up. regarding that secondary mirror, I think that's only on the wagon models. The cargo vans don't have that option.

great tool to have and inexpensive. thanks for sharing.

great job on the van. even more jealous of the 50mpg. that's double what I'm getting.

same with mine - Gen 2 2015 built in October 2014 I thought it was strange to see that as well. how do you like the weathertech mats? I got the optional all weather mats with the van but it doesn't contain too much. fits nicely though.

long story short the recirculation control doesn't work if you have the ducting set to defrost. I'm sure this is explained in the manual but I'm still saving that exercise for a rainy day, hopefully soon. I had left the ducting on defrost the previous trip and not realizing this, I couldn't get the recirculation switch to come on. Was convinced it had broken until my return trip home I noticed the ducting was left on defrost and moved it to the regular position I use and the light came on, both on the recirc switch and my feeble brain. I'd prefer to have the recirc option for defrost.

The OP, LikeToTurnLeft, wants to lower his van. I'd like the option to be able to raise mine when needed. I'm guessing you're in the same camp, wanting to add some lift, right?

there's an ongoing thread regarding roof racks for the Gen 2 TC's. there has been some discussion regarding the front mounting points and the location of the side air bags. http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2406-roof-attachment-points-on-2014-transit-connect/page-4#entry11578

@GBL - excellent posts regarding the heater ducting. Ford needs to put you on their payroll. I never realized you had a wagon. Just assumed it was a cargo van. So you removed the lower console cover to expose the heater elements. Curious, was that hard to do? Any guess as to why this transition duct was missing from your van and would that be a global problem for others, like this part was off the build list and no one realized it was missing? I have the cargo van and there is no ducting under the seats. I checked after reading your first post. In fact there is a small gap between the front console and the one between the seats. Not sure if your console is the same or if the ducting goes below that somehow. To test if hot air is leaking in the console area, should I check where the plastic meets the carpet on both driver and passenger sides? It would make sense that something like this is happening rather than just having a closed heat exchanger putting out the heat but by touching the console the temp seems to be way hotter than any air that would be coming out of a vent duct so I'm not so sure why the excessive heat.

I thought Vermont and NH joined as one state a few years back I was in NH last April visiting family and it snowed 4", which stuck around all day too. crazy winter. I guess I don't mind the console getting that hot as long as there's some type of thermal blanket protecting the parts above it, like the radio. somehow I kind of doubt something like that is in place. Still think it's a bit of a liability having it be that hot in the cabin area.

there is already a three page thread that discusses roof rack options for Gen 2 TC's (2014 and newer) so check that out for starters. http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2406-roof-attachment-points-on-2014-transit-connect/ I agree with what bikinchris said. The OEM rails and cross bars have a max load limit, which is probably light duty. I'm sure the aftermarket rack solutions are much better, but they would know the max load rating for their products. I've seen in parking lots like Home Depot Gen 2 TC's with some beefy looking ladder racks on tradesman vans. keep us posted on what you find out.

that makes sense but mine is more than warm. I'd call it pretty hot, too hot to leave your hand on it for too long, unless you live in some crazy cold place like Vermont

I checked the measurements of my installed keypad and came up with the approximate numbers below: width - 4" height - 1 3/8" depth - 1/2" I looked at the location you describe. I think that would work size wise. As long as the surface is rigid, not too much bounce when you press on it, you'll be okay. Where I mounted it on the back door has a little bounce, but not too bad. I love having the keypad access. It took me a little while to get used to entering the code with the right touch to get it to recognize, and open. Once you have that learned, it opens almost always on the first try. It wasn't that way in the beginning. Very inexpensive upgrade.