Gideon
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Everything posted by Gideon
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2012 Ford Transit Connect Wagon maintenance question
Gideon replied to Jorge1954's topic in <i>Maintenance</i>
I'm no expert but believe that changeing all fluids seems a good idea (they can and do degrade with time). Best to have a trusted mechanic inspect van and let you know for sure. -
If it's any help, the "park assist" on 2018 is separate from the rear camera. It works off the 2 sensors in the bumper facing straight back. Not the sensors at the ends of the bumper which are for "blind-spot warning". I did have trouble on my old 2016 van with the park assist switch, but just ignored it as too expensive to bother fixing. You can try to clean the sensors exterior surface, it may help.
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Could it be suspension, not alignment, problems ?? Weak springs perhaps? IMHO (and I'm no mechanic), if springs are weak and van leans more than usual in turns, that may be the reason.
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Tonight's temperature -31C with wind-chill factor of -40C. Obviously wind-chill doesn't affect cars, only humans and animals. BTW, although I don't generally care for overseas travel, I WOULD love to be able to visit Finland and the other Scandinavian countries [preferably in warmer times].
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Hi all, I don't have a garage, nor carport nor shelter. Overnight it was -27C and my 2018 fired on first crank. Warm air from heater in under 2 min, but mianly directed to defrost windshield, so took more time to get comfy. Considering the van's volume, very good performance! BTW, over the past couple weeks, many overnight (and some daytime) temps were around -25C to -28C In the Ottawa, Canada area [colder than Helsinki, Finland even]. And "Wind Chill" factors were -30C to -43C.
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No active grille on my old 2016 nor on this 2018. Was it standard or an option?? If an option, I'm happy NOT to have it [one less 'gimmick']. FYI: In the late "50's", my father had a used MB-180 Diesel that had a curtain [in tracks] in front of radiator operated by a pull-chain below the dash. You could adjust as required, 0 to 100% coverage. That diesel was very reliable.
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Had the bushing done under RECALL on my former 2016 XLT AND on my present 2018. The new bushings was/is white. Mechanic said the problem was mainly caused by spilled oil [when oilchanges were done] which corroded the older rubber bushings.
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Personally, I would not do it if you have a turbo engine. But with the 2.5 the TC can tow "up to" 2000 lbs, so should not be any worry. I topw a 1700 +/- lbs tent-trailer in summer [true - only about 250Km each way] with no problem at all. And without "factory" towing pkg. With the factory pkg you can rest easy. But watch your TOTAL load => van + trailer, as it may affect handling & braking.
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Same problem with my 2018 - driver side was worst. I just glued strong button magnets - 1 on visor (centered on edge), 1 on shelf - and job's done. I wanted strong attraction as I like to use those extra flip-down tinted visors and they do add a bit of weight.
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As I usually do only short trips [especially with all the pandemic restrictions we have], I use the old trick of blocking the grille to keep cold air from directly hitting the radiator and engine. It really helps the engine to reach and maintain operating temps.
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I live midway between Ottawa,Ont. and Montreal, Que. I mentioned the heated washer jets only because I noticed them. This van [as my previous one] was bought used. I'd never bother with asking for [pay extra for] the heated jets nor the heated windsheild - not worth the cost IMHO. Use quality washer fluid rated -40C and good to go. Also this 2018 van doesn't have a block-heater as my 2016 had. No big deal. I've a homemade "trickle charger" to keep battery OK and that's all I really need. I do however try to keep fuel at 1/2 or more to help keep out condensation and do occasionally use gas-line 'anti-freeze' [when temps go up/down like a yo-yo].
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Yesterday it was -16'C (about 4'F) all night and in morning. My 2018 wagon started-up no problem and engine reached operating temp in about 5 minutes. I have the electrically heated front windshield, but could not see any difference over 'normal' windshield for defrosting. Love the heated outside mirrors though. Also noticed wires going to the front washer jets under the hood. Seems they have some sort of heater that works with the electrical wind shield. Nothing in the owner's manual about it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL, Please stay healthy and safe!!
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Here in Canada, and probably the USA too, we only get the long wheelbase gas[petrol] engine models. My 2018 XLT [2.5L] starts easily in -10'C and cabin heat is noticeable fairly quick. But due to volume, it does take a while to feel warm/comfy inside.
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2019 TC Crash Safety: Practical Application
Gideon replied to STAGEO's topic in Articles, News & Reviews
Bought that 2018T-C (XLT). But now it had 175,000 Km. Seems someone at the dealer borrowed the van for a family trip. No problem as it 'proved' van was in good shape and reliable. Getting used to the electronic 'gizmos' (mostly). No problems starting in -10'C, and cabin heat comes on quickly. Will certainly appreciate the heated ext. mirrors and electric frt. and rr. windshield defrosters when freezing rain comes. Very comforting to know how solid/safe the T-C is. And with its lower center-of-gravity [compared to SUVs], it's less likely to flip over in mishaps. BTW, my nephew, who has a new Explorer, was amazed at all the storage 'cubbies' and space. And, as I let him drive it from Ottawa to my home ( 70 minutes +/-), he definitely liked the ride and handling. -
2019 TC Crash Safety: Practical Application
Gideon replied to STAGEO's topic in Articles, News & Reviews
THANKS -
2019 TC Crash Safety: Practical Application
Gideon replied to STAGEO's topic in Articles, News & Reviews
Recently totaled my 2016 XLT wagon. Not as bad as Stageo, but entire front was gone. Only driver's airbag deployed. Have managed to find a 2018 XLT wagon [loaded with options] with 173,000 km on odometer at decent price. Here in Canada, T-C wagons are very rare [even new ones] and cargo models hold their vaue very well too. Question: Can (dealer) program the 2018's BCM to "Dark Mode" as I had done on my old 2016 ?? Appreciate any help. THANKS -
Finally installed my customized antique roof carrier on my van. Its got 6 tiedown straps and 6 support pads, 4 large & 2 small.
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Welcome to "global warming". I doubt there's much, if anything, that you can do other than get a couple 12V fans. Old Land Rovers used to have a spaced second roof to reflect sun's heat and keep it from 'broiling' the vehicle.
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Neatly done. If you don't mind a slightly 'messier' setup, then a pair of stick-on magnetic strips, properly aligned (easy to figure out) will also work. As both strips are magnetic, should have enough attraction for the job.
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BTW, isn't this why drivers have a "significant other" in the front passenger seat ? Can never forget when mt brother bought a new car, long ago, salesman made a point telling him the cruise control will give a warning if you drove faster than set speed. My brother's answer, "That's what I have a wife for" !