Charlie722

I experienced the same problem with my 2017 Transit Connect LWB Wagon with the Titanium trim and 45,000 miles -- the plastic seat valance panel (that is Ford's description of this part) on the driver's seat cracked where a screw holds it to the seat frame. so it popped off and away from the front area of the seat. Fortunately it did not break on the back attachment to the seat frame. I have temporarily used a long zip tie to secure the front of the valance panel to the front edge of the driver's seat. I do have a Ford extended warranty, so I will see if they will cover the part and installation, which my dealer's online parts catalog lists at just under $100 (that is pricey for a cheapy made plastic part). Obviously the plastic is too flimsy to handle the flexing that occurs on this part from vehicle motion. I know it is not due to my putting my weight on this part when getting in and out of the vehicle. Because of issues with my back, when getting into the vehicle I stand next to the open door with my back toward the vehicle, then hold onto the grab handle above the door and llower myself to a sitting position facing the outside of the vehicle and, once I am seated with my legs still outside the door frame, I lift my legs up and rotate 90 degrees to the proper seated position. I repeat this in reverse order when getting out, using the handle to pull myself to a standing position. Hence I have not exerted my weight directly on this part, and I know there was never anything that caught on it that would have ripped it loose, like clothing.

Eddie Kilowatt, you mentioned having to squeeze a tab to rotate the cover to release it. Where is that elusive tab? I cannot see or feel it, and I can see from the condition of the filter through the grille that it REALLY needs a good cleaning or replacement! Interesting that the owner's manual never mentions this filter or the need to clean it periodically.

Thanks for that tip, GBL ... but is it sufficient just to disconnect the positive terminal for 2 minutes, then reconnect? The negative terminal is rather hard to access without removing the parts that hold in the battery and sliding the battery out of its compartment. Thanks, Charlie

I had a similar problem with the SYNCH 3 system not responding to voice commands, and the so-called "master reset" was no help in correcting the problem. I took it back to the Ford dealer and insisted that they perform a full diagnosis of the system, and, lo and behold, the APIM was faulty! It took them a week to get the correct APIM installed (the first one Ford sent was also defective). At least they provided a service loaner vehicle while they had it for all that time (and it was a Ford EcoSport -- very tiny and anemic with its 3 cylinder engine). So far the problem appears to be fixed.

I was looking for an alternative to a SUV, CUV, and minivan to replace my aging Ford Freestyle SEL, and then I found this Ford Certified lightly used 2017 Transit Connect Titanium Wagon LWB at a local Ford dealership. It fits the bill perfectly! Incredibly roomy for both passengers and cargo, handles nimbly, adequate acceleration, smooth ride, and way more fuel efficient than other vehicles with even less usable interior room. The Titanium interior trim and options are quite upscale -- mine has the middle row bucket seats and offers great room and easy access for four adults plus a good amount of cargo area with the third row folded flat. During the weekday it serves as my mobile office and can carry all of my test kits, files, laptop computer, and printer. On weekends I use it for camping trips and runs to the boat. It has even made Home Depot runs to carry home bulky items like appliances. The Synch3 system works well, but I did experience a failure of the APIM which took out that system that was fortunately covered under the warranty. The only other trouble experienced is that one day I went to drive it from home, and all electrical power was totally DEAD. It had to be towed to the Ford dealer to be resurrected (could not be jump-started by AAA), and the dealership never did figure out what caused it, but when they disconnected and reconnected the battery, the electrical system came back to life spontaneously. Due to these electrical issues, I decided to purchase the Ford Protect extended warranty for peace of mind for 100,000 miles. The only thing I miss is a remote opening and closing tailgate, but that is a small sacrifice of convenience. Regards from Lakeland, Florida, Charlie