PeteL22151

I seem to recall in a posting some months ago a reference to a 12volt DC connector of some type under the passenger seat, used to power the optional DVD entertainment system. I am interested in possibly using this to power a small ham radio transceiver. I wonder if anyone can confirm that there is such a connector and, if so, describe it. Thanks for any info. ~Pete~ N4PJL

I have recently mounted a MFJ-1734 "thru-the-glass" on my '07 SEL AWD, and it is working great. I mounted it on the driver side rear window, and have achieved great SWR results on both 2m and 440 bands. I mounted it as far back on the clear glass area as I could, and just above the "belt line" window sill, since I have a relatively low garage in my office and wanted to keep the antenna from getting banged around every day. If you don't have that constraint, mounting it higher up should improve its look-angle. I'm running it with a Kenwood TM-D700A, that puts out 50 watts. Good luck! Pete - N4PJL

FWIW ... I just had mine in for routine service and had the "burning smell" checked out. It was diagnosed as a defective power transfer unit (PTU) that was leaking fluid onto the exhaust system. I asked if it was a bad seal that needed to be replaced, and was informed that this was not a repairable part that would require a replacement of the entire PTU. The part was ordered, and I was told the car should not be driven until the fix was made. The car was at the dealer for a total of 7 days. All now appears to be fixed and working fine with no further burning smell. Mine is a 2007 SEL+ AWD, in service since July. I first noticed the burning smell in September, and it continued to occur sporadically until I got it fixed two weeks abo.

2007 SEL+ AWD with 7500 miles in for first full routine service last Thursday 1/17. Also submitted 3 items for warranty repair: 1. Burning smell ... suspect PTU fluid leaking onto exhaust. 2. Creaking noise coming from wheels at slow speed (chrome-clad 18"). 3. Black trim moulding in rear BAMR rattles ... velcro glue not holding in hot weather. I was notified late that day that the PTU assembly needed to be replaced, part on order, ETA Monday 1/21, and that the car could not be driven until repaired. Loaner car provided by dealer, via Enterprise RentaCar. Part arrived on Monday, repairs & service performed, car ready on Wednesday 1/23 (7 days out of service). Here are the service notes on the "Big Three" items: 1. Fluid leaking from PTU, leak at PTU from axle shaft area- Replace PTU assembly top off and post roadtest leaking from axle shaft area. Part #7T4Z-7251d-D ... Power T 372465 2. Wheel covers making noise - TSB 08-2-6 ... Lube all 4 wheel covers. 3. Rear sun roof black moulding flaps when driving - TSB 07-16-11 ... Perform TSB 07-16-11 Reapply loop and pad to trim ring 71611A. Part #TA-19 ... Adhesiv 983389 I hope this info might help if you are having similar problems. ~Pete~

I have the same disappointment with the comparatively small amount of POI data in the Ford system. I rarely can find data for the stores I am looking for, in sharp contrast to my experience with a $300 portable Lowrance (iWay 350) unit that I used for several years. With that unit, I was constantly amazed that even the smallest and most obscure locations were in the database. I expect that the DVD data medium is limited compared to the small hard drives contained in may of the portable units, but I would think Ford and Navitec could break the coverage area into several smaller geographic areas, reducing the size of the map data and allowing more space for a larger POI database. Since few of us drive in all parts of the US, this would seem to make sense. For now, I carry my handheld with me to find locate those places not covered by the Ford unit, and find I am using it most of the time. The small POI database is even more of a disappointment that the inability for a passenger (navigator) to manipulate the GPS while the vehicle is in motion. I know this is meant to prevent the driver from trying to work with the unit while driving, but this is the only unit I've used that doesn't allow an override. Otherwise, I like the unit and think the human interface design is great.

My dealer called this afternoon and informed me that the burning smell was coming from a bad PTU. He said a replacement unit is on order, and due to arrive on Monday. I asked if they were replacing a bad seal or the entire unit, and he said the whole PTU needs to be replaced ... that it is not repairable. I asked if I could use the car until the part(s) come in, and he said he would not advise me to drive it until it is fixed. The dealer has arranged for a loaner car.

My 2007 AWD SEL+ is in today for its 7500 mile service interval. I've also got the "burning smell" issue, and will report what they find and do about it.

I'm considering a similar dual-band antenna, mounted on the rear side glass, but was concerned that the tinting is a metalic type, and may prevent a "thru the glass" antenna from working properly. What's been your experience? Which make/model antenna did you install? Any advice is appreciated. Pete - N4PJL Virginia

I agree with Dom ... I have the Ford Edge all-weather winter mats. They are very substantial, fit perfectly, and look like they will last for many seasons. I have a black interior, with black mats.

I have noticed the same thing on my 2007 AWD ... It has only happened a few times, starting around 4500 miles. I didn't have visible smoke, but the smell is acrid and seems to occur only after the car has been running for awhile and then stopped. It has only been noticed since the weather turned cold, so I am thinking it may be caused by hot engine coolant circulating through new heating components. I'm hoping it will stop once the system has been broken in.

The December 2007 issue of Consumer Reports (just out this week) contains a brief update on auto reliability. The headline for the article is "Predicted Reliability: Toyota slips, Ford gains." There are many Ford vehicles among their "Newly Recommended" models, including the Edge and Fusion. There are a bunch of Toyota, GM, and European cars that are now "No Longer Recommended", in addition to the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9. Just thought you'd like to know.

I have 3000 miles now on my 2007 SEL+ AWD. I commute to work in DC traffic 5 days a week, average about 25 mph speed, 18 miles each way. My mileage averages 16 - 17 mpg. Highway runs at 65 mph typically yield 20 - 21 mpg. My computer generally agrees with my hand calculations. This seems to be pretty close to the latest US/epa estimates.

I commute from suburban Virginia into downtown DC every day (about 18 miles each way). I average about 20 - 25 miles per hour speed on these trips. I also typically have a few higher-speed runs on the Capitol Beltway, etc, on weekends. My mileage usually is in the 16 - 17 mpg range whenever I fill up. I have about 3000 miles on my Edge (2007 SEL+ AWD) I have a fairly light foot, and used to see 18 - 19 mpg driving the same pattern for many years in my Explorer. I've checked the displayed MPG readings against my manual calculations, and find them to be relatively close. I've not noticed any significant change in fuel consumption since I bought the car.

I thought the dual a/c (with outside temp display) was standard on the SEL. Are you sure you didn't get a standard SE model?

Thanks! I'll report it on my first service interval.