Hockey87

Got mine today too: GTA

[railroad, Thanks for your insightful reply. I'm not sure what diagnosis the dealer went through on Friday (i.e. if the alternator, a relay sticking, and/or what is abnormally drawing down the battery, either before or after replacing the battery) but am sure to ask tomorrow. Your reply to my question on our unsuccessful attempt to charge the battery on our own was most helpful. We were using booster cables that had not been used for 15 years and our neighbour's car was likewise older, so either may have contributed (at the time, I thought asking CAA to give it a go, pre-towing, was a longshot but it worked).

Will let you know how things make out tomorrow, but it could not have occured at a worse time, i.e. long weekend here with major plans de-railed.

Thanks again.

Have had the '11 Ford Edge Limited for three months and it has performed flawlessly, including the My Ford Touch ... until this past Monday.

My wife, after having parked the car for only two hours, returned to the car to find the battery dead. She could not even access the inside of the vehicle (we have a fob) with either the remote or keypad, having to use the manual key. When we got in, there was a rapid clicking sound, syncing with a flashing air bag indicator. After getting a charge via CAA (the Canadian AAA, who advised the battery only had 0.5 A vs. the normal 14), the car operated normally when I then brought the vehicle to the dealer for a 'once over' on Friday. It is worthwhile to note that the car, while not making any attempt to turnover prior to the charge, had the headlights come on as soon as the cables were hooked up but prior to to activating the ignition.

The dealer did a test on the battery and discovered the battery as dead so it was replaced.

The following day, after having been in the driveway all day (except for a brief succssful idlestart around 2:00 p.m.), the battery was again dead when I went to move the vehicle around 3:00 p.m. A neighbour tried to boost the car, but to no success, though we did hear constant clicking, even with no activity. However, CAA returned and was able to start the car. The thinking between myself and the neighbour it is the alternator.

Will be returning to the dealer on Tuesday (it's a long weekend here in Canada).

I dont see any name calling other than you calling us name callers.

To give the devil his due, if Blackened Edge's monicker is reflective of his chosen vehicle, he is a man of impeccable taste as that would also match my recent acquisition.

I was just trying to bring to his attention (and those who are open) the error and wrecklessness of his apparent position (and those espousing similar views).

But I should not have resorted to the terminology I used. .

Safety and responsibility is an important matter to me (as it appears to be for many of those in this forum). That was my intention. If it appeals to someone and saves a life, paralysis, or other such avoidable injury, then that is a good thing. A very good thing. The fact we'll never know is not important. Too late to realize remorse when irreparable damage is done. Increased insurance premiums and a damaged Edge are no penance. None of us deserve blood on our hands, BlackenedEdge included.

Apologies to BlackenedEdge, akirby, and anyone else I offended in the process.

Also refrain from reading stupid posts from HOCKEY87 while drinking coffee as you could spill it and burn yourself.

 

By the way how would your front passenger see a dvd installed headrest???

I dunno: maybe buy a DVD system installed in the headrest and jettison the front passenger to the back? So, in that Mensa mind of yours, that "sacrifice" ain't worth the safety of your family, others, and risking your insurance rates? Yeehaw!

Making big picture sense with the witless, lowly, and the myopic ain't no fun or glory, that's fer shur.

Who knows if Ford will ever get this to function the way it intended.

FWIW, I picked mine up the weekend (2011 Limited, with Vista Roof, BAMR, Navi, intelligent access package, cargo system, BLIS, dealer-installed DVD's, and, of course, the Touch.

After three days of driving, ZERO complaints. The Touch is responsive and much better than experienced by others. True, it came installed with the latest updates. But, I have had no problems at all and it's been a total joy.

So either the software updates have helped tremendously or Ford has an issue with consistency in production, but I'm totally satisfied. Of course, I bought this knowing that as one of the early (but not too early) adopters, I am one of the guinea pigs so while Ford has a responsibility for making sure that it is functional upon release, there is also a risk of being an early adopter. That said, there is certainly a responsibility of Ford's to make sure all things work upon release or to make things right as quickly as possible. Which in my case (and some others), they have. But again, we early adopters have to know we are taking risks that crap can go wrong and, too often, will (I am involved in product launches so I know that unexpected shite happens). Otherwise, I woulda bought a Civic and life would have been hassle-free.

Not that I'm not a savvy user either or have a low satisfaction point as I have had factory-installed NAVI systems before and this is a step beyond.

BTW, I'm no Ford apologist because I am a first time Ford owner and took my sweet, g.d.'ed time before Committing (whole process of research and thinking took over eight months, in large part because I had to get over my Ford/North Amercian car psychological hump) but am totally pleased thus far.

Now, that said, we can be all assured that when I start the car this morning, all hell will break loose. LOL

"Three days to go"

I'm picking my 2011 Limited FWD this Saturday (Feb. 12) and can't wait. I have been counting down each day from my order date (Dec. 4) and have been waiting ever since (it actually arrived at the dealership three weeks ago, but I wanted to get past the final weeks of my expiring lease so as not to double up on monthly payments).

My family and I had a chance to sit in the vehicle for about 15 - 20 minutes 10 days ago, just to start it (not drive - our choice), listen, admire, and generally torture myself (knowing the wait continued). The dealer was and has been extremely accommodating.

General thoughts: Lift gate worked well, the Touch system for very basic functionality worked well, and plenty of space throughout, even for a family that brutally overpacks for overnight stays and road trips. :wacko:

This thread has been most helpful as it will allow me to focus "soberly" on what I need to focus on during the delivery appointment (e.g. basic inspection and the requisite paperwork) as opposed to letting excitement take over (which admittedly occurred 10 days ago). Of course, this Forum overall has been tremendously helpful in exchanging information and I really appreciate those who went above and beyond to respond to my questions and requests.

Will update once the deed is done.

But, closing thoughts for now: I never imagined at the beginning of this long process that I would be buying a Ford. I even remember laughing at or questioning Gretzky's Edge commercials from prior years. I am laughing no more: Ford has come a long way (or at least my perception has) and I am absolutely thrilled about joining the Edge cult.

From what I can find this is for the SYNC system. Is there anything comparable for the MyFord Touch in the 2011s?

 

I agree about distracted drivers, but the passenger should be allowed to input nav and browse music.

Maddwakester: Let me be politically incorrect here and blunt - How much of an idiot are you really?

Purchase your front passengers iPod/iPad/portable DVD/laptop/DVD-installed headrests, or whatever. Don't play Russian roulette with your life, your passengers, and the children and other innocents you are risking being shallow over. Please. Please. Please. It is not worth their lives and you regretting it the rest of yours, if you survived an "accident".

The driver may have no intentions to be disrupted. but it just takes one scene and one momentary lapse and lives could be damaged forever. It's just not worth the risk. Don't be the cause of this.

Why do I care? Because some idiot who's trying to type in an address might just cross the center line and hit me or my family head on. And typing in an address takes your eyes off the road much longer than most other distractions. You can't prevent a driver from eating, reading or otherwise not paying attention to the road, but this is one feature that can be controlled.

 

I understand it's a nice feature for the passenger to use - unfortunately they can't reliably tell whether it's the passenger or driver using it. There is only one mfr that offers this feature from the factory according to Ford - all others use the same type of safety lockout.

 

My point is that it's such a trivial inconvenience to pull over to the side of the road or get off the interstate once or twice a year compared to depending on drivers to be mature and responsible and not take their eyes off the road. We let 16 year olds drive now - would you trust one not to be playing with their nav system?

I could not agree with akibry and disagree with Lex more. Let me be politically incorrect here and blunt.

Lex: you are obviously the ultimate all-being: you can do many things at the same time, while you drive. Why don't you add this to your talents, all while driving (which is critical here): play guitar, UFC with passengers, and drink excessively.

Maybe until you kill children or other innocents, or, better still, have your children/family killed will you learn that the benefits associated with your finnagling is not worth the risk.

Freedom comes with a tad of responsibility, bud.

(and since, if you and your ilk are true believers of freedom, do not re-but since (my) freedom ought to be unfettered)

JC!

My concern is that like it or not. CR recommendations carry a lot of weight and their opinions are important to most. Their words lasts a long time. I know that used car buyers in particular, really hinge their decisions on CR recommendations. Their yearly report books are bible to many. Selling a used vehicle that is "not recommended" takes away not only the value but the ability to sell the vehicle in the future. That is what I am most concerned about.

Goatee et al.,

While I am normally a fan of CR, I have learned that they are not holy writ: Look at the 'Toyota' example alluded to by akirby; my initial example of their TV reference that there was a cap on resolution; and we all know about their "Child Seat" debacle. However, if one is absolutely struck on CR, a more detailed look at their comparative analysis holds the Edge is very good stead and does not equate well with the article itself.

That said, if many/most accepted CR at face value, there would never be a sale of non-recommended cars, including but not limited to Porsche's, Rolls Royces, Bentley's, BMW's, GM, Lada's, Batmobiles, etc. Period.

Bottom line: you have to be comfortable with your decision and no one is a better evaulator of that than you, especially for such a large investment. But IMO, if the car gives you confidence, comfort, style, and value for money, stand by your decision. Otherwise, think twice, but don't let buyer's remorse be your guiding light. On the investment side (and we are looking at cars after all, not the classic prototype for good investment), time will tell on the Edge's re-sale value. I wouldn't go with any one article anyway to affect my decision in terms of secondary research, but a composite of credible articles, discounting those poorly or unfairly written (I mean to criticize multiple access/interface points to commands just seems weird and, frankly, stupid), as well as those with a "positive" bias, as well as those who give personal testimony, my own feel, and like you say re-sale value (compare historic values and keep in mind, MFT issues excluded (if repaired), that the 2011 Edge is, in many respects, an improvement over earlier models (particularly on engine, brakes, and road noise, let alone user interface). On MFT, there is an inconsistency: for some, it works flawlessly, for others, it's a living hell, for others still, it is largely repaired with updates. I think whenever you deal with new technology, that is the inherent risk. I am normally a late adopter for this reason, but was persuaded to move forward on this product (and am at peace), that it will be fixed for my production run or, if not, it will be over time.

But that's just me.

Ordered a 2011 Ford Edge last month and due for pick up in February (time lag designed to align with current lease expiry).

Offered a "maintenance plan" (not to be confused conceptually with an extended warranty) whereby instead of paying for various scheduled maintenance out of pocket, on demand, you pre-pay a fixed amount (in this case, $1,870 CDN plus tax) for scheduled maintenance. The cost can be added to the car loan (low interest rate).

They estimate that actual expenditures can be $3,648.95 CDN plus tax), based on $2,067.95 (+ tax) for scheduled maintenance up to 96,000 kms (of which $716.45 is for the 96K km visit) and the difference for periodic light bulbs, wipers, and brake replacements. Could cover more but this was their sample, expected projected expenses.

Savings are based on 5 yr/100 km driving.

It is a Ford deal (as opposed to a third party) so it is transferable between dealers and provinces.

My gut inclination is "no go" since I am opposed to extended warranties on principle, notwithstanding that I succumbed to a 2007 Honda Accord one for a 4th year that I completely lost on (I fell into the "Navi is expensive to repair trap", a similar argument also used here, that I never had to use).

Again, this is additional coverage beyond the warranties as this is for maintenance.

Any sharing of thoughts, opinions, or experiences would be appreciated.

As part of an "SUV Roundup" article, both cars are specifically reviewed, as well as Porsche Cayenne, Infinite QX56, Jeep Grand Cheroke, and Chevrolet Tahoe.

As well, there is a specific, separate box dedicated to the "Touch" system ("Ford's Frustrating high-tech controls", p. 51), which is critical of the "confusing" interface, slow and intermittent responsiveness, and longs for a return to the traditional tactile buttons and interface improvements.

On the cars themselves, space, access, handling, fuel economy, and the engine are deemed as definite pluses. But, again, the "Touch" interface "pushed the Edge's (and MKX) overall score too low" for recommendation status.

There is no mention of the Touch's "break-in" problems.

That aside, as one Forum contributor previously commented, I can't help but wonder if the Touch's poor review here is endemic of its newness in that a reviewer, whose first impressions and experience is everything, doesn't allow for a new technology that, once learned and familiar, becomes simple to the user fairly quickly.

As well, it is curious that the 2010 had a very good review (I believe it was "Recommended") and that the other '11 upgrades (e.g. brakes, fuel economy, noise reduction, and increase power) are unfairly and virtually singularly overshadowed by the Touch. Certainly, if you dive into the summary specs' comparison page, the Edge/MKX hold up extremely well, especially once price/value is considered.

Trying not to be biased myself here, but can't help but wonder if this review is biased itself. This from a longtime subscriber and fan of Consumer Reports, but it does remind me of similar myopia when their TV reviews from a few years ago that spoke of the unimportance of resolution, dismissing it to marketing hype, only to be totally ignorant of soon to come digital television.

Try and figure this one out. The MKS, which the wife drives, has a BAMR, and it made the list ,

go figure ????

OK, I admit it: I'm the last one in on the joke. Since I first discovered this board, 4 - 6 weeks ago, it has driven me nuts what BAMR stands for. I deduced that MR stood for 'moonroof', but kept getting stalled with the 'BA', but steadfastly refused to look it up. Until this morning.

Hilarious!!! It certainly is that.

This is shocking as I was fully expecting a retractable cover like I had with my 2005 Subaru Forrester (I won't be taking delivery of my '11 Edge until mid-February to align better with my soon-to-be-expiring lease). I ordered it as part of the "Cargo Package" too so I guess I won't be too surprised when I see it and as Cornell indicated, I place value on the bumper cover and the rubber tray. Crazy that a Dollarama "solution" can almost ruin a $45,000+ CDN vehicle (Canadian taxes in, with options bought)! Whose bright idea was that?

Thanks richy. Since reading your comment, I can't get the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme song out of my head.

Does the 2011 Ford Edge Limited (specifically, the Canadian model, though I believe it's the same as the US in these regards) have 5.1 audio?

Additionally, various photos and online videos display the RCA video/audio jacks (red, white, and yellow) in this trim model but the 2nd printing of the Touch Supplement manual (2nd printing) points to a "special combination USB/RCA composite, i.e. just the red and white, complemented by the need for a USB connection (presumably for video), e.g. hard copy page 36/pdf page 37?

Can you advise/confirm what actually exists?

http://motorcraftservice.com

 

Click on owner guides.

Thanks akirby!

Pat, I understand your pain about waiting. I read the manuals over about 3 or 4 times each and knew most of the features prior to the vehicle's arrival. You should be as up to date as possible and hopefully problem free. They are an amazing vehicle, no question. As far as the headphone jacks go, there is one on each screen so you could have 2 hard wired phones in addition to the wireless ones. Both monitors can carry the same movie, regardless of which one it's playing in. My pleasure on posting the pics. This forum has been very helpful to me and I'm happy to contribute.

OK, I'm game: how do I access the manuals? (my wife's gonna kill me).

Thanks Rich. I hope you realize that by showing these pics and sharing with me these details, the next 8 weeks of waiting will be a living hell!!!

You're right: as I read the InVision website, the Revolution series has two variations: one monitor that doesn't play DVDs, just carries the signal of the main unit. The other can both play independently. What's less clear is if they also have the capability of carrying the same DVD signal too.

Is there a jack for a third set of headphones for an additional rear passenger?

But the patient looks great and seems identical to the chair (the headrest).

I hope my lagged delivery also affords the software update so i dont experience the frustrations of our peers. My constituion and marriage aren't that strong.

Thanks for taking the time to share the pics and insights.

Pat

Yes, I do. I know it won't let you lock the Intelligent key in the car after you've shut it off. And, yes, the outside keypad would certainly help there. If I run into somewhere for a moment and want to keep it running, I close the door and either touch the outside button or the last 2 keypad buttons simultaneously to lock it.

Thanks Rich and akirby.

Rich: how did the patient do after today's scheduled 6 hour appointment in the operating room? Pleased with the results, ie DVD install? If I may ask, were you getting anything else done such as the software update or have you been trouble-free? Can you tell the series of Invision?

Finally, is there any chance the MKX could be different than an Edge on the auto lock feature? Mine is an Edge Limited, though I won't see it until mid-February and I will also have the intermittent access.

Pat

the brand that Ford uses is InVision. They are owned by audiovox corp.

Thanks Edgieguy for the clarification. I did not know the companies' connection.

It'll be my pleasure to help you out in that regard. As far as leaving the car unlocked goes, I know the MKX has an autolock feature that locks the doors when the car has been turned off after a few minutes. The doors were always locked in my garage when I went to it and it was pissing me off so I read the manual for that and learned of that feature. Go into the menu on the left of the speedo to the autolock feature (different from autounlock) and set it to on. That way when you leave it, it should lock itself after a predetermined period of time. Hope that helps.

Rich

Thanks Rich. I did notice in the brochure that there is a reference to an "Auto Lock" feature, which the sales guy I concluded the transaction earlier this month concurred with your statement above. Just that I had read elsewhere in this forum that "Auto Lock" was a different feature and that it doesn't auto lock when the car is off, but when the car is running and hits a certain speed, e.g. 12 MPH.

I am hoping it is what you and the sales guy state (my initial response too, which is what my Volkswagen does) given the family habit.

I think it's all related to licensing and availability of data. Travel Link - which is also separate from Sync services, is also not available in Canada.

Thanks again Waldo. By coincidence, I called Ford Canada's customer service yesterday (Monday) and they told me the same thing as what you posted today, Re. Travel Link, though when I asked for specifics, I was advised she did not know as no one there had been trained A similar response occurred when I asked about Sync services like "Turn by Turn Directions". Of course, when I gave up, she asked if there was anything 'else' I wanted to ask that she can answer.

I wonder if the "Travel Link" would work when I drive in the US.

They no longer put them in at the factory although it was still listed as an option when I ordered mine in September. The dealer is putting it in. Mine was supposed to be done last Friday in fact, but the job took longer than the sales manager thought (6 hours) and I could not leave it that long and no loaner had been arranged. It's getting installed Wednesday and I have a loaner for the day. I'll take some shots and post them if you're interested. Let me know.

Thanks Baum and richy.

richy, if you don't mind, please post pics when you get the opportunity and include any early observations, like picture and sound quality. I've been told, rightly or wrongly, that both headrest units have the capability to work off different or the same DVD, on demand though I'm not sure how that can happen. I also wonder how the wireless sound quality is since they depend on an FM transmitter and there are virtually no idle FM frequencies in this part of Ontario (Burlington), which was frustrating (static) when I tried using a similar, but wired technology for the iPod. I believe they come with two wireless headphones and hope there's an available jack for an additional wired set for those occasions I am carrying a third rear passenger and have the sets on (the sales guys did not know and there were no cars on hand with the DVD installed to observe).

If you could also confirm the brand. In checking my brochure after reading Baum's reply (I swear, the brand wasn't listed in the brochure In my million or so previous reads, but it is there this evening): it is Invision. That company's website, in a subsequent check, lists two product series: Revolution and SL.

Finally, I would be interested in your opinion on the security of the headrest units in an inadvertently unlocked car since certain members of my family suffer all too frequently from this unfortunate habit despite my constant pleas to the contrary.

Again, many, many Thanks.

Sync Services is not available in Canada. One of the features of Sync Services is turn-by-turn directions. However if you order the Navigation system, that is not part of Sync Services and will so it provide turn-by-turn directions.

Thanks Waldo for the clarification. I did not know that. Do you know why the entire "Sync" is not available in Canada and if this is a short term thing or not? Is there anything else not available in Canada?

I have the Navigation system included as one of my options so I guess that makes the Sync's "Turn by Turn Directions" feature redundant.

Just ordered my 2011 Ford Edge last week for February delivery, primarily to align with my existing car lease expiry, though I would have probably had to wait close to that long anyway. Quick question: What has been your experience with the dealer installed DVD-in-headrests? Positive? Negative? Specifics? Wondering what the audio quality is like (wireless headphones), their brand name, and how easily they might be to have stolen if, say, doors are accidently left unlocked?

Thanks in advance.