carguy75

LOL.

Weird choice I agree.

I guess it is Toyota/Lexus thing to put the shifter on the center dash.

Thank you.

We kept the black theme going with our cars.

Here is our new baby.

It is loaded with nearly all the options including a few(HID,power-lift gate,cooled seats,and navigation) that was not included on the Edge we tried to settled without.

The Lexus RX is bit plain looking for my taste, but it is growing on me the more i look at it.

The Edge did have a nicer entertainment system and cluster.

However, the Lexus have the features that my family wants including a lockable AWD system which I incorrectly thought the Ford had as well.

I really do like how the Ford Edge looks compared to the Lexus, but I can not argue substance over appearance.

Before anyone thinks that I am bashing Ford I am not, I am just used to certain makes of cars but I gave Ford a chance anyway like I have with KIA.

However, the Edge just not my type of car in terms of build quality and comfort.

As it stands Ford actually can learn a lot from KIA.

Well today me and the wife traded our 2011 Edge in for a 2011 Lexus RX350 AWD loaded.

The Edge was a nice looking SUV, but it was not really loved in the household.

So we took the advantage of the Edge low miles(only 30k) and traded it for a low mileage Lexus RX350 with 60k miles.

So far me the wife are happier with the smoother,quiet, and more comfortable ride of the Lexus compared to the Edge.

However, the Edge does have a sportier look in and out compared to the boring looking Lexus.

But the Lexus is the more refined SUV overall as expected even with more miles.

It has been fun here and I have learned a lot from you guys about the Edge, so thank you and happy holidays.

I will post a few pics of the new car later.

Well, Philips have made about 3 generations of the 9012 bulb, so I do not know if we have the best version equipped as OEM in our Edges compared to the retail bulbs available in the stores.

My Edge is a 2011 model so I bet that I do not have the latest version of the 9012 bulb installed, however with that being said I do not have a problem with the brightnest of my headlights.

Just the yellowish color of the light.

Maybe you should just polish your lenses and see if it helps.

I found a seller who ships factory nav-modules programmed to your vin number.

So it looks like a owner with the non-nav touch option can upgrade to the OEM naviagtion with full features now.

The seller seems to just ship navigation modules programmed to your vin number by using Ford VCM software.

I may bite one day if I really feel the need to spend $800 dollars for stock navigation, not right now.

Here is the link for someone who is willing to spend the cash to upgrade.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FACTORY-STOCK-OEM-FORD-SYNC-MY-FORD-TOUCH-GPS-NAVIGATION-RADIO-MODULE-UPGRADE-/151726733226?fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3AEdge&hash=item23539e37aa:g:B6gAAOSwyvBV-IPl&vxp=mtr

http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/2011-2016-explorer-edge-myford-touch-sync-gps-navigation-upgrade

That bulb appears to be the same as the original bulb that I pulled. I think it is as good as any standard bulb.

 

At this point I do not think the problem is the bulb, rather a lens quality issue.

Does the stock bulbs have the Philips logo on them?

Just because it looks like the same bulb does not mean that it performs the same.

I will take a look at my stock bulbs and see if it is made by Philips or not.

I think that my Edge has plenty of light for a non-HID equipped car hence why I have not changed the factory bulbs out.

I would like to find a HID-look replacement bulb, but most are blue flim-tinted 9012 bulbs that are cheaply made which are dimmer than the stock bulbs from what I have researched.

The Philips bulbs seem to be the only real upgrade for brighter output for 9012 bulb equipped cars from what I researched without using a HID kit.

Very nice install!!!

Only one thing i noticed maybe.

I can not tell if you used only tape to cover your connectors, but if you did i would go back and solder the wire connections and use heat-shrink wrapping over the connections.

And then I would use tape on the wires keep it then all neat and tidy.

If you have did that that already disregard my criticism.

I do see a soldering iron in one of the pictures, so hopefully it was used.

Very nice work overall.

LOL.

I understand, hence why I just recommended the cheaper Kenwood speakers.

I have made the mistake of buying $100 door speakers(MB Quart)and installed them in a 2005 Volvo S40 thinking that the premium factory amp could push them, however the sound quality ended up being lower than with the stock speakers until I added a matching MB Quart 4-channel amp.

After the amp install the MB Quart sounded 1000 times better than the stock speakers, but lesson learned about adding high power quality speakers to factory systems even with amplifiers since most factory amps only push about 30-40watt max rms a channel at the most unless you have a Harmon Kardon or so other higher-end stock system like the Sony version in the Edge.

A good rule of thumb is to divide the published stock radio wattage by half, since most stock wattage numbers are peak ratings.

By dividing the listed stock wattage by half you are closer to the rms rating which is the more accurate power rating when deciding what speakers to use.

Therefore a 400 watt peak system is usually really a 200 watt rms system divided by the number of channels including the subwoofer.

So it would be close to 100 watts rms for the sub channel and about 25watts rms for the door speakers or 25wX4 + 100w.

I can not find the wattage for the basic and premium Edge sound systems, but the Sony sound option is listed to put out 390 rms power so it is a 800 peak system which is pretty good for a stock system and would be able to push the higher wattage speakers I assume.

http://www.myfordedge.com/specs/2011-ford-edge-technology.php

For basic low cost upgrades to most stock Edge radios without the Sony system it is best to just stick with the quality brand name speakers in the 20-30watt rms range with high sensitivity of 90+ db.

Just a bit of information for anyone reading this.

Try the Phillips 9012 bulbs which are the best from what i have read as replacement bulbs go for our cars.

http://store.candlepower.com/ph3rdge90h.html

The best 9012 bulbs are the Phillips 9012 bulbs PX22D which are the brightest and whitest bulbs for our cars without installing a HID kit.

Here is some info on the bulbs.

http://store.candlepower.com/ph3rdge90h.html

I replaced the cabin filter in my Edge with a ATP charcoal-embedded cabin filter which removes odors/outdoor pollution fumes(Atlanta polluted air ) very well.

http://www.amazon.com/ATP-Automotive-FA-14-Activated-Premium/dp/B004A6NBO2/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Ford|54&Model=Edge|5858&Year=2011|2011&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=5&vehicleType=automotive

I would buy some Pioneer or Kenwood speakers that have high sensitivity db numbers in the 90 range.

Also I would not get speakers with rms power ratings that are more than 30 watts rms since the factory radio would not be able to push any speaker over 30 watts rms clearly.

I would try these for a start.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_76466_Kenwood-KFC-C6865S.html

If you think you will get an amplifier later, then i would look into the higher wattage Kappa and Polk speakers for the best sound.

However, the factory radio amp just can not push them correctly.

Just my advice to save you from buying expensive speakers that will sound very low/distorted even at high volume when pushed only by the factory radio, but the cheaper Kenwood speakers will give you cleaner sound and work with the factory radio just fine.

I use Mobil 1 5w-20 full synthetic oil that has the Ford certification and have no problems so far.

I do 4k-5k oil changes,but the oil looks like it could go longer or what-ever the oil life gauge recommends(I guess about 10k miles).

If you do go with Royal Purple and still have warranty coverage on your Edge, get the API version(SAE) of the RP 5w-20 oil to meet Ford recommendations to meet warranty standards.

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/wp-content/uploads/PS_API_MotorOIl.pdf

Where the handle of the wrench is pointing is where you stick your hands, and feed the tube. There is plenty of room on that side. You basically reach up and over the subframe and the heat shield. I did it, it didn't get on anything as you can see, while lying on my back in the garage.

 

These pictures were taken while I was laying on my back, looking straight up at the PTU, in my garage. I have the 3.7L.

Thank you for the tip.

I will have a look and see if it is the same for me on my 3.5.

Your set-up maybe different than mine depending on how your exhaust is set-up compared to mine since you have the 3.7 engine.

I really do not want to move the exhaust if it possible to do it the way you decribed on my Edge.

What caused you guys to switch from the OEM tires???

The Michelin Latitude tires are top notch OEM tires even by aftermarket tire standards..

I thought that the previous owner of our Ford Edge went all out and upgraded tires until I learned that the Latitude tires were OEM.

They won a tire comparison by Tire rack.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=137

Here you go:

Your ptu is the same as my 2011 model.

I can get a socket to fit in the gap like what you did in the picture, however I am curious about hard the entire fluid change process would be by only reaching through the area around the exhaust pipe.

It looks like it would make a major mess just trying to feed the pump line through the opening to reach the fill hole from underneath the car with the exhaust pipe in the way, but it does look like it is doable without removing the exhaust pipe.

I will just try unbolting and moving the exhaust pipe to have more room to be able to use my hands to do the job.

Thanks for the pictures!!!!

Did you go in from the top of the engine to reach the PTU in the picture?

Also do you have the V6 or the Ecoboost?

Ohhh update on the AEM filter. Mileage has leveled out to 23.9/24.0 pretty steady and is a bit above what it was prior to the install when it was using the old paper filter. I think it has some benefit just don't tell Akirby I said that.

I noticed the same mileage increase when I changed my Edge air filter also.

I have never loss mpg by changing to an after-market drop-in air filter in any car I have owned in over 20 years, unless I floor the pedal trying to race around town.

Most modern engines can make good use of the extra air provided by aftermarket filters since most OEM paper air filters are very restrictive in comparison.

But in the OEM air filters defense, they do clean the air better than after-market high flowing filters I believe so it is a trade-off.

I use the Rock Island Arsenal for all of my DIY vehicle repairs. 5 dollars and hour for bay rental with lift and all tools. The mechanics they have on hand are a plus as sometimes I need their knowledge and experience to accomplish some tasks. Plus they have full computer access to All Data for vehicle repairs. I have been thinking about doing a short promo video on the Auto Skills Center as the guys have become more interested in what I do and even at times want to be in the videos.

Nice!!

I wish I could find a similar shop here that allows me to rent a bay also that is close by my house.

The promo video would help them I believe since it may let some other owners out there know that they can actually rent a lift/bay to work on their cars, since I bet a lot of owners do not know that such a shop exist.

Hell, many may be in your area and members of this forum.

I just used the Auto Hobby Shop here in Korea to replace my brake pads and rotate my tires yesterday. Cost me $9 for the use of the bay, lift, and all the tools. One of the other benefits of serving your country.

The Auto Hobby Shops were the best in every base I was station at.

Hawaii has one of the best!!!

Shout out to the guys there that help me years ago on my first transmission fluid/diff change on my old 2003 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9.

I wish that I could find a shop that is closer in my area that allows me to rent a bay.

I could use the Air Force facility, but I have to drive over 30 miles in Atlanta traffic just to get to it.

Maybe if i have to do some extensive work that requires a lift I would make the drive.

A few differences I encountered during the installation of new rear shocks on Lullubelle vice the time I installed new shocks on the Orange Crush. Larger bolts on the lower point and the bolt and the nut both had different sizes. Go figure. Anyway it is not a true MAC T video until I break something (and I did) anyway here it is folks.

Very useful video!!!!

Are you using an auto facility at an military base to do your work?

I miss using those facilities due to having access to a lift and endless tools that can be checked out from the counter.

AWD would probably allow the Edge to have a quicker 0-60 time due to better traction than the FWD model, especially with traction control off since traction control still cut power to minimize wheel spin even with AWD.

So it matters if you have AWD or not.

Power loss is the reason why you still have to turn-off traction control in the winter when trying to drive on ice/snow even with the AWD models.

Every MFT Ford has a GPS antenna and all the hardware for Navigation. The only difference is the software settings and they can only be changed if you have a special "unlocking" tool. Putting a unit from a wrecked Edge into yours won't work as it will know that the VIN numbers don't match.

That is what I was afraid us, hence why have not bought an used nav unit yet to replace my non-nav My-touch unit.

Where did you get the information about special locks used on the Ford radios?

Never mind i read that you need to use a Ford IDS scan tool to program the new audio/nav module when replacing a audio/nav unit in my Ford Edge service manual .

I found a Ford VCM IDS programming tool for $260.00.

I wonder can it be used to just check/enable navigation in the audio module?

I would buy the tool for $260.00 if it does that as well as diagnostic information on the Edge.

http://www.obd2be.com/ford-vcm-ids-p-454.html

I found this listing on Ebay for a 2011 Ford Edge navigation unit, but i really do not know if it is not the same as the unit i have already since many people think that every My-touch system has navigation due to larger screen.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Ford-Edge-NAVIGATION-RADIO-GPS-DVD-RADIO-FACE-PLATE-CLIMATE-CONTROL-UNIT-/361407454155?hash=item5425901bcb:g:WiwAAOSw~gRVym4L&vxp=mtr

For the pre2011 models i found this unit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Ford-Edge-Lincoln-MKX-Navigation-Bluetooth-Radio-OEM-/191692779024?fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3AEdge&hash=item2ca1c7ae10:g:nn0AAOSwEetV-bP5&vxp=mtr

You also won't get the sync voice control for any of the navigation functions. If you just want to use the integrated touch screen it should work ok.

Well it is aftermarket, so it will not be same as adding a OEM Navigation system to the Edge which will cost about three times as much new.

If a person do not have the OEM navigation from the start, then they will not not be missing out on the voice control nav or any nav function they never had to begin with.

I would buy the aftermarket system just to have the larger touch screen map.

It sucks trying to adjust a dash/windshield mounted GPS unit when on the highway, I like the larger touchscreen option way better.

However, i would probably just try to part-out a wrecked Edge that has navigation and try just switching the navigation unit and adding the GPS antenna since my Edge has the My-touch screens already.

From what I read somewhere the head unit houses the software that includes the navigation features.

I am worried about if the newer FORD head-units are coded to work only in vehicles they were originally installed in.

However, the aftermarket unit will work well for many who just want the integrated map feature on the larger 8in touch screen.

That system just splices into the touchscreen with a separate navigation system. It does not add the MFT navigation feature. Just FYI.

The company website says that it retains all of the factory controls of the mytouch system, however you have to get map updates from them.

The MFT feature I assume you are referring to is the map arrow/guidance on the instrument cluster display, that i do not know about but i agree that it highly unlikely.

Hell, is still works well as an aftermarket add-on feature to allow navigation to be used in the Edge 8in display for easy map viewing and touch control.

I know a Garmin stuck on the dash/windshield will not work on any of the Mytouch system controls at all.

http://www.rostra.com/softtouch-gm-toyota-navigation-interface-by-rostra.php#2507614