Goldy

I have an '03 Cobra w/ the Alcantara inserts...I was not sure how well they'd hold up over the years. 7'ish years later, they look as good now as they did when I bought the car. Mine have not had fabric protector put on them, and are easy enough to clean (using a fabric cleaner). Personally, I would not worry about the Alcantara...think you'll be fine. When I learned back in '03 that Ford was putting Alcantara in the Cobra, at first I thought it was a cost savings thing. I now agree with what I was told about the Alcantara; it holds the driver in the seat better. Good luck...

Wow....lot's of stong feelings on this one. I (should say my wife) has an 09 awd limited. I'd agree, most of the time fwd is plenty, even when there's some snow on the ground. However, I do think the awd makes a huge difference when the snow gets deep, and I'll go as far as to say helps quite a bit going up hills on snowy/icy roads. And I would also agree that the awd does allow for better acceleration on snow/ice than fwd. Personally, I wanted the awd for my wife (the Edge is hers) for a little peace of mind when driving in the winter; my wife drives a bunch in the winter, and every so often, encounters a major snow storm...to me, the awd offers just a bit more security. If awd was not offered in the Edge, we probably would have gone w/ another Explorer (awd or 4wd). Edge is more car-like, and appealed more to my wife than the Explorer...plus it does get better milage (averaging 21 mph overall vs 17 mph). Personally, I probably would have opted for another Explorer if it was up to me, but I think we all know how that goes... :wacko: It's all good...either are fine in typical winter conditions...just my thoughts.

Well, I'm not sure I can answer all, but the 14 mpg doesn't necessarily surprise me w/ the OD off at 65. My guess would be that the milage would probably not be much better driving 65 mph w/ the OD off, and not towing anything...maybe 16 mph??? I too am a geek/do-it yourself'r, and also like you, have an F250 ('05 4wd) as well as an Edge ('09 AWD, no tow package). I've already been under the Edge, and it really is not what I consider to be heavy duty at all. I'd maybe tow 1000 lbs w/ it, and save the heavier stuff for the F250 (just my thoughts...). Something to keep in mind...though you can change the transmission fluid in the Edge, the transmission filter is not easily servicable (you can't change the transmission filter unless you remove the transmission). I wished they would have put an external transmission filter on the thing (similar to the external one on the F250), but I don't think Ford intended the Edge to be a real tow vehicle. I was debating on getting an Explorer rather than the Edge (I preferred the Explorer, wife preferred the Edge...you can see which way that went), and being as how I do all my own maintenance/most repairs, I would never have bought the Edge if I would have known the transmission filter was not servicable...seriously... As for the 'drag'...my guess is that the boat doesn't cause too much 'drag'. I think what makes the Edge feel like it's got plenty of power is the gearing, and number of gears. Just my thoughts....I'm really not knocking the Edge (other than having to remove the transmission to replace the filter)...my thoughts are that I just would not make a habit of using it as a tow vehicle...occasional light loads only are my thoughts. I think routinely using it for towing would shorten the life of many components..specifically, the tranny. Good luck. Howard Fishers, IN

Well, just checked mine....3 bulbs/recepticles are in the rear tail light (I pulled the one on the right, but I'm sure the left is the same). the back-up light and running light recepticles are fine, but the brake light one is charred... It's a bit suprising that this is a known problem for at least 2 model years, and still has not been fixed. Yes, light bulbs can be replaced, but I think the better answer is to replace the recepticle with one which can take the heat from the bulb it holds. Have there been a known fires which have been caused by this problem? To me, this is a biggie.

Not that I'm the paranoid type, but I'm going to check mine too....I've got an '09 Limited AWD, late build...bought new...just over 8000 miles on it now....no problems so far.... Is Ford replacing these things? I'm getting the impressions that Ford is just using a different bulb (maybe one which puts out less heat)?

Very Nice...Looks Great!!! I like them better than the originals...I'll keep this in mind for replacing the fog lights on mine.

I don't think you can put 'roof rails' on an Edge which has the Vista roof...(no roof rails are present if you have the Vista roof). Please let me know if I'm missing something...if you can install roof rails w/ the Vista roof, I'm interested...I think I could easily install a switch enabling/disabling the power to the roof. Thx, H

Do you happen to have the trailer towing package (hitch receiver)? If so, there are ski racks made which plug into the receiver; they hold the skis vertically, and do not contact the car. The negative: depending on the ski rack, you may or may not be able to open the hatch with the rack (attached to the receiver). I actually have a similar concern ('09 w/ Vista roof), but no receiver. For me, I can just fold down one rear seat, and think (or should I say hope) I can get 4 sets to skis (daughter races USSA), 2 pair of boots, and luggage in the car. We'll see....may be a snug fit. There are also 'receiver plug-in racks' which hold bicycles. I thought about having a receiver put on the car...not for towing...but for the ski rack. Good luck.

Don't know the build date right off, but it takes the FL500S...I know it's one of the later 2009's made.

Depiry, thx for the heads-up. Here in Indy, we don't have a 'parts authority', but no shortage of Wal-Marts. I'll be looking for them. Thx.

K...do you think your coolant over cap may be leaking...or I should say not sealing 100% (maybe not closed all the way)? If so, perhaps some of the coolant has evaporated??? I'm kind a pulling straws here...if the oil level looks ok (hasn't gone up, or doesn't look 'milky') and can't smell or see coolant leaking, I'll guess the cap would be the only other place you could loose it... Good luck...

Motorcraft FL500S - as easy to find as moon rocks...and just about as expensive. The only place I can find them is at the dealer. As soon as Mobil 1 comes out w/ their version, that's what I'll buy.

2009 Edge Limited AWD: 21 combined, per the computer in the car, w/ about 5300 miles on it.

Thx for the thoughts...I always change my own oil...always clean everything (particularly, wipe down the oil filter mounting surface), put a film of oil on the oil filter gasket, ...heck... it's almost a sterile environment when I change the oil :yup: (garage door closed...no dust). I think the leak came from the filter itself, but was hard to tell. Anyway, no leaks now...maybe this was an isolated incident.

My wife's 2009 Edge, w/ 49xx miles on it, was leaking oil from I'll guess the oil filter gasket, or maybe from the filter itself (where the base of the oil filter is crimped to the cylindracle part of the filter?). The filter was tight...definitely not loose. I've never seen this before...wasn't sure if it was just a problem w/ the particular filter I had, or if it's more common. In my other cars, I use Mobil 1 filters and never had a problem, but can't find a Mobil 1 version of the FL500S. (Yes, apparently, her 2009 is a later build, and takes the FL-500S.) I replaced the filter this evening, no leaks...not yet anyway. Has anyone else experienced this?

Hey Weasel. I'm not an expert on this....but I had similar thoughts way back when I owned a 1990 Bronco (351W) and wasn't at first clear why it had a lower tow rating than an F250 also w/ a 351W. Beyond the engine, there's something called 'frontal area'. Not really sure what it means, but I do believe it has something to do with figuring out max. tow capacities....brakes, suspension, and chassis may also come into place. Again, I'm not expert, but these things may also help determine the Tow capacity of a specific vehicle. Note: would you happen to know if the transmissions or other drive train components are maybe beefed up a bit on the Flex? May a larger cooling system...transmission cooler...? Things to think about. I have in the past exceeded the tow limit of my Bronco. Power and driving in general didn't seem to be a problem, if it was not windy. Though, stopping was a trouser filling experience at times. I guess my thoughts are not to exceed the manufacturer's stated tow limits...not worth the safety risk IMO. Good luck.

Checked w/ Ford today...probably another 3 days or so till it arrives. It's a very small chip...I just want to cover it up/keep it from rusting...not sure it will look much worse than what it does now... (so small, not really noticable unless you're looking right at it.) I'll let you know how it goes.

Has anyone tried using touch-up paint to fix a small chip on the White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic paint? My wifes Edge had a very nice paint job (no chips or scratches, and a very nice wax job), until now; there is a very small chip on the front fender. I know this is special paint (at least that what I'm assuming due to the $495 premium price), and am not sure if I can fix with touch-up paint. Tips on how to repair would be most appreciated. Thx.

Evil, I'm curious how good a job the Autowaxer will do. This is the first I've heard of it.... Personally, I always a good deal of time removing 'stuff' (tar, bug remains, and who knows what else) from the paint by hand w/ a clay bar before polishing, and then waxing...washing never seems to get it all off....but maybe Autowax has a way of getting all the 'stuff' off before waxing. Hope it works out ok for you...Good luck

I'll bet your Edge also takes the FL500S. Only place I could find it is at the Ford Dealership. I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the Mobil 1 M1-113 filter will fit...I just bought one this evening....per a cross reference chart (not sure how accurate it is), the M1-113 matches the FL500S. Visually, the thread diameter looks the same as the FL500S, and the filter diameter and gasket match perfectly. The M1-113, however, is slightly shorter than the FL500S. I'm a big Mobil 1 fan (both oil and filter). When I do my next oil change, I'll see if the M1-113 fits (I believe it will). If for some strange reason it doesn't, I've got the FL500S. For what it's worth, the owners manual (at least for the later 2009's) states the FL400S filter. However in a 'supplement' which came w/ the manual, it states the filter is either the Motorcraft FL400 or FL500. This is very frustrating when changing the oil for the first time, and realize you have the wrong filter...kind-a sucks.... Good luck.

Finally, saw a car (actually an F150) w/ a chrome colored bug deflector...Note: this was not metallic, but rather plastic that looked like chrome. I have to say, not my cup of tea...If I would have seen prior to purchasing the smoke colored one, I most definitely would still have chosen the smoke. Just my 2 cents worth.

I think the turbo is a wonderful power adder... However, do keep in mind there maybe other parts of the chassis/drivetrain which will need to be strengthened to handle the additional hp/tq. Example: The transmission in the Edge is the 6F (6F-50 I believe). Ford is making a beefed-up version of this transmission to be used with the 3.5 Ecoboost...the beefed up tranny referred to as the 6F55. The 6F (stock in the Edge) is rated for 300 hp/280 tq (if I read the specs correctly)...not a lot of room for additional power. If Ford is modifying the 6F for the Ecoboost, this kind-a makes me think there is a reason for it. Not certain if chassis mods would also be needed (chassis stiffening, shocks/springs,...)...just some stuff to think about. Good luck.

What he said...add to that the Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax (machine applied), and you get one fine looking Edge.

ok..it took a couple of days or so, but here are the pics: Again, this is the 'WeatherTech' bug guard...I'm very happy w/ it...definitely a quality piece. Personally, I like the 'smoked' look...never seen what the 'chrome' looks like. If someone has a pic, please share. Thx.

No problem...glad I can help. I've typically connected the 'add-a-circuit' to the same circuit for the power windows. Never had any real problems routing the wire for the radar detector...typically the hardest part is removing the trim without damaging it; I have busted a plastic tab (which holds a metal clip) on the a-pilar trim peice before...fixed w/ super-glue for plastic, though would rather it didn't happen. Good luck.