Hidden or cool features about our Expeditions

[obonaven]

I saw this on another forum and I though would be cool to list anything about our Expeditions that are either hidden, cool, unknown, or otherwise not commonly known by all. There could be something in the owners manual that you found that most people may have skipped for instance. If you already know about it great but othr mays not know. Here are a few I've come across with the help of reading the owners manual or found on other forums. Mine of course are found on a 2012 EL XLT...

1. The truck has a simple alarm system. Lock your doors using the key fob with you inside. Wait at least 30 seconds then open the the door using the handle. The LCD on the dash will display a message - "To stop alarm start engine". It will be accompanied with a warning chime and will eventually sound the horn.

2. When you start the truck there is no need to keep the key turned while it cranks to start. You just need to turn it quickly one time and the engine will continue to crank.

3. If your lights are in the auto position the lights will turn on automatically when the wipers are turned on.

4. The little compartment on the inside of the center console lid is for tissues. Kleenex makes a special box that fits into the compartment.

5. There is a 2nd USB port on the SYNC module that can be used to attach a second USB device. It can be accessed only via voice using "USB2" as the voice command.

6. Items can be stored under the middle seat in the middle row, even when the seat is folded down.

7. Speaker Walk-Around Test. To enter the speaker walk-around test turn the stereo on and in radio tuner mode (AM/FM). To enter the speaker walk-around test, simultaneously press and hold the preset buttons 3 and 6 for a second or so then release. The speaker walk-around test applies sound to each speaker for about 1.5 seconds. Each speaker is tested and displayed on the audio unit in the following sequence: RF, LF, LR, RR.

8. Audio Unit Self-Diagnostic Mode. To enter the self-diagnostic mode enter the speaker walk around test. Then press the following preset buttons to enter the indicated test while in the speaker walk-around test. The audio unit self-diagnostic mode has 5 tests available. To exit the self-diagnostic mode, press the power button on the audio unit or turn the key to the OFF position.
• Preset Button 1 = Audio internal/external SELF TEST. This test is an on- demand self-test. If SELF FAIL is displayed, press TUNE > to scroll through the DTCs stored. Refer to the Audio Unit DTC Index. If the system is OK, SELF PASS will be displayed.
• Preset Button 2 = View/Clear continuous DTCs. NO DTCS is displayed if no DTCs are retrieved. If DTCS FOUND is displayed, press TUNE > to view the DTCs retrieved. Refer to the Audio Unit Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index (below). To clear all DTCs, press the EJECT button. DTCS CLEAR will be displayed.
• Preset Button 3 = SIGNAL TEST. This test measures the average strength at the current tuner setting. ** Perfect for testing antenna types and position changes. **
• Preset Button 4 = Software level query. This test queries each audio system controller for its software configuration level. SOFT LEVELS will be displayed upon completion of the query. Press TUNE > to scroll view the software configuration version level.
• Preset Button 5 = DISPLAY TEST. This test will light all the audio unit display segments for 5 seconds. When the test is complete, DISPLAY TEST is displayed on the bezel.

Audio Unit DTC Index:
DTC - Description - Action
B1317 - Battery Voltage High - CHECK the charging system.
B1318 - Battery Voltage Low - CHECK the charging system.
B1342 - ECU Is Faulted - CLEAR the DTC. CARRY OUT the self-test. If DTC B1342 is retrieved again, REMOVE the audio unit and SEND it to an authorized audio system repair facility.
B2406 - Audio Disc CD Player Internal Fault - CLEAR the DTC. CARRY OUT the self-test. If DTC
B2406 is retrieved again, REMOVE the audio unit and SEND it to an authorized audio system repair facility.
B2477 - ECU Configuration Failure - CLEAR the DTC. CARRY OUT the self-test. If DTC B2477 is retrieved again, REMOVE the audio unit and SEND it to an authorized audio system repair facility. REFER to Section 415-01 . TEST the system for normal operation.
B2924 Audio Button Stuck INSPECT the audio unit for a stuck button and REPAIR the concern, if possible. CLEAR the DTC. CARRY OUT the self-test. If DTC B2924 is retrieved again, REMOVE the audio unit and SEND it to an authorized audio system repair facility.
B2965 - Audio System Speaker Circuit Fault - See Ford Factory Service Manual for troubleshooting steps.

 

[toms89]

This is a cool idea!

You might want to include the year and maybe model because much of what you listed doesn't apply to mine.

 

[RockyF150]

good info

 

[toms89]

This is one I don't think most know about for first generation expeditions. Possibly other years as well.

If you hold in the trip odometer trip reset button, about 5 seconds, while turning the ignition key to the run position then release it will go into a self test mode. You cycle through different parameters by pressing the trip reset button. You can test the gauges, bulbs even battery voltage (digital readout). Many are meaningless unless you know what they mean of course.

Just turn off the ignition and your back to normal.

 

[toms89]

Found this while searching online and it should apply to the odometer self test mode in earlier expys:

Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode

To enter the Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode, depress and hold the instrument cluster SELECT/RESET button and then turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. Continue pressing the SELECT/RESET button (five seconds) until tESt is displayed in the odometer. The SELECT/RESET button must be released within three seconds of the odometer displaying tESt to begin the dealer test mode. Depress the SELECT/RESET button to advance through the following steps until dtc is displayed. Depressing the SELECT/RESET button will display any continuous DTCs stored before proceeding to the next step.



Odometer Display Description
GAGE Activates gauge sweep of all gauges, then displays present gauge values. Also carries out the checksum tests on ROM and EE.
All segments illuminated Illuminates all odometer segments.
bulb Illuminates all micro-controlled lamps and LEDs (low oil pressure/high coolant temperature, low fuel, service engine soon, brake, low range). Install a new bulb or LED as necessary.
r Returns to normal operation of all micro-controlled lamps and LEDs and displays hexadecimal value for ROM level (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
EE Displays hexadecimal value for EE level (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
dt Displays hexadecimal coding of final manufacturing test date (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
dtc Displays continuous DTCs. Pressing the SELECT/RESET button will display any DTCs stored before proceeding to the next step.
enG Displays the speed in mph. Speedometer will indicate present speed within tolerances. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if speed is 0.
m Displays the speed data (mph) received from the PCM via the SCP network. Displays the metric speed in kph. Speedometer will indicate present speed within tolerances. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if speed is 0.
tAc Displays the tachometer data received from the PCM via the SCP network. Tachometer will indicate present speed within tolerances. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if engine rpm is 0.
FUEL Displays the actual A/D fuel level. The fuel gauge will display a filtered fuel level value. This filter will keep the pointer from moving suddenly or erratically. If the value displayed is between 0 and 20, the circuit is shorted. Go To Pinpoint Test B.
255=open send +/-0
232=Full stop +/-10
215=Full mark +/-10
178=3/4 mark +/-8
138=1/2 mark +/-7
93=1/4 mark +/-5
41=E mark +/-4
54="LOW FUEL" (0-59)
0-18=short (0-20 max.)

OIL Displays the code (0-255) for the oil pressure switch input to the instrument cluster. Displays the oil pressure reading input to the instrument cluster. Oil pressure gauge will indicate present oil pressure. Normal oil pressure (greater than 6 psi) will display a value between 000 and 176. A low oil pressure (less than 6 psi) or an inoperative engine oil pressure switch will display a value greater than 176.
dEGC Display of engine temperature in Degrees C input from cylinder head temperature sensor. If the value displayed is -40C, the SCP message for engine temperature has not been received for more than 5 seconds. Go To Pinpoint Test E.
49 C="C" mark
60 C=Normal band start
120 C=Normal band end
119 C=Temperature warning indicator ON
"-40" C=No SCP Message for 5 sec

br Displays the brake fluid level input to the instrument cluster.
bAtt Displays the code (0-255) battery voltage input to the instrument cluster. Battery voltage gauge will indicate present battery voltage.
93-102=6.9-9.1 volts (low voltage)
115-124=8.5-10.7 volts (norm band start)
215-225=15.8-18 volts (norm band end)
230-241=16.9-19.1 volts (high voltage)

rhEo Displays the present hexadecimal value for the instrument cluster backlighting pulse width modulated (PWM) input to the instrument cluster (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
rhi
rhS
rho PWM input duty cycle.
SCP hexadecimal dimming step (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
Output driver counts in hexadecimal format (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).
Cr Displays the present RUN/START sense input. Display will show -L with the ignition switch in the START position and -h with the ignition switch in the RUN position.
ALtFa Displays 8-bit hexadecimal value for alternate fuel level. Display will show a value between OO and FF if the message is received.
PA-PE7 Not used.
GAGE Repeats test display cycle.

a Refer to 413-01B (F250 only).

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position or press and hold the SELECT/RESET button for three or more seconds and release to exit Instrument Cluster Dealer Test Mode. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.



Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Source Action
B1202 Fuel Sender Open Instrument Cluster Go To Pinpoint Test B.
B1204 Fuel Sender Short to Ground Instrument Cluster Go To Pinpoint Test B.
B1342 ECU is Defective Instrument Cluster CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. If DTC B1342, INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
B2143 Odometer NVM Memory Failure Instrument Cluster INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
C1284 Oil Pressure Switch Failure Instrument Cluster Go To Pinpoint Test D.
P1197 SELECT/RESET Switch Circuit Failure Instrument Cluster INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U1027 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Engine RPM PCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
U1041 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Vehicle Speed PCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
U1073 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Engine Coolant PCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
U1123 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Odometer PCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
U1131 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Fuel System AFCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
U1132 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Odometer PCM REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.

 

[rexster314]

I've had 2 other Expy's, a first and second generation EB. They've always had some kind of mute button either on the steering wheel or the head unit itself. On my '12 KR there is none. Sometimes you just want to hit a button to mute the radio and not turn it down or off. I accidentally found that if you tap the center volume button once it will mute/unmute the radio. I never saw anything in the user manual about this.

 

[obonaven]

This is a cool idea!

You might want to include the year and maybe model because much of what you listed doesn't apply to mine.

Yep! Did that

Mine of course are found on a 2012 EL XLT.

 

[obonaven]

Another one, at least for the 2012 EL XLT - when the reverse sensors go off you can temporarily silence them by pressing the Reset button on the dash. Once you do that you'll also have the option of disabling it permanently. This could come in handy when backing a trailer up.

 

[toms89]

 

[TexasAngel34]

Cool idea...