One month in, observations, questions and verification

[mtrosclair]

I've now had my 2022 Timberline for almost a month, and I've put about 1500 miles on it in that time. I've listed some things that I have observed, and questions that I have come up with, some of the things that I have already answered on my own but I felt that I would include them here as a new owner.

My vehicle is Tricoat white, and I noticed that my bumpers were a slightly different color than the rest of the vehicle, I was worried that maybe it had been repainted, however from everything I can tell Ford just has some difficulty in getting white bumpers to be the exact same color as the body. I have seen it on brand new vehicles on the lot and other Expeditions that I've seen in parking lots.

From what I've read, the addition of a catch can is on some level beneficial for these engines, though it does appear to be a little bit debated how beneficial. Regardless, I've ordered the J&L catch can which should be here early next week. I don't think there are any, but are there any "gotchas" for the installation?

I've noticed on the '24 Expeditions that there is some sort of splash guard immediately in front of the rear wheel at the door trailing edge, what does this prevent, and would it be added to an older model be beneficial?

I have the 15 1/2 inch screen, does anyone have a screen protector on theirs? Is it even worth adding one?

I have added the WeatherTech mudflaps because they seem like the only fitted ones, however the front ones don't seem to be wide enough the rears are awesome however.

There seems to be some sort of additional light above the license plate (not the plate lights) , I've never seen it come on, so I'm not really sure what it does and I'm not even sure what to call it to look it up. Has anyone noticed this, and knows what it does?

I enjoy turbo noises, so I've considered getting a cold air intake for the vehicle, I fully realized that they don't do anything for performance, so I would be curious which one will make the best noise, without any detriment to performance.

It may be my imagination, however I know that Ford does it with some of their vehicles, is there some sort of artificial engine noise piped through the speakers? I can't find a definitive answer on that for this vehicle.

I like the fact that it has skid plates in the front, however under the transmission seems to be the same fabric noise guard thing that appears on a regular Expedition. Does anyone know if there is a aftermarket solution for this problem?

All in all, I am enjoying the truck, it's very comfortable and it has nice features, however one thing that does irk me is the lack of adjustable headrests in a vehicle at this price point.

I appreciate any input or comments on any of these points that can be offered.

 

[Hellwig]

Does the catch can void engine warranty?

 

[mtrosclair]

Like most modifications, it could have the potential for Ford to deny a warranty claim, if they can prove that your modification was directly responsible for a failure. So if for some instance you had an issue with the intake tract being full of oil, and they saw that you had this installed, they may be likely to give you trouble with that. But if your rear end goes out it would be really hard for them to prove that the catch can was responsible for that.

That being said, any modification could have that potential.

 

[Fastcar]

Like most modifications, it could have the potential for Ford to deny a warranty claim, if they can prove that your modification was directly responsible for a failure. So if for some instance you had an issue with the intake tract being full of oil, and they saw that you had this installed, they may be likely to give you trouble with that. But if your rear end goes out it would be really hard for them to prove that the catch can was responsible for that.

That being said, any modification could have that potential.

Read the Magnuson Moss Act www.yourlemonlawrights.com/magnuson-moss-warranty-act

 

[mtrosclair]

I did think of one other question, with the Timberline obviously I have the regular tail lights, not LED. I replaced the reverse lights with some bright LEDs, and I would like to do the turn/brake bulbs but I'm not sure if there is a preferred one that looks good in these housings, and won't cause any computer issues.

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

There seems to be some sort of additional light above the license plate (not the plate lights) , I've never seen it come on, so I'm not really sure what it does and I'm not even sure what to call it to look it up. Has anyone noticed this, and knows what it does?

Could you be talking about the backup camera?

 

[mtrosclair]

No, if you're standing at the rear of the truck it's just to the left of the camera.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Read the Magnuson Moss Act www.yourlemonlawrights.com/magnuson-moss-warranty-act

Yeah, well the problem is no one from the federal government is going to come and help you with your dealer claim, even though it is a Federal Law. Ford will deny the claim and you will need to hire a lawyer that specializes in the automotive market. At some point you may prevail (or not), but in the meantime you will have paid out $10K - $20K in lawyers fees and either had your vehicle sit for a year or paid for that repair as well.

I had a simple problem, positive battery terminal on battery leaking which destroyed the positive cable terminal (well known problem caused by defective batteries). This terminal is an integral part of a $600 power harness with 30 or so connectors (about as far from a "battery cable" as one could get), but Ford labeled the harness a "battery cable" and said they don't cover batteries or battery cables. They denied the claim and said your cost to repair is $1225. I asked, don't you just sell the terminal that connects to the "harness" to the battery separately, they said no we don't.

So rather than give the specialist attorney a $5,000 retainer, I purchased a new battery (from them) and found the company Ford buys the terminal from. I bought the OEM terminal from them made the repair myself for $185 and called it a day. BTW, after the fact, I found they do sell the exact same terminal by itself, you just need to know the part number.

This was a case with a zero mod truck and they are still trying to get out of their obligation. I would not take a chance in making any mods to any vehicle I own under warranty these days.

Now Ford may, in fact sell an oil separator for this truck (I don't know) but they do sell one for the Mustang GT500, as a matter of fact they offered it as part of an option package when ordering the 2020-2022 GT500 car new, which is interesting.

Handling Package (67J • Adjustable Strut Top Mounts Note: Installed at Plant • Catch Can (Placed in vehicle for installation post-sale) • Gurney Flap (Placed in vehicle for installation post-sale) • Splitter Wickers (Placed in the vehicle for installation post sale)

 

[Fastcar]

I guess it has to with the dealer your working with and the service manager that makes the decision and how you present your position or opinion.

 

[LegalBrief]

Yeah, well the problem is no one from the federal government is going to come and help you with your dealer claim, even though it is a Federal Law. Ford will deny the claim and you will need to hire a lawyer that specializes in the automotive market. At some point you may prevail (or not), but in the meantime you will have paid out $10K - $20K in lawyers fees and either had your vehicle sit for a year or paid for that repair as well.

I had a simple problem, positive battery terminal on battery leaking which destroyed the positive cable terminal (well known problem caused by defective batteries). This terminal is an integral part of a $600 power harness with 30 or so connectors (about as far from a "battery cable" as one could get), but Ford labeled the harness a "battery cable" and said they don't cover batteries or battery cables. They denied the claim and said your cost to repair is $1225. I asked, don't you just sell the terminal that connects to the "harness" to the battery separately, they said no we don't.

So rather than give the specialist attorney a $5,000 retainer, I purchased a new battery (from them) and found the company Ford buys the terminal from. I bought the OEM terminal from them made the repair myself for $185 and called it a day. BTW, after the fact, I found they do sell the exact same terminal by itself, you just need to know the part number.

This was a case with a zero mod truck and they are still trying to get out of their obligation. I would not take a chance in making any mods to any vehicle I own under warranty these days.

Now Ford may, in fact sell an oil separator for this truck (I don't know) but they do sell one for the Mustang GT500, as a matter of fact they offered it as part of an option package when ordering the 2020-2022 GT500 car new, which is interesting.

Handling Package (67J • Adjustable Strut Top Mounts Note: Installed at Plant • Catch Can (Placed in vehicle for installation post-sale) • Gurney Flap (Placed in vehicle for installation post-sale) • Splitter Wickers (Placed in the vehicle for installation post sale)

Catch can is not legal in all states so it’s dealer installed in appropriate states.

For the most part dealers don’t care about a modification they care about your satisfaction. Key is to be nice, courteous and empathetic with service writer. It is a sucky job.

 

[VCFP153]

No, if you're standing at the rear of the truck it's just to the left of the camera.

It's a light for the camera, it comes on if you are in reverse and exterior lights are on. The reasoning is that otherwise the image might be too dark.

 

[mtrosclair]

It's a light for the camera, it comes on if you are in reverse and exterior lights are on. The reasoning is that otherwise the image might be too dark.

That would make sense, thanks!

 

[mtrosclair]

I got the oil separator installed this afternoon, that was probably one of the simplest things I've ever installed in a vehicle. The only real pain in the butt is the little clips to get the stock PCV hose off, other than that it's easy.

 

[VBreithaupt]

yes on J&L catch can, dealers know about them and don't care. Many are installing them on their own Fords.
I have the weather tech mud flaps and don't think they had the fronts come down as far because of clearance, if they were longer they may catch when going over things.
Ford makes nice metal skid plates for trucks that fit on our expys as well. I use my points to pay for them. You can find threads with parts numbers but replacing the transmission molded paper, tinfoil crap is a must.

 

[mtrosclair]

yes on J&L catch can, dealers know about them and don't care. Many are installing them on their own Fords.
I have the weather tech mud flaps and don't think they had the fronts come down as far because of clearance, if they were longer they may catch when going over things.
Ford makes nice metal skid plates for trucks that fit on our expys as well. I use my points to pay for them. You can find threads with parts numbers but replacing the transmission molded paper, tinfoil crap is a must.

That's good to know, I'm going to look into that because it would seem like that would be a no brainer.

https://accessories.ford.com/underbody-shield-transmission/?fmccmp=marketplace-gs-cta-accessories&ef_id=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TfC96WsVONxdm3Kwyr572JQfaHHHB319ncAj9vab0e2QCp_zfhvIhhoCNf0QAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2519!3!676763613569!!!g!293946777986!!20643481100!157311292289&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vOsBhAAEiwAIWR0TfC96WsVONxdm3Kwyr572JQfaHHHB319ncAj9vab0e2QCp_zfhvIhhoCNf0QAvD_BwE

Seems like this could do what I need.

 

[newyorkistansux]

Nice, I was wondering why the reverse camera is so much brighter compared to the Explorer.

 

[newyorkistansux]

Is that the shield that will also cover the catalytic converter?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I did think of one other question, with the Timberline obviously I have the regular tail lights, not LED. I replaced the reverse lights with some bright LEDs, and I would like to do the turn/brake bulbs but I'm not sure if there is a preferred one that looks good in these housings, and won't cause any computer issues.

I'm not sure about the 22's, but in most older models (like my 011 EL), you have to either A) get LED's that have a built-in resistor, or B) get the resistors separately & splice them in, or your turn signals will start flashing about 10x faster than the original bulbs do, most commonly referred to as "hyperflash"...

The built-in ones cost a little more $$, but are a 1 & done install, whereas the LED's with out them will cost less, but require the purchase of the resistors (about $8-10 for a set) as well as the 2nd step of splicing the wires....

Choose wisely you must, because with this issue, help you the force cannot, hehehe...j/k