2003 Expy grill

tjsker · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 06:04 PM

I have an XLT but I don't like the lower portion of the front end in which they didn't put a grill like they did on the EB. Does anyone make a grill for that? Can I buy and EB lower grill and put it in there?

bduke · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2003, 08:46 PM

What is that "thing" sticking out in the middle of the lower grill area?

tjsker · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2003, 10:53 PM

When I look through the "black hole" in the front end of my Expy, I see what looks like a small radiator, which may be for the tranny. If you see something different, then maybe someone who knows more can help me out.

bduke · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2003, 07:27 PM

What I see is a square post which seems to end just where the grill would be. Any ideas?

tjsker · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2003, 10:53 PM

The square post is see when I look through the grill is a black plastic cover that covers the post that houses the hood latch.

cpearre · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 09:55 PM

Thought you might like to know that a lower grill is for sale on ebay for 2003 eb.

Mattias · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 11:33 PM

bduke,

Are you referring to the engine block heater plug? On all Canadian Expys this is standard and is located right above the license plate in the middle of the lower grill. It is a rubber plug on a spring hinge covering the plug for the extension cord. It does ruin the "look" of the lower grill because it requires a cut-out of the middle slats.

Hope this answers your question.

bduke · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 07:11 PM

You are right. It's the connector for the engine block heater.

Being from Illinois, where they are not required, I've never seen one before. My Expy came from Wisconsin, where they are required.

Thanks for the help.

jsirota · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 01:17 PM

I have the same complaint about my '03 XLT (and don't have an engine block heater to get in the way.)

But I can't find this lower grille on EBay, other than some billet stuff. The question is, will a regular Eddie Bauer lower grille just snap right in there?

wacnstac · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 01:34 PM

I would also like to buy one of these somewhere assuming that the EB matches my XLT upper grill at least somewhat. The way it is now, it looks like Ford forgot a part.

dswenson · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 10:00 AM

Ford didn't forget a part, they are cost cutting anywhere they can. I just got a new '03 XLT. One STANDARD feature listed in the brochure are the Homelink buttons for garage door remote control in the sun visor. When I got the truck, no buttons in visor. Called the Sales manager at Patriot Ford who, now that they had my $37000 told me to call Ford customer service! Got his money & didn't want to help me! Sorry pal, guess I'll buy my wife's new car somewhere else. Ford said the Homelink is no longer a standard feature, but I ordered the XLT last Dec and took delivery March 3. Per Ford the homelink was dropped in Feburary. I made the analogy, suppose I go & pick up my new truck & find a plastic face plate in place of the standard radio, and the dealer says, sorry we don't feel like giving you a radio so we took it out, but you are still paying the same. I don't think so. This is my first Ford and I love it, but I will NEVER buy another. With dealers struggling to sell cars, I can't belive no one gives a crap.
And does anyone know if the visor is available through parts, and if the wiring harness for it is already in the headliner?

jsirota · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 11:28 AM

I thought I was going crazy, 'cause I could swear that some of the XLT "Popular"s that I drove had the homelink, but then the one that I bought didn't have it. Now I understand!

My brochure lists it as only with Eddie Bauer, so if yours says differently, apparently they spent enough money to reprint those.

bduke · #13 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 08:22 PM

My 2003 XLT, which I picked up 12 days ago, and is a "popular" does have the homelink in the visor. Sorry to hear your's doesn't.

jsirota · #14 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 08:31 PM

Out of curiosity, what is your build date? It's on a label visible on the pillar between the driver's door and left rear door when you open the driver's door.

Mine is pretty much brand new, 03/03 build date. I'll bet yours is older. Let's find out.

Perhaps it is retrofittable.

bduke · #15 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 09:37 PM

Yep, you're right 01/03. Slightly older than yours.

This got me to thinking. I test drove an XLT with the cigarette lighter in in the console area in front of the cup holders, and mine is in a different location. Mine is behind a door that contains the ash tray and cig lighter.

I hate mid model year changes. I'm the type that takes all of these little things into account when I select a vehicle. It upsets me when things are not as expected.