Getting the Ex ready.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Stuart, FL
Getting the Ex ready.
I'm taking the Ex up to Georgia for Thanksgiving. I called the dealer to see if they still did the diesel oil change for $59. They said it is now $99. So I went to WalMart and got 4 gallons of Rotella 5w40 synthetic and a Motorcraft filter. I also picked up new 24" wiper blades and a set of Silverstar bulbs for the fog lamps. I ordered the HID's on line yesterday. I ordered the Bi-Xenons.
While I was looking under the hood I noticed that the drivers side battery had the red dot. The passenger side was replace 9/07 under warranty. It was cranking a little slow but always started. So I picked up a new battery at WalMart for $76.
The killer was getting the oil filter cap off. The dealer must have put the dam thing on with an impact wrench. The specs call for 18 ft lbs. Maybe I'm just getting old. :-( Then the drain plug was put on by Mr. Atlas. After those 2 things it was a piece of cake.
I filled the tires up to 65 for the trip. This is the 1st time I have worked on the Ex myself. Before it was always under warranty. I still have to take it to the dealer for the $14 tire rotation.
Boy those fog lights are bright. Now my headlights look sick until I get the HID's.
Any other suggestions before I go on my trip? BTW, it only has 18k on it.
While I was looking under the hood I noticed that the drivers side battery had the red dot. The passenger side was replace 9/07 under warranty. It was cranking a little slow but always started. So I picked up a new battery at WalMart for $76.
The killer was getting the oil filter cap off. The dealer must have put the dam thing on with an impact wrench. The specs call for 18 ft lbs. Maybe I'm just getting old. :-( Then the drain plug was put on by Mr. Atlas. After those 2 things it was a piece of cake.
I filled the tires up to 65 for the trip. This is the 1st time I have worked on the Ex myself. Before it was always under warranty. I still have to take it to the dealer for the $14 tire rotation.
Boy those fog lights are bright. Now my headlights look sick until I get the HID's.
Any other suggestions before I go on my trip? BTW, it only has 18k on it.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Stuart, FL
I ordered them from here:
Xenith Xenons - Superior Quality HIDs and World-Renowned Customer Service! See For Yourself Today!
I was going to get them at [[url]http://www.xenonlink.com/index.php?cPath=96] but there is no phone number to call and speak with someone.
I called xenithxenons and got George. He was very helpful. I was worried about the Bi-Xenon. I wanted to make sure that they were also plug & play. He assured me they are. Just a few more wires to plug in. He also said that the regular HID's used a halogen bulb for the high beam. I didn't want that so I ordered the Bi-Xenon. This way the high beam is also HID. It's something to do with the bulb. It moves somehow.
Xenith Xenons - Superior Quality HIDs and World-Renowned Customer Service! See For Yourself Today!
I was going to get them at [[url]http://www.xenonlink.com/index.php?cPath=96] but there is no phone number to call and speak with someone.
I called xenithxenons and got George. He was very helpful. I was worried about the Bi-Xenon. I wanted to make sure that they were also plug & play. He assured me they are. Just a few more wires to plug in. He also said that the regular HID's used a halogen bulb for the high beam. I didn't want that so I ordered the Bi-Xenon. This way the high beam is also HID. It's something to do with the bulb. It moves somehow.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Fort Lauderdale, Fl
I ordered my Headlights and foglight HID Kits from Xenonlink they were the cheapest and they were delivered quickly, I would recommend them to anyone... Maybe you can cancel your order.
Yes the Bi-Xenon are the best and they move up and down for high and low beam.
Yes the Bi-Xenon are the best and they move up and down for high and low beam.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 584
Likes: 14
From: Austin, TX
I'm headed on an 800 mile trip for Thanksgiving in my Ex. I checked out the items below, as mentioned in this thread:
I'll mess with it when I get back from the trip. I also put a milk crate with a spare fuel filter, extension cord, extra couple quarts of oil, some Diesel Kleen and a few tools in the back, just in case.
Finally, don't forget to check pressure in your spare tire.
- Test the batts to make sure they're up to snuff
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with full strength fluid, not the diluted stuff I use in the summer
- Test the ESOF engagement
- Change the fuel filter
- I have the gold coolant so it's good to go for 200K miles (truck has ~65K now), but I'll do a temp check on that anyway
- Make sure both bun warmers are working
- Throw a 100' extension cord in the back in case I need to plug the block heater in at a motel or something
- Check wiper blades
- Check rear heater function
I'll mess with it when I get back from the trip. I also put a milk crate with a spare fuel filter, extension cord, extra couple quarts of oil, some Diesel Kleen and a few tools in the back, just in case.
Finally, don't forget to check pressure in your spare tire.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Stuart, FL
How do you check the ESOF engagement? And thanks for the tip on the washer fluid. I missed that one.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 584
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From: Austin, TX
Others may have a more complete description.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
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One thing you did not mention is the fan belt and hoses. Check them and when you have the tires rotated take a look at the thickness of the brake pads.
Throw in a roll of duck tape and be sure to check the brake fluid.
And most of all have a wonderful and safe trip.
Throw in a roll of duck tape and be sure to check the brake fluid.
And most of all have a wonderful and safe trip.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9
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I am planning a slightly longer trip. Germany to China or Mongolia depending on time. Bought a V10 2001 just for this trip. So far 8 new tires, front wheel bearings, ball joints, rear sway bar, shocks, springs. Have a new serp belt and all new hoses to replace rhe existing ones. waiting for new tie rods inner and outer. Really only one seems worn but rubber is shot on al and looks like all are original. Doubt find a NAPA store in Siberia. From what I have read most people doing this trip lose tires and oil pans. got the tires covered but thinking about making skid plates. Much of the Trans Siberian Highway is really dirt and large gravel along the rial line. 2-4 inch rock is apperently pretty common. Will add checking rear heater to my list. know it will be needed.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Stuart, FL
Made the trip and all went well. The new headlights are the best. I had to use the 4x4 a couple of times and it works. Never used it before. The 24" wipers are the way to go.
The diesel had not problem with the mountains in GA. I may just take the EX up to Mass for Xmas too.
The diesel had not problem with the mountains in GA. I may just take the EX up to Mass for Xmas too.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 584
Likes: 14
From: Austin, TX