Surprised no one has mentioned this, but how about unlocking all the functions of the navigation unit when a passenger is detected in the front seat. It really annoys me that my passenger cannot input an address or use some of the other functions while moving, I understand that watching a DVD movie might still be out, but even a passenger in the front seat might like that as well. They can tell when a passenger is in the front seat without a seatbelt on, they should be able to tell when someone is sitting there that can use the navigations functions safely.

Speaking of this, anyone know what color the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) wire is on the 2011’s? I want to try and route mine through one of the upfitter switches to kill the speed sensor so my passenger can use the navigations functions while moving.

 

technically illegal, so Ford can't do it, or tell you how.

sam

 

Why is it illegal when the portable units like my Garmin only give a warning and acknowledgement screen at startup? I agree this should be enabled at the very least when the vehicle senses a passenger. I would think there has got to be a way around it.

 

Is this a fact or something you have heard?

I know in CA there is a law that prohibits watching movies in the front seats while the car is moving, but I have found no specific laws in regards to in dash gps devices. California made it legal to mount a gps device to your windshield as of January 1, 09 as long as it is in the lower 7 inches of the passenger side windshield or 5 on the driver’s side. I do not see how there could be a law that would allow manufacturers of portable gps devices to fully function while in a car but then ban car manufacturers from using the same functions. I would suspect it is more of a liability issue than a legal one. I have asked a few of the cops I know and none of them know of any laws prohibiting the driver from inputting a destination address into a navigation unit while driving.

 

portable and fixed are different..

I am thinking of installing a pioneer unit. there is a hack there to allow nav (and video) without the parking brake set.

Sam

 

if they can separate the two functions.. most cannot..well, I don't know of one that can..

Sam

 

Leave it to CA to tell you where you can and can't mount your GPS. :-)

 

There is a way around it, disable the VSS wire leading to the navigation unit, with no signal the navigation unit thinks the car is parked and everything works as it should. You can see this in action easily, start inputting a destination address while in drive, move foward and at 5 mph the screen blocks you from entering anymore information. As soon as you stop it all works again.

After marker units make it so if you ground the wire to the parking brake everything is fully functional on the navigation unit while driving, even allowing you to watch movies (not the smartest idea) while driving. Most of the new cars with navigation units from the manufacturer use the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) wire to disable features from working.

I have been trying to figure out the VSS color wire on the new 2011's so I can route it through an upfitter switch enabling me to turn it on and off to use all the features of the nav unit while driving.

 

My dad has a 2010 hyundai genesis and the nav is fully functional while driving. So it can't be a federal mandate. And sorry to keep this off track. My 2011 will be here around 8/23, so I will have more input on my "wish list" later. Right now, my list is only composed of 1 thing... That my 2011 arrives soon!

 

OK, we've covered unlocking all the functions of the navigation unit.

Next wish already. Its not a technical details discussion thread.

 

Very, very depressing thread if you ask me. We're talking about 3/4 ton and 1 ton diesel trucks and the conversation is about LED cup holders, two tone leather, navigation system options, back seat AC controls, etc.

Sorry folks, give me a truck that will go 300,000 miles easily and reliably with cloth seats and a stick shift. It won't be long and we'll be able to plan our trips on our computers, sync it to our GPS phone and then use it as a Nav system to carry out our trip. That means all the Nav stuff will soon be outdated, so why even worry about it?

So for 2012 I say bring back the stick and make it a truck again. I'm also fond of the carpet delete option in the XLT. Don't know if they still offer that.

 

Some great ideas out there...some I had thought of previously that I forgot about. I thought I'd throw up a quick consolidated list so Ford doesn't miss anything:

- Updated Nav (function unlock option for passenger, integrated a/c, heater, etc controls, similar to what they are doing with the Explorer, Edge, perhaps updated form factor)
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear seat a/c, heater, etc controls
- On touch window operation all the way around
- In floor storage bins (similar to Ram)
- HID headlight option
- All LED exterior lights
- Auto adjusting mirrors when put in reverse
- Interior LED "ambiance" lighting
- User programmable driver info screen (i.e. ability to re-program for miles to empty)
- Manual transmission option
- Factory lift option
- Larger fuel tank for the SB models
- Sleeker grille design
- Crew cab SB DRW
- Rear air bags
- Oil pressure guage
- Volt meter gauge

I know these are trucks, and not everyone is after "bling" or technology, which is why it's great that Ford offers so many different models, options, packages. Seems there's strong demand for the Lariat Ultimate Package, so many of these ideas would integrate nicely for those who apprecaite good creature comforts. Some of the other recommendations are good enhancements regardless of model.

Ford, please take note about what your customers are looking for

 

Sorry to say F350-6, were the "1% people" who like the stick shift according to the uninformed. However, my poll shows that 1 in 3 would like to have the manual transmission ... it sounds more like 33% to me.

Great thread so far jweidert, but I have to say that if Ford keeps going the way its going...there will only be one model with one powertrain combo. Compaired to 2010 we lost the V10, lost the 6-speed, whats next?

 

left off programmable fuel tank size

Sam

 

F350John

I have enjoyed your poll and wondered how long it would take before you mentioned the 33% stick shift take rate on your poll. Although your poll says that, it is biased by the fact that enthusiasts visit this site. In that segment of the market you will find more technical and frankly more truck savvy purchasers who would be interested in the availability of a manual. The general public is not that interested. Get in, turn the key and go. If the take rate was actually 33%, Ford would have never eliminated the manual option. I have a million miles in manual trucks so I would drive one if the deal was right. I would never buy a new one with a manual though. Good luck with your quest to get the manual back. I did see your smiley.

Regards