mtl1977

Whoops. The media.ford.com PDF states the I-4 comes with the six-speed automatic...the text above states 5-speed automatic. Apparently the proofreader took an early buyout.

This filter design (for US market Fords) seems to have started on the 2.3L I-4 from Chihuahua on the 2005 Escape Hybrid. I have a feeling they thought it was a "green" design since you are only throwing away a paper filter and the two o-rings. MASSIVE BRAIN FART! The design f-ing sucks. Murray's doesn't sell a filter wrench that fits. They were amazed that the black pile of plastic in my hand was for an oil filter! I'll bet the 2.3L Rangers/B2300s also use this stupid design. I think ChEP builds their engines too.

Back when Ford was doing the legal BS over the Futura name, I saw a Fusion prototype with a 'FOUR HUNDRED' badge. I guess its a 4/5 size FIVE HUNDRED.

"Auto (wife demanded it)" Grow some ba...

One award the Navigator gets - the most obvious use of product placement in a TV show - check out the beginning of that new 'John from Cincinnati' show on HBO. Ford could take credit for the Phil Leotardo/Expedition hit...

There are likely a dozen or more small changes. The TCM reflash probably did not cause the Job # change, it was simply postposed until that Job # date. Ford only allows part number changes at certain points during the model year. Lots of time and money is spent between engineering, FCSD service part issues and then plant integration and end of line testing. Real pain in the ass to make an update.

The dealer should be able to tell you the exact build date (date the body was dropped I think it is). The Analytical Warranty System (AWS) provides this information and dealer sale and warranty data is entered into AWS. They should have access to this data somewhere. Ford and supplier engineers also have access, but jobs are scarce in Detroit. No one is likely to take a chance looking up your data.

"all of these companies need to stop the development process and start the production process." Yeah, and if Ford did the same during CD3xx development, the car would resemble a G6! :eek5: :eek5: "It's like these jerkoffs that stick the stupid adhesive portholes to the front fenders of their Cavaliers. Jesus..." The real jerkoffs are the ones with fart cans on Cavaliers and Civics...with auto transmissions. Yeah, like that just made it a street racer.

Now that was funny...you mean that customer service hotline that seems to be based out of India? What a freakin' joke.

I like bright taillights. Helps to avoid this. http://mlav.com/car/escape/crash032704/crash.html[/url]

Just got back...fun ride on the motorcycle from Plymouth to Detroit. The country of Mexico had one of each CD3XX on display. Plus there was an MRT modified Fusion and a stock '07 Fusion stuck way in the back. The King Ranch F-450 was sweet. A few shots - from the point and shoot. Cobo (NAIAS) is nice to shoot with a DSLR, wide angle and polarizer.

Check the build dates (or engine part numbers)? Perhaps a running change...

Running out of fuel - 1) the lean mixture could cause major detonation issues. 2) Lots of NOX emissions. Only if you care Mr. Gore. Go pay that $30k electrical bill! :rolleyes: 3) The garbage collected in the tank could be caught in the pump and/or fuel filter. 4) As mentioned - the pump could be damaged by lack of lube. 5) Ticket - careless driving??? 6) Getting honked at?

I heard they wanted to use the 3.0L engine on the SVT Contour, but there were some packaging issues in the Mondeo engine bay, like the placement of the water pump that is cam driven off the back of one cyinder head. I also heard that the 2.5 liter was slightly over 2500ccs, so it was in a higher class in Europe and/or Japan - so Ford had to spend a crapload of $$ to get the displacement under 2500.

So does the Mazda6 and some Volvos...