Any other reports?

Cris

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0faf40

Replying to: icebluemariner (Jul 03, 2007 8:40 pm)

I just picked up my 08 FEH and to my surprise there are audio & cruise controls on the steering wheel. I guess Ford updated their production line. The brochures/website don't mention anything about this feature as far as I know.

I'll bet there was some holdup on deliveries of some of the components. My 08 has the cruise control, but not the audio control. I can live without the volume controls, but surfing channels is a pain without it.

That same thread says that the '08 FEH has an electric driven A/C compressor. Is that true too?

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

This topic had me interested enough, that I went looking for some official documentation. This is what I finally found in the 11/01/07 Ordering Guide update...

JOB 2 ORDER GUIDE UPDATES – Effective on all vehicles
built on or after Job 2 (12/03/07 – subject to change)
• Ambient lighting (53D) optional on select arrays.
• Sun & Sat Packages (17C/17M) available in AK & HI. Sirius®
satellite programming restricted to U.S. mainland (48 states)
• Charcoal color & trim replaces Charcoal black/ Rust contrast
• Redundant audio control standard on Hybrid models
• Rear cargo tie down straps are no longer featured on Escape
• Power Code™ Remote Start System (94R) FIA option

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

I'm not positive on this, but I see a lot of errors in marketing materials.

( Mercury's glossy brochure says the MMH comes with a 70 watt traction motor for one example, and many articles say no tow hitch or running boards are possible, both wrong, as other examples.)

Often there is an (*) that says: "Not available on Hybrid".

Maybe the * was forgotten in this case.
I've seen one 2008 in person with NO wheel audio controls, and no electric A/C.

Have you actually seen a hybrid built after 12/03/07 ????

The "Job 2" Ordering Guide, which is not marketing material, pretty much confirms it. The Guide not only has it in the changes section (which is what I quoted), but also in the equipment tables. There is a check mark in the hybrid column (and only in the hybrid column because the hybrid is the only model where the audio buttons are now standard).

I also think it would be rather odd for it to say "... standard on hybrid models" and then have, as you suggest, a "not available on hybrid" disclaimer.

I had my doubts too. That is why I went looking. It wasn't easy finding the latest copy of the Ordering Guide. Most on the 'net date back to the original introduction of the 2008.

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

My 2008 FEH, which was delivered on December 19th, has the audio controls on the steering wheel.

Nice little bonus feature for Harry

My 2008 FEH doesn't have this neat feature but it was built long before 12/3/07.

I'm waiting to see if Sync will be backward compatible and if so, maybe I'll do both it and the steering wheel.

I really want the Bluetooth phone feature more than anything but I don't want to give up the power flow screen in the NAVI.

Now I'm interested to see what the 2009 model will have as features. Oh how time flies.

Does Ford offer their "older" Mobile Ease accessory for the DVD based NAV system????

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

Hello:

I do not have my vehicle yet, but a PDF of its window sticker can be viewed in the tracking post @

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums...howtopic=19261

and the "STEER WHL, W/AUDIO CONTROL" is listed as part of the Standard Equipment.

Same for the window sticker for a vehicle destined for the US:

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums...howtopic=19056

Also, the 2nd Version of the owner's manual removes the "If Equipped" from the Steering Wheel Controls - audio control
info section -- see p. 42 of the comparison PDF posted by MyPart (Chris) :

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f...34/#post153673

H