Hints, Tips and Tricks
5 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,585
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From: USA
What I don't get is why THAT pulls out, but the cup holders don't. I would like to pull them out and wash out anything that spills or drips. Meanwhile at least 2 of the 3 storage areas have removable trays. (I can't remember if the one where your sharpie is removes or not.)
5 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,684
Likes: 1,286
From: SE Michigain
I think the "sharpie spot" is removed to manually release the transmission shift lock. Like say you're battery is dead and you need to tow it. There should be a button in there to manually release the shifter lock for center console shifters.
And my cup holder bottoms are removable for clean up. You can see the little tabs in the picture for removal. Albeit only the bottom comes out so you'll have to wipe down the sides old fashioned like with a rag.
And my cup holder bottoms are removable for clean up. You can see the little tabs in the picture for removal. Albeit only the bottom comes out so you'll have to wipe down the sides old fashioned like with a rag.
I miss not being able to remove the whole cup holder area and taking it inside to wash it out like on my 2002. Also had to buy a new coffee mug that will fit into the little cup holders.
Last edited by Livoniabob; Sep 16, 2015 at 08:31 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 579
Likes: 114
From: Newark Valley, NY
I'll have to take a closer look now, thanks! 
I was wondering what that was for! I have the column shifter, does it work for that as well?
You are correct the "Sharpie spot" is where the manual release white lever is located under that black plastic trap door that you have to pry out with a screw driver, it's hard to remove and I would advise everyone to remove it now before you need it. I had to pry it out with my pocket knife the other day to get my truck out of park to drive it home. It's not going back in. Hint pry out the vertical part first not the bottom.
I miss not being able to remove the whole cup holder area and taking it inside to wash it out like on my 2002. Also had to buy a new coffee mug that will fit into the little cup holders.
I miss not being able to remove the whole cup holder area and taking it inside to wash it out like on my 2002. Also had to buy a new coffee mug that will fit into the little cup holders.
5 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,684
Likes: 1,286
From: SE Michigain
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 209
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I've read through much of this thread and didn't see it mentioned, although it's undoubtedly been brought up somewhere ... but if you push the + button on the side of the shifter it toggles the gear selected indicator on the dash (shown just right of the tach). I like how it shows which gear I'm in, so not sure why anyone would want to turn this off, but there you go.
Also, a shortcut to the two or three screens it takes to get to the lumbar, bolster and massage settings for the front seats, just push the physical lumbar button on the side of the driver seat and that screen immediately pops up. Much easier, since it's never clear what the path is to the seat adjustment screen (Home, Settings, Seat).
Also, a shortcut to the two or three screens it takes to get to the lumbar, bolster and massage settings for the front seats, just push the physical lumbar button on the side of the driver seat and that screen immediately pops up. Much easier, since it's never clear what the path is to the seat adjustment screen (Home, Settings, Seat).
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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Best done in M mode though, so as not to lockout gears with each downshift in D mode.
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
How do you get the L/R seat back to fold down? I played with mine for about 10 minutes with no luck. The R/R folds down for the jack, etc. I'm fairly mechanically inclined and EVEN had my reading glasses on 
I've done several searches on this forum but no luck finding anything else on it.
Thanks much,
JW
I've done several searches on this forum but no luck finding anything else on it.
Thanks much,
JW
Man, I love this thread! I'm a new member, and this is the first topic I've gone through start to finish...all 40-some pages! Great stuff.
Here's some of my insights to subjects contained within, and I'll leave my post with my favorite "trick" so far...
As far as the LED H/T-lights, I wish my XLT had them....the models those come on were to pricey for me. My wife drives a TLX with the LED headlights, and I must say, they are impressive! I was skeptical, as I've never really had an LED work light that I liked....the light always seemed weak, and kind of indirect. The LED's on the Acura's are amazing, I was totally on board. I'm assuming the F150 LED's are similar in performance, so yeah, I wish I had them. I wonder if you could swap the halogens with LED's, if the harness was the same? Prolly not... Once these start hitting the salvage yards after wrecks, might be able to pick up a set a little cheaper.
Really love the "secret" fob holder in the console! What a cool find. Great place to hide the key, when leaving it in the truck. Was also glad to see the driver side rear seat back folds, like the pass. side. I've already got a cable attached to the pin, so I can pull it with the seat bottom down, like the other side. There's a decent amount of storage back there.
Ok, my favorite "cool" feature so far....it's not really a trick or tip, but most cars/trucks I've had don't do this..... You can turn the fog lights on with only the parking lights! Makes the cr@ppy halogens look a little cooler, at least! Nice touch for the pre-dusk, or cloudy day lights. And oh yeah, those mirror spot lights are insane! I thought they might be kind of a waste, holy cow, was I wrong! Lights up like a freaking football field! I agree, it would be nice if they would work up to, say, 15 mph. If someone figures out how to bypass, please share!
Keep the ideas coming....
Great stuff.Here's some of my insights to subjects contained within, and I'll leave my post with my favorite "trick" so far...
As far as the LED H/T-lights, I wish my XLT had them....the models those come on were to pricey for me. My wife drives a TLX with the LED headlights, and I must say, they are impressive! I was skeptical, as I've never really had an LED work light that I liked....the light always seemed weak, and kind of indirect. The LED's on the Acura's are amazing, I was totally on board. I'm assuming the F150 LED's are similar in performance, so yeah, I wish I had them. I wonder if you could swap the halogens with LED's, if the harness was the same? Prolly not... Once these start hitting the salvage yards after wrecks, might be able to pick up a set a little cheaper.
Really love the "secret" fob holder in the console! What a cool find. Great place to hide the key, when leaving it in the truck. Was also glad to see the driver side rear seat back folds, like the pass. side. I've already got a cable attached to the pin, so I can pull it with the seat bottom down, like the other side. There's a decent amount of storage back there.
Ok, my favorite "cool" feature so far....it's not really a trick or tip, but most cars/trucks I've had don't do this..... You can turn the fog lights on with only the parking lights! Makes the cr@ppy halogens look a little cooler, at least! Nice touch for the pre-dusk, or cloudy day lights. And oh yeah, those mirror spot lights are insane! I thought they might be kind of a waste, holy cow, was I wrong! Lights up like a freaking football field! I agree, it would be nice if they would work up to, say, 15 mph. If someone figures out how to bypass, please share!
Keep the ideas coming....