The Ford Endeavour 3.2 Titanium – Built Tough

[A.G.]

Adding the 'Climate' menu

Enabled the hidden Climate menu using FORScan. This has added the convenience of adjusting the driver side Temperature and Blower speed using the steering wheel buttons.

The blue themed Climate option on the left panel


Incase off the HVAC was off previously, can be turned ON from the menu directly


Temperature adjustment with blower getting set to auto


Blower speed if adjusted represented via bar graph

 

[A.G.]

The last Sunday of 2017 was well spent with family and a couple of hours could even be dedicated to the truck for TLC. Collinite 845 never fails to amaze with the mirror finish and awesome smoothness.

 

[A.G.]

There was a certain initial batch of Endeavours in which the Auto Levelling motor of the Head Light used to fail. Now Ford has completely removed it as a feature from the Endeavour Titanium variants (both 2.2 and 3.2). Looks like the upgraded part also is bound to fail sooner or later .

What's more, the Panoramic Sunroof now being offered in 2.2 Titanium (MY18) variant has removed the exclusivity of this feature from 3.2 Titanium . In turn, this should boost the sales number as this feature has now been brought at a more affordable price.

 

[A.G.]

Different Chassis

After seeing the video posted by me having underbody shots, a gentleman posted a message:

You're Everest has less underbody support. Look at the video I posted at 4:15, you will see a K-truss to add extra stiffnes to chassis.

It is really surprising that a chassis having structural differences is being provided in India.

Screenshot from video showing the missing K-truss (Link: https://youtu.be/t5VdUht8T8s?t=1m37s)


Screenshot from video showing the K-truss on Australian Everest (Link: https://youtu.be/YlZAmNB5Bwk?t=4m12s)

 

[Iron Rock]

Very surprising and very interesting observation indeed - shoot a email to Ford, will be interesting to see their reply. Clearly these are some india based compromises or aussie specific elements to handle the harsh outback conditions.

Also isnt the exhaust system looking different - may be arising out of different norms.

 

[A.G.]

^^ I am sure Ford's response would be standard affair similar to their Owner's Manual - specifications in your country may vary and all features even as shown may not be available . Yes, Everest in AU has AdBlue exhaust treatment.

 

[A.G.]

Changing the Puddle Lanterns to spot light

The lamps under the ORVMs had so low intensity that I am calling them Puddle Lanterns. They lack intensity to the extent that apart from a very small area directly below the ORVMs, nothing is visible. You open the front door to step outside and you don't have any light whatsoever despite having a Puddle Lantern.

The replacement parts were ordered off aliexpress and one fine day when I had forgotten about the order (close to a month later), the package arrived. They were a straight fit and have a major improvement in light output.

The Package contents


The original Puddle Lantern


To remove it, just gently pry the lock from the mirror end and pull it down


Removed from the slot


Posing with the replacement spot light


The new spot light glowing - need to test and tape the connections before is putting it back


Illumination at night...


...with greater coverage


The complete white lights

 

[A.G.]

Adding apps to Android Auto



The compatibility of SYNC3 system with Android Auto makes for endless possibilities. Out of the many apps there might be available, have installed a few apps on the phone which take the experience of Android Auto to the next level.

a. Mini OBD2AA Free: Before buying the full version, I am still trying out the free version of the app. The free version has restriction for 4 gauges and uses Torque Pro app with ELM327 based OBD2 reader for displaying data. When you switch to the app, you immediately get the feel of being more connected to the truck by knowing what it is doing / feeling. The Torque Pro app can show plethora of information and using custom PIDs, I was able to get the TPMS pressure readouts on the screen.

Selected some random PIDs - At Idle...


...when releasing from part throttle


Managed to enter some custom PIDs to get the TPMS data


b. CarStream: The default SYNC3 system cannot play videos. This app allows you to view YouTube on the SYNC3 system and can even play the video files stored on the phone. Goes without saying that this app should be used responsibly when the vehicle is not moving.

Screen to search


Searching for my own video


Enjoying the video of my truck in my truck


One more shot of the priceless feeling


c. Widgets: As the name suggest, this simply adds one widget to the Android Auto page. Most of the widgets which can be put on the phone screen are available here too.

Weather widget as an example


The installation process is simple and is detailed by each of the developer in form of text / video. To consolidate the information, writing the steps that I performed.

1. You need to be a developer on the Android phone. To do that, tap the build number in settings 5-10 times and a message will confirm the same.
2. Scroll in the developer options and allow installation from unknown sources.
3. Open Android Auto on phone and click the 3 horizontal lines icon on Top left to open Settings then click on About.
4. Tap 10-15 times on the top header ‘About Android Auto’ to become a developer.
5. Once a message pops-up confirming same, open settings form the 3 vertical dots and click on Developer settings.
6. Scroll to the ‘Unknown sources’ option and put a check mark.

These steps need to be performed only once on a phone after which the app can be installed. Once installed, configure the same on phone or open it once. Then the apps should work on SYNC3 through Android Auto by accessing them from the icon on the bottom right of the default page which opens when the phone is connected.

Links from where the apps can be downloaded:
a. https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...p-free-mini-obd2-plugin-android-auto-t3679166
b. The Kiran Kumar blog | high on tech
c. https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-auto-general/app-widgets-android-auto-t3744179

Disclaimer: I am no way associated with the developers and am sharing what I have done to heighten my experience of the SYNC3. Do it at your own risk as I do not take any responsibility whatsoever for any consequences it may have.

 

[A.G.]

Changing the Foot Mats

The original mats from Ford are good but quite short in size. Found a set online which had good reviews on Amazon.

These mats don't offer any dust absorption due their material but the material itself is non-skid. They cover the carpet completely to the extent that it reaches below the seats too. The fit is good and has properly designed cutouts.

The complete set


Driver's side mat covering entire footwell


Finally middle row mats covering the floor hump as well...


... and below the front seats


The 3rd row mats also extending below middle row seats

 

[Iron Rock]

The android auto based apps feature is awesome, you can really do whatever you want to display if you know the custom PIDs, the tpms especially is a useful add on and yeah 2 decimal accuracy - ha ha simply wow!

This is a very very useful post for all Endy owners! There are several torque pro plugins as well some paid some free do check them out - all nice party tricks!

 

[akhilbhansali]

Tyre replacement – Upping the Safety quotient and adding comfort:

Even before buying the truck, I was asked to replace the tyres by a couple of friends but unfortunately none of them could answer the question on performance of stock MRF tyres as they swapped tyres right out of showroom. Ideally, that’s the best approach if you want most value for your stock tyres but having some faith in MRF tyres, I didn’t go with this approach.

Over the last 5K kms, the following observations about the stock MRF tyres were made:
a. Grip – the rains which followed since the purchase revealed how poor the tyres were with water dispersion and overall grip in wet. Experiencing aquaplaning in the city, while driving with-in speed limits, that too when climbing a flyover was shocking.
b. Noise – with the music off, you could hear a roar in the cabin which would increase with speed till 120 Kmph after which the wind noise would become more prominent. This roar became deafening on the concrete highways.
c. Comfort – the stiff sidewall ensured that the cushioning effect from the tyres itself was missing on minor undulations. The suspension would react to the bumps in the best way possible but the initial jerk due to stiff sidewalls meant the sharpness of the jerk was always felt.

The problem was defined and the search for answer started. For a & b, swapping to good tyres would be enough but to address c, there were 2 possible scenarios – either downsize to 17” rims with tyres 265/65R17 and maintain overall size with-in 0.3% of the original tyre or upsize the tyre on 18” rim itself.

The first scenario was quickly ruled out as it involved more dosage of Vitamin M (Money). There were no options available with the 17” rim in 8Jx17 size having ET55 offset and PCD 6x139.7 and playing with any of these numbers was not an option. Getting 3 more steel spare wheel rims which is 17” was the only solution to this option but the steel wheels would have taken away the premium look and affected resale whenever it would be done.

Look with the Spare wheel placed besides the rear wheel
View attachment 234063

Even for the second scenario, there were only a few options but it was an eyeopener that the stock size was available in HT with premium brands (Michelin / Pirelli) and the stock size available in AT (Yokohama / Maaxis) was actually priced higher or at most similar to the price of the upsized version. It was clear that upsize would be the end solution all 3 problems involving the least dosage of Vitamin M.

The tyre size was finalized at 285/60R18 and this link was very helpful in understanding that the upsize would not require any re-engineering. As per this link, the section width would increase by 20mm (8%), sidewall would increase by 12mm (8%) and the overall diameter by 24mm (3%) over stock tyre. The increased sidewall coupled with a tyre having better rubber compound would definitely aid comfort. The only confusion was related to scrub radius being changed by -4mm over stock but Wikipedia suggested that it would provide greater stability.

Maaxis was ruled out due to majority criticism being on tyre noise. Yokohama was the only option it seemed in AT but with the past experience of punctures experienced in SFX, I was reluctant. It looked like the plan would be shelved but then Mr. Karan from Kartar Tyres came to the rescue. He suggested Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 tyre and the exchange price for the used MRF tyres was quite good.

A quick search revealed some good reviews about grip in wet, low noise and comfort with added advantage low tread wear. A video even claimed it to be among top 5 AT tyres and this tyre even won top score in Jeep test (link).

Finally on a visit to Delhi, the tyres were changed. Unfortunately, the balancing could not be done at his end due to non-availability of the right center cone and the same was performed at a separate shop. The wheels were labelled and fitted back at the same place to avoid learning of the TPMS sensor location which requires a visit to the Ford Secvice Center. The MRF’s looked as if they had developed uneven roughness and the tread depth was between 7mm to 7.5mm as opposed to 8.5mm found on the new spare tyre of the Endeavour itself. The new Nexen tyres had a tread depth exceeding 9.5mm and even their sidewall looks very aggressive. As per user reviews, they are known to be long lasting. They were manufactured in South Korea and looked like a recent import as the manufacturing date read 2817.

Tyres wrapped in their protection covering
View attachment 234064

The label
View attachment 234065

Jacked-up for the transformation
View attachment 234066

Rear Tyre installed
View attachment 234067

Comparing the last tyre with the stock MRF before install
View attachment 234068

TPMS sensor on the rim
View attachment 234069

Aggressive pattern on the sidewall
View attachment 234070

The complete sidewall
View attachment 234071

Fitting just inside the body
View attachment 234072

Having covered close to 900 kms on the new tyres in a week, initial observations look promising. The transformation in comfort is most prominent – gone is the sharpness of any bump and it feels like you are literally floating over broken roads even at 32 Psi all around (MRF were back breaking even at 30 Psi). Grip in wet is quite good and it kicks out an exceptional amount of dirt from the road. Noise is well controlled as of now and I hope it stays that way. Only drawback is that it catches small stones very easily and the wider footprint might affect FE.

I recently changed my Skoda Laura Tyres to Nexen and trust me the drive has become so much better. I can feel the difference right away. for me the Fuel efficiency has gone up by 1km

Awesome review A.G !! Many congratulations for the new beast.
I was also blessed with a white 3.2 titanium 6 months back and I am enjoying every bit of it. Took it to leh-ladakh last month and it was a dream ride with the truck.
Endy brings a smile every time you take it out for a drive.

P.S: I am tired of explaining to peers/friends, why I chose Endy over Fortuner

I am planning to buy one too, however, I have been told that the middle row is too bumpy.. can someone share their experience on how bumpy the car gets? if it is bumpy can that issue be sorted by some adjustments?

 

[akhilbhansali]

Tyre replacement – Upping the Safety quotient and adding comfort:

Even before buying the truck, I was asked to replace the tyres by a couple of friends but unfortunately none of them could answer the question on performance of stock MRF tyres as they swapped tyres right out of showroom. Ideally, that’s the best approach if you want most value for your stock tyres but having some faith in MRF tyres, I didn’t go with this approach.

Over the last 5K kms, the following observations about the stock MRF tyres were made:
a. Grip – the rains which followed since the purchase revealed how poor the tyres were with water dispersion and overall grip in wet. Experiencing aquaplaning in the city, while driving with-in speed limits, that too when climbing a flyover was shocking.
b. Noise – with the music off, you could hear a roar in the cabin which would increase with speed till 120 Kmph after which the wind noise would become more prominent. This roar became deafening on the concrete highways.
c. Comfort – the stiff sidewall ensured that the cushioning effect from the tyres itself was missing on minor undulations. The suspension would react to the bumps in the best way possible but the initial jerk due to stiff sidewalls meant the sharpness of the jerk was always felt.

The problem was defined and the search for answer started. For a & b, swapping to good tyres would be enough but to address c, there were 2 possible scenarios – either downsize to 17” rims with tyres 265/65R17 and maintain overall size with-in 0.3% of the original tyre or upsize the tyre on 18” rim itself.

The first scenario was quickly ruled out as it involved more dosage of Vitamin M (Money). There were no options available with the 17” rim in 8Jx17 size having ET55 offset and PCD 6x139.7 and playing with any of these numbers was not an option. Getting 3 more steel spare wheel rims which is 17” was the only solution to this option but the steel wheels would have taken away the premium look and affected resale whenever it would be done.

Look with the Spare wheel placed besides the rear wheel
View attachment 234063

Even for the second scenario, there were only a few options but it was an eyeopener that the stock size was available in HT with premium brands (Michelin / Pirelli) and the stock size available in AT (Yokohama / Maaxis) was actually priced higher or at most similar to the price of the upsized version. It was clear that upsize would be the end solution all 3 problems involving the least dosage of Vitamin M.

The tyre size was finalized at 285/60R18 and this link was very helpful in understanding that the upsize would not require any re-engineering. As per this link, the section width would increase by 20mm (8%), sidewall would increase by 12mm (8%) and the overall diameter by 24mm (3%) over stock tyre. The increased sidewall coupled with a tyre having better rubber compound would definitely aid comfort. The only confusion was related to scrub radius being changed by -4mm over stock but Wikipedia suggested that it would provide greater stability.

Maaxis was ruled out due to majority criticism being on tyre noise. Yokohama was the only option it seemed in AT but with the past experience of punctures experienced in SFX, I was reluctant. It looked like the plan would be shelved but then Mr. Karan from Kartar Tyres came to the rescue. He suggested Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 tyre and the exchange price for the used MRF tyres was quite good.

A quick search revealed some good reviews about grip in wet, low noise and comfort with added advantage low tread wear. A video even claimed it to be among top 5 AT tyres and this tyre even won top score in Jeep test (link).

Finally on a visit to Delhi, the tyres were changed. Unfortunately, the balancing could not be done at his end due to non-availability of the right center cone and the same was performed at a separate shop. The wheels were labelled and fitted back at the same place to avoid learning of the TPMS sensor location which requires a visit to the Ford Secvice Center. The MRF’s looked as if they had developed uneven roughness and the tread depth was between 7mm to 7.5mm as opposed to 8.5mm found on the new spare tyre of the Endeavour itself. The new Nexen tyres had a tread depth exceeding 9.5mm and even their sidewall looks very aggressive. As per user reviews, they are known to be long lasting. They were manufactured in South Korea and looked like a recent import as the manufacturing date read 2817.

Tyres wrapped in their protection covering
View attachment 234064

The label
View attachment 234065

Jacked-up for the transformation
View attachment 234066

Rear Tyre installed
View attachment 234067

Comparing the last tyre with the stock MRF before install
View attachment 234068

TPMS sensor on the rim
View attachment 234069

Aggressive pattern on the sidewall
View attachment 234070

The complete sidewall
View attachment 234071

Fitting just inside the body
View attachment 234072

Having covered close to 900 kms on the new tyres in a week, initial observations look promising. The transformation in comfort is most prominent – gone is the sharpness of any bump and it feels like you are literally floating over broken roads even at 32 Psi all around (MRF were back breaking even at 30 Psi). Grip in wet is quite good and it kicks out an exceptional amount of dirt from the road. Noise is well controlled as of now and I hope it stays that way. Only drawback is that it catches small stones very easily and the wider footprint might affect FE.

How is the ride currently as you would have done more kms.

How much did it cost you? Does not seem to be available in Chennai.

 

[A.G.]

How is the ride currently as you would have done more kms.How much did it cost you? Does not seem to be available in Chennai.

Having covered close to 9K Kms on the Nexen tyres, the ride is good and grip levels are definitely great. Only downside is the number of punctures probably due to the large gaps in tread pattern.

I am planning to buy one too, however, I have been told that the middle row is too bumpy.. can someone share their experience on how bumpy the car gets? if it is bumpy can that issue be sorted by some adjustments?

Never felt the issue. Also, with the Nexen tyres, the ride is almost close to Pajero Sport and is better at higher speeds. Rest of the competition (especially Fortuner) cannot match the ride quality of the Endeavour even with stock tyres.

The android auto based apps feature is awesome, you can really do whatever you want to display if you know the custom PIDs, the tpms especially is a useful add on and yeah 2 decimal accuracy - ha ha simply wow!

Indeed, the possibilities are endless. The only drawback is Google currently does not allow 3rd party apps to be made available on Play Store.

This is a very very useful post for all Endy owners! There are several torque pro plugins as well some paid some free do check them out - all nice party tricks!

With the SYNC3 system with Android Auto coming to the new EcoSport and trickling down their entire range with facelift, it surely would benefit a larger number of enthusiasts.

 

[A.G.]

The free app of Mini OBD2AA Free seemed to have bugs as there were random black screens which required restarting the SYNC3 system either through key OFF - key ON cycle or through the buttons combination. But it did it's job in displaying the capabilities and possibilities.

Bought the paid version of the app and it has a better look and feel with lot of customizations. More importantly, there have been zero black screens even after extensively using it on close to 500 kms drive. Gone is the limit for 4 gauges and this one can show upto 15 gauges (however that would be an information overkill ). The best part is the dedicated TPMS screen looks as it is a factory option.

The dedicated TPMS menu - just need to set it up once on the phone with some custom PIDs


The customized gauges look straight out of a Nissan GTR


Want to unleash all the horses - just wait for this message to pop-up

 

[akhilbhansali]

Finally took the plunge and booked the mighty Endy 3.2 Silver. Hoping to get the deliver soon.

The Nexen you have is not available in Chennai and the Dealer is asking 16K per Tyre to get it from Delhi.