Ford Explorer OEM Options Review: Wireless Walk-In Switch Cost
Ford Explorer wireless walk-in switch, wide-angle mirrors, and side steps installed. Enhances convenience, safety, and accessibility.
Enhancing Your Ford Explorer with OEM-Style Upgrades
The Ford Explorer is a capable and spacious SUV, but like any vehicle, there's always room for improvement. This review explores three popular OEM-style retrofits: a wireless walk-in switch for the front passenger seat, wide-angle blind-spot mirrors, and fixed side steps. These upgrades, originally performed in South Korea, aim to enhance convenience, safety, and accessibility for Explorer owners.
Wireless Walk-In Switch: Effortless Passenger Seat Adjustment
One common inconvenience in larger SUVs like the Ford Explorer is the difficulty of adjusting the front passenger seat from the driver's seat, especially when a passenger needs more legroom or is exiting. Traditional walk-in switches often require cutting into the original wiring, posing a risk to the vehicle's electrical system and making installation complex. The solution explored here is a wireless Bluetooth-based walk-in switch system, the S-WALKIN. This system consists of a handheld wireless switch that communicates with a main ECU installed discreetly within the vehicle. The ECU connects to the passenger seat's motor wiring using a plug-and-play harness, meaning no original wires are cut or modified. This ensures a reversible installation, allowing the vehicle to be returned to its original state if needed. The system is KC certified in Korea, verifying its safety and reliability. It's specifically designed for the Ford Explorer 5.5 and 6th generations, ensuring perfect compatibility with the vehicle's seat motor signals. The wireless switch boasts a range of up to 10 meters, allowing control from the driver's seat or even outside the vehicle.
Installation process:
- The front passenger seat is carefully removed to access the wiring harness.
- The main ECU is mounted, and the plug-and-play harness is connected between the existing seat motor connectors.
- The wireless switch is paired with the ECU via Bluetooth, a process typically completed in under five minutes.
- All seat functions (forward/backward, height, recline) are tested using the wireless switch before the seat is reinstalled.
Wide-Angle Mirrors and Side Steps: Boosting Safety and Access
Beyond interior convenience, exterior enhancements can significantly improve the Explorer's usability. The vehicle's large size, while beneficial, can create blind spots. To combat this, BSM wide-angle mirrors were installed. These mirrors feature an 800R curvature, offering approximately 30% wider visibility than standard mirrors, significantly reducing blind spots during lane changes. The installation involves transferring the original BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) sensor and mirror adjustment motors to the new wide-angle mirror housings. This ensures full integration with the vehicle's existing systems and maintains an OEM appearance, as the mirrors often bear factory markings. The installation for both mirrors takes about an hour. For improved accessibility, especially for children or elderly passengers, fixed side steps were added. These are mounted securely to the vehicle's underbody using the factory bolt locations, providing a sturdy platform. The steps are designed to support significant weight without flexing and feature a non-slip surface, crucial for wet or icy conditions. The installation is straightforward, involving lifting the vehicle and bolting the brackets to the designated points on the chassis, typically taking 30 minutes to an hour.
Overall Value and Considerations
Combining these three upgrades—the wireless walk-in switch, wide-angle mirrors, and side steps—transforms the Ford Explorer experience. The convenience of adjusting the passenger seat remotely, the increased confidence during lane changes thanks to wider mirrors, and the ease of entry and exit provided by the side steps all contribute to a higher level of satisfaction. While specific pricing for these retrofits was not detailed in the original Korean context, these types of modifications are generally considered moderate investments. The wireless walk-in switch and wide-angle mirrors represent a moderate cost, while side steps are typically more affordable. For accurate pricing and availability in your region, consulting with specialized automotive customization shops or dealerships offering factory option retrofits is recommended. These upgrades are particularly beneficial for families, individuals with mobility concerns, or anyone looking to maximize the utility and comfort of their Ford Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does OEM option and factory upgrade installation cost for a Ford Explorer?
The specific cost for these OEM-style options on a Ford Explorer was not detailed in the original Korean context but typically ranges from a few hundred dollars for mirrors and steps to potentially over a thousand for complex electronic retrofits like the walk-in switch.
Q. How long does OEM options installation take on a Ford Explorer?
Installation times vary; wide-angle mirrors usually take about an hour for both sides, while side steps can take 30 minutes to an hour. The wireless walk-in switch installation is also relatively quick, often completed within a couple of hours.
Q. Are OEM options worth adding after purchase for a Ford Explorer?
These OEM-style options are particularly worth it for families with children, individuals needing easier vehicle access, or drivers seeking enhanced safety and convenience features not standard from the factory.
Q. How are OEM factory options installed on a Ford Explorer?
Installation typically involves accessing existing wiring or mounting points. For the wireless walk-in switch, a plug-and-play harness connects to seat motor connectors without cutting wires. Wide-angle mirrors involve transferring original components like sensors. Side steps bolt directly to the vehicle's underbody using factory locations.
Q. What is the difference between dealer-installed options and aftermarket upgrades for a Ford Explorer?
Dealer-installed options are often genuine OEM parts installed by the dealership, ensuring perfect integration and warranty coverage, while aftermarket upgrades, like the S-WALKIN system, are made by third-party companies and may offer unique features but require careful selection for compatibility and quality.
Q. What should I know before getting OEM Options on a Ford Explorer? (common regrets and mistakes)
A common regret is not verifying compatibility, especially for electronic upgrades like the wireless walk-in switch, which is often vehicle-specific. Always confirm the system is designed for your exact Ford Explorer model year and trim to ensure proper function and avoid installation issues.
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