Now that we have members on the site living with their Lightnings I figured it'd be as good of a time as any to ask this question. Is there anything you'd change about your Lightning? It could be something with regards to how you ordered your truck or something that you'd want to see Ford change on future Lightnings.
What would you change about your Lightning?
I understand all the beeping with the hood and tailgate but I wish there wasn’t such a long delay before either opened. Truthfully, all that beeping is a little bit annoying. I would love at the ability as well to turn off the signals.
I too hate the head rest and wish that there was a little bit more maneuverability there. And I agree with someone else who actually admitted at the seats in the Lariat ER trim aren’t really all that comfortable. They get the job done but honestly I think my 2018 lariat sport seats were more comfortable.
Having had the upgraded stereo system in my previous lariat I’m actually pretty disappointed with this iteration. I am in my mid-40s, and yes I am a chick (and yes the truck is mine), and my hearing is really good still BUT there’s NO way that I could rock out with the roof open the windows down at the top level of 30. Just ain’t gonna happen. And giving how quiet this cab is with everything rolled up I’m actually pretty disappointed with the sound quality overall.
I also wish there was an easier way to save frequent settings down in the widget area. It’s getting old since the last couple of updates to constantly go up to the lightning logo to select the navigation because it no longer stays down in the widget. I suspect for people who like to turn on and off one pedal driving and other settings the same is true.
Also while we’re at it, how much longer until phone as a key again?
I wish the charge door was a little bit beefier because I just feel like a good strong wind with the CCS door down and that sucker would be broken.
Speaking of, I wish there was a way to actually lock charge handles in place when we’re charging because I can just see it as more adopters come it’s not going to be too long before people start unplugging at level two chargers I see it already happening to others, it just hasn’t happened to me yet thankfully.
I am also in the camp that I love the security code future on the side of the door. My previous lariat I used it almost daily and when I traded it in for Beast, my lightning, I have to admit I was surprised that you could not tell what the security code was. it really actually seemed to wear pretty well. Hoping for the same this time. As an aside my code is six digits so I do think that you can do a five or a six digit code. That said it was harder than heck to get set up in the software for the truck to actually accept a new custom code and change the my key settings-so I would like a lot of that to be easier should I want to change the code in the future.
I too hate the head rest and wish that there was a little bit more maneuverability there. And I agree with someone else who actually admitted at the seats in the Lariat ER trim aren’t really all that comfortable. They get the job done but honestly I think my 2018 lariat sport seats were more comfortable.
Having had the upgraded stereo system in my previous lariat I’m actually pretty disappointed with this iteration. I am in my mid-40s, and yes I am a chick (and yes the truck is mine), and my hearing is really good still BUT there’s NO way that I could rock out with the roof open the windows down at the top level of 30. Just ain’t gonna happen. And giving how quiet this cab is with everything rolled up I’m actually pretty disappointed with the sound quality overall.
I also wish there was an easier way to save frequent settings down in the widget area. It’s getting old since the last couple of updates to constantly go up to the lightning logo to select the navigation because it no longer stays down in the widget. I suspect for people who like to turn on and off one pedal driving and other settings the same is true.
Also while we’re at it, how much longer until phone as a key again?
I wish the charge door was a little bit beefier because I just feel like a good strong wind with the CCS door down and that sucker would be broken.
Speaking of, I wish there was a way to actually lock charge handles in place when we’re charging because I can just see it as more adopters come it’s not going to be too long before people start unplugging at level two chargers I see it already happening to others, it just hasn’t happened to me yet thankfully.
I am also in the camp that I love the security code future on the side of the door. My previous lariat I used it almost daily and when I traded it in for Beast, my lightning, I have to admit I was surprised that you could not tell what the security code was. it really actually seemed to wear pretty well. Hoping for the same this time. As an aside my code is six digits so I do think that you can do a five or a six digit code. That said it was harder than heck to get set up in the software for the truck to actually accept a new custom code and change the my key settings-so I would like a lot of that to be easier should I want to change the code in the future.
I also wish it was a little bit more obvious that this was an electric vehicle. I’ve already been confronted twice when pulling into an EV charging spot by some well-meaning not minding her business Karen trying to inform me that “you can’t park there”
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Also, this is mostly me being forgetful but the Boxlink system (which isn't specific to the Lightning). I wish either 1) the keys were sturdier or 2) in the unlocked position the key comes out (I'm pretty sure they don't, I just tired again today). But when I went to put them on the first time, I was using a mallet to bang them in to place and ended up snapping the first key. Kicked myself and made a point to say "Ok I have a second key DO NOT do that again" And then 5 minutes later SNAP.
I finally got around to resolving the issue and thank you for Locksmiths. I now have 4 new keys only 20 bucks. I will do better with my hands but it sucks and is an awkward position to push up. So weird that it is such a sturdy feeling piece but the keys feel close to paper. I bet I could snap one with just my fingers.
I finally got around to resolving the issue and thank you for Locksmiths. I now have 4 new keys only 20 bucks. I will do better with my hands but it sucks and is an awkward position to push up. So weird that it is such a sturdy feeling piece but the keys feel close to paper. I bet I could snap one with just my fingers.
Anyone scan that QR code and figure this one out?
My votes:
shifter down and table accessible at any time
front bench seat console really is a huge space which I really don’t utilize
physical buttons more of them - sound adjustments at least
seats are not as comfortable as 21’, fixed headrests 😑
bed seats for nap charging in lariat
power boards lower step in - I am going to buy Amp Steps
download charge and driving data from ford pass in comma separated file
utilize cameras for dash cam recording
better visibility of true charging rate/current - and be able to determine if the truck or the source charger is controlling/limiting the rate of charge.
overall I love it, but if I had to pick the weakest part it would be the user interface of the touchscreen could use several improvements - imagine if you could use a desktop computer app to organize the items which you use most often and upload the arrangement to your truck - even resize things for example if you touch the temperature settings - make the sliding bar REALLY big so you don’t have to look to adjust, after adjustment is made or finger remove go back to minimized.
June delivered Laiat, now at 12,000 Kms
shifter down and table accessible at any time
front bench seat console really is a huge space which I really don’t utilize
physical buttons more of them - sound adjustments at least
seats are not as comfortable as 21’, fixed headrests 😑
bed seats for nap charging in lariat
power boards lower step in - I am going to buy Amp Steps
download charge and driving data from ford pass in comma separated file
utilize cameras for dash cam recording
better visibility of true charging rate/current - and be able to determine if the truck or the source charger is controlling/limiting the rate of charge.
overall I love it, but if I had to pick the weakest part it would be the user interface of the touchscreen could use several improvements - imagine if you could use a desktop computer app to organize the items which you use most often and upload the arrangement to your truck - even resize things for example if you touch the temperature settings - make the sliding bar REALLY big so you don’t have to look to adjust, after adjustment is made or finger remove go back to minimized.
June delivered Laiat, now at 12,000 Kms
GEAR SHIFTER, hands down. Get rid of it! That is prime real estate and the center console could be used so much more effectively without it.
Too many prompts that ask me to click OK.
Its cold ... (no shit!).
Accessory power on (I was trying to start the truck, but thanks)..
Press brake to start (yeah, I thought I did, but apparently not firmly enough)
Range is low, turning off pro power (OK that is confusing when not even using any power).
.
Entering searches in the nav screen, the on-screen keyboard obscures the search results (was this tested on the smaller screen?).
Hard to tell if the truck is ON, or Turning off, or just accessory mode. Don't want ANY time-wasting animations.
Manual seat in Pro, difficult to find seat back recline lever.
Cargo bed is too high. Had to climb up on the tailgate to reach in and strap some 10' condiuit pipe in. My previous truck, I could reach the tie-down anchors at the lower inside corners of the bed.
No pockets on the back of the seats in the pro. Kind of assumed all vehicles had those.
Its cold ... (no shit!).
Accessory power on (I was trying to start the truck, but thanks)..
Press brake to start (yeah, I thought I did, but apparently not firmly enough)
Range is low, turning off pro power (OK that is confusing when not even using any power).
.
Entering searches in the nav screen, the on-screen keyboard obscures the search results (was this tested on the smaller screen?).
Hard to tell if the truck is ON, or Turning off, or just accessory mode. Don't want ANY time-wasting animations.
Manual seat in Pro, difficult to find seat back recline lever.
Cargo bed is too high. Had to climb up on the tailgate to reach in and strap some 10' condiuit pipe in. My previous truck, I could reach the tie-down anchors at the lower inside corners of the bed.
No pockets on the back of the seats in the pro. Kind of assumed all vehicles had those.
This is my big use case for the keypad. I never need to take my keys when I park to go running or diving or swimming. The keypad does more than just open the doors as well. It's also nice for locking all the doors at once if the kids forgot to lock their doors. You can also pop the frunk from the keypad. Super useful, and it doesn't get in the way of anything.
I love this truck, but if there are things I would add or change, I would suggest:
- Use the front camera as a dash-cam system where I can review and save/copy off the stored video.
- 1 or 2 upfitter switches that are controlled from the main display. This way I could label the virtual switches as needed, and have easy access to start/stop any 12v accessories I have added.
- I don't like the loud warning tone for the frunk. I get it, but dial it down a bit or change it to something more ajustable. Someone suggested that we don't beep if the button on the frunk was pushed, but beep when it's a remote opening. I like that idea.
- I like the gear shifter, but only because it feels the same as the truck I just came from. If it became a knob or a push button array, that's fine but it's not something I would push on.
- Move the phone charging pad up on the center console, and find a way to make better use of that space.
- I'd like to see charging rate on the driver console when plugged in at a DCFC, maybe with a graph of the current session so I can see the charging curve in action.
- The FordPass app is an app that is for the whole fleet of Ford vehicles. I think that needs to stop and a custom app be made for their EV fleet of offerings that has a more detailed focus on the connected experience for these vehicles.
- I want Blue Cruise to be able to change lanes.
- 6 1/2 bed option.
- li Ion 12 battery option.
- More responsiveness from the 15" screen for things like the heated seat controls. It's the first 'button' my wife goes looking for when she gets in and it's never quite ready for input when she wants it.
- Someone mentioned slide-out under-seat rear storage. That's a great idea.
- Remote start from the Key FOB. I know the phone can do it, but I miss the feature on my FOB.
- Let me set Sport mode as a default without the truck asking me to turn back to normal mode each time.
- Painted Calipers.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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- I want Blue Cruise to be able to change lanes.
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I too love this feature. I have it on my current truck (2007 F-150) and I can't imagine living without it. When I exit my truck and close the door, I press the last 2 buttons (7-8 and 9-0) at the same time to lock and arm my truck without fumbling with fob. Easy peezy.
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I thought of this VERY thing when I got my 2007 F-150 brand new. I thought that pressing a certain few buttons would eventually leave signs of those buttons being pushed so I made a personal code that used all 5 buttons. BTW, after 16 years of using them, the buttons looks to be in excellent shape.
I’m now revisiting this to say most of what I thought I hated about my lightning. I don’t hate anymore. I’m still a little bummed that the sound system isn’t as good as I would’ve expected. It’s so frustrating that the frunk and tailgate do all that beeping. I wish that if we did a remote release it beeped but not if you push the physical button. I have been spoiled by phone as a key.
So now what I wish they would change? Have more of these available at the dealership because now that mine has been held for service, I realize that dealerships don’t have EVs in the rental fleet. I hate going back to an ICE truck and I miss my baby. I realized just how amazing her build quality is when having to do first a Ranger as a loaner and now a 250 as a loaner. I love the 250 and feel much more safe and secure in it than that little piece of you know what ranger; but my lariat ER still has a better more stable ride than this F250.
So now what I wish they would change? Have more of these available at the dealership because now that mine has been held for service, I realize that dealerships don’t have EVs in the rental fleet. I hate going back to an ICE truck and I miss my baby. I realized just how amazing her build quality is when having to do first a Ranger as a loaner and now a 250 as a loaner. I love the 250 and feel much more safe and secure in it than that little piece of you know what ranger; but my lariat ER still has a better more stable ride than this F250.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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4,410 Posts
I just spent a week driving a 2022 Explorer while Sherman was getting his malFrunktion fixed. I got it with 72 miles on the odometer. It felt like I was driving antique technology.
Me three, I have long appreciated this feature on my Ford's.
Someone reverse engineered the frunk beeping and figured out how to get rid of it. Just do a little searching on this forum for step-by-step instructions - It takes only about an hour and basic tools.
2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition, 2016 Nissan Leaf, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
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4,410 Posts
Good riddance to frunk beeps
Inspired by this video, I removed the frunk beeper today. Looking forward to a silent future! Demo (bad/vertical) video:
www.lightningowners.com
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