(Part 2) Top products from r/fordfusion

We replaced the rear brakes at 64k miles on our 2013 but that was a bit late (one pad was totally gone and ruined the rotor). I don't think there's an indicator to make noise when the pad is almost worn out. We bought the car with 26k miles on it and I don't think the brakes had been changed before that.

Replaced the rotors with cheap Callahan ones from Amazon @ $50 for both and got a great deal on these Power Stop 16-1665 Z16 Ceramic Brake Pads for $10 used, like new from Amazon warehouse deals. You should be able to find new brake pads for under $40 easily.

The old rotors were stuck pretty well on the hub but there is a hole on the rotor that you can put a screw into to push the rotor away form the hub. The bolt that came with this kickstand happened to fit the hole perfectly. This video shows what I mean.

http://car-part.com/

You just have to find a junkyard that's willing to sell you one.

Basically you need the following:

APIM
GPS Antenna (Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R6NL5G6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
USB Port Replacement (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HC84V8D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
The USB Port isn't REALLY necessary for Android Auto, but it's cheap and easy to change, the 2016 doesn't actually need an adapter like the older fusions, it's just drop in and the new ports also enable CarPlay. if you decide to keep the old one, it will throw an error on the screen every time it starts but will still work with Android Auto.

Pry Tools - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D7XNQHG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A 7mm Socket Wrench

A ForScan Compatible ODB2 Programmer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PHNX57D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And you'll have to reprogram the Car Computer. You can google that and there's a dude out there that will give you a ready made programming file for $50.

The APIM you can find by looking for a model number xxxx-14G370-xxx

There are also 14G371 Modules, and I believe those are the Navigation enabled ones but I'm not 100% sure. I don't particularly care since I just use Android Auto anyway and that just uses the Phone GPS.

Once you have all the parts it's honestly not too hard of a swap. I was scared of doing it but I think it was definetly worth it. the Sync 3 system is SOOOO much better than Sync 2 just because the way it interacts with the phone is excellent.

Also one thing I DID notice is that while all Fusions from 2017 onwards have Sync 3, it looks like the 2017 APIMs (and 2018 too maybe) are stuck on Sync 3 version 3.0 where as the newest one is 3.2 or so. It doesn't matter for Android auto strictly since that's updated on the Phone, but if Ford does decide to add features, we likely won't get them. Not without an APIM swap, and there are some reported issues with swapping newer APIMs.

03-08 will fit, I think the 09+ uses a different spring. The part number for the springs I have is SKM72-AUB00, but the SKM70-AUB00 will also work if you want a slightly softer spring rate.

HERE are the exact springs I have. Keep in mind that, like I said earlier, if you want your front end dropped like mine, you'll have to shave the stopping blocks off the front struts so they sit lower, which isn't exactly for the faint of heart. Without modification, it'll look like the front end is sitting higher than the rear thanks to the difference in wheel arch height.

You can take paint transfer off your car with some polish and an applicator pad:

Polish: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G19220-Ultimate-Polish-fluid_ounces/dp/B004HCOE8Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=meguiars%2Bpolish&qid=1556888366&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1

Applicator: https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Car-Care-Microfiber-Applicator/dp/B001GJ9JV0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TF14W8WDIISK&keywords=polish%2Bapplicator&qid=1556888486&s=gateway&sprefix=polish%2Bappl%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-3&th=1

I've used this method before, works great. Just remember to clean the area before and after, and consider adding some wax after.

Sure.

So I used this as a guide.

The petRockBlog and /r/raspberry_pi were also helpful resources.

I bought a Raspberry Pi B+ Complete Starter Kit, 2 Buffalo Classic USB Gamepads, and Zune A/V Output Cable. The A/V cable has to be compatible with a Zune, some A/V cables like this won't work. I learned that the hard way. I also bought a Mini Wireless Keyboard. A keyboard is required for the setup (any keyboard will do). I got the mini keyboard so I could have a keyboard in my car to troubleshoot potential issues while on the road. It's optional, but I recommend it.

Then I just followed the guide (mentioned above) to set up the RasPi with RetroPi, then plugged in all the cables, and bam I had a retro game console in my car.

NOTE: Instead of the 2.5A Power Supply included in the kit I used a standard micro usb cable plugged into a USB slot in the center console to power the RasPi.

Not sure what year your Fusion is, but I bought my resistor wire harness/connector from amazon and it was 5 wires. I just pulled down the OEM wire harness and cut the wires one by one and reconnected them to the new connector harness one by one.

This is the one that I bought on Amazon. Looks like it's changed a bit, there was only the 5 pin connector on it when I bought it. This fit my 2006 SEL v6 with the automatic climate control.

to get to the camera you need to remove the lining on the inside of the trunk (the tailgate, movable piece). You have to remove both tail lights attached to the movable piece of trunk (3 11mm bolts each), then remove the long piece of body that stretches between the tail lights under the ford logo. This is held in by 4 10mm bolts that can be seen through the little openings in the metal (you'll know what I am talking about once you get this far). Then you can pull on the long piece of bodywork that the camera and trunk release button are attached to. Then you should have access to the camera. If its working about 30% of the time, it could be a loose or dirty connector. I'd pick up some electronics cleaner (such as this) at walmart and spray the connections and see if that helps. Good luck!

I'm not sure what barrels are on wheels, but I clean my wheels with this.

Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ELUXFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ujjqDb4KTDK9Q

Is what I have for my ‘17 hybrid. Check their website to confirm yours should fit tho.

I like New Car Scent (Amazon 24-pack)

Here's Black Ice (Amazon 24-pack)

If it's the touchless kind then yeah. I used this 3M adhesive to install them and it's insanely strong.

The car washes with big brushes would probably scratch the hell out of them just like they do to your paint. You really shouldn't use those things.

Yeah: https://www.amazon.com/Trimbrite-T9005-Black-Out-Tape/dp/B00029XD62

Hmm, I'm really surprised that your fusion doesn't have auto lights. I thought they were standard on all the '10-12 models. Modules that add this functionality exist

Here's the set I used and I just ordered another set for her car. They are about $5 cheaper than when I bought them 6 months ago.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P280PO

When mine swelled up (and it’s very common cause it’s just a cap on them) I purchased these and never looked back: McGard 64015 Chrome/Black Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (M12 x 1.5 Thread Size) - Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COS0H4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DW0DAbFCCNQ9T

Just get this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bondo-280-Bumper-Repair-Syringe/dp/B0046VN8JO

Then get a can of this:

http://www.paintscratch.com/touch-up-paint-directions/tricoat.htm

The issue with tri coats is it is almost impossible to blend within the color which white is hardest since it gives off the most hues.

If you ran over a tire the underneath of your car is the bigger issue. That underbody shield can actually cost quite a bit to replace and if you ever get an oil change they are going to wonder where it is.

So I would just get a paint scratch kit and then worry about repainting the whole bumper later.

The tri coat paint costs more in a can but its not like BMW prices and if a shop gives you an issue about blending to the rest of the car I would just say fuck it. I have never seen a tri white that was perfectly blended even from the factory and on white its harder to blend but its harder to tell a bad job too.