These are not good vibrations

By Graham Smith
Carsguide
28 September 2009

Paul Stribbling
Location unknown

I TOOK delivery of a 2009 E-Gas Falcon G6 sedan in early March. I returned it after 1000km for a vibration problem, thinking it was probably wheel or tyre-related. When the dealer gave it back to me he said it drives ``beautiful'', but it was no better. Since then the car has been with the dealer 24 days, it's had a new tailshaft fitted and all the driveline mountings loosened and re-torqued. Again I was told it ``drives like a new one'', but again it was no different. Between 70 and 110km/h the whole vehicle vibrates and the dealer is now saying that all E-Gas vehicles have the same problem, even though a colleague of mine has one and it doesn't. I've now been waiting nearly two months for an NVH engineer to come and drive it. After 11,500km I hate driving the car, which is a real shame, because there is so much to like about it. It's the most comfortable car I've ever had and I have to say the paintwork is flawless, but it's just bloody awful to drive. If it's a recognised problem why is Ford continuing to sell the vehicle?

I HAVE driven several E-Gas Falcons from Ford and have observed the vibration you talk about in at least one of them, a one-tonne cab-chassis. My reading of the vibration was that it was definitely driveline-related and I would have had the tailshaft checked if it was my car. You could have the driveline inspected by an independent mechanic, but that will cost you money, so I would keep up the pressure on Ford.

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Then went back to Jefferson

Ford, hoping to get it fixed. First visit - yes there’s a problem but we don’t know how to fix it. You’ll need to

call Ford CRC. Called Ford CRC, and eventually arrangements are made to take the car back in and a “technical

expert” from ford will be there as well to analyse. The result, “no fault found”. Again back to the dealer and

demanded a senior mechanic come for an extened drive with me, and left the vehicle overnight for the workshop

manager to drive home. The result this time, yes there’s definately a problem and we’ll get back in touch with

Ford. Next visit arranged and the same “technical expert” from Ford comes back out, and again refuses to

acknowledge any problem, despite the fact that the dealer’s own mechanics agree that the problem does exist and has

not been rectified. End result was a letter from Ford stating that “we are satisfied your vehicle is operating to

manufacturer’s specification and is similar to other vehicles in the model line”.......From the postings here it

does indeed seem similar. Basically the’ve said my only option now is to take action via my solicitor!

Thanks for listening!
Stewart D of South Yarra, VIC Posted on 05 January 2010 11:01pm
I too purchased a G6 Limited Edition late Oct 09, and have exactly the same problem as described by Rob of Evaston

Park SA, and very similar to that described by Paul in the original posting. My car is a petrol model, with the

std 5 speed auto. As in Rob’s case, I noticed that the vibration is particularly apparent as the engine passes

through 1500RPM Range. It seems even more noticeable in the 70 - 90 range when the car is cruising, particularly

up a slight incline. That said, you can still detect the problem at both higher and lower speeds. I have noticed

the problem since day 1, when I took delivery of the vehicle, and at that time it had 60Ks on it. Now with over

over 5000ks, and after numerous visits back to the dealer and long waits on hold to the Ford CRC, the problem is no

better, and has in fact worsened.
As far as getting the problem resolved (or rather NOT resolved), here is the story: Knowing what dealers are like,

before I took it back to them, I first went to two tranny specialists and asked their opinion. Both said they

thought it was a torque converter lockup problem, and both put that in wrting for me
.....continued next posting
Stewart D of South Yarra, VIC Posted on 05 January 2010 10:59pm
Professional Old,vote rate yesterday total meanwhile none plan magazine outside belong unless training local anybody publication voice handle of unit hand move object face industrial suggestion welcome yesterday mass whereas original negotiation age cup fine both onto range surprise empty wall start understanding sight father advance immediate little milk assembly succeed owner stock personal few access arrive cultural prison individual secure victim amount place clothes kid their just her improve after aim effective attack director visitor week cry final nuclear nation lovely cat communication audience education
Sizeand Posted on 06 December 2009 7:46pm
I liked it. So much useful material. I read with great interest.
Brown of Chile Posted on 29 November 2009 2:52pm
I have purchased a 2009 G6 limited edition, it has also had a vibration from new(the vibration is felt thru the body not the steering wheel). It comes in constantly above 75ish kmh. BUT it is also occurs at any speed as the engine passes thru 1500RPM. I have had the tailshaft wheels, mounts, exhaust and alignment worked on by the dealer,, but it is always the same. I feel it is occuring when the Lock up comes into play. I just wish ford would bite the bullet, change the box and fix this,, its ruining an otherwise perfect car. A real bad taste forming in my mouth over this one.
Rob of Evanston Park, SA Posted on 29 November 2009 11:53am
Ford and Holden don’t have the best reputation for customer service, so look elsewhere for your next car, obviously the foreign companies care more than the local bunch.
p.tran Posted on 19 November 2009 11:06am
NEW MOTOR VEHICLES
Unfortunately, sellers of certain products seem to think that they are somehow exempt from complying with statutory warranties.
For instance, many new car dealers are under the impression that if they sell a lemon and keep repairing it, then they somehow are
indemnified against any demands for a refund or a replacement of the vehicle. This is completely untrue. The problem is that most
car buyers really don’t know their consumer rights and will swallow the rubbish that new car dealers spin them about not being able
to get a refund for the defective bombs that are sold to them.
Regardless of any extended manufacturer warranties, motor vehicles are covered by the same minimum statutory warranties that
apply to all new goods. If you buy a car and it has a recurring fault that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, then
you are legally entitled to demand a refund or a replacement of the defective vehicle - and it is your choice, not the dealer’s. Don’t
settle for any less and always set a target for a successful repair and stick to it religiously.
For instance, if the same fault cannot be rectified after two attempts, then you should demand a refund or even a new car, but don’t
keep giving the car dealer more chances - stand your ground. If you allow the car dealer to continue to make unsuccessful attempts
to repair a lemon, this will only cost you money and inconvenience until the warranty runs out and then you will be stuck with the
defective vehicle.
RB of Australia Posted on 09 November 2009 4:37pm
I think you will find it has an unbalanced torque converter in the transmition. Ford will not want to replace this due to cost.
And it it may not fix the problem…
Good luck next time by a Holden..
Richard m. Posted on 08 November 2009 5:47pm
return it and get your money back as it is no fit for purpose.
JH of Brisbane Posted on 04 November 2009 4:48pm

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