I HAVE just bought a 2006 BF Ford Falcon XR6, six-speed auto. When I start it and move forward slowly, there is a knocking somewhere in the front end. After five to seven knocks, it usually stops. I can't hear it in reverse or at speed. My Ford dealer says the noise is normal and is the ABS (anti-skid braking) system operating and that ``I should get used to it''. I have never heard of a new vehicle making such a loud noise. Do they make new Fords now to purposely produce such an annoying ABS noise?
I CAN'T recall hearing the noise in any Falcons I have driven and I contacted Ford and it told me that the ABS does cycle during start-up as a test to ensure the system is operating correctly. This is similar to the airbag system doing a self-test on start-up. As a result you could notice a noise, but it should be normal operating procedure. Ford contacted Bill Morrow and showed him that the noise existed in a similar car. It was explained it was the ABS stability control system self-checking. Bill remains unhappy and warns other Falcon owners to be aware of the annoying noise.
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