Ford Fairlane Problems

Are you having problems with your Ford Fairlane? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Ford Fairlane issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Ford Fairlane in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Used Ford Fairlane review: 1995-1997

By Graham Smith · 20 Jun 2004

In the mid-1960s the Ford Fairlane was unrivalled for luxury motoring. Holden tried to match the big Ford, first with the Brougham, then with the Statesman, but neither threatened the Fairlane's domination. But by the mid-1990s, when the NF Fairlane came on the scene, the Statesman had clawed its way into the lead, and the Fairlane was battling back.Model watchThe 1995 NF followed the traditional Fairlane formula in that it was based on the current Falcon, in this case the EF. Ford invested $220million in the EF in an effort to make up some ground lost to Commodore as Holden sales recovered from the disastrous '80s, and spent a further $30million on the long-wheelbase models once the Falcon was up and running.The NF used the same front-end sheet metal as the EF Fairmont. The result was that the NF was shorter in the nose than most previous Fairlanes, but it still had the roomy rear seat, and large boot, which were seen as the key features of a local luxury model. All up the NF Fairlane was 98mm shorter than the car it replaced.For the first time Ford adopted what it called a "High Jewel" effect, which meant more chrome and stainless-steel trim, and clear turn-signal lamp lenses. Central to the theme was the bright chrome grille, which combined with bright window mouldings and numerous chrome strips for sparkling highlights.Inside there were new trim fabrics and make-believe woodgrain panels. There was a long list of features, from improved audio systems and a CD stacker to climate-controlled airconditioning, cup holders and a driver's airbag.Based on the Falcon as it was, the NF Fairlane got the same mechanical improvements as the EF Falcon, which meant more responsive handling. The suspension was the same combination of wishbones at the front and live axle with Watts Linkage at the rear, but in the Fairlane it was tuned more towards a refined ride than sporty handling.When you bought a Fairlane you expected a smooth ride and didn't necessarily worry about handling precision, but despite its obvious bulk the big Ford still handled quite well. It was quite well balanced and went where it was pointed. Bigger brakes, in the form of thicker front and larger-diameter discs, with ABS, resulted in a firmer pedal feel and boosted braking performance.Buyers could choose between Ford's fuel-injected single overhead camshaft 4.0-litre six, which gave 157kW at 5900rpm, and 357Nm at 3000rpm, or the optional 5.0-litre V8 which boasted 165kW and 388Nm. Both engines were coupled to four-speed auto transmissions to ensure smooth progress. Ford released the NFII in 1995 and with it came an airbag for the front-seat passenger, along with a number of other detail improvements.In the shopWith the same mechanical package the Fairlane suffers the same maladies as the Falcon. Both engines are reliable and the 4.0-litre six works well on gas, but they can suffer head-gasket problems.Fairlane drive lines are also reliable – the auto hangs on well into the high 100,000km and the diff is tough. Listen for diff noise on high-kilometre cars. Problems with electrical components can be frustrating and the Fairlane can suffer similar electrical gremlins to the Falcon.Fairlanes, particularly if privately owned from new, are usually well cared for by fussy owners and these are the ones to seek out. Others, which might have come from the hire-car business, will be showing high mileage and should be treated with caution.Check the history of ownership to determine if the car has been in the hire business, and the service record to ensure that the car has been serviced according to Ford's recommendations.RivalHolden VS Statesman Price 1995-1998 $14,000-$24,000

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Used Ford Fairlane Ghia review: 1999-2003

By Graham Smith · 15 Oct 2005

The Fairlane no longer holds the place it once did atop the luxury-car pile, but many buyers still revere the nameplate that once defined local prestige motoring.MODEL WATCHThe Fairlane concept as we know it today was introduced in 1967 with the launch of the first locally-designed model. It spun off the Falcon, making use of the same mechanical package and much of the front-end sheet metal, but with the wheelbase and boot lengthened to create a larger sedan with heaps of rear legroom and a cavernous boot.Ford followed the same simple concept when it launched the AU in 1999. But while the AU was canned for its perceived ugliness, the Fairlane was a better-looking car. The down-in-the-mouth front of the Falcon was much the same in the Fairlane, but, with a neat styling makeover, took on a classier look.If the front was little changed, the rear of the Fairlane was completely changed from its smaller sibling and much the better for it. Where the Falcon sagged at the extremities, the Fairlane sat high and handsome.The Fairlane Ghia, as it was badged, could be ordered with the 4.0-litre single overhead camshaft six-cylinder VCT variable-cam timing engine, which boasted 168kW and 370Nm, or the smooth 5.0-litre overhead-valve V8 with 175kW and 395Nm. Both came with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission with a floor shift.Underneath the extended skin, the Fairlane had independent suspension front and rear, the double wishbone rear set-up a marked improvement over the compromise set-up under Holden's Statesman.Brakes were disc front and rear, with ABS and traction control standard fitment. Inside, the Ghia has leather trim, six-way power driver's seat, airconditioning, dual airbags and a sound system with CD player.OWNER'S VIEWPaul Karwacki owns a 2001 AUIII Fairlane sportsman that's clicked over 80,000km. Apart from a leaking power-steering high-pressure line and pump, he says it's been reliable.IN THE SHOPMechanics report few problems with the AU -- there doesn't appear to be the issue with cylinder-head-gasket failure as in earlier models. A design revision has cleaned up the problem, although further improvements to the head gasket in the BA tend to suggest Ford didn't think the problems were completely solved in the AU.Brake wear is a problem with the Falcon and Fairlane, so look for regular pad changes and disc machining. The problems were reduced with the AUII upgraded brakes.Build quality has been a problem with the Falcon and Fairlane, and Ford made a serious attempt to solve it with the BA. That doesn't matter to anyone with an earlier AU, and the problems with the AU are more likely due to production issues than design flaws.The Fairlane weighs almost 1700kg, so will consume lots of fuel. Ford's fuel consumption was as high as 14 litres/100km around town for the V8, so it would be worth considering LPG.CRUNCH TIMECompetent suspension design, along with four-wheel discs, standard ABS and traction control, give the AU Fairlane the dynamics to avoid a collision, but should a crash be unavoidable, its strong body and dual front airbags come into play.RATING12/20 There's a lot of value in the Fairlane, but expect to pay for it at the pump.Generally reliable engines and transmissionsAbility to towHeaps of rear leg roomHigh fuel consumptionBrake wear is a problemHigh level of equipmentEnormous boot

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Just 39 tl50s

Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 13 Apr 2006

FPV told us that Tickford built 39 TL50s -- 25 in 2000, 11 in 2001, and three in 2002.

Slightly more punch

Answered by Graham Smith · 08 Jul 2004

THE NL, an update on the NF series, was introduced in October 1996. The most obvious change was a new grille with a badge in the middle, but your Concorde had a slightly more powerful six-cylinder engine, 162kW compared with 157kW, 16-inch alloy wheels, Momo steering wheel, leather trim, pin striping, floor mats, and was available in green, red and blue only.

Go for the xr6

Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 15 Apr 2004

SOUNDS as if you have a nice Fairlane there, Steve, and it seems a shame to sell it when it has such low mileage and is giving you good service. Instead of buying the V8 I'd consider an EB Falcon XR6 because I reckon you'd prefer the performance of that over the Ghia. Sure, the leather and the sports suspension sound great, but the XR6 will eat it for breakfast. Returning to the V8, the Windsor is a good, solid engine that gives little trouble and is good when converted to LPG. As you say, it is all steel, with cast-iron block and heads.

Pong left by a ping

Answered by Graham Smith · 06 Feb 2004

The 351 has quite a high compression ratio and may need fuel with a higher octane rating than the 96 of LRP. It may also be in need of a de-coke to clean out carbon build-up in the combustion chamber, which tends to increase the compression ratio. First, of course, check the ignition timing to make sure that's set correctly. As for the future, it really depends on what you plan to do with the car. The ZD is a lovely car, but it's now more than 30 years old and it may not be worth spending any money on it. If you intend to keep it, I would spend the money to have the heads rebuilt with hardened valve seats to cope with unleaded fuel. At the same time, I would lower the compression ratio with new pistons to cope with the lower octane rating of ULP. Do that and you won't have anything to worry about with fuel supplies.

Dry argument

Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 25 May 2006

LPG specialists recommend running your car on petrol for 10km once every week or two. That's to run petrol through the fuel pump to prevent the seals drying out.

Noisy fairlane

Answered by Graham Smith · 01 Jul 2004

FORD made some major changes in the AU II to reduce interior noise, but they were changes that couldn't be made easily to your car. The main one was the inclusion of a laminated firewall which had a significant affect on interior noise and they also fitted hydraulic engine mounts for further reduction. The engine mounts could be fitted, but the firewall is clearly out of the question. Check where the noise is coming from and that might give you a guide as to what to do to reduce it. If it's coming from the rear, it's probably tyre noise, in which case I would consult a tyre expert -- like Russell Stuckey at Stuckey Tyre Service -- who should be able to recommend a tyre that would be quieter than those you're now running. The BA Fairlane is quite different to yours. It has a stiffer body and control blade independent rear suspension, so the noise transmission path is quite different and that makes it difficult to compare to your car.

My ghia is so thirsty

Answered by Graham Smith · 08 Jul 2004

THE BA is a nice, smooth-driving car, but the Ford engines are renowned for being thirstier than those of its main rival. My testing has shown that the Ford engines -- sixes and V8s -- use 10 to 20 per cent more fuel than the equivalent Holden engines. Ford's official fuel consumption figures for the BA with the Barra 182 six-cylinder engine are 12.0 litres/100km city and 7.4 litres/100km on the highway, but those are test figures, best used to compare between makes and models. Real-life numbers are generally higher than test ones, so I would expect fuel consumption more in line with that you quote. It's difficult to suggest anything that will make a dramatic difference, other than to suggest you keep your tyre pressures up to the mark, and drive conservatively, maintaining a steady throttle as much as possible.

Nothing to add

Answered by Graham Smith · 07 Jul 2005

THE advice is basically correct. All alloy-head engines have valve inserts, but some are not hardened to the degree needed to survive the pounding when using unleaded fuel. But Falcons and Fairlanes have been running around for years on LPG without trouble, so they'll survive fine on unleaded. So, yes, run your Fairlane on PULP for the octane rating you need without adding a lubricant.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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