Ford Falcon 2003 Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Ford Falcon 2003 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
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Ford Falcon 2003: Leaking coolant and replacing remote locking
If you can’t see coolant on the ground where the car has been parked, you need to start a more thorough investigation. Your car is now 17 years old, so every hose, clip, clamp and junction that carries coolant is a prime suspect to be the cause.
The lack of any evidence could mean that the coolant is only disappearing when the engine is running and/or the engine is hot and the coolant is under pressure. So a close check of things with the car up to temperature and idling is a good start. Don’t forget, though, that a running engine has all sorts of belts and fans to get tangled in, and that the coolant – if it is spraying out anywhere – will be scalding hot.
The other possibility is something to which Falcons of this era are a bit prone. And that’s a faulty transmission cooler which can fail internally and allow the coolant to escape into the automatic gearbox. At that point, the transmission is usually damaged to the point of needing replacement, so it’s a big deal, but it could explain the mystery disappearance of your coolant.
As for the central locking, these functions are handled by the car’s body computer. Again, it’s common with this model Falcon for the computer to start playing up and require replacement. But before you do that, check that the battery in the remote unit hasn’t gone flat. If it’s not that, a trip to an auto electrician is the wise move. But if both the body computer and the transmission need replacing, you might just find that the repairs will cost more than the value of the car itself.
Best car to tow a horse float
Having ruled out an SUV your choices are fairly limited. If you were prepared to buy used you could buy a late model Falcon, but if you want to buy new you’re really limited to an SUV. Most SUVs have good performance, they’re certainly not sluggish, and they aren’t all bulky. Something like a Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, or a Subaru Forester should be able to comfortably handle your towing needs.
Ford Falcon: Clunking sound
It’s most likely the rear suspension bushes, a known problem with the Falcon. Have them checked.
Ford Falcon 2003: New engine management chip
I suggest you telephone some wrecking yards — which are called car dismantlers these days — to see what's around. If any CarsGuide readers can help I will put them in touch. The code for the unit is 3R23-12A650-HH ABU-214.
Poor fuel consumption on dual-fuel 2003 Falcon
No, it's not. Based on your figures it's getting 20 L/100 km, which is pathetic. It should be getting 11-12 L/100 km on petrol. I would give it a tune-up, run some fuel system cleaner through it and clean the throttle body.
Ford Falcon 2003: LPG fuel consumption
I doubt that it was ever 11 L/100 km on LPG. I would accept that it could be 11 L/100 km on petrol, and if so I would expect the consumption to rise to about 14 L/100 km when converted to LPG. If it returning 20 L/100 km on LPG then I would take it back and have the calibration of the system checked, I think that's where your problem could be.
