Ford Falcon 2003 Problems

FORD has been changing the rear brake hoses on the Falcon for some time, not as a recall, but as cars go in for their regular servicing. The problem is that they miss those cars that aren't, for whatever reason, taken to Ford dealers for servicing. Owners of those cars are driving around with a potential safety time bomb under them. Ford should be owning up to the problem and doing something about it.

We've had all sorts of fixes for the dreaded rattle. The goo, as you call it, is a common fix.

THE mileage is low to be having a major engine problem, unless the car hasn't been regularly serviced. I would get a second opinion before replacing the engine -- it probably would be cheaper to replace it than rebuild it, but I would have the diagnosis confirmed first. If I replaced it, I would keep the car.

Ford will tell you that because it wants to sell you into a dedicated E-Gas Falcon, which has hardened valve seats, valves and even special con rods to handle LPG, but there are thousands of Falcons running around with non-factory dual-fuel systems fitted. In short it can be done and done very successfully. But I would be very suspicious of anyone approaching me with an offer to convert my car, and I would suggest you check their bona fides very carefully. I would also suggest you seek out the expert opinion of recognized specialists in the field to get advice you can rely on.

I can recall when driving XR8 utes around the Winton race track a few years ago that it only took a couple of laps of hard driving for the diff to start whining. The answer than was to change the oil. It's a good tip for anyone whose car has a noisy diff.

It could be leaking from the heater core, which could be corroded or cracked, it could be from a water connection, but also check that it’s not from the windscreen seal, which can also happen.

THEY were a good unit; they had good ground clearance and a locked diff, so they were quite competent in all but the toughest off-road situations.

THE chances are high enough that you should do something about it. Ford president Marin Burela has advised all Falcon owners concerned about the problem to go to their local Ford dealer and have their car checked. I would expect your car will be one of those affected and the Ford dealer will replace the rear brake hoses at the very minimum, though I don't believe that will fully address the problem. If a brake hose fails you shouldn't lose all braking because the front and rear brake circuits are independent.

A FORD has had a history of problems with the body computer that dates back several models, and that's the one that controls the heater, the dials and warning lights, so make sure all is well there, and check all connections. As for the start, check the ECU to be sure it isn't the cause. Check the sensors and connections, and don't pump the accelerator when it doesn't start.

THE mileage is low to be having a major engine problem, unless the car hasn't been regularly serviced. I would get a second opinion before replacing the engine - it probably would be cheaper to replace it than rebuild it, but I would have the diagnosis confirmed first. If I replaced it, I would keep the car.