Ford Falcon 2003 Problems

I HAVEN'T heard of the problem, so I'd say the dealer is probably right. Falcon utes do regularly suffer problems with the rear axle, but that's another unrelated problem. As for the warranty issue, I can't say if it should be covered or not without knowing more about the failure. If it failed because of a fault with the part, either material or workmanship, it might well be a warranty issue. But it could also be because of driver abuse, in which case it wouldn't be a warranty issue. Universal joints are not normally covered by warranty unless they're faulty. They're regarded as consumables, like brake linings, tyres and clutches. Now the car is six years old, I'd say there's little chance of a warranty claim, no matter what caused the failure.

YOU can convert your Falcon to LPG. Several quality systems are available, but the best system is a gas-injection one. It will cost more, but it will drive, perform and run better than the other systems. You could expect to pay $4000-$4500 for an injection system, compared with $2500-$3000 for an older mixer/venturi system. If it's set up correctly there won't be an impact on the life of your engine. For an installer, it's best to talk to the system manufacturers and get their recommendation.

LPG specialists Australian LPG Warehouse tell me they can convert the turbo with virtually no loss of power and torque. The kit suits the standard factory engine and is capable of staying on LPG all the way to full throttle. It costs about $4200 installed.

YOU CAN contact Ford, but your car is out of warranty and you're unlikely to get a warm welcome. The best you can hope for is that they cover the cost of the parts, leaving you with labour costs. But as you bought your used car at an auction, I think you're wasting your time.

IT'S not a project I would recommend. The modifications to the car would be extensive and there are too many hurdles to jump over to make it cost-effective and legal. For starters, you would contravene a raft of ADRs that would make it illegal, and the testing to make it legal would be expensive. The fuel consumption you got on the petrol isn't too bad, but if you want to save money on fuel consider converting it to LPG, which would be much easier and cheaper, and would cut your running costs.

I'M FAMILIAR with all the brands you mention except Easy Jet, and each is a quality system well developed by a reputable company. Any of the systems would do the job for you, but possibly more important is to choose your installer wisely. Before you commit to an installer, ask them how long they have been in the business of installing LPG systems, the injection system in particular. And ask to talk to a client who has had the same system fitted.

WE'VE had complaints about the diff in the Holden, but not nearly so many from Ford owners. You probably could do the job if you're handy with tools, but if you're not, I wouldn't tackle it.

THE diff problem with the Falcon ute is well-known, and one that dealers should be familiar with. I know of several owners who have had to replace the diff, some more than once. Ford's policy seems to be that they will replace the diff with a new one if the vehicle is under warranty, and with a used one if it's out of warranty. The problem for you is that you bought a used vehicle out of warranty. And you don't have the history of it before you bought it. Talk to the previous owner if you can and find out if they have any knowledge of the problem existing when they owned it and, if so, did they report it to the dealer. Get as much information as possible and persist with Ford.