Ford Falcon Problems

YOU need to hit the brakes hard to make the anti-skid system come into play, and hold the pedal down hard when it does come in. It may be your son is not braking hard enough to get the system working, and if he lets up on the pedal it will feel as if the brakes are not stopping the car. Don't listen to the advice from the dealer: it's important -- potentially life-saving -- that the anti-skid system is working correctly.

BEFORE I changed the transmission I'd be carefully checking the whole driveline because it's not only the tailshaft balance that could be the problem. It could be the driveline angles that are out. It could also be the transmission mount -- all manner of things. The problem with our large cars is that the tailshaft is a long, heavy component that's very hard to balance.

THE Jackaroo should be OK, but I'd look at a Pajero, which I think would be a better choice. As for the Falcon, the cars you are looking at have to be seen in isolation because of their age and kilometres. The Falcons are generally tough, but are known to have problems with radiators and head gaskets. At that number of kilometres I'd have the auto transmission carefully checked, particularly if you intend to tow.

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.

IT WAS wrong you weren't told the tonneau wasn't covered by the factory warranty if that's the case, though I doubt Ford would sell a product on a new car that wasn't covered. I suggest you follow Ford's suggestion and see the dealer from whom you bought the car and have them both fix it and explain their poor communication.

A little over eight seconds for the 0-100km/h dash and the high-15s for the quarter-mile.

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.

I HAVE driven several E-Gas Falcons from Ford and have observed the vibration you talk about in at least one of them, a one-tonne cab-chassis. My reading of the vibration was that it was definitely driveline-related and I would have had the tailshaft checked if it was my car. You could have the driveline inspected by an independent mechanic, but that will cost you money, so I would keep up the pressure on Ford.

I HAVE driven several E-Gas Falcons from Ford and have observed the vibration you talk about in at least one of them, a one-tonne cab-chassis. My reading of the vibration was that it was definitely driveline-related and I would have had the tailshaft checked if it was my car. You could have the driveline inspected by an independent mechanic, but that will cost you money, so I would keep up the pressure on Ford.