Ford Problems

It really needs a mechanic with diagnostic equipment to trace the problem, but it sounds like the whole system is shutting down. I would suspect that it could be a fault with the computer.

We have had a number of reports on the effects E10 has on cars, and yours is similar to others we’ve received. Rougher idling is an expected outcome with the fuel, even the biofuels people admit to that, and other owners have reported starting problems. It’s still early days for E10, so it’s advisable to be cautious until we know more about it.

You say the car is now running well, so it would seem that by draining the fuel tank and replacing the filter the mechanic fixed the problem. You can connect the charcoal canister, it’s there to collect the fuel vapour from the tank so it’s no released into the atmosphere; the accumulated vapour is then burnt in the engine, so it’s safe to reconnect it.

The police change the gearbox fluid regularly because the cars are subject to heavy use, rapid accelerations and high speed etc. I would suggest you take it to an auto trans specialist and have it serviced, that’s good policy in any case, and have them investigate the shifting issue.

It's likely to be a faulty engine sensor that's not telling the computer that it's a cold start and the engine needs extra fuelling to start and run. Take it to a mechanic that has diagnostic equipment and is able to test the computer and its sensors, and if need be, leave the car with them overnight so they can do a cold start the next morning.

I'm not surprised that Ford wouldn't give you the name of the seat supplier, that's not the sort of information they normally hand out.  The seat supplier is Futuris Automotive Interiors and they can be contacted on 03 9644 4222.

Check the diff mounting bushes, they are a known problem and   produce a "clunk" noise when the throttle is applied.

Carmakers claim that you don't need to change the fluid or service the auto trans for "life", but what "life" means is anybody's guess.  Auto trans service specialists strongly suggest that the fluid be changed as often as every 20,000 km, much as it used to be. It's more critical if you are towing regularly, but 40,000 km on a car that is being driven normally would be a good guide to when you should consider having the fluid changed.

Fading usually happens when plasticizers migrate out of the plastic, and is accelerated when the car is exposed to the sun for long periods of time, but we haven't received any other reports of the dash fading on Falcons. Make sure the car is parked out of the sun when your son is away, that was the fading should be reduced, and using a product like Armor All should help maintain the colour in the dash.

We were told that the valve clearances are no longer done at 20,000 km, as the dealer told you. We understand it is now done at 80,000 km. As for the charge you need to discuss that with the dealer, and bear in mind that dealers are charging upwards of $140 per hour for work done in their shops.