Ford Problems

Have the injectors cleaned to make sure it isn't a partly blocked injector, if that doesn't fix the problem replace the injectors.

It’s likely to be the gear set that’s causing the noise, have an auto trans specialist drive the car for you for a more exact diagnosis.

From your description it appears it only happens when the brakes are applied so I'd be looking for a vacuum leak associated with the brakes, such as a split or cracked hose or fitting on the brake booster or manifold.

It’s a fairly straightforward installation without major modification to the car, and there are companies doing it. One we know does it for around $2200 drive in, drive out, and guarantee the rego authorities will accept it when you go to change the engine number.

The dealer is trying to fix the car for your, so you can only work with them to ensure a satisfactory outcome. The dealer has an obligation not only to repair the faults in the car, but also to return it to you in the same condition it was in when you handed it over to you. Before taking it back make sure you're happy with the state of the car as it's being handed back, and don't accept it if there is anything you are unhappy with. You could also have it inspected by an independent mechanic or engineers to confirm the work has been done to an acceptable standard.

You’ve replaced the ignition system, so you need to look at the fuel supply. I would check the fuel pressure, the fuel pump, and make sure it’s getting enough fuel.

We checked with the Biofuels people and they told us that Ford’s advice was that E5, a five per cent ethanol blend is okay, but E10 is not. They went on to say that given the age of your car and the fact that there have been no side effects from running on E10 so far that you are not likely to see any side effects. On that advice you’re probably ok to use E10.

While the crash might have seemed minor the damage could have been more substantial than you think, that they changed the timing belt   would seem to suggest there was some significant damage to the car and that's where I would start investigating. I would suggest you   contact an experienced assessor like Graeme Cuthbert on 0422 444 335 and have them inspect the car and the repairs.

Before you do that I would strongly suggest you get with the dealer and Ford and attempt to thrash out your differences. The lack of feedback from Ford is of concern, it suggests they don’t think there is a problem with your car, that it is within Ford’s specification as they have said, or they can’t solve the problem. It is highly likely that the issues you are concerned about have been observed by Ford’s engineers and deemed to be acceptable for release to production. That is a normal part of the development process of a new car; the problem is that the engineers might have a different view of the problem to you. You could consult an automotive engineer, but that’s likely to be a costly exercise, and I suspect an ultimately frustrating one.

The control module is the most likely cause; they are known to be troublesome.