Ford 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.

YES, it is good advice. Belts are typically changed at about four years or 100,000km, whichever comes first, and in your case both milestones are up. As for cost expect it to be $200-$400.

I HAVEN'T had any other complaints about this problem, so can't really help, but perhaps other owners might let us know if they have had the problem and what was done to fix it.

I hope it continues, but other owners have had brake hose failures on Territorys and Falcons. Even the advice that it is not a common problem suggests that whoever gave you the advice knows of the problem.

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.

I THINK you should query it. Worn ball joints are not only expensive to replace -- and it seems that is part and parcel of owning a Territory - they can be dangerous if they fail, as they are prone to do. That yours need replacing at 18,000km is beyond my comprehension. Ford should replace them at no cost to you.

VAPOUR or the later liquid injection systems are the ones to go for today. Virtually all systems on the market are made in Italy and most well-known brands on the market are Italian systems adapted for use here. Try the well-proven and respected brands, such as Impco, Eurogas and Tartarini. Contact the manufacturers and ask for the installer nearest you.

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.