Ford Problems

I DON'T believe there is an upgrade at the moment. Stephen Brittain is having some success by keeping the pressure on Ford to do something about his car. I can only suggest you do the same. Contact Ford customer assistance and ask them to step in and help the dealer fix the problem.

MY understanding is that the problem is caused by a design fault in the diff itself, so it would not show up when the mechanic checks the codes. Though the problem may be reduced if the auto changes are softened, that doesn't really address the problem. But I am told Ford is at a loss as to how to fix it and the solution has to come from the supplier of the diffs.

FORD'S recommended oil is Mobil Super GF 10W/30 for the XR6 and Mobil Super XHP 15W/40 for the XR6 Turbo, both mineral oils. I would stick with Ford's tip.

IT IS unlikely the problem is related to the ABS. It is more likely to be the wear in the disc. It is not unusual to machine discs on Falcons every time they're serviced. It is a common complaint.

UNFORTUNATELY there is not a lot you can do other than regularly wash and polish. It's the reds used then. They fade.

I DON'T believe we ever said the AU I is a bad car. What it does have is poor resale value, which makes it a poor buy, and we have said that. We have also criticised its styling, but that's a matter of opinion. You're entitled to yours.

FORD'S response was that they investigated a dedicated gas version of Territory. However, it would have required a unique calibration for the AWD versions. Market research at the time told them there wasn't enough customer interest to justify the additional program complexity, especially as the dedicated gas customer base is relatively small. The current price of petrol hasn't changed that situation.

GENERALLY it's better not to baby an engine during the run-in period. It's better to run it in with a little load so you generate enough heat for the block to settle and the rings to bed in, as long as you don't thrash the engine in the process. We asked FPV for their recommendation for running the BA GT, which is: avoid exceeding 4500 revs in the first 750km; accelerate positively in all gears, particularly when driving uphill; progressively increase engine speeds up to 5500 revs between 750km and 1500km with occasional use of full throttle during acceleration within the speed limits; on long stretches during the first 1500km vary engine speeds by occasionally using lower gears; where possible, apply high engine loads for short periods by using high gears at speeds below 60km/h. FPV has an initial fill of Castrol Protec OW/40 mineral oil in its Boss 290 engine to allow the rings to bed in during the run-in phase. Because of this, it is not unusual for customers to experience oil consumption in the first 5000km. From then they recommend customers refill the engine with Castrol Formula R OW/40 synthetic oil and completely change the oil to this specification upon reaching 15,000km, when the first major service is due.

GOOD advice, Tony. I hope Michael can get the same solution. We've heard from many owners of XR6 and XR8 Falcons with the same concern. I'm told it is a problem with the rear axle and there is no fix except maybe to alter the software to soften shifts. I am told Ford was changing rear axles if you complained, but has stopped doing that because it only deferred the problem.

THE MQ is really getting a little long in the tooth, so I would recommend you think about a GQ, though you will find it hard to fit one within your budget. Going by your description of the sort of driving you will be doing I would advise against the Patrol. It sounds like a very expensive way of getting to the city, ferrying the kids around and going shopping, with only an occasional weekend away. Go for a regular car -- it will be better suited to your needs and be less expensive to run. If you must go for a Patrol, buy the 4.2-litre petrol GQ.