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.

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.

WE REFERRED your problem to Mark Lynch at Carcool Airconditioning and his advice was: The fresh air/recirc duct has been a problem since the 1984 XF Falcon. The duct was revised by Ford about the 1993 ED by increasing the thickness of the actuating arm, but then the duct broke at the pivot shaft instead of the arm. The easiest way to solve the problem is with a 5cent self-tapping screw to lock the flap in permanent recirc because this stops the constant flow of cold air. If you want to persist with a fix use a modified early duct with a strengthened actuator arm in lieu of a new part.

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.

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.

THE advice is basically correct. All alloy-head engines have valve inserts, but some are not hardened to the degree needed to survive the pounding when using unleaded fuel. But Falcons and Fairlanes have been running around for years on LPG without trouble, so they'll survive fine on unleaded. So, yes, run your Fairlane on PULP for the octane rating you need without adding a lubricant.