Ford Problems

Ford Australia president Graeme Whickman replies: "Mr Gillett was one of almost 200 Ford employees to have placed an order for Mustang but he was a little further back in the queue. With demand for Mustang exceeding everyone's expectation, a significant proportion of the launch production was dedicated to the initial retail customers. We do anticipate, with some of the recent increase in production for Australia, we will improve delivery times for orders including employee orders. However, we still anticipate up to a 16-month wait for deliveries ... balanced against our retail customer wait list that now extends to 12 months.

I suggest you telephone some wrecking yards — which are called car dismantlers these days — to see what's around. If any CarsGuide readers can help I will put them in touch. The code for the unit is 3R23-12A650-HH ABU-214.

In addition to the flashing light of the turn signal there is also an audible signal to tell you the signal is operating. Could it be that you are hearing the audible signal? That would seem to be the most logical explanation.

When we rang Ford we were told that Ford is indeed trying to increase its supply of Mustangs following the strong reaction to the car from the Australian car buying public. Some of those cars might come from those allocated to the UK, but it depends on where the UK is in its launch program, so you can't say it will be the expense of the UK market. It also depends on the availability of right-hand drive parts when Ford needs them if they want more cars sooner than planned.

Ford Australia customer service chief Stephen Kruk replies: "It is an industry known and understood phenomenon if the fuel provider does not have the right pumping equipment for a below-ground or above-ground tank. The basic principle behind being able to refuel LPG vehicles is that the pressure of the LPG at the refuelling station must be higher than the pressure of the LPG in the vehicle tank. We are happy to inspect the customer's vehicle to confirm it is working correctly."

Have you fitted any extra accessories, like driving lights, a winch, towbar etc. that might be causing the problem, which is clearly a drain that is not being cut when the ignition is switched off. We haven't heard of any other Rangers with the same problem, but if anyone has had a similar problem they could contact us. In the meantime take it to an auto electrician and have it checked. The last car with a similar problem was the early VE Calais, which had a problem with a drain on the battery through the computer, which wasn't switched off with the ignition and continued to drain the battery.

It's an interesting put-down of the Mercedes-Benz. The Territory is an all-round good car that has been developed for Australian roads, it might be more comfortable than the 'Benz, but I wouldn't say it was of a better quality. You could also look at a Toyota Kluger or a Kia Sorento, both of which would handle the roads well, be comfortable and are of a decent quality.

It’s not a myth, it’s the law. It’s also why Ford is stamping a 10-year supply of Falcon and Territory body panels this month in Geelong before closing down that part of its local production operation.

You're right there doesn't seem to be a fix for the problem; no matter what the dealer or Ford does it always comes back. The answer is to cut your loses and get out of the car the best way you can, and seeing you bought it from a Ford dealer you could appeal to their conscience to give you a good deal on a trade-in on another car. Other owners have been able to negotiate their way out of these troublesome cars, so try that.