Ford Problems

It has to be a power drain; there is no other plausible explanation. There is something that is not shutting down when you turn the car off. It could be a lamp in the boot, it could be a computer, there is something that is draining the battery. I would go to another auto electrician.

Going manual in an automatic is a good tip for all types of driving, and the best designs of self-shifters do a great job of mimicking a full manual change.

The Golf is a better, classier car, but the latest Golf does not have the sharp edge of the previous GTI. So I agree the Focus is the smart choice.

The Holden is cheaper because more people are choosing the Ford. If it's close enough on features, and ahead on value, then park the dream for some reality. But perhaps also cross-shop the Mazda BT-50, which is a clone of the Ranger.

The reason for distance and time on services is that short trips put just as much strain, sometimes more, on a car. If you go outside the recommendations, or do it yourself, you risk voiding the warranty and that could be expensive if something big goes wrong.

I would seek legal advice on the matter. You have signed a contract, and it would seem that the dealer either hasn’t understood the limitations of the offer, or hasn’t bothered to bone up on Ford’s rules. For them to say they will not honour the contract clearly puts them at fault.

Ford has just boosted XR8 production but, sorry, Ford spokesman Neil McDonald says there are "no plans" for a V8 ute. Even the XR6 ute is in huge demand, with waiting lists for popular colours.

The usual way to detect problems is by using diagnostic equipment to identify the cause, but it's rarely successful when the problem is intermittent. If it's not doing it when the diagnostic gear is hooked up to the car it won't show up. That's the problem you have. Cleaning the throttle body was worthwhile, resetting the computer might have had some effect, the surging at light throttle is probably the best clue to what's happening. Without any guide from the diagnostic gear it becomes a process of trial and error. That it becomes sluggish suggests it's going into limp-home mode as a result of detecting a problem. It could be as simple as a dodgy wiring connection, alternatively it could be a faulty sensor, like a crank angle sensor, or it could be related to the EGR as you have heard. The only way to find the cause is to work through all the possibilities until you find it.

The Ranger gets a makeover in the third quarter of the year. Ford has just revealed it at the Bangkok motor show. Most of the work has gone into new technology.

The Territory should work fine, but ensure it's had the suspension updates. Diesel will be better for towing, especially fuel economy, although I generally advise petrol if you're doing less than 30,000km a year.