Ford Problems

You’re right; a cylinder head gasket shouldn’t just ‘let go’. Ask your dealer to request Ford to cover at least part of the cost of repairing your car. Even though the warranty has expired they still have an obligation under consumer laws to support the vehicle.

It's great to hear from an old-school car enthusiast and I can remember doing the same thing when I was younger. These days it's nearly impossible to even find the oil filter on some new cars.

The most likely cause is a switch that is not shutting off the power to the light. Most likely it is one of the switches in the door jams, so check them to make sure they are working by pushing them in and out and watching for the interior light to go on and off.

You've done the things that would normally be done when a car comes in with this sort of complaint, that is servicing the transmission and installing a new 2-3 shift solenoid. If that hasn't fixed it the next step would be to delve inside and rebuild it. It's unlikely to be a computer glitch, but perhaps the error code could help tell you what the issue is.

I believe the three local makers will maintain their commitment to owners long after they stop manufacturing. In your case, the credit goes to Ford's Stephen Kruk who was straight onto the problem.

I also suffered through a six-volt Beetle but there is no excuse now. Upscale Euro cars have great bi-xenons and that should be the standard for everyone, although the Commodore and Falcon are world's - best for their price.

No one should buy a car as a potential investment, as nothing these days is going to appreciate like a Falcon GTHO Phase 3. Far better that you buy the RS to enjoy it.

I understand your frustration at a dealer not being able to fix a problem with one of its cars, but it would appear that Ford and the dealer have worked out a way of dealing with the problem, even if it does involve an outside third party. Using specialists other than their own staff members is not unusual, so I wouldn't be too concerned about that. That the dealer is arranging for the work to happen puts the responsibility onto him to get it fixed to your satisfaction. You could go to fair Trading, but I would persist with the dealer and hope that it the auto electrician does fix it.

That’s a good tip but modern brake materials are still softer.

You should be thanking customer service boss Stephen Kruk and his team as they are sharpening that focus at Ford Australia.