Ford Territory Problems

Follow the placard on the car, the pressure shown on the tyre sidewall is the maximum inflation pressure it can withstand, it's got nothing to do with the pressure you should run on your car.

The first thing to do is to check the battery to make sure it's ok. If it is the original battery, it's now five years old and could well be in need of replacement. If the battery checks out ok I'd be checking the engine sensors, like the crank angle sensor, and their connections.

Start with your dealer and point out what you are concerned about. If you want to strengthen your case you could call in an independent expert to examine your car and report on the repairs. One you could consult is Graeme Cuthbert on 0422 444 335.

Check the warranty document first, then ask the insurance company to show the provision that states it only covers "common" failures. Sounds like BS to me.

It's not normal; something is wrong with the car and needs further investigation to find the cause. The dealer has lost interest in your cars and is trying to fob you off. I suggest the dealer needs to check the driveline and maybe even the diffs.

Keep the pressure on the dealer and Ford to come to a resolution. The company is responsible to ensure the car they have sold you is fit for purpose, and it sounds, on the surface at least, suggests that yours might not be. If you feel you have reached the end of your tether go to the consumer affairs people and seek their advice on taking action against Ford.

Take it to an auto transmission specialist and get another opinion. If it is a failed solenoid as the code suggests it's possible to replace the solenoid, and it then shouldn't cost more than around $1000.

Cracked bushes on the rear diff of the early Territory is a common problem, so common that I would expect Ford to come to the party to pay at least part of the cost of repairs. I would continue to press your claim against Ford.

That is a really bad run, one that in other countries might have the car officially labeled a ‘lemon’. But as we don’t have ‘lemon’ laws the carmaker doesn’t have to replace the car or refund your money. But they are responsible for fixing it. I don’t believe you will have any success in getting the car replaced, but you could try pressing the dealer/Ford for an extended warranty.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.