Common Problems with the AU??

[GlennBA]

Hi guys, just curious as to what problems you've had with your AU's.

Our families AU is an AUII forte sedan, auto, 10/00 build with 78,000km on the clock. As far as i can recall we haven't had many problems with it. In fact the only problems we've had with it were:

*Slight rough idle- Fixed
*Oil leak on steering rack- Fixed
*Electric window slow- Fixed, just needed a bit of lube
*sunglasses holder lining come out- The car is out of warranty and we haven't bothered getting it fixed because we don't use it..

Thats a pretty short list. It annoys me when people bag out the AU when in reality they are mechanically excellent
Just for comparison, my dad drives a ba xr6t and we've had 18 problems with it in 13 months.. with the AU we've had 4 minor problems with it in nearly 4 1/2 years.

Glenn for AU's :sm_headba

EDIT: It has also been back for the accelorator cable recall (?), and the recent recall involving the steering on all AU's from 98-01

[klawsterfobik]

But as you said it is an AUII, and being the 2nd of a particular model you would expect most, if not all of the problems to have been ironed out in the first model. The BA being the first in the model is going to have some slip ups.

I whole heartedly agree that the AU is mechanically really good. I use one for MotorKhana events...

[GlennBA]

Originally Posted by klawsterfobik

But as you said it is an AUII, and being the 2nd of a particular model you would expect most, if not all of the problems to have been ironed out in the first model. The BA being the first in the model is going to have some slip ups.

You're right

[Skeg37]

VEHICLE - AU sedan 98 model XR6
PROBLEM - brown Frothy Sludge In Radiator Overflow
DIAGNOSIS - Cracked Transmission Cooler Pipe Allowing Transmission Oil To Leak Into Radiator.
SOLUTION - Transmission Cooler Pipe Replacement Kit Or New Radiator (chose New Radiator)
COST - $350 For Radiator And $32 For Top Up Transmission Fluid

RESULT- Drives Beautifully And Cool......

[BJB]

AU111 SR. Coolant leak around the thermostat housing. Fixed twice under warranty.

Noisy diff just prior to 60K and still there. Ford refused to fix it.

Rust in lower boot lid ( possible leak of water from factory spoiler.)

Drivers door locking mechanism failing.

Power windows have had their moments but still work.

Drives good, auto and engine are fine.

Not buying a new Ford again as Ford Warranty Policy is questionable.

[T3man]

Originally Posted by BJB

Not buying a new Ford again as Ford Warranty Policy is questionable.

Not really questionable mate - just downright useless in most cases. It's simply not worth the stress it causes having them fix something over and over ... and it never gets fixed anyhow. Nowadays I just buy second hand and with the money I save I can afford to throw it into any repairs necessary and pay the right people the right money to have it done .. well ... right.

[BJB]

Originally Posted by T3man

Not really questionable mate - just downright useless in most cases. It's simply not worth the stress it causes having them fix something over and over ... and it never gets fixed anyhow. Nowadays I just buy second hand and with the money I save I can afford to throw it into any repairs necessary and pay the right people the right money to have it done .. well ... right.

I heard that Ford Warranty issues are outsourced to a group commissioned to filter the claims. I guess if they can keep the claims down then they get better bonuses. Urban myth , not sure. What they don't realise is that reputations ruin companies, and Ford Australia are struggling to sell the Falcon at the moment and no wonder. If you have a faulty product , then deal with it. Good service will get people back to the show rooms. My cl;aim was rejected because I didn't have the car serviced enough with them. The diff is noisy but it has been this way for over 70K now so it probably won't break too soon, still who sells cars these days with diffs that develop a noise at under 60 K. We don't tow, it is driven sensibly. Another thing, my work had XR 8's that were always being faulted for various issues. The local dealer would just treat as a regular customer and try and book us in. Hell no, emergency vehicle mate. The local Holden dealer would move hell and high water to accommodate us and therefore we prefer the Lion over the Blue oval. Downtime is a drag.

Ford Aus wrote to me later as a valued customer to see if I would be interested in the FG series they were releasing. You have to be joking was the answer.

[Auslandau]

Have an AU 1 guia and only problem has been the windows sticking, as previously has said. But the rear diff is starting to make the 'Taxi whine' and is a bit annoying, and at only 90000 km but apart from that is the best Ford I have had for lack of problems.......touch wood!!!! With the VCT, it does hoon along a bit as well :voldar02:
The wagon is an AU 11 dead standard and just came back from a quick trip to N.T. and back to Melb, with again no probs. Windows are bit annoying in that one too!



| [/url] |

[Swedishmoose]

Originally Posted by auslandau

Have an AU 1 guia and only problem has been the windows sticking, as previously has said. But the rear diff is starting to make the 'Taxi whine' and is a bit annoying, and at only 90000 km but apart from that is the best Ford I have had for lack of problems.......touch wood!!!! With the VCT, it does hoon along a bit as well :voldar02:
The wagon is an AU 11 dead standard and just came back from a quick trip to N.T. and back to Melb, with again no probs. Windows are bit annoying in that one too!

Hi there....


when do I have to get that "taxi whine" checked ?..or...when do I definately have to get it checked ?
Mine does it to, but the rear diff is dry ...mine has got 125000 km on the odometer...



The Moose

[Swedishmoose]

Hello there,


I've just bought a 2000 Falcon Futura in a very good shape and there are just a few little things that I'd like to work on. I thought this would be the right place to ask arround.

1.The plastic frame where the door handle sits in ( I guess it is popped in somehow in the door panel ) is not put in right. Can anyone tell me how I can get the door handle out and place it back in right ?


2. The reading lamps in the back don't work. The bulbs are working but the switch doesn't really want to keep the light on. I guess they are micro switches and they don't even klick anymore. Are those parts expensive do be replaced ?


3. The owner had a dash mat placed on the dashboard. On a really hot day the downside of the dash mat burned into parts of the plastic of the dashboard. Mainly the little hard plastic cover right above the passenger airbag and that really wide plastic panel right in front of the windshield where the air vents are. I don't know if Ford still has got plastic parts available for a 2000 AU model and if so.......can you just unclip those panels or is it a big hassle ?


hmmm...what else is not right , oh yeah

4. If you don't use the keyless entry pad and use the key instead, you can only open the drivers door manually with the key. After actually opening it you just need to pull the drivers door handle and all other doors should be unlocked ( that what it says in the manual ) . I can open the drivers door manually with the key, but the other three doors remain closed after pulling the drivers door handle and the push button on the left side of the steering column which usually locks or unlocks the doors is not working as well. I haven't checked the fuses yet, but maybe someone has another idea what it could be.


5.That whining noise some people were talking about only happens when I do a normal take off from a traffic light...a normal acceleration. It does a soft whining noise until the transmission shifts into second gear. It doesn't happen when the car is going on a highway or when I release the throttle or when I accelerate. It only happens in first gear ( four speed automatic ) until it shifts into second gear.


6. the two front side windows go up and down slowly....I've read about the lubricants you can put on the gaskets to solve that minor problem......where exactely do I have to spray those lubricants on to and wouldn't it cause streaks on the windows when you open and close them again ?



That was basically it. Another minor thing is that the dashboard is ratteling a bit on rough roads. It is somewhere behind the radio and the aircon controls...maybe a loose wire or similar. Do I have to take the whole radio and air con panel off to have a look inside or is there another way to "get in ".
If not...how do I take it off ?


I am happy that I have found a Ford Forum like this one here and I am looking forward to helping where I can and putting in some good ideas.

Thank you anyways in advance for the answers I might get and for any help




Swedishmoose

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by Swedishmoose

5.That whining noise some people were talking about only happens when I do a normal take off from a traffic light...a normal acceleration. It does a soft whining noise until the transmission shifts into second gear. It doesn't happen when the car is going on a highway or when I release the throttle or when I accelerate. It only happens in first gear ( four speed automatic ) until it shifts into second gear.

sounds like classic first gear whining dif noise or 'taxi dif' to me.. it was present in quite a few falcons, especially those with higher usage and km readings (eg taxi's). The problem persisted through some BA's as well, and i believe some BF's.

[falcon75]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Have an AU 1 guia and only problem has been the windows sticking, as previously has said. But the rear diff is starting to make the 'Taxi whine' and is a bit annoying, and at only 90000 km but apart from that is the best Ford I have had for lack of problems.......touch wood!!!! With the VCT, it does hoon along a bit as well :voldar02:
The wagon is an AU 11 dead standard and just came back from a quick trip to N.T. and back to Melb, with again no probs. Windows are bit annoying in that one too!

Ive got an AUIII XR that has developed the same sound from the diff at 75000km. Have you any idea what it is?

[12]

There's already a thread on this in the, wait for it, AU section.

Click here for the link.

[Cobra]

I have an AU1 XR8 and I had a leaking radiator whcih was done under (used car) warranty when I bought it. Other problems I've had is a leaking heater tap which I fixed, and window switched not working because of the contacts burnd out (whch I fixed without replacing). The diff also whines a little, but I reckon that's soemthing to do with all the heathcote events. Otherwise it's a brilliant car, never missed a beat.

[Casper]

Merged to aufalcon.com thread

[buickman]

The problems I've occured with the AU1 ghia is.
1: "o" leaking at back of w/pump fixed under warranty

2: Radiator leaking were they all let go on pass/side replaced with copper core one.

3: Climate/C/modlues fading out on premium models. Found a person who repairs them.

4: Replaced front rotors twice & f/pads 3 times have not had to replace the rears as yet. Car has only 80 odd thousand KMs.

5: Ball joint that holds the boot struts snap off while closing boot. A major repair if out of warranty.Could be a problem as these cars age as ball end neck is narrow and weak and water sits there & creates rust. There is a artical on how to repair the problem on the www.aufalcon.com site.

Otherwise I find AU's very good touring cars and suited to Australian road conditions. The shape has grown on a lot of people nowdays.

buickman

[Kermit]

Love my AUIII.

Only problem in the past year of ownership was the leaking radiator which was fixed under warranty on the 75,000 service.

Now due for 90,000 service. Been to Byron Bay and Melbourne & back with no problems.

GO FORD AU!!!!!

[XR_Strider_GuY]

Originally Posted by Falconfan

Love my AUIII.

Only problem in the past year of ownership was the leaking radiator which was fixed under warranty on the 75,000 service.

Now due for 90,000 service. Been to Byron Bay and Melbourne & back with no problems.

GO FORD AU!!!!!

Hi Mate,

Off the topic, but i like your car. Gotta love the Venom Red AUII/III XR's. The shape still looks as sharp today as the time when i bought it. Mines just ticked 65k and i still love mine heaps.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by XR_Strider_GuY

Hi Mate,

Off the topic, but i like your car. Gotta love the Venom Red AUII/III XR's. The shape still looks as sharp today as the time when i bought it. Mines just ticked 65k and i still love mine heaps.

Thanks mate. Yeah they do look pretty good. Only 65k, you've got years of trouble free fun ahead. :sm_headba

[stera]

Hey guys ...

Have a AU III Futura and no probs (touch bloody wood) !!

Just wondering where the ... "I have this problem page is" ??!

When I find that page ... Id like 2 know why when Im in Drive (gears 1,2,3, D or R) and have foot on the break (at a red light 4 example) there is a really harsh sound coming from the engine. Sounds like something is vibrating... Ive been told @ Ford that its the vacuum thing getting gases out ... Or SOMETHING like that ... As u can tell, Im a wiz mechanically !!

Supposedly occurs on all AU's .. but when Im at the lights next 2 another AU .. I cant hear their's ... But mine makes enough sound 4 the both of us !

Any ideas ...

Thanx ... Oh, and let me know about that "I have this problem page is" ??!

PS ... Just done 65,ooo kms

PPS ... Just above my a/c fan speed knob (1,2,3,4) ... That side of the console vibrates like a bitch on the highway... How can I tighten this side up - Cos its annoying as hell and hard 2 steer and push on the console at the same time !!

[12]

Is it a ticking sound? Does it sound like it's coming from behind the passenger side headlight and in front of the front left wheel?

Yay, my 1st post here.

I've had 2 problems:

1) Heater pipe developed a small hole allowing coolant to drip out. The hole developed at the end of the pipe, where it splits into two smaller outlets. Replacement from ford was about $35 to $40 with the O-ring. Fitting was pretty easy, you just have to take out the airbox to gain access to the pipe. Of course, this meant I had to flush and refill the coolant, so the whole operation cost me just under $50.

2) Brakes shuddering under braking, even in the dry. I've just ordered new front slotted discs and pads, leaving the rears alone for now. In the future I may get the rears machined and fit a new set of pads while I'm at it.

i had, and recently got rid of, a 1999 au xls v8 ute wich would have to have been the worst car i have ever owned. power window switches were replaced (warranty) radiator replaced (warranty) a/c compressor replaced (warrantY) computer replaced (warranty) complete engine bay wiring loom replaced (warranty) fuel sender replaced (warranty) complete set of lifters replaced , one at a time!!!!!!!!!!! (warranty) they never could find the source of the knocking noise from the engine. replaced one at a time, i couldn't believe it. the bloody thing was in the ford workshop more often than not. in the end they told me the loud knocking noise was at an exceptable level and was normal. all this with only 30 000 klms on it. i didnt want to find out if the noise was a big end gone or something so i got rid of it. the transmission (auto) would change in and out of overdrive constantly, sitting at the lights in drive with foot on brake, and the speedo would rise up to 60 or 80 or even 100 kays and i wasnt moving. ( no i wasnt smoking the tyres). some times something would even beep at me four or five times. speedo would stop working at times. i wasnt sad to see the *** of that car. enjoy the probs of my 88 ea fairmont much better. probs with a 17 year old car are expected.

[fairmont au]

Originally Posted by dangt69

i had, and recently got rid of, a 1999 au xls v8 ute wich would have to have been the worst car i have ever owned. power window switches were replaced (warranty) radiator replaced (warranty) a/c compressor replaced (warrantY) computer replaced (warranty) complete engine bay wiring loom replaced (warranty) fuel sender replaced (warranty) complete set of lifters replaced , one at a time!!!!!!!!!!! (warranty) they never could find the source of the knocking noise from the engine. replaced one at a time, i couldn't believe it. the bloody thing was in the ford workshop more often than not. in the end they told me the loud knocking noise was at an exceptable level and was normal. all this with only 30 000 klms on it. i didnt want to find out if the noise was a big end gone or something so i got rid of it. the transmission (auto) would change in and out of overdrive constantly, sitting at the lights in drive with foot on brake, and the speedo would rise up to 60 or 80 or even 100 kays and i wasnt moving. ( no i wasnt smoking the tyres). some times something would even beep at me four or five times. speedo would stop working at times. i wasnt sad to see the *** of that car. enjoy the probs of my 88 ea fairmont much better. probs with a 17 year old car are expected.

if you had the air conditioner on when it would go in and out of overdrive its normal its to keep the transmission cool.

[Mr220kw]

Originally Posted by AUGZMK

Is it a ticking sound? Does it sound like it's coming from behind the passenger side headlight and in front of the front left wheel?

It's the charcoal cannister. Mine ticks on the Xr8 all the time, it's harmless. Don't stress over it or you'll drive yourself nuts.
: : :

[GK]

Originally Posted by Mr220kw

It's the charcoal cannister. Mine ticks on the Xr8 all the time, it's harmless. Don't stress over it or you'll drive yourself nuts.
: : :

My noise is more knocking than ticking, and comes from the right not the left. I'm going to have the upper control arm bushes looked at and most likely changed. The car has done 120,000 kms.

Anyone know how much I'll be up for?

George

[GK]

Originally Posted by Mr220kw

It's the charcoal cannister. Mine ticks on the Xr8 all the time, it's harmless. Don't stress over it or you'll drive yourself nuts.
: : :

I've got the problem sorted out. See "Make the Knocking Stop"

Cheers

[Philbie]

I bought a rebuilt unit (with lifetime warranty)

Who offers lifetime warranties now days - this seems too good!

[AU_Wagin]

AU II Fairmont Wagon V8 Tickford Suspension HM Headers and exhaust, Yella Roller Rockers - Ford will not cover exhaust Mods, but will cover engine even with R/Rockers fitted by Mik Webb - thats got to be good


35 kms: First problem I6 decal on left front, V8 decal on right fixed U/W

29,000 Radiator leaking fixed U/W

59,000 Front Rt wheel bearing fixed U/W

61,000 Radiator replaced U/W and fuel sendor replaced

65,000 Climate Control display Replaced missing segments Fixed U/W

69,000 Drivers Seat right hand side steel framwork poked thru the fabric U/W

72,000 Purchased extended Warranty ( 165,000 ) or 5 Years - $860 best thing I ever did

80,000 theromstat recall - hole drilled ( suppose to stop the radiator problems I was told ) Fuel sensor replaced again

83,000 Driver seat removed and had to be totally reupholsted, frame poked thru right hand back again, and lower cushin sagged - and I am only 88 Kgs too :

91,000 Front Right wheel bearing noisy - fixed U/W

92,000 Rear Transmission Seal Fixed U/W

107,000 Pinion Seal leaking Fixed U/W Fuel guage sender replaced again U/W

109,000 Blown left parking globe, and right main headlight globe - fixed under extended warranty :dr_Evil: Thought I would have to pay for this !

110,000 Steering rack re-call weld to bolts/nuts ? U/W

111,000 left rear shock leaking - both replaced under Ext/W

121, 000 steering rack leaking - replaced U Ext/W battery one dead cell, I had to pay

123,000 sterring column replaced Knocking Ext /W

146,000 Fuel sender replaced again Ext/W

147,000 Knock in front - turning under low speed and front right full lock TBA

149,000 Bad ticking noise from behind left head lamp - documented problem comes and goes, I sorta put up with it

So, not too bad really, wagon is running fabo, and I love it, and was glad I had the extended warranty from Strapp Ford, - steering rack failure paid for it in one go. Change oil and filter every 7,500 K - have to get front alignment every 10,000 or there go the tyres again - wear and tear items front pads at 55,000, 90,000 and 142,000, rears at 90,000. Spark plugs - I wouldnt go 115,000 again, they were really stuffed - I think 90,000 would be the limit and left rear plug lead keeps falling off

Ray

http://www.aufalcon.com/AUWagin.htm

http://www.awcinfo.com/secureshop/ca...=28&scat_id=56

Also, is a diff whine a common problem with the AU(2)'s?

Mine is starting to make a slow whining noise around 2k rpm (highway). Release acceleration and it goes away, full acceleration and engine noise etc makes it harder to hear, but at 2k-3k rpm it's noticable. I'm only assuming it's the diff to...