Common Problems with the AU??

[Paul m]

Originally Posted by Paul m

AUIII XR6 VCT UTE - 08/02

Purchased 30 Dec 2004. 69000K.

Replaced Radiator - Wrty (Replaced the thermostat a week before and it had a hole drilled in it, so it doesn't fix the problem!, New one (genunine Ford replacement) doesn't have the hole drilled....)

Steering rack - TBA, goes in on Friday, leaking and play.

Other than that it all appears good.

A new rack was installed, just need to get a decent wheel alignment.

Paul

[loxxr6]

Thanks alot guys. I'm looking at getting an AU Ute and coming across this thread, doesn't sound like a good idea. I suppose though that most problems should have been fixed.

Most cars have quite a few recalls in their lives. I can't find the site just now but there is one dedicated to motor vehicle recalls. No manufacturer is safe from product problems, not even Merc or BMW.

Most motor enthusiasts forums are filled with people looking for hints and tips on problems that occur. Don't be put off by this.

I have recently purchased an AU2 VCT Xr6 75,000km

Issues include:

Valvetrain noise (potential Camshaft bearings or tappets)
Exhaust manifold leak (may have been caused by faulty rear exhaust hanger)
Brake rotors
Poor warm idle
Rear strut mounts
Drivetrain baclkash (though may be time for a new clutch soon)

The idling problem seems to be common anyone with any details of the fix for this?

Other wise electrical, upholstery and body are pefect will be more than happy once these things are fixed.

The majority of these appear to be as a result of poor mantenance I assume at the hands of the fleet management or leasing companies accountant.

Has anyone experienced similar issues with ex lease cars?


O

[GK]

A few things I've had go wrong.

Water pump drip, nothing major.

Knocking noise in front right when braking and turning right - TBA

Blessings,

George

[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

[kjau99]

Originally Posted by LG

There is a guy on ebay, that puts his service up for sale to fix the screens. And i've heard of quite a few that have done this and the screens have been fixed with no problem.

Here is the add: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....515112631&rd=1

Or his actual site: http://www.geocities.com/liquidxtal/index.html

He is in Victoria for those who wanna know.

That is awesome, thanks for that!! I need to get mine fixed cos it drives me up the wall looking at it like that! When Ford said I needed to replace it at $800 I thought yeah right, but now I can fix it at last!!

[BF MKII UTE]

Mainly effects AU Series 1

Problem : Horn stuck on or doesn't work at all

Cause : A short or a broken switch inside a sealed unit.

Fix : Not repairable, Must replace complete Hornpad,Airbag Module as a unit.

Cost : New from Ford $ 600.00
Used from wrecker $ 150.00

Ford service dept. has told me today that this is becoming a regular occurance with this model at the moment. The wrecker also said he has been selling and fitting these quite a bit lately.

[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

Originally Posted by Racecraft

Item
Cost:- $10/$15 for a large can of silicon spray

Is Sillicon Spray WD40?

I have this issue with my windows, mainly noticable when I'm coming back from the gym at night (9pm, semi-cold, windows down, highway driving..).

I've used WD40 numerous times, but it doesn't seem to fix it (it always reappears)

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...

[b2tf]

Nup, silicone spray is different to WD40. Should be able to find it at Bunnings etc, i think that 'Australia Export' company (the one that makes all the cheap spraypaint) make it, but not sure. Youd definately be able to get some either ther or Repco though.

Diff whine - ive heard of some AU's having it but not many. Perhaps a trip to a diff specialist will help you work out what is causing the noise (if it is the diff).

[TURBOTAXI]

I bought an ex taxi AU 12 months ago with 748,400 kms. I do preventative maintenance myself. The car has done 42,000 k's in the last year. nothing has gone "wrong" with the car. I have just fitted a turbo kit.
The one cheap fix I would reccomend to anyone - The front end in the AU is said to be good for 300,000 k's, to re-do a front end costs $700 - $800. I bought a second hand front end (control arms, upper and lower ball joints, shocksetc...) out of a wrecked car (40,000k's) for $300, rattle gun and some isolator rubbers and tie rod ends later, you have a new front end for about $360. You will still need a wheel aignment.
I dont like ford service. They once chrarged me $92 for a quote! besides that in my experience they simply replace rather than fix. There are some mechanics who have been around the block (a few times) who will run rings around the dealerships in price and ingenuity.

[Pete A]

I owned a AUII XR8 auto for 4 years - just bought BAIIXR8
The AU was generally very reliable - but had a few niggling problems which were mostly resolved during warranty

Noise in rear end when backing off the throttle - slowly got worse eventually changed the slipery diff and OK from then - this is a common problem with the AU's

Sometimes a loud clonk when tranny changes from 2nd to 1st at low speeds - this was a limited factory recall - only if you complained. A new throttle body on the tranny . OK from then.

Rear top shock mounts went - started banging. Changed and fine since then.

Hand brake not releasing properly - they never were able to fix it!

Never broke down on me and got a great price when I sold it privately! I hope the BA is as good as the AU was, but not off to a good start.

[Pete A]

Yes - is is a common problem - mine was replaces at about 40,000 kms - make sure they use the propper diff oil! I believe it's a special kind for those 2000 model diffs.

[Steve_T]

Pete A, based on your post count, welcome to the forums!

You mention using the correct type of diff oil in your post. Are you saying that most/some of the AU diff problems are actually just caused by using the wrong oil and if so maybe that they don't come with the correct oil from factory? Or were you just mentioning the oil as a side-note to the problem ie. not directly related to it? (I suppose this depends on the diff too now that I think about it - diffenent AU diffs used different types of oil and/or additives. This brings me to ask another question for everyone - which AU diffs were affected by these 'common problems' I hear about? eg. AU1/2/3, just 6cyl diff or 6cyl LSD or V8/XR live/LSD or IRS w/LSD or just all or 'em were bad or what??

As a note, I haven't noticed any problems with mine yet (XR8 ute - LSD live axle). Car is only 27,000 odd kays though. I did dump the factory oil and fill it with fresh SHC ID when the car was pretty new though for what it's worth.

Steve.

[Sylox]

Mine was fine @ 90k Au2 xr8 ute Mal Wood inspected the gears and said they were in top condition

[TCK-098]

Well my first Au was a lemon 99 build 1 tonner seriously when i bought it in july 2004 till the time of its departure in november 2004 it spent nearly every week at cumberland ford for something anyways i told them from day one the T5 that it had was stuffed well when it decided to spill its guts across Appein road at 90kms and turn up barely going they still said that there was no problem.

never buy a ford form there unless you want to be F-------- over,

Well since getting the 98 Au fairmont i have now it has had the CV,s replaced,CD stacker replaced,exhaust,waterpump,thermostat and the car has only 120kms top car as ive driven BA and i reckon they are overated as id prefer my AU anyday.

[Mechan1k]

So far I have noticed the fuel gauge problem on my EGAS AUII XLS.

Only sometimes it will just go dead empty and show DTE - 0 ... but slowly climbs back up to the right capacity (takes about 30 min to do so though).

Has happened a few times ... once after stopping really hard ... strange ... other times it just shows empty when starting ... I turn the car off and then on again .... and it rights itself.

[MrAUII]

Problems I have had with my AUII 2000 are:
Welsh Plug at back of block behind gearbox leaked coolant quicker than I can pee. Cost of part was $3, labour hundreds as gear box had to come out too. Replaced all 6 steel plugs with brass and while everything was out and apart all seals etc were replaced. All up $800.
Shockers absooutely screwed
Rotors completely warped but i do play footy in the hills.
Little clock in dash the numbers stop displaying 100% and only could see bits and pieces of number.
Steel frame piercing through seat.
The door locks are another problem. When you press the lock button on remote a door doesnt lock but you hear the lock motoring. Well something is stufed and ford charge $200 then what happens two days later another door goes.

[Timeshift]

Originally Posted by MrAUII

Steel frame piercing through seat.

....... :|

[TCK-098]

yay just got rid of my tickford springs as car sat to hi to my liking and put in some king springs anyways IRS yay top shock mounts are kaput.

[richo77]

how do you know when your mounts in your rear shockies are finished? I think mine are on their way out, i'm hearing a knock over bumps which sounds like the boot lid isnt closed properly or the spare wheel is loose (its neither)

do you reckon this would be covered under ford's extended warranty?? i would think they would be but wouldnt be too surprised to hear that they arent!! :

[Timeshift]

Originally Posted by richo77

do you reckon this would be covered under ford's extended warranty?? i would think they would be but wouldnt be too surprised to hear that they arent!! :

The good old "wear and tear" excuse... my money is on that they won't.

[DJM83]

its good to have so many answers to our probs ive had my car 2 wks luv it only it has a rough idle problem also i think we need to start a forum on Venom AU XR's cause there seems to be a few