Common Problems with the AU??

[Bucknaked]

Originally Posted by sbutler

I had a ripper one day! the left window wouldn't work it was stuck down, so I rang FTe service and the guy said, "get this" press the window switch up & down 31 yes 31 times, that will fix it!!! yeah right :tosser1: anyway I did this, and bugger me on the 31st time the bloody thing worked!! : Beats the hell outta me. I dont know if anyone else has had this..

Are you serious? What happens if you lose count. Is there a 31 button reset sequence?

[SVR73]

So far I've had a dream run with AU's.
The only blemish is the power steering rack going at 115,000 on the forte
It's best to spray lanolin or other rust preventative into those rear corners of the AU sedan boot.

Windows slow to go up
The silicone spray was a good suggestion. The rubbers that the windows make contact with, need to be well cared for
Over time with no care, the AU rubbers dry up and go brown which causes sticky windows and if not treated, new rubbers being required

Solution - clearkote vanilla moose, autoglym bodyshop 07B (looks like strawberry jam) and then baby oil and wolfgang black diamond tire gel.
Result - jet black rubbers that are quite smooth and makes it easier for power windows to move up and down

I've had AU's longer than anyone in the country and found ways to alleviate these little problems

[12]

Originally Posted by SVR73

I've had AU's longer than anyone in the country and found ways to alleviate these little problems

Ooookaay.. so you're the one who bought that very first AU ever produced aye?.. _

Tell us more about all the problems with the AU please? Would be great to hear from someone who's owned AU's longer than anyone else in the country.

[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...

[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] |

[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

[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.

[bratwurst]

Originally Posted by AUGZMK

Common problem. Climate control display unit with missing segments on the numbers being displayed. All AU Fairmont's, Fairmont Ghia's, Fairlane's, LTD's, TE50's (series I and II), TS50's and TL50's are effected. Don't know exactly what causes this, but have heard it's due to heat breaking down the contact points on the PCB at the back of the unit. Sorry folks, I only know of the problem, and have no solution, or idea on how/cost to fix it.

I bought a rebuilt unit (with lifetime warranty) for my TS50 and it's in 100% working order. Noticed some melted plastic type material on the back where the "strip"(?) of wire that comes off the LCD screen, meets the PCB on the back.

Mine has the same problem.Had 2 replaced under warranty,but now on my own.Reluctant to pay about $800 for replacement,where did you get your unit and how much?

[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

[TheSneakiness]

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.

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by Stocko_EA

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.

Each model of car is going to have it's share of problems (or luckily not) spread amongst various owners, regardless if it's an AU, E-series or BA. There are a few of us here that have had a pretty good run so far, touch wood.

[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.

[GlennBA]

Originally Posted by Stocko_EA

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.

If you buy one, you will not regret it. These cars are extremely reliable : :