Common Problems with the AU??

[Voodoo65]

AUIII XR8 Rough Idle
101000 kms
- Injector Cleaner $7.50
- Reset EEC $0.00

Smoothed out the idle a lot.

[Smudge]

I've had my AU 1 XR8 for about 3 months, or just under 4,000km's now. It's got 131,000km on it. I've had a dream run so far very happy:

Minor Service @ 130,000km and to help resolve oil pressure loss at idle.
Brake sensor switch replaced same day.
$250ish

Back next day with same oil pressure problem. Dealer replaced oil pressure switch U/W. No more oil pressure loss at idle.

My dealer was pretty good too, except their idea of a wash left more marks than the car went in with.

Cheers,

Smudge

[sirhal]

Originally Posted by 747FLI

Have just had the rear rotors replaced on my AUI XR8 and there is a squeak from the rear drivers side. However, the squeak disappears when breaking. Have been told that it is most likely the handbrake? My mechanic has loosened it off but still squeaks. Putting the car back in on Monday for him to have another go as he has contacted Ford and they said to shave off part of the horseshoe brake pad.

Anyone had a similar problem?

Dave

Hi

I too have those annoying and embarrassing squeaky brakes!! : But mine comes on during braking!
I was lazy one year and took my car to Midas to get the pads done. $650 later and I had squeaky rear brakes!! I took it back and they told my they were just settling in (they did calliper refurb (told me they were seized), new rear rotors and pads and front machining and pads)..
Nope.. squeaks like a ИИИИИИ! They also told me that my master cylinder was on the way out and I would need to replace it (this via phone call on the day the car was in. "How much" I said. "bout $500" they said. "Umm… no.." I retorted). I then received a letter in the mail just under 1 year later telling me it was under a 1 year warranty and that I should go down and get it checked. After taking the letter out of the bin I thought I might see if they will fix my squeaky brakes. They did not even take the car for a spin when they did the check. I told them they were squeaky etc but they didn't care. Just told me that I had a screw in the front tyre and my muffler was on its way out and they had one in stock and they could easily replace it for me for $180. So I got the tyre fixed ($20) and have not been back since.
I have had the *** of my car apart 4 times and still cannot find nor fix the problem. The reason I have joined this forum is because it's now a lot louder than before. Holding the hand brake up does quieten it down. Also turning to the right gives it another pitch of squeal. Are my bearings gone??
I also have front brake problems too. I recently replaced the front discs cause there was a wabble (2nd time) and machining was too exy. Bout 3 weeks later, the wabble returned. I am not sure if the discs are warped (I drove to Sydney from Brisbane with the new discs) or not. Perhaps the callipers are sticking when sliding? Not sure. I have thought about replacing the entire lot with a BA set ( I heard you could do this??) but am not sure if the cost warrants it.
Other problems with my car since I bought it (2001/56000kms)

• slight rough idle? had something similar once before and changed the spark plug leads. Seemed to fix it. I might need to do it again.
• broken radiator overflow tank (bought new one)
• replaced front discs twice (cause of wobbles)
• dash climate control ( going to send it to that guy in Melbourne when it cools down a bit
• multiple dashboard bulbs (how do I fix this with Blue LEDS? What about dimming?)
• windows sticking (had this repaired once under warranty. Not only do you need to spray it with the silicon spray, but get something like a screwdriver and carefully shove the rubber back into the groove. After time it comes out and grabs the window)
• had the gear box slip a couple of times from 1st to 2nd during a speedy session (should I check the fluid? Ford manual *cough* says it never needs to be touched)
• brake switch replaced/repaired 3 times (replaced twice under warranty. Last time I fixed it myself)
• rear passenger door lock broke 3 times (once under warranty, once a magic super glue fix, but then a wreckers replacement)
• headlight switch knob broke. filled it up with liquid steel (nice.. )
• rev counter sometimes jumps up when idle (no fix)
• sometimes on a really hot day, when you have driven a while and you stop the car, then get in and start it again after under 30 mins, the overheat alarm goes off and the needle goes all the way up. It then drops back down. I ALWAYS turn the car off, wait a minute and then go again and all is good. (no fix)
• Steering rack re-call weld to bolts/nuts
• paint/cover/foam from the driver side inside door handle warn off (yellow now) (no fix)
• steering wheel foam warn away on right side (no fix and I am not going to pay $500+ for a new steering wheel!)
• button 5 on my stereo is intermittent
• alternator crapped out (replaced at local auto electrician $100)
• lots of rear brake bulb and headlight bulb replacements a while back. But (touch wood) I haven't had one in a little while (bad bulb batch?) (could have been related to my alternator problem
• recently getting car static/noise through stereo (I will probably put a noise filter in it, but just wonder why it came on all of a sudden?)

Other than that it’s all good. And these are really minor issues. I love my AU!! I often drive to Sydney with it and it is a dream to dive. And great fuel economy!! With the trip computer telling me how much I have left to go, I get about 850km out of a tank. One day I might lower it and get some nice mags, but until then…


Ty

: Have spoken with Paul Davis the owner of Widowmaker Race Engines in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and he is quite sure that my squeak results from the new rear rotors being warped from new as he has had a few duds come into his possession which he has had to have replaced by the supplier. The squeak never happened with the old rotors so we are going to take the new ones off and stick them on a lathe (spelling?) to see if they are in fact stuffed. If so, I might just have the problem solved. Will advise further if this is the case.

Dave

[FPV8U]

OK guys noticed today that Mums AUII XR8's speedo was jumping when being accelerated, is this a common problem and what is the fix?

Thanks alot guys

[riro]

just had completely faded lcd display in my Au 1 same as 2 & 3 fixed by a real gentleman who knows how NOT to charge excessively $50 versus up to $300 for changeover try this link www.geocities.com/liquidxtal

[StAndArdAU]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

OK guys noticed today that Mums AUII XR8's speedo was jumping when being accelerated, is this a common problem and what is the fix?

Thanks alot guys

I had that problem too but found out it was the background bubbling (cheap replacement white gauges) and the needles were hitting. now it does it very subtly if i put the pedal down fast.

I last advised about a squeak with my rear right rotor etc. Well, it is not a common problem in this case cause the whole axle/hub set up is bent to the @%#$house! My guess is that the previous owner has had someone smack into the side of him and the problem is just starting to come through now. Anyway, Widowmaker in Caloundra are now going to replace the whole axle/hub for the right rear which shall keep me going until the AU is traded in on a new post BF model XR8 :eclipsee_ ...hope they build a good one!

Dave

[russky]

Originally Posted by 012

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.

I second that problem. And riding in heaps of taxis, they all have the same problem. It costs heaps to fix it. I think its around 400 dollar mark, maybe a bit more.

[OZFORDAU]

Hey,

I have a 99' Fote on dual fuel! I have trouble starting on gas! I've got advice from dealers n garages! Thought maybe someone knows how to solve it! All the mixers and stuff like that are fine! They said to me it's the gas converter that need's replacing soon?

Cheers

Simon :

[Sleeperau]

Originally Posted by OZFORDAU

Hey,

I have a 99' Fote on dual fuel! I have trouble starting on gas! I've got advice from dealers n garages! Thought maybe someone knows how to solve it! All the mixers and stuff like that are fine! They said to me it's the gas converter that need's replacing soon?

Cheers

Simon :

You need to chat to AU II Se Ute , Pm him. He is knowlegeable & has a gas set up as well. :

[OZFORDAU]

Ok thank's! Will do!

Cheers

Simon :1syellow1

[Mechan1k]

Maybe your jet in the converter needs to be cleaned ... maybe a diaphram issue in the converter as well ... as they get older they are not as tight.

[nob92@]

Originally Posted by JC

Dash lights dull - fitted blue LEDs.
AU1 brakes ineffective - fitted DBA slotted rotors.
AU2 I6 hesitated badly at WOT - replace leads #3 & #6.

how did u install the blue leds?

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by nob92@

how did u install the blue leds?

Refer aufalcon.com workshop section.

[StAndArdAU]

i've got moisture build up in my front head light... how can i get rid of it?

[eminvil_12]

if you want cheap leds go to 123leds.com or sickmods.net hes a great guy, and leds come with free resistors, contact him and he should be able to get you the right value.
dont go to dick smiths

sorry its a little off topic but most people like saving money, even if it is a little bit.
Should be able to get the leds shipped with resistors for under $5 opposed to DS's $3 for one led.

[chief]

Originally Posted by StAndArdAU

i've got moisture build up in my front head light... how can i get rid of it?

PM "The Dok". He runs a business called the Headlight Hospital and can refurbish them and reseal them.


Also I thought this thread was for problem and solution not a general Q & A.

[Fez WQ]

Boot Hinges on the sedan broken fixed under warranty, and some bloke ran into me , under warranty would have loved to fix him up!!!!!. AU may be differnt in looks but excells in value and lasting well. Taxis drive them that says it all . I was in a AU2 the other day had done 750000KM+ and sounded in A1 condition. All AUs suffer form rust was you car often with a cap ful (50ml) of Kero in the water the car will last a heap longer. My paint protection place recomended it

[12]

Originally Posted by Aaron Hunter

AU may be differnt in looks but excells in value and lasting well. Taxis drive them that says it all . I was in a AU2 the other day had done 750000KM+ and sounded in A1 condition.

Have been catching a few taxi's in the last 2 months or so for work reasons. Been in Avalons', AU's, Camry's and BA's. Chatting to the drivers, I asked for their opinion on the late model taxis. The AU was highly regarded as the best. One driver in a Avalon absolutely loved the AU he had. He had AU-AU2-BA and now Camry. Hated the BA, and not impressed with the Camry. Every taxi driver I spoke to said the AU had been THE best taxi they've driven/owned. One BA driver said to me that his boss is so not impressed/mad with the BA, he wants to sell the lot of 'em and buy back the AU2 fleet he had prior. Never in my conversations did I mention to them I was a Ford man and a AU owner. Just smirked and nodded my head when they talked about the AU.

[xd5.8l]

They said the same thing about the EF- EL and the EB-ED before that. I think we're just gradually getting worse.

[BPXR6T]

I agree with those taxi drivers in a reliability sense. I owned an AU1 XR8 before my current BA XR8. The AU was totally hassle free. I can't say the same for the BA. I've been pretty lucky compared to some but my 15K old BA has just had the diff replaced! One of many common BA problems.

In my experience an AU, apart from the weak auto its as solid as a rock!

[old fordnut]

I've owned a series 1 XR6 and a series 2 XR8 ute and both cars have had the side view mirrors crap themselves. I've had to replace them at about $200 each.

[StevenAu2]

Another problem ive had to fix twice at about 12 monthly intervals is replacing the gasket(more like an o-ring) of the thermostat housing.
P!$$ easy job though!!!

[paddle]

The only problems ive had with my 1998 AU Forte is the Water Pump which i noticed the noise about a day after a brought the car. I got it second hand with 203 thou on the clock.
When i got the Towbar put on i got him to check over it. He picked out that the Rotars were undersized and majorly out of shape.

I got the car yard to fix all of this.