2002 AUIII concerns

[Chamelion]

Hello all,

Fifteen days ago I purchased a 2002 AUIII Falcon Forte wagon with 156,000km on the ODO.

In that time I have travelled a bit over 1000km and there are a few issues that have me concerned.
Just so we're clear, the car is under a 3 month 5000km statutory warranty, so I'm trying to a) work out what these issues are b) how bad they are c) costs involved d) if they will be covered under a statutory warranty.

I'll list them in point form, to make life easier. Please keep in mind that I'm not mechanically minded (yet) so some of my descriptions might seem a bit thick.

• Oil leak exists underneath the vehicle. Looks to be around the fat part of the gearbox that connects to the engine. Oil is dead underneath, unsure yet as to whether it's coming from there or just dripping/following a path down to that point. It does LOOK like engine oil it has the same consistency and colour, but doesn't smell as strong as what is on the dipstick.
Before I picked up the vehicle they were meant to be fixing the crank case seal and harmonic balancer.

• The car has been sitting for two days and there is a puddle about the size of tea cup plate underneath the car. I honestly cannot tell what it is or where it's coming from. Normally I'd assume it was just the aircon condensation but as the car hasn't moved in two days it seems unlikely. Mind you, it hasn't been sunny and/or hot underneath the vehicle so perhaps it's just taking a long time to evaporate?

• There is a squeaking sound whilst driving that seems to be coming from the front right wheel. Frequency of said squeaking increases with vehicle speed. I thought perhaps it was the Good year eagle NCT5's doing it, but the other day whilst driving in the wet the sound hadn't changed, so I'm inclined to think it's something worse.

• Rear bumper took a nudge at some stage and is sitting right of centre. They've ignored the placed screw holes underneath and have attatched the bumper to the vehicle in slightly different locations... Could this be rectified by using the original mounting points or have they done this due to the bar being severely deformed and this being the only way to make it appear semi straight? (can get a photo or ten if required)

• Gear changes from gears 1 to 2 whilst in D (drive) regularly produce a surge like feeling. The RPM do not seem to increase but it does cause the vehicle and the occupants inside to lurch forwards. It doesn't tend to happen in econ mode, but the following issue appears more often in econ, so I'm not sure what the lesser evil is in the meantime.

• There is a clunk that occurs at certain speeds, I've noticed it around 40km/h when I'm being very gentle on the accelerator.

• Fluid leaking from something resembling a filter originating from the power steering pump. It looks liked a ribbed cyclinder about half the size in all dimensions as a coke can. Sits about 7" below the filler port. The fluid level right now is reading below the low mark whilst cold.

Hopefully I havn't ended up with a lemon, it would be very difficult to rectify that issue now. :togo:

Cheers

Matt.

[sly]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• Gear changes from gears 1 to 2 whilst in D (drive) regularly produce a surge like feeling. The RPM do not seem to increase but it does cause the vehicle and the occupants inside to lurch forwards. It doesn't tend to happen in econ mode, but the following issue appears more often in econ, so I'm not sure what the lesser evil is in the meantime.

• There is a clunk that occurs at certain speeds, I've noticed it around 40km/h when I'm being very gentle on the accelerator.

These sound like they might be the usual things the slushbox does when it needs a service & the oil is old/dirty/low, though could be related to the oil leak & puddle. Worth chasing under the warranty though. Dunno where you are but in NSW it would be unroadworthy with an oil leak that big, a dealer must ensure cars they sell are roadworthy.

[Jokular]

Hate to sound obvious but you really need to take it to a good mechanic.
Oil leaks that contact the ground are a roadworthy item (in Queensland) and must be fixed by the dealer.
Sounds like the auto box needs a good service i doubt if the dealer will accept responsibility for that though.
Puddle might be a pinhole in the radiator or something like that... Check all hoses and connections as well. Check waterpump for leaks too.
Photo's of stuff are a really good idea especially of the wonky rear bar.

[Chamelion]

Originally Posted by Jokular

Hate to sound obvious but you really need to take it to a good mechanic.
Oil leaks that contact the ground are a roadworthy item (in Queensland) and must be fixed by the dealer.
Sounds like the auto box needs a good service i doubt if the dealer will accept responsibility for that though.
Puddle might be a pinhole in the radiator or something like that... Check all hoses and connections as well. Check waterpump for leaks too.
Photo's of stuff are a really good idea especially of the wonky rear bar.

I took it to a mechanic for a pre purchase inspection, which is where he picked up the original leak, that was supposedly fixed. I was underneath the vehicle at the time and none of this was evident during the test drive(s) including 40km return to my mechanic.

I'm in Queensland, so I assume that means the leaks will have to be fixed.

I'm prepared to have the auto box serviced at my own expense, but I'm hesitant to get it done before the dealer gets his chosen mechanic to check out the oil leak, if it's something that'll require the gearbox to come out I'd just be wasting my money getting the service now, wouldn't I? I was quoted $145 for the auto transmission service by a mob in Kuna park (for any sunshine coast people reading).

I have a sneaky suspicion that the fluid leak on the floor is radiator coolant, so I hope there isn't an issue with that. I know it occasionally happens where coolant also gets into the gearbox and kills it... I would have to assume any radiator leaks would be a warranty item as a dodgy radiator would have to affect the road worthy... If it's a hose I don't think it will be covered, but it's not like they're expensive and once replaced should last as long as I plan to own the car.

I have no idea where the water pump is, but I'll attempt to find out.

I've got the camera battery on charge, so I'll take a few pictures later with the flash on.

As for the bar, it's not a huge matter, but I'd probably keep my eyes open for one of the same colour, if it's permanently out of skew.

Cheers

[Chamelion]

Oh, when it comes to statutory warranties.. Am I required to take it to my own mechanic for diagnosis and then present a written report to the dealer, or do I contact the dealer with concerns and he organises his chosen mechanic to diagnose and if applicable repair/replace?

Cheers

[EF Futura 07]

hi, the oil leak you first described sounds like the "rear main seal", The $145 auto service is a good price. with the leak that you think is coolant, does the car run hot? or overheat? the water pump is easy to find- follow the bottom radiator hose up and where it connects to is the pump

[Chamelion]

My mechanic originally found an oil leak and reported that it was either the rear main or the crank case.. They fixed the crank case saying it was the problem, but it might just be that the rear main has a leak too.

The car runs with the needle about 1/3 the way along. Diagnostic mode reports a very solid 92 degrees once the car has warmed up.

I'll check out the water pump tonight if I can find a torch.

Cheers mate

[waggaclint]

also check at back of the water/pump there is pipe that goes in and it sometimes leaks at the join (there is an o-ring in there) check down both side of the radiator as well as the tanks can sometimes leak.....engine sump and timing cover bolts can also leak as does the timing chain tensioner....all things to look at.....

[Pistonbroke]

Just had mine serviced. Leaking tranny.Leak 1 - from the extension housing seal and, Leak 2 - replace transmission transducer.

[Chamelion]

Here are some pictures.. All take with me lying down slid underneath the front of the car, except the last few of the rear bumber.

[Chamelion]

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• Oil leak exists underneath the vehicle. Looks to be around the fat part of the gearbox that connects to the engine. Oil is dead underneath, unsure yet as to whether it's coming from there or just dripping/following a path down to that point. It does LOOK like engine oil it has the same consistency and colour, but doesn't smell as strong as what is on the dipstick.
Before I picked up the vehicle they were meant to be fixing the crank case seal and harmonic balancer.


Matt.

This will be repaired under wtty, as it was not repaired, or not repaired correctly, at RWC time. No Question!

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• The car has been sitting for two days and there is a puddle about the size of tea cup plate underneath the car. I honestly cannot tell what it is or where it's coming from. Normally I'd assume it was just the aircon condensation but as the car hasn't moved in two days it seems unlikely. Mind you, it hasn't been sunny and/or hot underneath the vehicle so perhaps it's just taking a long time to evaporate?
Matt.

Is it water, or coolant. Water should be clear, while coolant should be coloured. Where is it dropping from. AC water should appear from in front of the passenger compartment. Catch some and check it out!

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• There is a squeaking sound whilst driving that seems to be coming from the front right wheel. Frequency of said squeaking increases with vehicle speed. I thought perhaps it was the Good year eagle NCT5's doing it, but the other day whilst driving in the wet the sound hadn't changed, so I'm inclined to think it's something worse.

Matt.

Ask the mechanic when you return it for the repairs.

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• Rear bumper took a nudge at some stage and is sitting right of centre. They've ignored the placed screw holes underneath and have attatched the bumper to the vehicle in slightly different locations... Could this be rectified by using the original mounting points or have they done this due to the bar being severely deformed and this being the only way to make it appear semi straight? (can get a photo or ten if required

Matt.

Issue was there when you test drove it, and bought it, its your problem now.

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• Gear changes from gears 1 to 2 whilst in D (drive) regularly produce a surge like feeling. The RPM do not seem to increase but it does cause the vehicle and the occupants inside to lurch forwards. It doesn't tend to happen in econ mode, but the following issue appears more often in econ, so I'm not sure what the lesser evil is in the meantime.
Matt.

servicing is likely the issue, your drama now also.

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• There is a clunk that occurs at certain speeds, I've noticed it around 40km/h when I'm being very gentle on the accelerator.
Cheers

Matt.

Get it checked out when it is being repaired. The rear upper and lower trailing arms need to be tightened, or a nasty clunk occurs upon harsh gear changes.

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

• Fluid leaking from something resembling a filter originating from the power steering pump. It looks liked a ribbed cyclinder about half the size in all dimensions as a coke can. Sits about 7" below the filler port. The fluid level right now is reading below the low mark whilst cold.
Matt.

Oil leaks must be repaired for roadworthy!

[MNM96]

Originally Posted by Chamelion

Hopefully I havn't ended up with a lemon, it would be very difficult to rectify that issue now. :togo:
Matt.

These issues are relatively minor, and I am sure your car is not a lemon. You are correct to want it to be in tip top order, so be sure that the replies the you questions you ask are ok. Take the car to where you purchased it from with a list of required repairs, sooner rather than later. Read RFN!
Tell them that you require all the repairs I mentioned are done correctly, and that you will be having the car reinspected by the RACQ again upon its return. You will then be pursuing legal advice to ensure the car is returned to a Roadworthy Condition, as they are legally required to present it to you before sale!

Cheers,
Mike

[Chamelion]

Cheers mate, I've already semi lined up an auto service for $145, but waiting until the oil leak is fixed before I do this. I'm hoping to have a transmission cooler installed at the same time as the auto service.

I'm well aware the rear bar is my responsibility, I'm just after opionions on why it would have been put on like it is. Perhaps I'll grab the screw driver and attatch it via the original holes and see what happens.

I'm near certain the puddle was the condensation from the aircon. After running the car today for 45 minutes with the aircon as cold as possible it was dripping rather profusely. I got under the car and sure enough, there is a black cyclinder in front of the passenger side that was not only cold to the touch, but also very very wet.

The following is a quote of the fax I sent to the dealer today.

To Central Cars and Commercials,
I would like to access the statutory warranty as provided on vehicle registration number 1**-K**, being a 2002 Ford Falcon Forte Wagon as purchased by *my name* and *my mrs name* on 11/10/2007.

The vehicle had shown signs of a few issues that will need to be looked at and if applicable repaired. I will list them separately and in point form.

• Oil leak still exists underneath the vehicle
• There is a squeaking sound whilst driving that seems to be coming from the front right wheel. Frequency of said squeaking increases with vehicle speed. It is also more pronounced whilst going over bumps or turning corners
• Gear changes from gears 1 to 2 whilst in D (drive) regularly produce a surge like feeling. The RPM do not seem to increase but it does cause the vehicle and the occupants inside to lurch forwards
• There is a clunk that occurs towards the rear of the vehicle at certain speeds, it seems to happen just above 40km/h and another speed higher up that I will attempt to clarify
• Power steering fluid leaking

Yours respectfully,

*my name as my mrs name*
*our details*

I'll see what comes of it... If the oil leak, power steering leak and squeeking are fixed I'll be content. If they sort out the auto and/or clunking it will be a bonus.

Matt.

[Chamelion]

:(

Noticing more things now... I think I'll be finding a new mechanic, my current one simply didn't do a good job when he did the pre purchase inspection.

The headlights don't line up on the front correctly. The left hand side (if your sitting in the car) is slightly recessed behind the front left panel. The rubber seal is actually inside the panel.

The 1-2 shift seems to be getting worse too.

If its too good to be true, it usually is!

Car goes to the dealer wednesday, I'll be chatting to the mechanic who they send it to (across the road from the dealership). I don't care if they lose their entire profit or more. I paid $8500 for a car and it should be running well... The body issues, well, they're my problem. Hopefully they don't take too much to sort out.

Matt.