Ford Fairmont 1995 Problems

Many car-makers of this era were fitting stereo systems with security codes to deter thieves who were having a field day at the time breaking into cars to steal the radios. The idea was that without the security code, the stereo wouldn't work and was, therefore, useless to the thieves. So why steal it in the first place?

Great theory, but in practice, these codes have become a nightmare for subsequent owners. That's because every time you need to change the car's battery, the stereo has to have the security code re-entered before the radio will work again. If that's what's happened in your case, then you need to search through the glove-box for all the original owner's manuals and delivery documents to see if you can find the code (usually a four or five-digit number). If you can find it, great, you simply punch it into the stereo and it should be off and running again.

If you don't have the code, you'll need to contact Ford's customer service division or even a dealership. In some cases, they can quote you the security code over the phone (if you can convince them you're the car's legal owner) and you've provided the car's VIN. What's also possible is that they'll need the serial number of the actual radio which usually means removing it from the dashboard.

The cold starting system isn't working; it's probably not getting the correct fuelling at the start, so check the sensors to make sure they're working.

The control for the heater/air-conditioning system in those model Falcons is notoriously unreliable. I would be looking there to find the fault, it probably needs replacing.

EVERY engine has valve recession, whether running on petrol, LPG or your grandma's bath water, but it happens at a faster rate on engines running on LPG. Your engine will have some valve recession, and switching to LPG will accelerate the wear. You could have to rebuild the heads sooner than you might if you stuck with petrol. The way around the problem with LPG is to fit a dual-fuel system and regularly run the engine on petrol to lubricate the valves and valve seats with lead, as happens when it runs on petrol alone. If you follow a routine of using petrol, say for an hour or two a week, you shouldn't have any problem. Upper-cylinder lubricants are available that protect the valves and valve seats from wear.

YOU don't say if your car has a factory LPG system or an aftermarket one, but I will make the assumption that it was a Vialle system fitted by Tickford for Ford. The Australian Liquid Petroleum Gas Association says its important for good running that the ignition system be well maintained because LP requires a stronger spark than petrol to fire. Make sure the ignition system, plugs, leads and ignition packs are serviced, and the LPG converter is properly drained regularly. The Vialle system was imported by Boral Gas, so if you still have problems, ALPA recommend contacting Boral for advice.