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MOTRS

Falcon (EA-AU)

1988-2002 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (EA-AU) problems All workshop issues
Common Cooling System

Expansion Tank Overpressure (EL)

Symptoms

Coolant pours from the expansion tank overflow after the engine is turned off. The temperature gauge reads erratically, may show L, then O, then back to L during a single drive.

Cause

Usually caused by overfilling the expansion tank (fill to the lower mark when cold, not the brim), a stuck thermostat, a faulty radiator cap (not holding pressure), or in worst cases, a cracked head allowing combustion gases into the cooling system.

Fix

First, fill the expansion tank correctly (to the lower mark when cold).

Replace the thermostat and radiator cap.

If the problem persists, test for combustion gases in the coolant using a block test kit.

A cracked head requires professional repair ($1,000-2,000).

Cost mentioned in fix
$1,000-2,000

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Other known issues

Common Cooling System

Heater Tap Failure (EF-AU)

Coolant leaks from the heater tap onto the engine or firewall. Loss of heating or cooling capacity. Coolant smell inside the cabin.
Critical Cooling System

Thermostat Failure

Engine overcools (gauge sits on L) or overheats. Temperature gauge may swing between L and normal erratically.
Critical Engine

TFI Module Failure (EA-ED)

The engine cuts out while driving and won't restart. After cooling for 30-60 minutes, it may restart and run normally for a while before dying again. Sometimes fails permanently.
Common Engine

Hydraulic Lifter Tick (AU especially, all models)

A ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine, often worst on cold start. May persist for minutes or be constant. The noise comes from the rocker cover area.
Common Engine

Coil Pack Failure (EF-EL)

Misfiring on specific cylinders, rough idle, loss of power. May be intermittent initially, then become constant.
Critical Engine

Crank Angle Sensor Failure (EA-ED)

Engine cranks but won't start, or starts and dies. No spark at all cylinders.
View all 21 Falcon (EA-AU) problems