Vehicle Segment:
Full-size sedan/sedan
Target Audience:
Australian domestic market, large family and executive sedan buyers.
Key Competitors:
Holden Commodore (VZ), Toyota Camry (XV30).
Styling Revision:
Substantial exterior revision from AU Falcon; most panels redesigned except door skins.
Aerodynamics:
Improved aerodynamics compared to previous generation.
Integrated Aerial:
Introduction of an integrated aerial in the rear window.
Diy Focus:
Empowers owners to perform DIY servicing and repairs, saving costs and gaining practical skills.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all BA Falcon engines (e.g., Barra inline-six, V8 variants).
Transmission:
Coverage for both automatic and manual transmissions, including diagnosis, service, and repair.
Brakes:
Service and repair of hydraulic brake systems, including ABS, EBD, and component replacement.
Suspension And Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of front and rear suspension, power steering systems, and wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging, and starter systems.
HVAC:
Service and repair of air conditioning and heating systems, including refrigerant handling.
Body:
Panel removal and installation, collision repair information, and specifications.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Rebuilds:
In-depth procedures for engine and transmission overhauls.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, full engine and transmission rebuilds, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type Standard:
Ford Barra 4.0L Inline-6 DOHC
Engine Type Optional 1:
Ford Barra 4.0L Supercharged Inline-6 DOHC
Engine Type Optional 2:
Ford 5.4L V8 SOHC (Triton/Coyote variants)
Horsepower 4.0L:
Approx. 182-195 kW (170-190 mph)
Torque 4.0L:
Approx. 370-385 Nm (273-284 lb-ft)
Horsepower Supercharged 4.0L:
Approx. 225-240 kW (300-320 hp)
Torque Supercharged 4.0L:
Approx. 470-500 Nm (347-369 lb-ft)
Horsepower 5.4L V8:
Approx. 230-260 kW (308-349 hp)
Torque 5.4L V8:
Approx. 480-520 Nm (354-383 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Premium Unleaded recommended for higher performance variants)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (BTR D5)
Optional Transmission 1:
5-speed manual (M85/M86)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-speed automatic (4HP24 - for V8 models)
Optional Transmission 3:
5-speed automatic (5R50 - later models, e.g. XR8)
Auto Features:
Adaptive shift control, 'Sports Shift' manual override on some models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V or equivalent (check specific model/year)
4-Speed Auto Capacity:
Approx. 8-10 litres (dry fill)
5-Speed Manual Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 litres
Length:
Approx. 4955 mm (195.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1841 mm (72.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2829 mm (111.4 in)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 1650-1850 kg (depending on engine/trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, typically 2200-2400 kg
Ancap Rating:
Not rated under current ANCAP standards for this era. Likely 3-4 star equivalent based on contemporary vehicle safety.
ABS:
Standard on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (often paired with ABS).
Traction Control:
Available on higher-spec models and performance variants (e.g., XR6 Turbo, XR8).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags available on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/CD player, with optional premium sound systems and multi-speaker setups on higher trims.
Climate Control Features:
Manual or dual-zone climate control systems available depending on the model.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors available on some later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly fitted from factory in this era, aftermarket solutions often required for AUX/USB.
Oil Change Interval:
10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (using appropriate oil).
Major Service Interval:
Typically 40,000 km or 24 months, covering spark plugs, filters, and more detailed inspections.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for naturally aspirated engines. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Ignition Coils:
Failure of ignition coils and spark plug leads is a common issue on Barra engines, leading to misfires.
Sump Cracks:
Some early BA models were susceptible to oil sump cracks due to impact with road debris.
Window Regulators:
Electric window regulators can be a point of failure.
Front Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, bushes, and tie rod ends can lead to steering looseness and premature tyre wear.
Ford Australia Legacy:
Ford Australia has a long and storied history of producing locally engineered and manufactured vehicles.
Falcon Lineage:
The Falcon has been a cornerstone of Ford Australia's lineup for decades, evolving through numerous generations.
Ba Introduction:
Launched in September 2002 as a significant update to the controversial AU Falcon, addressing its styling and engineering criticisms.
Production Period:
September 2002 - October 2005.
Manufacturing Location:
Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia.
