Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself (DIY) owners and experienced mechanics.
Value Proposition:
An inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly, mirroring dealer service information.
Advantage:
Provides the same level of detail and technical information used by dealerships, accessible to the end-user.
Instant Access:
Instant download with no shipping costs or waiting time.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all AU series (Mk I, II, III) and all body styles, including XR variants.
Covered Models:
Ford XR6, XR8 (Sedan, Station Wagon, Utility) and entire AU range
Covered Variants:
Series 1, Series 2, Series 3
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact count not specified, but implied to be extensive based on chapter list)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Download Link)
File Format Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Management:
EECV Engine Management, Emission Control
Engine Maintenance:
General Engine Tune-up and Maintenance, 6 Cylinder Maintenance and Rebuild, V8 Engine Maintenance and Rebuild
Electrical Systems:
Starting System, Charging System, Instruments, Switches, Stereo System, Cruise Control, Horn, Body Electrics Module, Smartlock, Smartshield, SatNav, Lights and Lighting System, Electric Wiring, Fuses
Drivetrain:
Clutch, BTR 93LE Automatic Transmission (6 Cylinder), BTR 97LE Automatic Transmission (V8), M57 5-Speed Manual Transmission, Drive - Tailshaft and Universal Joints, Final Drive - Beamaxle, Final Drive - IRS
Chassis And Suspension:
Steering, Front Suspension Axle, Rear Suspension - Standard Beamaxle, Rear Suspension - IRS
Braking System:
Brake Systems
Fuel System:
Fuel Ignition Systems, Fuel Tank, E.F.I. Fuel Pump
Comfort And Convenience:
Cooling System, Exhaust System, Wheels Tyres, Windscreen Wipers Washers, Body, Heating AC Automatic Climate Control
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly of major components and systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Diagnostic Charts, Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Fuse Information
Maintenance Tasks:
Routine maintenance, tune-ups, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed rebuild procedures for 6-cylinder and V8 engines, and automatic transmissions.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including component rebuilds.
Illustrations And Photos:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations to guide the reader.
Engine 1:
4.0L OHC 6-cylinder
Engine 2:
4.0L OHC VCT 6-cylinder
Engine 1 Power Hp:
Approx. 170-185 hp (varies by specific tune and series)
Engine 1 Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 230-240 lb-ft (varies by specific tune and series)
Engine 2 Power Hp:
Approx. 190-210 hp (VCT systems generally offer improved performance)
Engine 2 Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 250-270 lb-ft (VCT systems generally offer improved torque)
Engine 3 Power Hp:
Approx. 225-245 hp (standard V8)
Engine 3 Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 285-300 lb-ft (standard V8)
Engine 3 Performance Xr8:
XR8 variants often featured higher output versions of the V8 (e.g., 'Stroker' engines in later models) with increased power and torque.
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Management System:
EEC-V (Electronic Engine Control V)
Valve Train:
Overhead Cam (OHC)
Engine Orientation:
Inline (6-cylinder), V-configuration (V8)
Standard Transmission 6Cyl:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M57)
Standard Transmission V8:
BTR 97LE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission 6Cyl:
BTR 93LE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission V8:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M57 - less common for V8s, but may be available on some variants).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Designed for the respective engine configurations, providing smooth power delivery.
Manual Transmission Features:
5-speed manual for efficient gear selection.
Body Styles:
Sedan, Station Wagon, Utility (Ute)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2790 mm (Sedan/Wagon), 3220 mm (Long Wheelbase Sedan/Wagon), 3042 mm (Ute) - variations exist.
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by body style and engine, typically ranging from 1500 kg to 1700 kg+.
Ancap Rating:
Varies by series and specific testing protocols. Early AU models had mixed results; later series saw improvements. (Specific ANCAP ratings should be verified for individual vehicles.)
ABS:
Available on certain models and trim levels, particularly higher-spec variants and later series.
Traction Control:
Available on certain high-performance variants (e.g., XR models).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags were standard on most models from the initial release, with side airbags becoming available on later series or as options.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player. Higher trims may have upgraded sound systems.
Display:
Basic digital display for clock and radio information. Higher trims may feature a small LCD screen for climate control.
Cruise Control:
Available as standard or option on many models, particularly higher-spec and luxury variants.
Phone Integration:
Limited to aftermarket Bluetooth kits; no factory integrated systems for this era.
Smartlock Smartshield:
Ford's security and immobilizer systems were integrated into the body electronics module.
Satnav:
Factory Satellite Navigation was a very early and rare option on some of the later AU models, more commonly found as aftermarket installations.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. VCT engines may have slightly different recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for specific items like spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid, etc., often around 40,000 km to 100,000 km depending on the component.
Engine Oil Spec 6Cyl:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., Ford ESE-M2C153-E).
Engine Oil Spec V8:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 recommended for the V8. (Refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., Ford ESE-M2C153-E).
Transmission Fluid Btr93Le:
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Btr97Le:
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (typically a green color for this era).
Common Issues Coil Packs:
Coil pack failure on the 4.0L 6-cylinder engines, leading to misfires and rough running.
Common Issues Suspension:
Wear in suspension components, particularly ball joints and bushes, due to the age and Australian road conditions.
Common Issues Interior Trim:
Degradation of interior plastics and trim, especially on the dashboard and door cards, due to sun exposure and age.
Common Issues Cooling System:
Potential for radiator leaks or hose degradation over time.
Common Issues Transmission:
Some BTR automatic transmissions can develop shifting issues or require rebuilds with high mileage.
Ford Australia:
The Ford Falcon is a long-standing icon of Australian motoring, with a history stretching back to 1960. The AU Falcon represented a significant departure in styling and engineering for the marque.
Au Series Development:
The AU Falcon was launched in 1998, replacing the EA/EB/ED/EF/EL Falcon lineage. It underwent three main series updates: Series I (1998-2000), Series II (2000-2001), and Series III (2001-2002), with each iteration receiving styling tweaks, feature upgrades, and mechanical refinements.
Production Location:
Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
Production Period:
1998-2002
Car Of The Year:
The AU Falcon, particularly later series, was generally well-received by critics for its ride and handling, though its styling was divisive initially. It competed strongly in its segment but did not typically win major 'Car of the Year' awards outright.
Australian Design Award:
The AU Falcon's distinctive 'batman' or 'Bauhaus' styling was a significant design shift and was noted for its modern European influence, though it was polarising. Specific design awards for the AU are not widely documented, but it represented a bold design direction.
