🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Falcon Fairmont (XD)

Generation:

XD Series

Production Years:

1979-1982

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Ford XD Falcon/Fairmont owners, DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts, automotive workshops

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, authoritative repair and maintenance information, enabling cost savings on professional servicing and empowering owners to perform their own repairs and restorations with confidence.

User Experience:

Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and photographs, simplifying complex repair tasks.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types Covered, A-Z Repair Procedures

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Format:

Downloadable (PDF compatible)

Language:

English

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200+ pages (typical for complete workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control Systems, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels & Tires, Chassis, Body Structure, Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Restraint Systems (Seatbelts), Emissions Control Systems, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures

Procedures Included:

Scheduled Maintenance, Inspections, Lubrication, Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Tune-Up Procedures, Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Camshaft Service, Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Fuel Pump Replacement, Carburetor Overhaul/Adjustment, Fuel Injection Service (if applicable), Radiator/Thermostat Service, Water Pump Replacement, Oil Pump Service, Oil Pan Gasket Replacement, Exhaust System Repair, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Distributor Service, Starter Motor Replacement, Alternator Replacement, Battery Testing/Replacement, Clutch Adjustment/Replacement, Transmission Fluid Change, Transmission Overhaul, Driveshaft U-Joint Service, Differential Fluid Change, Suspension Component Replacement (Struts, Shocks, Bushings, Ball Joints, Tie Rods), Wheel Bearing Replacement, Steering Gearbox/Rack and Pinion Service, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Brake Caliper/Cylinder Service, Brake Drum/Rotor Machining/Replacement, Brake Bleeding, Tire Rotation, Wheel Alignment, Body Panel Repair, Door Mechanism Service, Window Mechanism Service, Seat Adjustment, HVAC System Service, Heater Core Replacement, A/C System Service (refrigerant handling requires certification), Electrical Component Diagnosis/Replacement, Headlight/Taillight Bulb Replacement, Fuse/Relay Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval and Interpretation (where applicable), Component Testing

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and detailed electrical system diagnostics. Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High quality, designed for clear printing of text and diagrams

Searchable:

Likely searchable text (OCR quality dependent on original scan)

Accessibility:

Viewable on PC, Mac, Tablets, Smartphones via Adobe Reader or compatible software

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Variant:

3.3L (200 cu in) Inline-6 (ET/XT engine codes)

Engine 2 Variant:

4.1L (250 cu in) Inline-6 (XF/XG engine codes)

Engine 3 Variant:

4.9L (302 cu in) V8 (GHIA/XF engine codes)

Engine 4 Variant:

5.8L (351 cu in) V8 (GLX/XF engine codes)

Compression Ratio I6:

Approx. 8.3:1 to 8.5:1 (varies by engine variant and fuel type)

Compression Ratio V8:

Approx. 8.3:1 to 9.0:1 (varies by engine variant)

Carburetion I6:

Single-barrel or two-barrel Ford/Motorcraft carburetors (e.g., Motorcraft 2150, 2300)

Carburetion V8:

Two-barrel or four-barrel Ford/Motorcraft carburetors (e.g., Motorcraft 2150, 2300, 4300D)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type I6:

Ford 3-speed Manual (sometimes referred to as 3.03 Top Loader)

Transmission Type V8:

Ford 3-speed Manual (sometimes referred to as 3.03 Top Loader)

Transmission Type I6:

Ford C3 3-speed Automatic (less common)

Transmission Type V8:

Ford FMX 3-speed Automatic (less common)

Shift Pattern Manual:

H-pattern (3 forward gears + reverse)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110.0 inches (2794 mm)

Length:

Approx. 190.3 inches (4834 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Curb Weight I6:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on configuration

Curb Weight V8:

Approx. 3300-3600 lbs (1500-1630 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No comprehensive modern crash test data readily available for this era of Australian vehicle. Focus on the vehicle's design and restraint systems as described in the manual.

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (optional rear discs on some higher trims/performance variants)

Restraint Systems:

Three-point inertia-reel front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers. Body structure designed for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analogue controls.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or widely available option on the XD Falcon.

Smartphone Integration:

Not applicable. Vehicle predates modern connectivity standards.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km or 3 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact specification)

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended at 15,000-20,000 km, including spark plugs, points (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor inspection.

Engine Oil Grade I6:

API SF/CD, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate and oil technology (refer to manual)

Engine Oil Grade V8:

API SF/CD, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate and oil technology (refer to manual)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Specific anti-corrosion additives may be required.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Ford/Motorcraft Type-F or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II D, though Type-F is preferred for C4/C6)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil

Rust And Corrosion:

Common on Australian vehicles of this era, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms. Regular inspection and treatment are advised.

Carburetor Performance:

Carburetors can require periodic adjustment or rebuilding due to wear and age, affecting fuel economy and smooth running.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring looms can degrade, leading to intermittent issues with lights, ignition, or accessories. Thorough inspection and repair are often necessary.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear over time, affecting ride quality and handling. Independent front suspension components in particular need attention.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Australia:

Ford Australia has a long history of producing popular vehicles tailored to local conditions, with the Falcon being a flagship model since the 1960s.

Xd Falcon:

The XD Falcon, launched in 1979, marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more European styling influence and a unibody construction. It was the first Australian Falcon to offer a four-wheel independent suspension option (for the Fairmont Ghia).

Manufacturing Location:

Australia (Broadmeadows, Victoria)

Production Volume:

Significant volume, representing a major part of Ford Australia's sales during its production run.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Received positive reviews upon release for its modern styling and improved dynamics compared to previous Falcons, particularly the Fairmont Ghia's independent front suspension.

Durability Reputation:

Generally regarded as a robust platform with a strong mechanical foundation, especially the six-cylinder engines.