🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Falcon

Model Variant:

Fairmont, Fairlane, LTD

Generation:

XD Series

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Wagon, Ute (Utility Vehicle)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size passenger car and utility vehicle, competing in the upper-medium to large segments of the Australian automotive market.

Key Competitors:

Holden Commodore (VB/VC/VH), Chrysler Valiant (CM), various imported sedans and station wagons.

Design Philosophy:

Designed as a modern, robust, and spacious vehicle offering Australian comfort and durability for family and professional use.

Australian Engineering:

Represents Ford Australia's significant investment in local design and engineering for its core Australian market.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive A to Z coverage of mechanical, electrical, and chassis/body systems.

Chassis And Body Coverage:

Detailed sections on frame construction, body mounting, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC (where applicable), bumpers, and external trim components.

Estimated Page Count:

Typically 500-800+ pages, varying slightly based on specific print edition.

Manual Type:

Factory Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (typically bound paper pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor & injection), ignition system, emission control systems.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions (4-speed, 5-speed), Automatic transmissions (3-speed C3, 4-speed C5/FMX), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, rear axle assemblies.

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power and manual), wheel alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system components, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition switch, fuse box, relays, body control modules, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat removal, dashboard components, interior trim, weatherstripping, rust prevention and repair techniques.

Heating And Ventilation:

Covers removal, installation, and servicing of heater cores, blower motors, ducting, and ventilation systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, lubrication points, belt adjustments and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilding, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and master cylinder rebuilds, electrical component testing and replacement, body panel straightening and repair.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification, testing procedures for various electrical and mechanical components.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve lash adjustments, wheel alignment angles, electrical resistance values.

Troubleshooting Electrical:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical circuits, including testing of sensors, actuators, lighting, and instrument panel functions using multimeters and test equipment.

Engine Tuning Carbureted:

Step-by-step guides for carburetor adjustment, idle speed control, ignition timing setting using a timing light, and fuel mixture calibration.

Body Repair Techniques:

Guidance on body panel alignment, dent removal, welding, rust repair, and application of sealants and sound dampening materials.

Depth Of Information:

Extremely detailed, covering from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including intricate electrical system diagnostics and body repair techniques.

Specific Engine Rebuilds:

Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection of core components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft), cylinder head reconditioning, and reassembly with specified clearances.

Transmission Rebuilds:

Comprehensive rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including part identification, special tool requirements, and adjustment procedures.

Wiring Diagram Comprehensiveness:

Detailed, sectionalized wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including color coding and component identification, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Physical printed book (unless otherwise specified as a digital reproduction)

Print Quality:

Original factory print quality or high-quality reproduction, featuring clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Typically perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use and durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock, often with a slightly glossy finish to resist workshop grime and facilitate cleaning.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Petrol:

3.3L (200ci) Inline-6, 4.1L (250ci) Inline-6, 4.9L (302ci) V8, 5.8L (351ci) V8 (including 'C' and 'W' variants).

Engine Options Diesel:

No diesel engine options offered for the XD series.

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 107-120 kW for 6-cylinder engines, 150-180 kW for V8 engines (varies by specific engine code and tune).

Torque Range:

Approx. 260-290 Nm for 6-cylinder engines, 360-450 Nm for V8 engines (varies by specific engine code).

Carburetor Options:

Single-barrel or two-barrel Ford/Motorcraft carburetors on 6-cylinder engines; 2-barrel or 4-barrel Motorcraft carburetors on V8 engines.

Injection Options:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) available on higher-spec 6-cylinder and V8 engines, particularly on Fairmont Ghia and LTD models.

Ignition Type:

Conventional breaker-point ignition system or electronic ignition (Duraspark) depending on model year and engine variant.

351 V8 Codes:

Includes variations such as the 351 'C' (Cleveland) and 351 'W' (Windsor) where applicable to specific XD models and Australian market adaptations.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission, often a T5 or a variant thereof.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (C3/FMX/ATF), 4-speed automatic (C5).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Coolant:

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) typically requiring Dexron II or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2850 mm (112.2 inches)

Overall Length:

Approx. 4840 mm (190.6 inches) for Sedan, slightly longer for Wagon.

Kerb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1600 kg depending on body style, engine, and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Safety standards of the late 1970s/early 1980s; features typically included seat belts (lap-sash front), padded dashboard, laminated windscreen.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes with optional power assistance, rear drum brakes.

Interior Safety:

Safety padded interior surfaces, collapsible steering column, internal door locks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted AM/FM radio, often with a single cassette player in higher trims. Aftermarket head unit support is common.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some higher-specification models (Fairmont Ghia, LTD).

Connectivity Options:

Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle operation rather than external connectivity. Features like power windows and central locking were available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine type).

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and ignition timing checks typically recommended every 10,000-15,000 km.

Engine Oil Grade:

API SE/SF or SG service category. Viscosity typically SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate (e.g., 20W-50 for hot Australian conditions).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with water. Phosphate-free coolants are recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual: SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Automatic: DEXRON II or equivalent ATF.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushes, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, clutch components (manual), ignition system components (points, condenser, rotor).

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, sills, lower door edges, tailgate/boot lid, front floor pans, chassis rails, particularly in coastal or high-humidity regions.

Carburetor Issues:

Sticking or worn carburetor components, vacuum leaks leading to rough idling or poor performance.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 - 5.5 litres (4.7 - 5.8 US quarts) for 6-cylinder engines, and 5.0 - 6.0 litres (5.3 - 6.3 US quarts) for V8 engines, depending on filter size and oil cooler presence. Consult manual for precise figures.

Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 10 - 15 litres (10.6 - 15.8 US quarts) depending on engine and radiator size.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Australia:

Represents a significant chapter in Ford Australia's history of producing large, capable vehicles tailored to local conditions.

Predecessor:

XC Falcon

Successor:

XF Falcon

Production Years:

1979 - 1982

Manufacturing Location:

Australia (various Ford Australia plants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Local Acclaim:

The Falcon platform consistently received positive reviews in Australia for its robustness, comfort, and suitability for Australian conditions.

Consumer Reviews Era:

Generally well-regarded for its spaciousness and V8 performance, though early models sometimes faced criticism for interior fit and finish compared to European rivals.