Review: FPV BF.II Force 8 (2006-08)

Overview

Released in October 2006, the FPV BF Mk.II (BF.II) Force 8 was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the Force 8 was powered by 5.4-litre ‘Boss 290’ V8 petrol engines that were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Compared to the FPV BF GT on which it was based, the Force 8 had a greater emphasis on luxury features and was released in conjunction with the similarly-equipped FPV BF Force 6 .

Boss 290 and Boss 302 engines

Assembled by hand in Campbellfield, the 5.4-litre Boss 290 V8 engine had a cast iron block, cast aluminium cylinder head (shared with the Mustang Cobra R), forged steel crankshaft, cross-bolted main bearing caps, sintered connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, roller finger followers, four valves per cylinder, twin knock sensors, an alloy inlet manifold, coil on plug ignition and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

In November 2007, the Boss 302 V8 engine was introduced. Compared to the Boss 290, changes for the Boss 302 engine included:

• New inlet and exhaust camshaft profile to increase inlet valve lift and duration (necessitating new valves and valve springs);
• A higher compression of 10.8:1 (previously 10.5:1)
• Stainless steel fabricated exhaust manifolds;
• High-flow dual exhaust system; and,
• A revised engine calibration.

ZF 6HP26 Transmission

The BF Force 8 was offered with the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission. Like the GT and GT-P, the Force 8 was fitted with the high-performance version of this transmission – which had upgraded clutches with extra plates in the clutch packs – and a torque capacity of 600 Nm.

The ZF 6HP26 transmission featured adaptive ‘Driver Recognition’ behaviour, including brake support downshifts, gear holding when cornering, gear holding for uphill and downhill driving and gear holding for fast-off throttle driving situations. Furthermore, the ZF 6HP26 transmission had a remote transmission oil cooler (RTOC) – with a three-way coolant thermostat – that was mounted to the engine block. Acting as a heat exchanger, coolant lines (or tubes) passed through the radiator to warm-up the transmission fluid on start-up and provide cooling under high load/high temperature operating conditions.

For the BF range, ‘transient rpm’ limits were introduced which enabled the engine to momentarily exceed the prescribed rev limit of 6000 rpm during upshifting by 250 rpm (i.e. to 6250 rpm). This enabled wide open throttle upshifting of gears to be scheduled at an engine speed closer to the rev limiter than would otherwise be possible.

Dimensions

The FPV BF Force 8 was 4917 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1444 mm tall and had 2829 mm long wheelbases.

Suspension

The FPV Force 8 had double wishbone front suspension, while the independent rear suspension (IRS) had three control arms:

• A forged upper control arm;
• A stamped front lower control arm; and,
• A stamped rear lower control arm.

Each control arm had a cross axis ball joint on the wheel assembly end and was attached to the subframe and knuckle. Furthermore, the ‘Control Blade’ was a stamped trailing arm which provided lateral support and acted as a vertical pivot point.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the FPV Force 8 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The FPV Force 8 had 355 mm by 32 mm cross-drilled and slotted front brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers and 330 mm by 28 mm cross-drilled rear discs with single piston calipers.

The optional, extra-cost ‘Premium’ braking package differed in that it had Brembo six-piston front calipers and 330 mm by 28 mm cross-drilled rear discs with Brembo four-piston calipers.

Features

Like the FPV BF GT , standard features for the FPV Force 8 included a 150 watt sound system with six speakers, a subwoofer and a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a TFT colour display, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser. The Force 8, however, was distinguished by its 19-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, Regency Red or Dark Charcoal leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, rear parking sensors and woodgrain interior trim.

The Force 8 was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Related links

• Specifications: FPV BF.II Force 6 and BF.II Force 8 (November 2006)
• Ford Newsroom: A new Force in luxury performance (March 2007)
• Wikipedia.org: FPV BF.II Range

Recalls: FPV BF Force 8

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: FPV BF Force 8

• In February 2011, a recall was issued for Ford Performance Vehicles BA and BF models built from 8 May 2002 to 7 March 2008 and with a factory-fitted sunroof. In these vehicles, a bonding problem with the sunroof’s glass panel could result in separation from the frame and potentially dislodge while the vehicle was in motion (PRA 2011/12318).

Problems and faults: FPV BF Force 8

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

ZF Transmission

The six-speed ZF automatic transmissions used an external heat exchanger to cool the transmission. However, the lines within the heat exchanger could deteriorate over time, allowing coolant and transmission oil to mix. If this occurred, the fluid in the coolant reservoir would appear milky (hence the term ‘milkshake’) and, within the transmission, the friction linings would be pulled from their steel backings and the mechatronic control unit would be damaged. To fix, the transmission would have to be rebuilt and the mechatronic control unit replaced.

To prevent contamination of the transmission fluid with coolant, a common modification was to fit an external air/oil cooler kit to bypass the heat exchanger. In fitting these, however, it was important that the transmission fluid be filled to the correct level as the ZF transmission was sensitive to fluid levels and would enter ‘limp home’ mode if not within tolerances. Another modification was to replace the OEM heat exchanger and hoses/lines to the transmission with a more robust after-market product. Please note, however, that Ford Australia considered any modifications to the heat exchanger to void the warranty.

Engines

• Belt squeal and rattling noises from the engine bay may be due to a faulty accessory belt tensioner which requires replacement. If the tensioner fails, the accessory belt may snap, causing the power steering, alternator and water pump to stop working.
• The O-ring seal at the back of the water pump was susceptible to leaking.
• A rattling noise at idle may be due to a loose exhaust heat shield.
• The radiator was susceptible to leaking.
• Low idle, stall or variable idle: for Ford’s BA/BF vehicles, engine speed may drop below the normal idle speed – the engine may then either stall or the ECU may intervene to raise engine speed, causing a variable idle. Ford Australia issued a service bulletin (TSB 20/05) regarding this problem recommending that the throttle body be cleaned and the ECU re-flashed.
• Knocking noises from the engine bay which are loudest near the glovebox may be due to the vacuum hoses vibrating against the body or other components – this can be fixed with a cable-tie.

Rear brake hose service campaign

In May 2007, Ford Australia initiated a ‘service campaign’ to replace the rear brake hoses of 200,000 Ford BA/BF vehicles that were produced from September 2002 to March 2007. In these vehicles, the rear brake hoses were susceptible to excessive wear and could leak. At worst, however, the hoses could rupture. According to Ford, the driver would generally experience reduced braking effectiveness and a warning light would illuminate in the instrument cluster to warn the driver. As part of the service campaign, the brake hoses were replaced during regular servicing performed by Ford dealers.

Brakes

• The ABS light may illuminate intermittently due to problems with the ABS sensors – this may be fixed by cleaning or replacing the sensors.

Handbrake

For Ford BA/BF sedans, the handbrake shoe may not centre correctly when the handbrake is released due to the fixed end not holding the show in position – this may cause a ‘cyclic swish type noise’ from the driver’s side rear wheel when driving. Ford Australia issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 09/06) regarding this problem and developed a kit (BA2 2K068 AKIT) to fix whereby a revised park brake shoe centering spring would be fitted and the contact points lubricated.

Suspension

• Knocking noises from front suspension may be due to worn lower ball joints.
• Clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle – particularly at low speeds – may indicate that the differential bushes require replacement.
• Knocking noises from the rear suspension when driving over bumps may indicate that the upper shock bushes require replacement.

Problems and faults: FPV BF Force 8

• A malfunctioning body computer may turn on the interior lights and drain the battery; if so, the computer needs to be reset.
• Problems with the door locks are usually due to the actuators failing.
• Low battery voltage can make the gearshift indicators flash and the transmission enter ‘limp home’ mode, requiring the battery to be replaced.
• The combination switch for the headlights may only work in the ‘auto’ position or may stop working due to the wires for the manual and automatic operation snapping.
• The inner rear door handles were susceptible to falling off – securing the clips with Blu Tack may alleviate the problem.

Released in October 2006, the FPV BF Mk.II (BF.II) Force 8 was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the Force 8 was powered by 5.4-litre ‘Boss 290’ V8 petrol engines that were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Compared to the FPV BF GT on which it was based, the Force 8 had a greater emphadwas on luxury features and was released in conjunction with the similarly-equipped BF Force 6… Read full FPV BF Force 8 review

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