Review: Ford T1 TL50 (1999-00)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Ford T1 TL50 was a long wheelbase, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the TL50 was powered by a 4.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic. Furthermore, the automatic transmission featured an ‘Electronic Sports Shift’ mode –engaged via a switch in the centre console – which enabled the driver to use the steering wheel-mounted gearshift buttons.

Windsor V8 engine

The 4.9-litre pushrod Windsor V8 engine had a cast-iron cylinder block and head, sequential fuel injection, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Compared to the engine used for the AU.I Falcon XR8 , the TL50 engine also had an enlarged air intake and modified camshaft for improved breathing and lightweight aluminium roller rockers and needle roller bearings for reduced friction and more consistent valve operation.

Ford Tickford Experience (FTE)

The Ford TL50 was part of the ‘T-Series’ range – which also consisted of the TE50 and TS50 models – that were marketed under the ‘FTE’ (Ford Tickford Experience) brand which was a joint venture between Ford Australia and Tickford. Compared to the AU Falcons , the T-Series models could be identified by their chrome mesh grilles, body-coloured headlamp bezels and bonnet lips, unique front and rear bumpers and rocker mouldings; the TL50 was also distinguished by its larger lower grille opening and grey bumper inserts.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the AU Fairlane , the Ford TL50 was 5122 mm long, 1861 mm wide, 1438 mm high and its wheelbase was 2919 mm long. Furthermore, the TL50 had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment and brakes

Standard safety equipment for the T1 TL50 included dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.

The T-Series models were fitted with an upgraded braking package which consisted of 329 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin piston callipers; the front and rear discs also featured curved grooves for greater fade resistance and wet-weather performance, while the master braking cylinder was revised for sharper pedal feel.

Features: T1 TL50

Standard features for the Ford T1 TL50 included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 tyres and Koni 82 Series shock absorbers, a ten speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, leather trim (in aubergine or warm charcoal), power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gearshift lever, remote central locking, power mirrors and window, power antenna, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Ford T2 TL50 (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the T2 TL50 introduced a more powerful V8 engine. Compared to the 4.9-litre V8 engine in the T1 TL50, the T2 TL50 engine featured a unique camshaft, aluminium cylinder heads with larger inlet valves and ports and a matching intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust featured higher flow catalysts and a low restriction exhaust manifold, while the throttle system had a larger diameter throttle body and revised throttle plate angle for better throttle response. The T2 TL50 also introduced a laminated steel firewall.

Visually, the T2 TL50 looked the same as its T1 predecessor; under the bonnet, however, there was a unique ‘T-Series’ engine cover with ‘TL50’ logo.

Features: T2 TL50

Standard features for the T2 TL50 were extended to include an eleven speaker 250 watt sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, separate amplifier and subwoofer. There was also a roof-mounted sunglasses holder and satellite navigation was available as an option.

Review: Ford T3 TL50 (2001-02)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the T3 TL50 introduced a 5.6-litre Tickford V8 engine , subtle cosmetic updates and DataDot part identification. Built using a modified Windsor block, the stroked V8 engine had an all-new crankshaft, ported cylinder head with high performance springs and valves, billet machined connecting rods, lightweight pistons with fully floating pins, a revised camshaft profile, an 82 mm diameter throttle body, three-piece high flow inlet manifold and conical air cleaner with dedicated mass air flow sensor. The suspension was also revised, with a retuned front stabiliser bar and 7 mm lower ride height.

Visually, the T3 TL50 could be identified by its new front and rear fascias, black mesh grille incorporating the Tickford logo, side skirts with T-Series badging and deeper rear bumper.

Safety equipment

With the introduction of the 5.6-litre V8 engine, traction control was no longer available. However, there was an optional Brembo braking package with four-piston front and rear calipers, 355 mm cross-drilled and ventilated front discs and 330 mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs.

Features: T3 TL50

Standard features for the T3 TL50 included new 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 Dunlop SP9000 tyres.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: FTE T-Series

Recalls: Ford T-Series TL50

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 number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ford T-Series TL50

Ford TL50: steering rack mounting stud

In June 2004, a recall was issued for Ford T-Series TL50 models manufactured from 1 June 1998 to 22 May 2001 (inclusive). For these vehicles, inappropriate servicing of the steering rack retaining hardware may affect the integrity of the steering rack mounting stud. Furthermore, over-tightening of the steering rack mounting hardware may degrade the thread-locking compound (PRA 2004/7066).

Problems and faults: Ford T-Series TL50

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.

Engines

• Belt squeal and rattling noises from the engine bay may be due to a faulty accessory belt tensioner that requires replacement. If the tensioner fails, the accessory belt may snap, causing the power steering, alternator and water pump to stop working.
• A rough idle may be due to a loose inlet manifold which requires tightening or the spark plug leads may need to be replaced.
• AU.II and AU.III models were fitted with aluminium radiator cores with resin header tanks that were susceptible to failure.
• An extremely low oil pressure reading when the engine is hot and idling may actually be due to an electrical earthing problem.
• A ticking noise from behind the left headlight may be due to a failed purge valve solenoid.
• The O-ring seal at the back of the water pump was susceptible to leaking.
• Variable build quality for the V8 engines could result in rattling lifters, dropped valves, bore distortion and oil-burning.

Transmissions

• Oil may leak from the rear transmission seal.

Suspension

• Knocking noises from front suspension may be due to worn lower ball joints.
• Knocking noises from the front of the vehicle, vague steering and squeaking noises when turning are indicative of steering rack failure.
• For models with independent rear suspension, knocking or banging noises from the rear suspension may require the top shock absorbers mounts to be replaced.

Brakes

• Shuddering from the front wheels – which can be felt through the brake pedal – is indicative of warped brake discs.
• The level of power braking assistance may decrease due to the brake booster deteriorating – this was primarily a problem for AU.I models.

Problems and faults: Ford T-Series TL50

• The horn may stick when depressed or not sound at all, requiring the horn pad and airbag module (a single unit) to be replaced.
• Areas of the climate control display may stop working – this may be due to contact points on the PCB (printed circuit board) failing. If so, the unit needs to be replaced.
• The six-stack CD changers were susceptible to failure.
• Water could accumulate in the boot gutters, flow over the rubber seals and leak into the boot due to a poor seal between the boot and rubber seals.
• Problems with the door locks are usually due to the actuators failing.Inaccurate fuel gauge readings may require the fuel sender unit to be replaced.
• The front power windows may stop working due to dust within the switch blocking the contact points. Dissembling the switches and cleaning the contacts may fix the problem; alternatively, an aerosol contact cleaner could be sprayed into the switch via a nozzle. However, pressing the window switch up and down thirty-one (31) times may reset the window motor/regulator and restore operation.
• The front power windows may be slow to raise or may do so on an angle due to the glass sticking against the rubber seals – this can be fixed by lubricating the inside of the door frames with silicon spray or graphite powder.
• The fuel gauge may provide inaccurate readings due to faulty fuel senders.

Released in October 1999, the Ford T1 TL50 was a long wheelbase, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the TL50 was powered by a 4.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic. Furthermore, the automatic transmission featured an ‘Electronic Sports Shift’ mode –engaged via a switch in the centre console – which enabled the driver to use the steering wheel-mounted gearshift buttons… Read full Ford T-Series TL50 review

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Images: Ford T3 TL50 (2001-02)

Released in November 2001, the Ford T3 TL50 introduced a stroked 5.6-litre V8 engine, subtle cosmetic updates and DataDot part identification. The Ford T3 TL50 could be identified by its new front and rear fascias, black mesh grille incorporating the Tickford logo, side skirts with T-Series badging and deeper rear bumper.

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