Team-BHP - Review: 1st-gen Ford Figo (2010)

Had the dreaded gearbox linkage bush failure today during rush hour traffic at Hinjewadi :Frustrati. The gear lever suddenly became completely free and luckily i was at the side of the road so could stop immediately.

Opened up the black box thing under the car, near the front left tyre and see the linkage rod has popped out of it's slot. Put it back in place and was thinking of what to use to keep it in place. Finally used my shoe lace to tie it up and drove home normally without an issue lol:

Have dreaded this happening to me, and always asked the service guys to check this part during service. Thanks to all you guys who faced this issue in the past, I was able to temporarily fix it and get home.

Guys i've been facing a lot of rattling noise from the engine bay at low speeds, in 2nd gear, and also on bad roads.

At my 80k servicing the Ford SC told me that the cause is the brake calipers that need to be replaced for Rs.3850 each! Is this justified?

Browsing through this forums i cannot find anything specific that any bhpian has mentioned on these costs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by commodore (Post 4383798)

Rattling noise at low speeds are either engine mounts getting weak, or suspension rattle.

Check with an independent garage of repute as well as another Ford asc.

@commodore: I bet my money its an engine mount (hopefully only one). Your diagnosis of rattling at low engine rpm and rough roads is signs of a bad engine mount.

I'm not sure where the Ford SC guy learnt his trade, but brake calipers don't make noises; they fall off if they are loose. He might be thinking of brake pads without the clips; but that's a different story.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiat_tarun (Post 4381762)

Had the dreaded gearbox linkage bush failure today during rush hour traffic at Hinjewadi :Frustrati. .

I can imagine your situation. It happened to me again, about two weeks ago. After about 20,000km.

The Ford guy says that this bush has to be replaced every 10,000km! What a disgrace; Ford should hang their heads in shame for such poor engineering/quality. I've never heard of such critical equipment having to be replaced so often.

Quote:

Originally Posted by commodore (Post 4383798)

Does it rattle only over rough patches? If yes it might be the caliper. To check, apply the brake gently (vehicle should slow down a bit but not halt) whenever it rattles over rough patch. If the rattle subsidise while braking, the caliper noise is confirmed. Get it greased outside. Ask the mechanic to cover the pins with white plumbing tape, apply red caliper Grease and assemble. The noise should go for 3-4k kms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by qr20de (Post 4384212)

Well, this bush in my car lasted 65k km! Bush inspection should be a mandatory check point during every service.

A regular Joe will not put know how to fix this issue and will be stranded on the road.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragavsr (Post 4387871)

My car started stuttering in every gear from 2-5 early in the morning. Is it the dreaded gear bush failure ?

Check for Engine Mounts, they might need a replacement.

Guys

What are the telltale signs of front shocks going bad? I am getting a mild 'doom doom' sound on slight undulations on the road, but not very loud. Ford A.S.S. says the front shocks might need a replacement, but I am not sure if the sounds are from engine mounts?

Any clues? The car has run 70000 kms.

If you have never replaced the front shockers in its 70k Kms run.
Change it, the front is heavy and takes a toll on the setup.
One sure sign - does it feel less sharp in the handling and cornering?
If yes, time to change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiat_tarun (Post 4381762)

Have dreaded this happening to me, and always asked the service guys to check this part during service. Thanks to all you guys who faced this issue in the past, I was able to temporarily fix it and get home.

Is there a video or some step by step instruction to access this box and fix it, that you have seen somewhere/referred to? Would be a handy thing to know.

EDIT:
Just found out this video on YouTube. I can now better relate the parts of the car from your photo now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7I3eKIpfqs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Liner (Post 4364500)

Dont go to bosch, very bad reviews creeping in on the forum about their work. Stay away seems to be the buzz word.

Little OT here. I have started giving my 2011 petrol figo to a local guy. He is way cheaper and I can tell what I want done or not done. I have decided to keep away from authorised service centers. Do you guys think it is advisable?

Would recommend that you maintain a balance both ways between FNG & FASS. Especially on account of spares which are easily available with the FASS. Not all FASS are bad. My personal experiences with JSP Ford has been ok. However they are new & hence would like to maintain good standards, perhaps. Need to see in the long run.