63machine

Hello all, My key fob would not lock or unlock car doors or arm or disarm intruder alarm. Thought it was the battery so I changed it. It still won't work unless I use the spare key fob to do any of the above. The main key fob will then work properly for about 5 minutes and then fail to operate locks or the alarm. Any ideas? 63.

Hi Sixbouys I resolved the issue myself. The problem is caused by the intruder alarm sounder/controller. Its located behind the passenger side front wheel arch liner. Dampness must have got into the unit, (though on inspection it looked perfect). This unit is connected to the management system by means of an data highway. there are an number of other pieces of equipmet also attached via the same information highway. It seems that the unit when it fails sends multiple messages to the managemnet system and can cause other pieces of equipment to fail as a result. The quick fix is to disconnect it at the unit itself and replace it at the earliest opportunity. Its awkward to get at it but the fix works. The only down side is I don't have an alarm until its fixed. At least I can now lock the vehicle and my wipers work. Ford informed me yesterday they want

Hello Jules, Clock work frog is spot on The wiper fault is caused by your alarm sounder unit. If you release the passenger side front wheel arch liner you will see the unit in the two O'clock position above the wheel. Don't try to remove the liner completely because you probably won't get it back in properly. There is a 3-pin plug which is inserted into the alarm sounder. Its awkward but it just pulls straight out. If you disconnect this your wipers will be restored. No fuse changes required. You will get an intruder alarm message on your management system and your alarm won't work but it will get you out of a hole until you can get the unit replaced. This unit will send messages to the management system and can effect a number of devices that are connected to the management system not just the wipers. I was told it can effect climate control, radio, lights(not sure how). One chap described it as a virus on the management system. Good luck, 63.

Hi Stoned The wiper fault is caused by your alarm sounder unit. If you release the passenger side front wheel arch liner you will see the unit in the two O'clock position above the wheel. Don't try to remove the liner completely because you probably won't get it back in properly. There is a 3-pin plug which is inserted into the alarm sounder. Its awkward but it just pulls straight out. If you disconnect this your wipers will be restored. No fuse changes required. You will get an intruder alarm message on your management system and your alarm won't work but it will get you out of a hole until you can get the unit replaced. This unit will send messages to the management system and can effect a number of devices that are connected to the management system not just the wipers. I was told it can effect climate control, radio, lights(not sure how). One chap described it as a virus on the management system. Good luck, 63.

Hi I have a MK 111 and I know you can get a net to hold things down in the cargo area when the rear seats are folded down. I'm looking for a solution for when you are parked on an incline and you open the boot. Everything loose invariably falls out. Later MK 111's have an accessory like a screen which is ideal but it can't be fitted to earlier MK 111's. If anyone has seen any other solutions I'd be interested. many thanks 63.

Hello I didn't remove it. Its quite awkward to get at the unit itself. (Which is why they located it there I suppose) The plug just pulls out but its not easy to get at it. I just removed the connecter from the unit. I contemplated removing it but I spoke to 2 Ford techys in two different dealerships over this issue. They were both quite forthcoming once they realised I had identified the root of the problem. Both of them said they had replaced a number of these units. One said he had opened them up on occasion and said the circuit board had been completely corroded. Drying out the unit may have worked but that fact that dampness had penetrated the unit once to me was a really an invitation for it to happen again (and probably when every dealership in Dublin is shut for two weeks!). One chap said that Ford had since reengineered the unit an located it elsewhere in the vehicle in later production runs of this model. I'm in the middle of an argument with them regards payment for the repair. I'm not sure what my chances are but I'm trying. My warranty is expired so I'm relying on them to be nice and hoping they want to retain me as a future customer?! Thanks and good luck in 2010. 63.

Hello Emma and hp4020 I resolved the issue myself. The problem is caused by the intruder alarm sounder/controller. Its located behind the passenger side front wheel arch liner. Dampness must have got into the unit, (though on inspection it looked perfect). This unit is connected to the management system by means of an data highway. there are an number of other pieces of equipmet also attached via the same information highway. It seems that the unit when it fails sends multiple messages to the managemnet system and can cause other pieces of equipment to fail as a result. The quick fix is to disconnect it at the unit itself and replace it at the earliest opportunity. Its awkward to get at it but the fix works. The only down side is I don't have an alarm until its fixed. At least I can now lock the vehicle and my wipers work. Ford informed me yesterday they want

Hello Jules, Compared to your experiences my Galaxy to date has been extremely well behaved. On Christmas Eve my story began. The problem originally presented with the wipers going even with the key out of the ignition. Setting the alarm and locking the car stopped the wipers for a while but then that hazards started flashing, the alarm went off and the wipers started again. Initially opening the car lock to switch off the alarm had no effect. Neither did turning the engine over. Alarm,hazards and wipers were all going, even with keys in my hand standing beside the vehicle. A passing Garda didn't know whether to arrest or help me. In the end he just kept going but I'm sure he pitied me. Eventually fiddling with the central locking and turning the engine over a few times the alarm siren stayed off, however the management system said the "Intruder alarm required a service". The wipers stopped and won't work at all now. Possibly a fuse but I don't know whch one? The situation at present is the Galaxy is open in my driveway. If I lock it, seconds later the hazards start flashing and is soon acccompaied by the alarm. Turning it off is difficult. It won't stop with the car locked but even with it open I'm not sure if its me or if it just stops itself. I hope Ford manages to sort the problems you've been having. I'd appreciate hearing if you've achieved success at this stage. I must say I've never heard of a bespoke software solution for an assembly line product. I would ask them if they persist with such outrageous treatment would they care to be introduced to your solicitor. The threat seldom works but the effect of an actual solicitors letter can be magical? regards 63

Hello Emma Same thing happened with mine on the 24th of December. I've had the car since August 2007 and its been great to date, apart from a turbo issue which Ford resolved at 10 months. There is only 28K on the clock. The management system said an Alarm service was also required. I've been unable to lock the car since without the alarm going off. The wipers stopped themselves but now they won't work at all. I'd like to know has anyone else had a similar issue with a Galaxy and was there an easy fix??