Ford Galaxy Common Problems and Solutions
Steering Wheel Knocking
Problem:
You can feel a knocking sensation from the steering wheel while driving.
Solution:
If your Galaxy has high mileage, then this will usually be an inner CV joint failure and is fairly common. While the task of replacing them can take a few hours, it's very doable, and inner CV joints are extremely low cost on our parts page.
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Power Loss
Problem:
The car has completely lost power and won't start.
Solution:
If your Galaxy was built pre-1999, then it's very likely that you have a water-damaged mass airflow (MAF) sensor. In most cases, you will be able to replace the sensor only, which is a quick five-minute job. If the sensor has been damaged for a while, though, you'll likely need to order a revised air intake duct from us and replace the entire thing.
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Black Smoke From Exhaust (1.9 TDi)
Problem:
There is thick black smoke coming from your exhaust.
Solution:
The booster heater metering pump is most likely damaged, and you will need to replace it. However, dense black smoke can also be a sign that your burner is oversaturated with unburned fuel. In either case, a revised booster heater metering pump has been made available by Ford and is easy to find on our parts list.
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Emission test Failure
Problem:
Your Galaxy has failed an emissions test.
Solution:
You likely have a faulty check/control valve. Browse our parts list for a newer version of the injection pump hose for the secondary injection pump. Don't forget that you may also have to have your PCM reprogrammed because of the new calibration.
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Locked Windscreen Wipers
Problem:
The windscreen wipers have locked into position and won't budge.
Solution:
This is one of the most well-known problems with the Ford Galaxy, and a lack of adequate lubrication causes it. Your only option to fix the issue is to find a new windscreen wiper motor on our parts list and get rid of the burnt-out one.
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Window Failure
Problem:
The windows are not going up or down.
Solution:
The window mechanism motor is faulty, which is very common on the Galaxy. Fortunately, it's quite an easy fix, and we always have replacements in stock that we can deliver to you.
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Oil Leak
Problem:
There are visible oil spots or puddles on the road where you've parked.
Solution:
The Galaxy's earlier models are more prone to this, and the problem is likely to be a cracked oil sump. You can see the sump at the base of the engine, and if it has cracked, then you can find a new one on our parts list for the Galaxy. It's a good idea to have a software update from a Ford dealer at the same time to make it easier to prevent an overheating engine from causing the same damage again.
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Burning Smell (1.5-litre Models)
Problem:
You can smell something burning as the vehicle starts to slow down. You may hear a loud bang or a thud.
Solution:
This is relatively rare, but it's a lot more likely to happen if you drive a 1.5-ltr model of the Galaxy. The issue here is a fractured clutch pressure plate, and it will be a tricky fix. You can order a replacement plate from us, but they are very fiddly to remove and install. Although changing an entire clutch is also very challenging, it's easier than working with the clutch pressure plate alone.
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Central door locking problems
Problem:
This problem is common on the Galaxy due to the location of the CDL module. It is located underneath the passenger seat and can sometimes get water leaking in as it located at the lowest point of the footwell.
Solution:
Before you go out and purchase a new module, allow the module to dry out and then try it again. Drying it out could solve the problem, otherwise a new one needs to be fitted.
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Power loss issues
Problem:
These issues are associated with the 1998 Galaxy and seem to mainly be in the lower gears. The cause of this could be a loose engine cover which is vibrating off the PCV hose to the air intake.
Solution:
Fitting dampers underneath the engine cover will solve this problem.
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Starting problems
Problem:
This problem is commonly associated with the 1999-2000 1.9 Tdi. This has been identified as the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and may need to have a new one fitted. Check this very short video out.
Solution:
As stated above, you will most likely have to get a new PCM fitted. This problem was rectified in models after this.
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Power steering belt problem
Problem:
Any Galaxy before 2000 could be prone to the power steering belt slipping when the driving conditions are wet. This could be the cause of water spray getting through from either the towing eye, or the engine undershield.
Solution:
Check that the engine shield is fitted correctly or the towing eye, and adjust where necessary to stop this happening. Finally, adjust the tensioner and replace the belt if need be.
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Speed Control problems
Problem:
On a Ford Galaxy manufactured in 2000 there are known speed control issues. This is usually down to the speed control vacuum pump which is letting in water.
Solution:
A new vacuum pump should be fitted with the correct ventilation pipe to solve the problem.
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Booster heater problems
Problem:
Any Galaxy up to 2003 which has a booster heater may hear a funny noise when the heater is in use. This is known to be a vibration on the fuel line which ends up sounding in the cabin.
Solution:
Fitting a new fuel line with the proper clips will rectify the issue.
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Power steering problem
Problem:
There is commonly a knocking noise coming from the front end when turning round a corner. This has been identified as the power steering system.
Solution:
This problem can be resolved by fitting a low pressure pipe assembly. This will help with the knocking noise and make for smoother cornering.
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Electrical problems
Problem:
There are many different electrical problems associated with this vehicle. The main source of these problems has been identified as the battery junction box electrical connectors. These have the tendency to work loose.
Solution:
The electrical connectors on the battery must be tightened correctly in order to resolve this issue.
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Gearbox Rattle
Problem:
You can hear rattling noises coming from your gearbox.
Solution:
You will have a vibration that's being caused by a connection between your gearbox cables and their outer sleeves. This shouldn't affect driving quality, but to get rid of the rattle, you're going to need to install a revised gearshift, as well as the selector cables. We have plenty in stock that we can deliver to you if you can't face that rattling sound.
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Speed Control Failure
Problem:
You aren't getting a very good response from the speed control.
Solution:
Water ingress has most likely caused damage to your speed control vacuum pump. Order and fit a new vacuum pump from BreakerYard, as well as an extended ventilation hose. This will prevent the problem from happening again.
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Bumpy Driving
Problem:
You have noticed that the drive is becoming increasingly bumpy.
Solution:
If your Galaxy was built between 2015 and 2020, then there's a good chance that your rear suspension toe link bolt has corroded. That corrosion will eventually lead to a break, and that can cause serious damage to your entire suspension system. If you catch the problem early enough, then all you have to order and install is a replacement bolt.
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Headlights Turning Off
Problem:
The headlights are switching off when you're driving.
Solution:
This can happen if you drive a Galaxy with the added adaptive LED headlights, but it's only a software glitch. Even if your car is not still under warranty, a Ford dealer will be able to update the software for free and solve the issue permanently.
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