Bongo Fury

Hi all,

I have just purchased a 1995 Ford Freda after looking for the past 5 years to purchase one.

In general it seems to run okay but having read the Freda Owner's Manual I seem to have the following problem.

When I am in 'D' gear selection and I press the 'Hold' button nothing happens. No 'Hold' light on the dash and no drop down in gear. Is this a common problem and if so any advice on rectifying it would be greatly appreciated. My mechanic says that there is an electrical output only when the button is pressed (i.e. does not maintain a pulse when button is released. Is that normal?

Also when I 'kick' the accelerator to the floor it also doesn't seem to drop down a gear for greater acceleration. Again any advice would be great.

Many thanks in anticipation

Bongo Benj
(yes I know it's a Freda but it doesn't have the same ring and they are both the same after all!! )

hi and welcome to the fold
Before starting on the fault finding please put your location in your profile so any locals that may have knowledge or know an expert in your area can advise.

Welcome,
I had the same problem,low on ATF,cured by topping up the fluid level

Wow. Amazing the speed of the responses!! Are all us Bongo/Freda drivers also internet junkies (I know I am!!)

I have updated my profile info now WW.

Thanks Dolly, I am having a full service carried out next week with all fluid changes so I can check if that solves the problem. If it does I suppose that the non-active 'Hold' button doubles up as a low ATF level warning system!!

The mechanic I am using has never worked on a Bongo/Freda before (apart from the timing belt he has just changed on mine). Are there any words of warning I need to give him (having just had a quick read about coolant system topping up)

Thanks again

Newbie Benj

print out how the bleeding system has to be done and give it to the maniac /sorry mechanic.

also tell him about this site and the fact sheets including the compatable parts database, as finding parts can be made far cheaper and easier

wow !!!
A Full service !! You must be rich, ( not for long tho ) joking !!

You need to get the engine well warmed up for 'D' to work at its optimum. Until it is it will appear to be friving in a lower gear until 'lockup' occurs (usually after about 10 minutes or about 3 miles.) It then drives normally...try the hold button then (but not whilst doing more than about 45mph otherwise you might overrev it)

good luck

H