Ford Meteor EFi (1985–1987)

The FORD METEOR EFi was a common sight on New Zealand roads in the 1980s. This family car offered a blend of affordability and fuel efficiency. Keep reading for insights into owning and maintaining your METEOR EFi.

Parts for the Ford Meteor EFi

• Driver Side Blade (23)
• Passenger Side Blade (23)
• Engine Oil (20)
• Rear Single Blade (18)
• Rear Wiper Pack (18)
• Gear Oil Gearbox (16)
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (16)
• Front Wiper Pack (15)
• Wiper Blade Front (14)
• Oil Filter (12)
• Radiator Coolant (12)
• Power Steering Fluid (12)
• Drive Belt Alternator (8)
• Fuel Filter (8)
• Ignition Lead (8)
• Clutch Kit (7)
• Brake Pads Rear (7)
• Water Pump (7)
• Steering Rack Boot Kit (6)
• Cv Joint Boot Kit Front (6)
• Steering Rack End (6)
• Thermo Fan Switch (6)
• Heater/Coolant Hose (6)
• Timing Kit (6)
• Shocks / Strut Rear (6)
• Spark Plug (5)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm - Lower (5)
• Temperature Sensor / Sender Coolant (5)
• Radiator Cap (5)
• Drive Shaft Front (4)
• Wiper Refill Set Front (4)
• Cv Joint Boot Kit Front Left Inner (4)
• Brake Fluid (4)
• Cv Joint Boot Kit Front Right Inner (4)
• Air Filter (4)
• Brake Pads Front (4)
• Automatic Transmission Filter (4)
• Ignition Module (4)
• Drive Belt Air Conditioner (4)
• Oil Pressure Switch/Sender (4)
• Ignition Coil (4)
• Disc Brake Rotor Front (4)
• Oil Seal Crank Shaft Rear / Rear Main Bearing (4)
• Cv Joint Boot Kit Front Right Outer (3)
• Wheel Bearing Kit/Hub Rear (3)
• Wiper Refill (3)
• Oil Cap (3)
• Suspension Bush Rear Sway Bar Mount (3)
• Sump/Drain Plug (3)
• Cv Joint Boot Kit Front Left Outer (3)
• Coil Spring Rear Standard Profile (3)
• Thermostat (3)
• Strut Boot/Hatch/Tailgate (3)
• Wheel Cylinder Rear (3)
• Drive Belt Power Steering (3)
• Reverse Lamp Switch (3)
• Wheel Bearing Kit/Hub Front (3)
• Camber Bolt Kit Front (3)
• Ignition Lead Set (3)
• Tie Rod End (3)

Known issues

Owners of the FORD METEOR EFi may encounter some typical issues as the car ages:
• Rust: Keep a close eye on rust, particularly in the rear wheel arches and sills.
• EFi system faults: Sensor failures in the EFi system can occur, with the airflow meter being a common culprit.
• Transmission issues: If your METEOR EFi has an automatic transmission, be aware of potential problems as the kilometers increase. These often develop around 150,000 - 250,000km.

WOF tips

When taking your FORD METEOR EFi for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, be aware of these common watch points:
• Suspension Mounts: Corrosion around the suspension mounts will be carefully inspected.
• Exhaust Smoke: Excessive exhaust smoke, particularly noticeable on startup, can lead to a failed WOF.
• Steering Play: Play in steering components is another key area of focus for the inspector.

About the Ford Meteor EFi

Maintaining Your FORD METEOR EFi

Here's some helpful information to keep your FORD METEOR EFi running smoothly:
• Regular Servicing: Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is crucial. A general guideline is to service your METEOR EFi every 10,000 km.
• Component Checks: Routine checks of components like the alternator and starter motor can prevent inconvenient breakdowns. Consider the condition of the timing kit with age.
• Steering & Suspension: Address any play in steering promptly by checking the steering rack end condition.
• Cooling System: Ensure the radiator coolant is regularly checked and replaced to maintain optimal engine temperature.
• Power Steering: Regularly check and top up the power steering fluid to keep the system operating correctly.
• Clutch Maintenance: Regularly replace the Clutch Drive Plate to keep the ENGINE safe. Check the clutch cable and replace where needed.
• Wiper Blades: Ensure that front and rear wiper blades are in good condition for safe driving - you can often find wiper refills available to keep costs down. Replacing both driver side and passenger side blades at the same time is recommended. Consider a rear wiper pack for the rear if there is one.

Heritage & Heart

While the FORD METEOR EFi doesn’t boast a rich motorsport heritage or groundbreaking engineering firsts, it solidified its place as a reliable and economical family car. Many New Zealanders have fond memories of these vehicles as everyday transportation during the 1980s.

Questions owners ask

How often should I service my 1985-1987 FORD METEOR?

A general guideline is to service your FORD METEOR every 10,000 km to keep it running smoothly.

I'm noticing excessive exhaust smoke from my FORD METEOR, especially when starting. Is this a problem?

Yes, excessive exhaust smoke, particularly noticeable on startup, is a common WOF failure point for the FORD METEOR. It's worth investigating the cause.

Where can I get parts like alternators or starter motors for my 1985-1987 FORD METEOR in NZ?

CARFIX stocks 480 SKUs for the FORD METEOR 1985-1987. We stock a range of parts, including alternators and starter motors, to help keep your METEOR running. Regular checks of these components can prevent breakdowns.

What are some common rust areas I should watch out for on my FORD METEOR?

Keep a close eye on rust, particularly in the rear wheel arches and sills of your FORD METEOR. Addressing rust early can prevent more extensive damage.

My FORD METEOR has a lot of play in the steering. What could be the issue?

Play in the steering components is a common WOF failure point. Check the steering rack end condition and address any play promptly. Regularly check and top up the power steering fluid to keep the system operating correctly.

What are some common issues with the EFi system on a FORD METEOR?

Sensor failures in the EFi system can occur, with the airflow meter being a common culprit. If your METEOR is running rough, this is a good place to start checking.

What should I check on my FORD METEOR before taking it for a WOF?

Before your WOF, be sure to check for corrosion around the suspension mounts, excessive exhaust smoke, and play in the steering components. These are common failure points for the FORD METEOR.