AU Centre console storage bin gripes - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Falcon · 03-05-2002, 22:39

I hope they put the centre console of the Barra through some useability tests. A few things about the AU storage bin that annoys me...

-The space for the pen is too shallow, it always falls out.
-The coin holders are ineffective. The coins fall out too easy when you get try to get something out of the storage bin; fold down the mobile phone holder or even simply close the storage bin lid.
-The storage bin lid hinge looks too weak, stress cracks have developed already. It should angle back a bit more to stop it from slamming shut accidentally (which then causes all the coins/pens to fall out!)

other AU interior gripes...
-Interior light switch is too small and fiddly.
-there is no Auto-UP on the drivers window.
-The window child lock button on drivers door doesn't indicate if its on or not.
-the plastic material surrounding the centre pillar is full of ding marks from where the metal part of the seat belt hits it when it retracts.
-The Econ button on the auto trasmission needs to be pressed hard for it to activate.

probably all too late for the barra, but something I have been meaning to bring up. Other than that I love the warm charcoal Fairmont interior of my AU.

Jamie XR6 · 03-06-2002, 00:13

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie Falcon
I hope they put the centre console of the Barra through some useability tests. A few things about the AU storage bin that annoys me...

-The space for the pen is too shallow, it always falls out.

-The coin holders are ineffective.

-It should angle back a bit more to stop it from slamming shut accidentally (which then causes all the coins/pens to fall out!)

-there is no Auto-UP on the drivers window.

-the plastic material surrounding the centre pillar is full of ding marks from where the metal part of the seat belt hits it when it retracts.

I agree with everything you pointed out.

Above are the points that I particulary have a problem with.

SIM EF6 · 03-06-2002, 00:31

I think that auto-up would be a safety hazard, possibly even banned by certain regulations?

Jamie XR6 · 03-06-2002, 00:37

Quote:

Originally posted by SIM EF6
I think that auto-up would be a safety hazard, possibly even banned by certain regulations?

No, it's a common feature in a lot of cars, mainly European. My Subaru had it and I know it sounds like such a small thing, but I miss this feature heaps.

Aussie Falcon · 03-06-2002, 01:15

auto up maybe a safety hazard on passenger windows, but you would at least think they would trust the driver.

PURSUTE · 03-06-2002, 01:20

auto up is a feature on almost every car except falcon. weird.

i'ts not a safety issue as they always have some sort of emergency stop if there is too much resistance.

russellw · 03-06-2002, 01:28

Would seriously endorse all of the above gripes - I've broken one console lid on my T-Series (although the actual hinge is a part on it's own) and the child lock on the windows fair gives me the you know what's.
While we're at it the plastics tend to mark fairly badly particularly around the fascia switches.
Cheers

MrPlow2 · 03-06-2002, 05:02

about the auto up button, my 1985 (!) Telstar had auto up on the driver window

very valid points chris! i've had the centre armrest slam on my hang a million times, and it kills because it comes down on my knuckles most of the time!

XR8chic · 03-06-2002, 12:58

hey.... at least you have pen holders, and coin holders and power windows!!!

XR8chic · 03-06-2002, 12:58

P.S - you probably even have cup holders too!!!!