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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XI
Let's keep talking about the cult car of the 00's!
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I currently own a 1995 Contour V6/5spd. The car has 102,000 miles on the original transmission and clutch. As you all know, the Contour and Focus both use the Mtx75 transmission. Since day one my car has rattled in nuetral, and made clattering noises when taking of in first and second gears. This seems to be a part of the design of the transmission, and the longevity seems to be very good. Most Contour owners have had few transmission problems to worth mentioning. First gear and reverse engagement is sometimes difficult in cold weather and can be solved by using synthetic lubricant. Third gear is the weak link in older Contours, but this problem seems to have been fixed. The differential is also a problem area, but this stems from abuse and is not a concern for a mature driver. Good luck with your Zx3's. Later, Wes.
Pat
Will you please post how it looks a week from now? I have reasons for asking.
I'm running similar tests, and maybe next week you and I can compare notes on how we made out.
Here's the skinny, so far....
My z had whitish wax-streaks on the black plastic exterior trim. So, couple weeks ago, I went the Peanut Butter route.
Result: Trim was once again beautiful coal black.
So I noisily posted a big "eureka" here, telling of my success.
(Hmmm, Looks like maybe I shoulda waited a few days)......
A week later, the whitish wax-smears started re-appearing. Not as bad as originally, but still noticeable and objectionable.
However, I remember the terry-cloth I used to do the job, was not all that clean. (I had used it for polishing the haze off after a Meguiar Liquid Wax job). It might have been "re-introducing wax", at same time it was rubbing off the "Peanut Butter n' wax-residue".
So today, as an experiment --- not having peanut Oil (and already having used peanut Butter) I tried two other products on the trim --- ON TWO SEPARATE PIECES OF TRIM.
Here's what I used......
(1) "BLACK CHROME TRIM/SEALER" (Turtle Wax).
Label says it is specifically for Exterior car use on black trim, tires, rubber, flat paint etc.
"Cleans off dirt, scum, wax-residue, restores shine, seals" ...."It is superior to so-called universal interior/exterior products".
(That last claim is probably slam at "ArmorAll").
NOTE: Product has been sitting unused in my shop for a year. So, it might have lost some strength.
(2) "BLACK MAGIC TOTAL SHINE" (Blue Coral).
Label says "Does NOT leave whitish wax-residue on black plastic car trim" .... "Use on paint, clearcoat, wheels, bumper, rubber, vinyl, chrome, plastic trim"... "A Wax, A Protectant, A Metal Polish, A Plastic Polish".... "Also removes powdery white residue left on car trim by conventional waxes" .... bla,bla.
CONCLUSION:
I'll post Wed. how each trim looks, after "only 1 day" ...and next week on how it looks "long term".
Then we can compare it with your long-term Peanut Oil results. This will tell us which would be the better way to go. Later...
zx3
On the way back, 70 miles away from my destination I hit the worst rainstorm i've ever driven in. It was completely non-eventful though, as my car didn't seem to know it was raining! I was very impressed with the handling during the whole trip. Also, when I was in Albuquerque, I took a couple of people out for a demo run and they absolutely loved it. Even my aunt was gushing with compliments (being a 3-time Porsche owner and autocross competitor, her opinion matters to me.)
Now not to start any fights or anything, but what were those accords doing on the side of the road? I saw 3 of them... /-:
Oh and I remember hearing a while back that someone bought a twilight blue zx3 in Longmont CO? well your car has a twin in Ft Collins! (-:
(rs)
Just thought I'd tell y'all that I checked my mileage after a couple road trips this weekend, and it was 38+ !!! And that's with the A/C running the whole time. I'm pretty darn pleased, especially with gas prices like they are!
I'm ready for my #2 oil change at 6000 miles since April, and the car has had no problems, not even a rattle. My biggest problem has been keeping the inside clean. Anybody have a Kona edition? They are supposed to have "washable seatcovers." What are they like and can we buy them for our non-Konas?
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"Here is a brief explanation of the two possible problems I have noticed with my Focus. I have experienced both of these on and off and have had no problems associated with either noise to this point. However, I still believe that the noises (at least one of them) is probably not a normal noise that I should be experiencing. In addition, I do know other Focus owners who have experienced similar noises.
1- While accelerating in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears I hear a rattling noise. This occurs in the lower RPM's up to about 2500, and it sounds to me like a "diesel" rattle. That is the closest noise I can compare to what I'm hearing. It's a subtle noise but can be heard easily with the windows rolled up and the radio turned off. In the higher RPM's it tends to go away, but it is almost always present in the lower RPM's.
2- The more serious noise is a rattle I am hearing in the transmission. The noise occurs on and off and can be heard with the car in neutral (sitting still) while slightly pressing the accelerator. A rat-tat-tat occurs for a second and then clears up as the RPM's become higher. There are other times when I can hear the noise while just sitting in idle without pressing the accelerator. This noise continues as long as I stay in idle. I can replicate the noise (even if it isn't present) by slightly pushing the stick forward (but not in gear) without pressing the clutch in (sitting still). Obviously this noise is present because the clutch isn't engaged, but it's the same noise that I hear in neutral. Also, at certain times when I hear the noise in neutral I can make it momentarily stop by slightly pressing the stick forward (but not in gear) without engaging the clutch. However, when the stick comes back into neutral the noise comes back. Many times I can also feel the same noise if I place my foot on the clutch. Also, it is not the same noise as mentioned above. This noise is also subtle, and is more easily heard with the windows closed.
It may be difficult to hear these noises at first, but they are present. Like I've said before, they come and go, so there are times when I hear neither. I'm especially concerned about the noise in the transmission."
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And the Ford Tech. Gods said,
"... checking your Focus for transmission noise. Rattling type noise on acceleration and also in neutral. What we have is a normal gear roll over type noise. They use a synthetic fluid in the transmission and it's approximately like a 10 weight oil, very thin, pretty much like automatic transmission fluid. There's not a whole lot of cushion to suppress the noise from the gear roll over, or gear chatter. That's your normal condition in neutral. When you're driving it, if you do let it load up in gears like third or fourth gear at 15 or 20 mph, tip in the throttle, you do hear a little bit of gear chatter, and that's also normal. Just like, same thing with the fluid, there's not really a lot of cushion with the fluid to quieten the gears down like in the older model transmissions. Checked for special service messages, nothing out on the vehicle at this time for this complaint. Did road test the vehicle with the shop foreman. He pretty much says the same thing I do..."
THOUGHTS ANYONE?
If it's normal, why there are just few of us complaining.
It is a brand new car.
And I expect it to be in a noise free condition.
I guess the only option left is to call the ford customer service center and file a complain.
BTW why other cars don't have a similar noise?
RKE stands for Remote Keyless Entry. Keyfobs you use to open the doors or trunks without using the key.
I love you love our ZX3s.
Bye
Keep Enjoying the ZX3
Bye.
Submit it here:http://www.carreview.com/reviews/midsize_compacts/
What on earth are you people doing?
Not doing anything special though.
Recipe using peanut oil:
For a tasty treat, use it to cook your popcorn instead of corn oil.
Also, I use it when cooking some chinese dishes (cashew chicken or even stir fry)
later,
Gabe
Here is a quick information regarding the clutches.
We've been told to leave the transmission in
Neutral and the foot off the clutch pedal when stopped at a light, and not to rest the foot on the clutch between shifts. Otherwise, we would be wearing out the clutch-release bearing.
It is all wrong!
Most manual transmissions today, and for the last 10 or 12 years, have a self-adjusting clutch system. To accomplish this amazing feat, the clutch-release bearing is running all the time no matter what.
Second, the clutch-release bearing today is much larger than necessary.
These clutch-release bearings are designed to go one million cycles (pushing the pedal down one million times). So people can feel free
to leave their foot on the clutch pedal today at stoplights with no negative repercussions.
As far as resting your foot on the clutch between shifts: I still think that is a 'no-no'. One person's version of resting their foot on the clutch could be much different than anothers. That is, one person may have the clutch half engaged! I always keep my foot fully off the clutch between shifts.
Still Vadp sounds a lot more knowledgeable than me regarding this issue. I just do what my Dad told me to do and I haven't changed.
ND
I don't think the terry towels will get the trim clean. The brush is necessary to get into the low part of the trim.
I also think you have to use peanut butter, not oil. Maybe if you brushed the oil, but the oil would splatter all over and it's more expensive than peanut butter.
I know, brushing is work, but nice things need a little work to keep them nice.
Pat
Here is a link to a list of TSB's for Merkur Scorpio.
The very first one in the trasmission section mentions "clicking" and "crackling".
Sounds familiar?
So they think it's not normal to have that sound in the Scorpio.(assuming it's a similar problem)
http://www.frontiernet.net/~pdoering/Scorpio/Svc/Gen/ScorpTSB.html
Do you actually shift when the light goes on? I can't imagine getting 27-28 in town...and I have 5300 miles on my car.
Since I had so much time to kill at the dealers, I checked out the current Focus inventory. No yellow cars, but he had TEN Kona cars, in several colors - all but one were automatics :-( I know it is personal preference, but I sure don't care for the wheel design or the dorky side moulding. Might look good with some peanut butter on it, though
Next week, I'll post again how trim looks (because time is the best test).
zx3
That's a tough question.
(I personally find the ride to be superb).
However, if you are used to driving a boat (Buick or Caddy, etc.) -- then Yes, the z is "bouncy" on rough roads.
But if you've owned any excellent "road-machines" (like VW etc.) you don't consider the z a Rough Ride -- but rather a "responsive" car, a "feel of the road" car. Which is good.
If you're still concerned, you should have a competent mechanic and/or front-end shop check the suspension thoroughly. Later...
zx3
You all are right about waiting awhile before I say victory. So far it has held up nicely in the rain and sun. Which is more than I can say about the 'Black Magic' product. It is possible I did not brush it (Blk. Mag.)in enough. I'll keep all interested parties informed.
side moldings. armed with peanut oil and considered
very slippery.
thanks
but again, i dont need it just yet... still waitin on my car... i get the feeling that im gettin jerked around by the dealership..
http://www.discussion-board.com/clubfocus/NonCGI/Forum1/HTML/000611.html
For some pics of a Kona edition ZX3 (including close-ups of the 'patterned' side molding, click here...
http://www.discussion-board.com/clubfocus/NonCGI/Forum1/HTML/000610.html
Gabe
where can I find out how to change the transmission oil? thanks.
It seems that the consensus is for synthetic oil. So, what brands are the best? Does it matter? Should I stick with the same viscosity?
I guess I can get my oil filter at any auto parts store?
Any ideas on a good travel kit for your car? I was thinking of the following items, but I may be missing something:
Flashlight
Cell phone
Jumper cables
Flares
Car jack and spare (should be there)
Map
Tools-But which should I carry with me?
Fuses-Again, any certain ones?
Quart of oil...
Water leaks can be a real pain to locate. If your dealer is as dense as mine was yesterday, you might want to consider taking your car to a quality auto glass shop that uses ultrasonic leak detection equipment. This is a cool device - they place a small ultrasonic transmitter inside the car with all the windows and vents closed, then go around the outside of the car with the matching receiver looking for a strong signal - voila! there's a potential leak.