Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part VIII

pcleveland2 · May 2000

How well I agree! One would thing Ford would see this. Wonder if the mechanism from a Escort or Festiva would fit. Could swap just the mechanism.
Pat

silver_bullet · May 2000

I guess I'm not one to talk, because I'll probably never use my back seat, but I thought that's why Ford put the front seat slide adjustment levers on the OUTBOARD side of the seat -- it is easy to open the door, reach down, and slide the seat forward so someone can enter the rear compartment. I realize this isn't as nifty as a mechanism that slides and tilts simultaneously, or one that returns the seat to a preset position, but it works well and is simple... kind of like the car itself. Ford could have just as easily switched the positions of the slide lever and height adjuster crank and REALLY made getting into the rear a chore - maybe even used a dinky little "bend rod" slider lever, too. Someone obviously thought about this, and did the best they could within the development budget.

It is very interesting to see what's in store for 2001 Foci. I will be even more interested to see what one of those fully-equipped ZX3s is going to sticker for. Features and frills are nice, but manufacturers seldom give them away free. I hope Ford keeps a lid on their pricing. And I hope they get a handle on their parts supply problems.

zx3 · May 2000

My Z has 200 mi. on it.
I washed it then spent 1.5 hr using Meguiars "Gold Class Clear Coat Liquid Car Wax" ($10).
I suspect (not sure) it is carnuba wax, they have somehow liquified. They also added oils that soak into car paint (to prolong its life) and mild cleaners (in case car's not fully-clean).

PROCEDURE:
Using sponge pad (included) I applied a thin film to entire car (Instructions say "Do entire car first").
Then wiped the hazy dry film, with terry cloth towels.
Film wiped off EASILY .... and a few light polishes with clean terrycloths, finished the job.

RESULT:
The little Z is bright in shade, brilliant in sun.
zx3

zx3beast · May 2000

i just wanted to thank all those on the heads-up
concerning the overfill issue.that was a much
appreciated piece of info.as i stated previously
i had mine done by a shop that was fully aware of the proper fill.they had mentioned 4.5 was right
on the button.again,much thanks.
to zx3-sounds as though you enjoyed waxing the hatchling + are satisfied with the results.

zx3 · May 2000

I haven't looked at the dipstick closely, but everyone seems to feel a 1/2 qt. over the official 4.5 figure is "bad news". I'll check mine tomorrow.
BTW, exactly what does "1/2 over" do to car?
zx3

zx3beast · May 2000

zx3-this is how i understand it.obviously,the oil
lubricates internal engine parts.also,it helps cool the bearings.the total amount of oil in the engine
serves as a heat sink.this of course being a good
thing.now,too little oil can heat up an engine and cause pre-mature wear.too much oil in the engine
is just as bad.as the crankshaft spins around with
an overfill of oil it can be whipped-up into a foam.this will then result in a drop in pressure.
therefore,critical engine parts are not being lubricated.it also can cause leaks,as extra oil is
forced past seals + gaskets.if anyone else can elaborate on this topic,it sure would be welcomed.
good question zx3

zx3 · May 2000

This is posted in case someone is considering buying it.

Prior to using Meguiar's new Liquid ClearCoat Car Wax (see Post #489 above) I washed the car.
I used Rain-X's new "Self-Drying Car Wash".
(They claim the water "sheets-off" car, so you have "little or no wiping" to do). Here's how I made out, following the Directions.........

PROCEDURE:
Parked in shade. Blasted car with garden hose spray.
Poured 4oz RainX Car Wash in 1 gal pail of water.
Removed spray-nozzle from hose, so water just pours out on ground. (NO nozzle or spray-gun is used at all).
Using a "big mitt", washed car roof w/Rain-X. Poured water from hose onto roof, rinsing away the suds. Then, working downwards, repeated that procedure for each major section of car.

RESULT:
The "Rain-X Car Wash" did good cleaning job. Plus, it did mostly "self-dry". There was very little dry-wiping needed.
This reduced my work. Plus it saved time, for I was able to begin Meguiar Waxing job right away.
And, as you can see in Post 489---the Meguiar job also went easy and gave great results.
zx3.

zx3 · May 2000

Excellent reply ("foaming" and "overpressure").
The foaming is news to me. The overpressure is more familiar.
With too much overpressure you can blow seals.
Thanx.

projectzx3 · May 2000

anyone out there still having problems with hesitation on thier foci? mine seems to be approx 2100 rpm in any gear. it doesn't seem to affect driveability but its annoying. i thought it was gone after i had the borla exhaust installed... but it was only because i was a lead-foot:) lots of other people reporting this phenomenon... any here?

projectzx3 · May 2000

i am by no means a mechanic. but it seems to me it might be some type of function of a on-board computer or computer chip that is there to increase fuel economy. any thoughts or ideas?

silver_bullet · May 2000

project - I assume you have a 5-speed car. You are probably aware that manufacturers have had to program some rather odd characteristics into the engine management computer of modern, OBD II equipped cars with manual transmissions to keep the emissions profile tolerably clean. An example - when releasing the throttle momentarily between shifts, you'll notice the RPMs hold steady, rather than make a noticeable drop like in old, pre-emission controlled cars. That brief period between shifts produces an emission "spike" that the computer tries to minimize by modulating the engine speed. Is your hesitation most noticeable during steady cruising, or while accelerating up the rev range? If it is very subtle, my first test would be to run the car down to a nearly empty tank, and switch brands of fuel - oddly enough, this often makes the difference. Try running one of the 89 octane mid grades from another brand and see if you notice any difference.

zx3beast · May 2000

i have experienced the same.both with my former zx2
5spd.+present zx3 5spd.at this point in time i have
taken it for granted.there was mention of this in the zx2 forums as well.seems to be commonplace with
the zetec engine.however,silver bullets suggestion
makes sense.i notice it happening while accelerating up,subtle but noticeable.

wolf1313 · May 2000

Definetly in my opinion due to computer glitch.I lean more towards the emission and or strive for fuel economy by Ford theory. This is DEFINETLY not a gas problem! The only fix/remedy is probably going to lye in the replacement of the computer chip with a re-designed curb. I hope this will solve the problem and plan to install one soon! Alan

projectzx3 · May 2000

i have gone through the gasoline routine with the same results. yes mine is a 5spd. it really does seem to me to be programed into the car. mine does it on light acceleration and cruising... and i generally notice it around 2000-2300 rpms in any gear. other forums have numerous persons reporting this phenomenon. i would be very interested to know if installing another chip alleviates the problem and/or eliminates it. i suspect it will.

silver_bullet · May 2000

Interesting. I'll have to pay more attention next time I'm out, because I've never noticed this hesitation. Anyone out there care to comment on driveability before and after changing the chip in their ZX3? I put one of Steve Dinan's chips in a '91 BMW 318is I used to own, and it made a noticeable difference in overall smoothness and driveability. If a legitimate source produces a chip with some bona fide dyno results to support their claims, I'm interested.

zx3beast · May 2000

projectzx3-im going to run my z now.it really has been awhile since i took note of it.i was so used
to it with the zx2.i havent really been paying attention to it, till i read your post.by the way,
how many miles are you at? my z really smoothed-out
at about 2800 mi.

projectzx3 · May 2000

5011 miles. like many others that report it... doing it since new. anyone interested in a zx3 don't let this scare you. i really think it might be a computer chip thing for better mpg... just like the silly upshift light. i love my zx3!!!

anonymous · May 2000

outafocus · May 2000

I ordered my new zx3 in Infra-red with an automatic because my wife wont even consider a 5 speed. How is life with an auto?? any owners with this?? I hear always about 5 speeds. Great forum too... I work in a ford dealership and its interesting to see the 'public at large' speak out on issues concerning a new product like this.

focusfan · May 2000

Who's done the exhaust? Was their a noticable differance? What did you pay?

torinopaddy · May 2000

silver bullet, I guess I could contact a parts supplier here in Italy, check out the situation, and act as a go-between for you guys.

What sort of things are we talking about? is there much interest? If you give me a list of the items you need, I'll try find out some prices for you based on the quantity required and we can work out the shipping details and costs, and see if it is feasible. You should also try and obtain the cost of the original US spares as a reference.

My one reserve would be the compatibility. Just how similar are the Euro and US foci?
That is not a problem for BMW, as I imagine you guys are driving exactly the same cars as we have here, but Ford has tailored the Focus to the various markets. How much of the stuff under the skin is common to both our markets? What is different? and, of the latter, will they fit on US-spec cars? I wouldn't care to send you a container-load of shocks just to find you can't fit them or find that they are exactly the same units you already have. Either we find someone who knows these details, or someone is going to have to act as a guinea pig and test fit and drive the parts. Another issue could be the warranty and we would have to sort out a policy for defective parts. It may be more trouble than it is worth.

zx3beast · May 2000

congrats + good luck with your purchase. i have a
5spd.however,i did drive the auto,and liked it very
much.personally,i believe this car has so many fine
handling characteristics ,pick-up +braking abilities,you will probably enjoy it just the same.
there are others here, such as pcleveland2,who have
posted that they thoroughly enjoy their auto trans.
enjoy!

wolf1313 · May 2000

I plan to get rid of that stupid shift indicator very soon. As soon as I have a chance to pull the 'plug' or the light bulb which ever is easier!
Anyone out there beat me to the punch yet?

zx3 · May 2000

In your post, you said the following:

"..........The only fix/remedy is probablygoing to lye in the replacement of the computer
chip with a re-designed curb. I hope this will
solve the problem and plan to install one soon!"

Question:
What is a "curb"? Did you mean "chip"? If so, where would I get one? Dealer? Has Ford issued a notice about this?

When cruising between 2k and 3k, my z sometimes does same thing (develops a faint hesitation). It seems to appear on a slight uphill grade. I'll watch closely to see if it also appears on levels. It's very intermittent, though.
zx3

zx3beast · May 2000

as mentioned in a prior post,i re-visited the
hesitation that was pointed out by project.it seems
at this time not to be as pronounced, or i am not
consciously aware of it being that obvious.for me,
in one way thats o.k.i am quite satisfied with the
overall performance.as i have stated earlier,things
seemed to smooth out about 2800mi.then it got me to
thinking,i bought this car in the dead of winter.
thats why it may actually seem to be running smoother now but then again,im leaving well enough alone.i do know exactly what you mean about the hesitation.
to wolf1313-i agree,it sure is an idiot light,if there ever was one.as i stated above,im probably in denial that it exists.quite frankly,i enjoy this car so much,that i tend to overlook or shall i say forgive,some of the minor issues.

zx3beast · May 2000

zx3- hows that shine holding up ?

fgaydos · May 2000

Well I finally had a chance to wash and wax my ZX3 today, in between the rain drops. Needed to wait till I could park it in front of my house, not always easy in the city. Cloudy day was perfect for waxing though very humid, worked up a sweat.
Used NuFinish paste as per Consumer Reports Recommendations. Looks great! Will see how it holds up.
While cruising in Jersey I was 'racing' with a Focus Sedan. Really glad I got the ZX3 as the Sedans are not very distinctive.
PS Left him in my dust across the Ben Franklin Bridge. Thank God for 'Easy Pass'
:>)

zx3 · May 2000

What did you mean...."thank God for Easy-Pass"
What's easypass?
Glad to hear you like your z.
zx3

yan_ets · May 2000

I bought my zx3 yesterday... I did a drive test for maybe 10 miles with before to buy the car.

After dinning, I took the car for a true driving test. I got this problem. My car was hesiting at low rate 2000-3000 rpms. I was realy surprise when I saw reports in this forum about this phenomene. Like I told you, I did'nt know about why my zx3 does that, but I felt it in same day where I bought the car and I was anxious. I thought that I got a bad one from assembly plant (you know... mexico).

Also, me too I expect to get rid of that stupid shift indicatorvery soon. I tried to following his indication but that did'nt work. He's stupid!!!

I have a question... I tried the Ford Focus (hatchback 5 doors) in France 2 weeks long (I did rent it). I was able to reach 185 km\hours (90-95 miles\hours) easier than mine. Also the motor revolution to shift up (gear in transmission) was'nt the same. I'm not sure but i think that the transmission is not the same... if someone knows more about that should be good to unmystify this point (I means since the engine too).

About european focus... the exterior trim is not the same too.
Yan

zx3 · May 2000

I did the Meguiar wax job late Sat., it's raining today (Sun.) so it will be a while before I can answer you about "how its holding up". It sure looks nice, tho. I'll let you know.
With 210 mi. on it, my z is troublefree so far.
Glad I bot it. What nice, careful workmanship it has.

A local kid snapped up my 87 GT/GTI with 149K on it. When he drove happily off, the exhaust purred sweet and engine sounded smooth as 13 years ago.
This z feels/looks/handles like it might turn out to be a worthy successor.

What's up with this "engine skipping" business you're talking about? Does Ford have a fix?
zx3

zx3beast · May 2000

zx3-being from philly as well as fgaydos is, he was
referring to that fact that you only pay one way
across the bridge,therefore traffic keeps moving on one side if you have the easypass,which you pay for a month up-front.the other guy probably had to stop to pay his 2.00 bucks at the toll.fgaydos would have beat him anyway,knowing how he drives on i-95.
thats a feat in itself.i use to cross that bridge
daily for ten years.

zx3beast · May 2000

zx3- i know you just did the wax job,i was just kidding with you, i kinda figured it was raining
at your place like here. i dont believe the engine
issue is a big deal.i had posted previously my impressions+experiences with what was discussed.i
put 35,500 on zx2 zetec engine-no problems.
personally,im not really concerned about. it. but it
would be nice to know why.im sure someone here will come up with it.

fgaydos · May 2000

Actually ZX3beast, Easy Pass is a radio transmitter that you attach to your windshield.and that has special lanes reserved for it's use. As you glide through it transmits your ID and a charge is debited to your account. I almost never have to stop to pay tolls now, plus it is .70 cents cheaper than not using it.
Very high tech.

fgaydos · May 2000

DETROIT - DaimlerChrysler AG has joined General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. in warning its dealers not to do business with Internet brokers offering to sell cars directly to consumers. Automakers have forbidden broker sales for years as part of their franchise agreements with dealers. But the growth of Internet companies offering to do the haggling for consumers has automakers concerned.

Read all about it at:
http://web.philly.com/content/inquirer/2000/05/28/business/

zx3beast · May 2000

good luck with your new z. i have no answer for you
on euro focus engine + trans but im sure someone here will check in.

zx3beast · May 2000

fgaydos,i knew there was something else to that
easypass.i knew it was a radio transmitter but i
thought it was like a smart card sticker that was
on the windshield,like an inspection sticker.is it
actually a piece of hardware?

rickroz · May 2000

Can someone tell me when the 2001 models will be out?

rubberban · May 2000

i've done the borla exhaust. i got it for 420 shipped from ford performance specialists in georgia but you could get it for 339.00 here:

http://www.thefordsource.com/store/motorsports/focus_2.htm

the borla improves throttle response and improves on high end power. the engine revs more freely at high revs.

as for wax jobs the best way to go IMHO is to do the three step job. you need to be anal and have a lot of time on your hands. i know meguiar's and mother's have this system. step 1: prewax cleaner step 2: glaze and sealer and step 3: pure carnauba wax. you're basically "waxing" the car three times or at least following the procedure of waxing. it took me nearly 3 hours to complete this process but the car shines like no other, it's like a mirror. you only need to use the prewax cleaner once or twice a year, i'm assuming it works like a polish. the glaze and sealer is great, it gives you the "wet" look and gets rid of those annoying swirlies.

teamzx3yellow · May 2000

this was posted earler...
my dealer says you can order june 3... delivery early september

fgaydos · May 2000

Yes Beast,
The 'Easy Pass' hardware is about the size of a pack of cigarettes but flatter. It gets velcroed to your windshield near the rear view mirror. Saves a lot of time, I never stop anymore.
A great idea whose time has long come.

fgaydos · May 2000

When I went to tag my ZX3 I noticed special plates for Viet Vets which I will look into. Think they look better than the standard issue here in PA. Helps I'm a vet. :>)

zx3beast · May 2000

i am deliberately going off topic here to pay
respect to all those who sacrificed their lives
and gave of their service.after all ,their sacrifice allows us to speak freely.GOD BLESS YOU. + THANK YOU !

wolf1313 · May 2000

In regards to my post the 'curb'on a chip.These are the preset parameters that are inside the 'chip' and speak to Fords onboard computer. This is with regards to ignition timing,fuel mixture and other vital criteria that before computers,were factors we relied on a good mechanic to fine tune.
There are tremendous benifits to on board computers.They record a lot of information that can lead to solving intermittent hard to troubleshoot problems when you request service at a Ford dealer. They have the ability to connect there diagnostic machine to a port under left drivers dash. This allows them to test for codes eliminating the old 'style' of process of illimination with regards to servicing.Although,the computer only goes so far and sometimes 'process of elimination'is still necessary, the computer is still VERY helpful when it comes to servicing. If you have modified the cars engine and electrical than you have defeated the whole purpose and need to eliminate or work around the computer.
The chip is a simple replacement part available off the net at places like Focusparts.com and places that sell aftermarket Ford performance parts.It should not effect anything except attack the cars weaker points.It should make a world of difference on an automatic! It will im quite sure, if the company/manufacture you buy it from does their homework, cure the hesitation/bogging problem. Finally, im also sure it will eliminate the 'governor' on top end speed which kicks in at 106 MPH. This prohibits you from accelerating above this speed and is a built in safety booby trap courtesy of Ford and it's factory chip. Alan

wolf1313 · May 2000

In regards to my post the 'curb'on a chip.These are the preset parameters that are inside the 'chip' and speak to Fords onboard computer. This is with regards to ignition timing,fuel mixture and other vital criteria that before computers,were factors we relied on a good mechanic to fine tune.
There are tremendous benifits to on board computers.They record a lot of information that can lead to solving intermittent hard to troubleshoot problems when you request service at a Ford dealer. They have the ability to connect there diagnostic machine to a port under left drivers dash. This allows them to test for codes eliminating the old 'style' of process of illimination with regards to servicing.Although,the computer only goes so far and sometimes 'process of elimination'is still necessary, the computer is still VERY helpful when it comes to servicing. If you have modified the cars engine and electrical than you have defeated the whole purpose and need to eliminate or work around the computer.
The chip is a simple replacement part available off the net at places like Focusparts.com and places that sell aftermarket Ford performance parts.It should not effect anything except attack the cars weaker points.It should make a world of difference on an automatic! It will im quite sure, if the company/manufacture you buy it from does their homework, cure the hesitation/bogging problem. Finally, im also sure it will eliminate the 'governor' on top end speed which kicks in at 106 MPH. This prohibits you from accelerating above this speed and is a built in safety booby trap courtesy of Ford and it's factory chip. Alan

anonymous · May 2000

silver_bullet · May 2000

Wolf1313's post brings up an interesting point - if you do replace your factory chip with an aftermarket one that removes the top speed limiter, beware. The Goodyear RS-A tires on the ZX3 have a "T" speed rating, and aren't designed for extended use at very high speeds. If you plan on driving at 100+ MPH speeds, especially with road and air temps at summer highs, you need to upgrade to "H" or "V" speed rated tires for safety's sake. Also, be careful if the chip raises (or eliminates) the rev limiter. An inattentive, enthusiastic driver + no rev limiter + no red line on the tach = blown engine. I can't speak for Ford diagnostic systems, but I know that BMW techs can tell when someone has tampered with the engine control programming, so plan on swapping in your stock chip before taking your car in for dealer service.

torinopaddy · May 2000

Yan, the difference you noticed between your new car and the rental model, as far as the engine is concerned, is that your machine is just out of the box, it will loosen up and go from warm to hot as you pile the miles on. As for the transmission ratios it is possible that there is a difference. The two cars look pretty much the same and share a lot of components but they are not the same car. As soon as Ford deliver my car - hopefully a question of days - I'll post the ratios (I presume they will be in the user manual).

The difference in feel may also have been due to a stiffer suspension set-up (the Zetec versions here are set up pretty stiff) which makes you feel more in control and lets you carry higher cornering speeds.

Top Gear - a BBC motoring programme - recently tested the Focus (their 1998 car of the year) against 11 of its main rivals here. The Focus came in joint second with the Golf. They gave first place to the Seat Leon. They reckoned that the Focus was the best drive but they criticized its quirky looks and build quality. The Golf beat it in build quality and resale value. The Leon was judged to be the best compromise. Personally, the fun factor matters more to me, so make mine a Focus.

silver_bullet · May 2000

Thanks for your interest in possibly being a "go between" for Euro Focus parts. You are quite right about needing to do research before ordering and shipping parts. I would guess there is a wide range of damper/spring combinations in Europe, depending on which engine the car has, whether it has A/C, etc. I have read that the Focus in Europe can be ordered with a sport suspension. The dampers in this package are said to be about 50% stiffer than the U.S. ZX3 shocks, and the anti-roll bars are 1mm larger in diameter front and rear. No word on the spring rates, however. Some interior pieces I'd be interested in are the accessory scuff plates for the door sills, and some Euro-spec sun visors that don't have tha large, ugly airbg warning labels on them thanks to our paranoid lawyers.

Anyone mechanically inclined enough to be interested in installing power mirrors into their ZX3? This is the only power option I wish I had, and I'm temped to get the mirrors, switches, and harness out of the first wrecked ZTS I see and have a go at it. Has anyone out there sprung for the shop manual and/or electrical manual?

anonymous · May 2000

wolf1313 · May 2000

Im curious about the VW Gulf test. That was the car I weighed and considered buying before my Focus.It lost out in the end as my fiance said the Ford looked classier. Go figure.Im curious from a performance stand point. Does the Gulf shift better or accelerate faster? Anyone know? Otherwise I am quite happy with my ZTS....

Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part VIII

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