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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XIII
Let's continue our previous Focus conversation
here. First order of duty, find a cool tag for
konagrl's ZX3!
carlady/host
here. First order of duty, find a cool tag for
konagrl's ZX3!
carlady/host
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Comments
Pat
by the way, I was sittin at a stoplight today w/ my windows down and radio off... I do have that rattle noise... almost like a "ping" like there's a marble rattling around inside the engine. This is the best I can describe the sound I am hearing. Is this the same sound everyone else has? I dont think it's anything to worry about
nj
WHERE IS EVERYONE??!!! must be out for the long weekend... my gimpy a** is stuck in the house after surgery... at least the painkillers are good
about those NJ owners
If I see ya I'll be sure to give you a big five digit wave when I get my Malibu Blue!
i seem to remember the turnpike being 65.?
here in NM the speed limit is 75 outside of city limits. makes it nice to drive.
reed
I really should use the spellcheck.
nj
Check out http://webs-best.com/myweb/Focus.htm
BTW, I noticed the engine noise too. Should I be concerned? The fog lights didn't get hooked up so I have to take it back this week anyway, but was wondering if I should ask them about that as well?
Capriherb
My tapping sound is different from your ping. I can hear the tapping with the windows rolled up for example. I can drive for an hour and while I am at a stoplight, I can step on my clutch 2-3 times and while I keep my feet off all pedals, hear this fairly loud tap tap tap. I first noticed this sound in a traffic jam. I was thinking, man that car in front of me is not running well. You can imagine my surprise when I realized, hey that is MY CAR. BOO HOO, I exclaimed!!
I also notice that after my car has been driven for about 20 minutes that the transmission sounds like a MASSEY FERGUSSON transmission. (That is a TRACTOR manufacturer). It has a RASPY sound as I accelerate. It is very noticeable in first and second gear below 2500 rpm. The transmission makes a lot of noise too. So I have tapping and rasping. I wonder what will come next? I can't wait to bring it in on Wednesday nite. My zx-3 sounds like a piece of junk right now. Truly. It's moments like these that I think maybe I should about a Hon__, but they are not free of problems either. I worry about Ford's response to my concerns. Will keep you posted. Ford has not earned my respect yet (except for their engineering department)
I also used to get 27-30 mpg and now I get 23 mpg. I also think I have less power.
As another note, I have seen a lot more zx-3 cars lately and that is pretty cool. The drivers on the most part look pretty cool too and that makes me feel cool too. It's a great car, don't be frightened by my comments. I still love my green z. My feelings are through thick and thin!! (I think I used the word cool too often in this paragraph!)
Enjoy your drive,
ND
I am truly impressed with your z. I like sangria red. Who installed the external custom parts? Are you satisfied with the paint quality and finish of these parts? Could the foglight problem have anything to do with the customizing work you had done to the exterior?
It looks really racy and sharp. I wouldn't worry if you have a slight noise as long as it is not obtrusive like it is with mine. My car sounds like junk right now. It is no fun to drive.
ND
What color is your Zx3 I can't tell if its Sangria Red, or the autumn ornge. I must admit it is a sharp car regardless of the color.
norwaydoug,
I am glad you like your car I just wish I had my car so I could compare notes. Please keep us informed as I feel that once I get my car I will be fighting with the dealer on some of these same issues. And If I can't get some satisfaction I will let my wife deal with them, she is very business like and does not hesitate taking an issue to the service manager, and higher
The only Focus colors I do not like are fort knox gold and especially atlantic blue. Fortunately, both those colors are not available in zx-3 trim.
My rainforest green is only so-so for me. I am not crazy about it, but not too bad. My first focus was sangria red and I prefer that color. (Ford bought my sangria red z back from me and replaced it with my current drive because of significant parts issues back in Winter/Spring)
Notice that I state Winter and Spring: I hope you get the impression that I was waiting a long time.
But that is ancient history.
ND
I apologize Capriherb. I checked your photos again and noticed my gaff.
Forgive Me!!
I am notoriously unlucky and I am sure you won't have the problems I am having. They are just the annoying things in life and not a big deal really. I appreciate your comments and I will let you all know the result.
I guess I keep writing about my problem because it is getting steadily worse and it is somewhat therapeutic to share the issues with others.
I also, of course, would like to know if anyone else has had a similar problem. This site is very helpful, in this regard. Vadp, perhaps is the only one.
ND
seems to be autumn orange,my first choice but
could not find one in 5spd.
issue.i will report back about the tap noise.
believe me, as you are well aware,i have always been a staunch defender of ford,but given the re-
cent concerns being posted,i have come to realize
the genuine doubts that former import buyers have
in regards to long-term reliability.if it turns out
the focus isnt what it first initially seems to be,
i will be the first to admit i was wrong.heres
hoping we were all right the first time.
Do any of you remember the sound of the little machines in the movie "Batteries Not Included"? That's the sound, now where is it coming from?
Pat
Thanks,
NJ
didn't really take the mileage into consideration when purchasing, but it should be a little better than this, considering the size of the car and all. (5 speed, 90% city miles)
1. Personal to Pat: no, I didn't grow up on Salamanca. My grandfather moved to Ithaca as a child, and he was an only child himself. No family left from that branch, but whenever I am "passing through", it feels like home to me anyway. Last visit was in the mid '90s, though. I'm glad to know a ZX3 has found a home there!
2. The NOISE! Yes, I have it, too. I'm not as worried as most of you seem to be. My Escort hatch that lasted for 11 good and half a not-so-great year also had "the noise." That's all it ever was -- a noise. No problems associated with it, except the slight embarrassment of having an otherwise great car sound like it was being run by hamsters in a wheel. If anyone gets an answer about it, though, I'd be more than pleased to have the calicomobile fixed!
Now, where's my help on my defrost problem?
njzx3, I promise to wave next time I'm up there!
Calico1
Vadp, despite the heat, I went ahead and changed the lubricant in my manual gearbox today - I went with the Redline D4 ATF. Shift quality was okay before, but is terrific now. I haven't driven enough yet to tell if the trace amount of gear "sizzle" I had is better or worse - I'll let you know.
NJ
NJ
you've started something.
How much did the razzi kit and spoiler cost?
How much did they cost to get painted?
How much did they cost to get installed?
Is that a muffler tip or full exhast?
What kind of springs did you get, and how much did they cost for installation?
Did the dealer do the installation of any of these things?
Did they void your warranty?
What "rally package"? (If you mean the Rally ground effects kit, then how much was it?)
Sorry to ask all that, but I kinda need to know... I dont know much past what i can find on the internet as i'm not to familiar with "moding" cars and i havent found any custom places around to check (and the dealers ive talked to know squat).
Im sure alot of other people are just as curious as I am
PS Looks great! (I still like the Wings West better, especially the back cause the razzi looks like a smilly face
(ie rumble loud, not broken loud)
My baby is silver with a/t and air. I was able to steal her for $500 below invoice from Earnhardt Ford without haggling (they had run an ad in the newspaper that any of their 2000 Focus cars in stock would be sold for this price).
This evening, I found you all and have just finished reading about 600 or so posts! I'm tired and exhilarated at the same time! My wife wasn't as enthused as me about my purchase, as she's used to driving a 200 h.p. Sable LS, with lots of power equipment goodies.
In the end, I thought the Focus was unmatched for the money, and met my objectives of a solid handling car with excellent versatility (i.e. hatchback). If I need to buy a new dryer, I'll know I can fit it right in! ;-)
I took it down the freeway (below 65 mph) tonight for a short drive to soak in the nightime ambience. I really like the instrumentation's colors and arrangement.
Going to find the BMW chrome exhaust tip, or should I be looking for some other source?
pwatcher is my handle because I also enjoy antique pocketwatches. You can also call me "Paul".
Glad to have found you!
Anyway, what I wanted to know was about the bike. Of course they didn't have it so they ordered one. But they just ordered "1 Kona Bike". I checked the Kona site and it says the bike comes in small, medium and large. First of all, how am I supposed to know what size I need? I have a bike now, but I forget what size it is and I'm not sure it would be the same for another manufacturer anyway. Secondly, when this bike does arrive (god only knows what size will show up), can I exchange it if it's not the right size? I'm assuming the answer is yes because that would be very VERY bogus otherwise, but how do I do that? Thru the dealer or thru a bike shop or thru Kona directly?
A related question is can I put a second bike slot on the rack (along with second front tire holder)? I would hope so. The bike module they gave me (in box, not assembled, thanks Ford) is a Mont Blanc brand. Where would I order another one and does anyone know how much that would cost, about?
Whew, that turned into a lot of questions! Thanks if you can help...
I hope you two will enjoy your focus.
Konacruiser; I would go to a bike shop that carries Kona. Have them fit the bike for you and go back to the dealer and tell them what size of bike you want.
Ford Dealers do not no anything about their cars, how will they know what size bike you should get!?
My understanding of the Kona offer is that the Ford dealer is supposed to send you to a Kona Bike Dealer to make the appropriate arrangements.
I love the Kona package, although I have only seen it from a distance.
ND
I think I have initiated a lot of talk about engine noise. I am certain that the noise I hear is not the noise most people are talking about.
The zx-3 is not exactly quiet. However, abruptly, at 5500 miles, my car began to tap and have a loud idle. The idle is even a bit rough. The tapping sound lasts all day long. I can drive a 100 miles and the tapping stays. The tapping frequency can be modulated if you step on the gas pedal.
The other noise I experience is a raspy tractor sound that occurs in 1st and 2nd gear below 2200 rpm. It only occurs after the car has been driven for at least 1/2 hour. When the car is cold, the transmission sounds fine and later the gutteral, raspy tractor noise develops. It's like my zx-3 has a sore throat and cough.
Before this all happened, my car was not quiet, but there is a difference between healthy noise and the noise I am hearing. I have driven 4 cylinder, 5 speed cars for 20 years. I know my zx-3 had 'healthy' noise when it was new and like I said, 'sick' noise after 5500 miles.
I am taking my sick beast in on Wednesday nite. I'll post again on Thursday.
So I HOPE you are not experiencing the noise I am hearing. I have to say, if this is the state of the art from Ford, and this 'sick' noise is normal than I must say that I will sell my Focus because life is too short to have a car that sounds like this for 5 years!
ND
There is a TSB for fuel economy. Perhaps someone could find out what the content of that TSB is:
http://www.alldata.com/consumer/TSB/001950_en.html
ND
1) If it flashes red, are you looking at a broken tail light or someone changing lanes.
2) What stands out in a sea of red lights? Flashing Yellow or more red?
3) If you flash your hazard lights, your brake lights are voided.
If they did it for design reasons, then they could have done what VW does and make it flash yellow but appear to be red when not illuminated.
Bummer
carlady/host
I believe having a reverse light, the brake light and an amber direction light would make all the lights too small and not significantly large enough for other drivers to see. I too like the amber light, but it is not a big deal to me.
Now for the amber side markers! This should have been incorporated in the NA versions. Not only does it carry the triangular shape theme of the car, but also provides a safety feature. Have you noticed how many triangles are in our little Focus?
Still, I am very pleased with the NA zx-3. another nit-pick is the interior fabric of the Eurospec version is sportier and I think higher quality. Still I am thankful the zx-3 has much nicer seats than the sedan and wagon. Other items such as the Euro ignition key would have been a nice touch. It looks like a skeleton key! Very neat.
Overall, the zx-3 is a very close carbon copy of the Euro Focus. And besides our zx-3 is quite a bit cheaper than the Euro and I am referring only with price...not quality.
Even with my problems which I hope will be resolved, I still think Ford did an awesome job, not only with the manufacture and choices of material, but also keeping true with the Euro Design.
Fdanna, your points are well taken and I agree with your philosophy, but overall the zx-3 is essentially a European Car and a good one to boot.
ND
Also, I'd sure like to hear from anyone who has used one of the dash wood kits (especially if you have a picture)! I was checking out this source a little bit ago:
http://www.woodtrim.com/default.cfm
It's 10:15 in my time zone and I haven't taken my baby out of the garage yet, but I've paid her a few visits to work on the bonding process since I just got her yesterday!
Paul
Please do not install wood trim in your zx-3. It is just not right I tell you, it is just not right! Carbon fiber, ok, if you must, white dials, ok, if you are so inclined, but please no wood trim.
I am, of course kidding, I just think there are better things to spend money on than wood trim. What does that do for you? You have to risk damaging the interior of your car and then glue the 'wood' (I use this term loosely)with the potential of making a real mess.
Save yourself time and trouble and have FUN instead. Forget about wood.
Happy bonding!
ND
Just a note to everybody that you should check the PSI the day you buy the car and not wait 5000 miles like I did. I think Ford is under inflating the tires. Who knows why?
Footnote...
I do not see nor feel any significant difference after inflating the tires to the proper PSI but it is good to have the peace of mind. Maybe MPG will go up a little.
I'm making my way through the part X posts now and saw a reference to a $80 console armrest from a parts catalog. Can anyone point me to that catalog, or is it not online?
Has anyone else installed a console armrest? Is it a doityourself project? thanks to all
NJ