Ford Focus Wagon

jazvan · November 2005

120,000 miles for Foci with timing belts.

-Jaz

hokusfocus · November 2005

My 2000 SE wagon runs outa gas when going uphill! It only happens when it is close or at the low fuel warning, but still has gas in the car. I have had the fuel pump replaced under the recall when it stalled on a right turn situation, but now this is happening. Just wondering if anyone out there has had this problem and what the resolution was. Sure is a dangerous situation
Thanks

jazvan · November 2005

I don't have the problem but here's my guess - the new fuel pump is bad.

-Jaz

dudleyr · November 2005

Or the new fuel pump is good, but installed incorectly. Either way take a look at the fuel pump.

ajweeks · November 2005

Browsing around on the other boards, I read about someone having a problem with their 2005 ZX5 brakes in higher altitudes and that Ford knew about it. Is this a problem with the ZXWs as well? I don't live in a high altitude, but I would like to know if there could be potential problems if I drive to one in the future. Does everyone have problems with their 05 brakes? So far my ZXW brakes (with ABS and only 4800 miles)seem fine--a little softer than our CRV, but stops the car fine. Sometimes I do notice a bit of low noise (squeaks and sometimes a rubbing sound) when the car completely stops, but the dealer said that I was probably just hearing normal brake ware and that the brakes were fine. I'm just concerned after reading other people's posts because I don't want to be driving around (especially with two kids in the car) and suddenly not be able to stop.

kl_smith · December 2005

I have an 05 SES wagon and I also hear a chirping/light grinding type noise from the rear just as the car comes to a full stop. I will be taking it in for its first service in a few weeks and intend on having them look at that.

To me, being that the car is FWD, I find it odd that there seems to be as much noise coming from the rear as there is just when cruising along. We keep the back seat down 99% of the time and that may be having an effect on the amount of noise as it creates a bigger "chamber" if that makes sense.

Other than that I am thrilled with the car so far.

hayesnem · December 2005

I have a 2004 ZTW, and it seems to hydroplain alot in the rain. Not necessarily a down pour, just and slightly wet road conditions. Anyone else notice this and replace their tires? Only have 18K miles, so these shouldn't need to be replaced unless they're just weren't good to begin with.

Also, I do notice some brake sqeeking like others have mentioned. I took it to get looked at, and the brakes are fine, Midas just said that Ford/Mazda brakes are a little noisey, but good.

kl_smith · December 2005

I have an 05 SES wagon / auto. After 4000km / 2500mi, I just checked after a trip yesterday which was 400km/250mi of which it was 90% hwy driving at 100 kph / 60 mph. By my calculations I am getting 8.25 l/km or 34 miles per gallon.

I believe this car should be getting up to 6.75 l/km or 42 mpg. Should I be concerned, or will this improve in time? And if so, when?

Thanks,

Ken

whahappan · December 2005

Anybody know if there's an aftermarket split folding rear seat cushion? As I'm sure you all know it's pointless having the 60/40 seat back and the one piece cushion.
Any ideas out there?

graves1 · December 2005

all of the plastic in back on the hatch was loose on mine I put in larger screws. ok now

hokusfocus · December 2005

Anyone had any success with an aftermarket chip to improve gas milage and performance? I'm just your average driver but would like to get better milage. I am getting an average of 25-26 mpg and feel that it should be better.
Thanks

redford2001 · December 2005

My 2001 SE Wagon (80,000 miles) has a strong vibration in the front when I shift into reverse. It's an automatic tranny with the zetec engine. The vibration is substantial when first starting the car after it sits overnight. After the car warms up and I've driven it for even 20 minutes and then put it in reverse, the vibration almost disappears. Has anyone experienced this problem?

ajchrist · January 2006

I'm considering buying a Focus wagon, with a manual transmission. Since I'm going to be driving on unplowed, non-salted roads in the winter, I can't help but think a manual transmission would be superior to an automatic with ABS. However, the only thing I don't like about four cylinder engines, is their higher RPMs at highway speeds (non-winter driving). Has anyone observed what the RPMs are in fifth gear (manual transmission) at 65-70MPH, with the Focus' 2.0L? I thank you, in advance, for your response.

celticepona · January 2006

Help! We live in a snowy area and bought a 2003 ford focus wagon recently. The back end slides all over the road while we drive. We have snowtires in the front. I noticed someone else here posted about that too...what can we do to fix this?

jhart1 · January 2006

Try using the same type snow tires on the rear. They have bigger bites then regular tires. If I had to deal with a lot of surface street driving and little interstate driving in a snow/ice climate I would put studded snow tires all the way around. Your neighbors will be calling you to take them to the grocery. Since I don't have that much snow here in Ky., I put a set of snow tires (studded) on the front of my Caravan. Goes everywhere BUT you have to be extremely careful the rear end doesn't come around on you, even while driving straight and hit an icy patch. That's why I would stud all four wheels. Studded tires are illegal in some states and required for interstate driving in other states under certain conditions. Of course, no one will inspect your tires for that unless they would have a vehicle inspection roadblock or yearly inspection. I have never heard of anyone getting canned for being sensible about hazardous driving. I bought old rims at the junkyard and put the snow tires on them and change them out in the spring. I buy the studded tires at Vulcan Tire online delivered to your door. You just need to get them mounted. Happy new year!.

robinc2 · January 2006

I recently found myself without any dashboard or rear lights on my 2001 Ford Focus Wagon SE. The Ford dealership told me that the wires going through the back hatch are being worn from opening and closing the back hatch and tripped the fuse. He's telling me that to replace the electrical wires he needs to take the inside roof off and replace the whole line. Is anyone else having this problem?

dudleyr · January 2006

Yes - you need snows on all 4 wheels, or else handling will be dicey.

redford2001 · January 2006

I put mid-range rain/snow tires on all four wheels and have excellent handling. The tire's tread is not as deep as it would be on an all snow tire, but the tire design has a lot of sipes. With those tires on all four wheels, it handles quite well in snow. It is a softer tire and a little noisey on the highway, but handles considerably better than the original tires on this 2001 wagon.

healeyman2 · January 2006

Hi I have a 2000 SE 4-door Focus with the same problem.
When I first start it in the morning I get alot of noise and vibration in park at idle.
When put it into reverse the noise and vibration gets worse
the steering wheel shakes really bad and the noise sounds like a rumbling sound, you cant hear any noise outside the car, just inside.
The colder the weather the vibration and noise gets worse.
I have taken the car to the Ford dealer 3 times and of course they never can find the problem. Only my money.
I believe the problem is with the motor mounts.
I read the right motor mount could be bad due to defective hardware resulting in noise, vibration.
Also the rear motor mount could also be bad causing the problem.
Im going to replace both maybe this will help.
Not taking it back to a Ford dealer

jhart1 · January 2006

My son's Focus (has been traded off now) had the same baffling problem. It was a ruptured formed hose fitting on the PCV tube going from the valve cover to the intake manifold. Engine ran really rough at start up. I finally took the hose off and found that the hose fitting on the metal tube at the intake vacuum "T" was rotted allowing air in when cold. Seemed to heal itself when warm. The rubber ends of the metal PCV tube are meant to degrade in the land fill, apparently, and rot in place instead. Very soft rubber part. About thirty bucks. Block off the "T" at the manifold and see if it runs better at cold start up.

chartbear · January 2006

I've seen a lot of info on a transferable 5 year 100000 mile drive train warranty for the post 2002 Ford Focuses. Does anybody know where you can get written details on this? Is it automatically transferred with my recently purchased 03 wagon?

chartbear · January 2006

jazvan · January 2006

It's for real and automatically transfered. You should be able to get a copy from a dealer. They ran an OASIS report on my 04 which was purchased used and it said my car was eligible with a $100 deductable. I think it may vary depending on what state it was purchased in. However, I didn't think to get a copy of the actual warranty.

Jaz

chartbear · January 2006

Thanks, but I'm still not comfortable. The representative at the Ford customer service site said that the warranty didn't apply to this car based on my VIN number. She could supply absolutly no other information about the warranty scheme and wouldn't refer me to managment.

The dealer rep also ran an OASIS and said the the warranty did apply. When it comes down to a repair which source do you think the repairing dealer will say is valid? My owner's manual has a statement that says a "warranty" applies only to cars in Puerto Rico and Florida. Elsewhere there is a "service agreement". Ford's website has a news release only from Puerto Rico. Something is fishy here.

frizzlefry · January 2006

I'm the one with the problems...yes, it affects all 2005 Ford Focus Models. There is a service bulliten for it and if you are going to be going skiing or something along those lines I would have the service bulliten applied (although it did not get rid of the problem completely it did improve the inital braking performance). After much greif, Ford just replaced it with a 2006...which exhibits the same type of weaker brake performance at at cold starts but its not nearly as bad as it was with the 2005. Even though I like how it drives etc, I still wish I went with a Civic because of the brakes.

gsilves · February 2006

I recently purchased a 2001 Focus Wagon and noticed the rattle about a week later. Its not the license plate, rear shade, screws holding rear bumper or tire jack. I thought it might be shocks but after reading other posts I doubt it. Mine sounds like its coming from the rear driver's corner panel or from inside the rear hatch. I WILL find and eliminate it. Anyone find it yet?
Thanks.

jazvan · February 2006

THere is this trick on some earlier models if it's a hatch rattle, put a little electrical tape around the striker post so as to slightly increase it's diameter. Maybe 2 wraps. May not be it, but it's an easy try.

Jaz

patrickfdupont · February 2006

I'm new to the forum and wanted to say hi. I have a 2000 Focus Wagon SE with 77,000 miles and I absolutely LOVE it. I bought the vehicle new from the factory in May 2000.

I recently had to have VMU Valve replaced and the dealer recommended a Fuel Injector Flush, Tune-Up and new Spark Plugs/wires. Are any of these items directly related to the replacement of the VMU valve? I'm wondering if the life of the valve is directly related to the timing of this maintenance...

Thanks! Patrick

jazvan · February 2006

I've looked into the warranty a bit. If the OASIS report says you are warrantied, I am confident that you are. I have yet to hear of anyone with a Focus from 03-1/2 up in the US that had the OASIS say they did not have the 100K powertrain warranty.

The 04 catalog says "every new Focus comes standard with 100,000 mile/5 year powertrain coverage". THe asterisk says a deductible applies in Florida and Puerto Rico. If it came down to it, I know this would hold up in small claims court in my area, but I think it is pretty clear. I have also seen on other sites that the powertrain warranty covers engine and tranny but not electrical.

-Jaz

nataliep · February 2006

Hi. I have a 2004 Focus ZTW Wagon, 5-speed Manual Transmission. Last week, I hit a pothole in the road, and dented the rim, ruining the tire.

I took it into the dealer for service, and got it back the next day. However, when I started it the next morning, I found it wouldn't go into gear at all. I could move the shifter sideways, in neutral, but no amount of clutching, whether with the engine running or without, would put that puppy into gear. Not forward, not reverse. The clutch had back-pressure, so I got the sense it was working. The engine started fine and was running fine. It just would not go into gear.

(Thank god I park in neutral, with the parking brake on). It was -12C, but I have NEVER had cold-weather problems with this car. It has started at -25C and always been able to shift gears. Ironically, I DID notice that shifting was a bit stiffer than normal, when I was driving it home the night before...

I ended up getting help to push the car onto the street so I could borrow the boyfriend's car to get to work. I had it towed to my dealer, who later called me and said that the gearbox was literally FROZEN. How the on earth can that happen?

This is my second wagon - the first was a 2000 SE I leased for 3 years, and I have never had any kind of "freeze up" of the gearbox, even at -30C.

They said they blew it out with air, warmed it up and lubed it and it was fine now. When I went to pick it up later that night, IT WAS FROZEN AGAIN. I told them that this was unacceptable. It just shouldn't be freezing up at all.

The dealer has NO IDEA how this could happen and says they've never seen it before. It only happened after being in for service with them, so I'm HIGHLY suspicious. Has anyone experienced anything like this? They are ordering an entirely new shifter/cable gearbox assembly for me from the states, but it will take at least a week to arrive! Not only that, but I will have to "rent" a loaner car, for which the dealer will only cover 1/2 of the cost.

Aside from the usual Ford-rear-trunk-latch problems (every ford I've had has the same issues -even my old escort), The Focus Wagons have been great. But this has really put me off... I'd like to know if anyone else has seen this problem in the past or has any ideas about how on earth it could even get water IN to where the shifter is in order to freeze? Or is the mechanic out to lunch, and it's really something else? They claim that if you let the car warm up (for 20 or 30 minutes!) it will shift into gear.

-Natalie

chartbear · March 2006

Thanks Jaz. Still not confortable yet. You seem to imply that the "warranty" began in the middle of 2003 (3 and 1/2) Thats the first I've heard of that. Mine was built 6/22/03 according to the door sticker. Also, my 03 catalogue says that a "warranty" applies only to vehicles sold in Florida and Puerto Rico. The asterisk in mine says "service agreement applicable in other states". Whats the difference between a service agreement and a warranty?
:confuse: :confuse: ">

bettatire · March 2006

Hello,

Please, has anyone experienced this before. When I start the car ( 2002 Ford wagon SE) the dash board indicator that a door is open stays on, even though all the doors are shut!
I also noticed that when I use the remote keyless entry that the lights on the car do not flash.
Please can someone help, thank you.
Alex

jazvan · March 2006

Here is a universal fix (not Focus-specific). If you can locate the switch on each door, open each door in turn and manually depress the switch. When you hit the culprit the door open indicator light goes out and of course that is the switch in need of adjustment. I believe the trigger point can be adjusted by screwing the switch body in or out. If this doesn't fix it you have at least eliminated the "easy" fix.

Warranty - I read that 2003 warranty thing in another site. Anyway, it's as clear as can be to me that the 04 is covered but I don't have any evidence in front of me to prove the 03 is covered. I dare say there are 2 really big Focus specific sites and I would do a search there.

Jaz

cfpeters · April 2006

I decided to try to remove the dents in the rear hatch of my wife's 2001 SE wagon. I removed the inside panel and after tapping on the door to remove the dents a light bulb fell out. Both light units are corroded with one missing the metal end. With the inside panel off I noticed corrosion inside the door around the openings to these lights and also the outer two nuts that holds the plastic strip located over the door latch handle and containing the light units were also corroded! If left unattended I would expect the rust to continue through the door. Any one with corroded lights may want to check this out.

bdyment · April 2006

Is there any way to disable the gearshift warning chime/siren? See my post # 1844--Focus Sedan

bdyment · April 2006

Well, we had to have the headliner replaced in our new 2006 SES Wagon. There was a crease where there shouldn't have been a crease, almost a tear. The dealer did a good job on installation of the new headliner, but should there not be a rear cross car interior molding where the headliner meets the hatch? I can't remember.

The headliner fabric is simply tucked under the top rear weather striping. Doesn't seem quite finished to me, but maybe it is.

jazvan · April 2006

That is the way it is on my 04 wagon.

Jaz

bdyment · April 2006

Thanks for the reply. Now I know for sure.

remowus · April 2006

I have a 2003 ZTW - runs great, good mileage.
But squeaky brakes. The dealer can't hear the squeak.
They have checked out the brakes twice and said nothing wrong. I read somewhere that this was a Chevy problem and they cured it by not using relined brakes. I bought this car in april o5 with only 14000 miles on it so I don't think it had relined brakes. It still stops OK though.
Any ideas on how to cure the squeak?

bdyment · April 2006

Sorry to ask again, but do you mean you have a molding or not? Thanks in advance

jazvan · April 2006

Sorry, I see that can be taken 2 ways. No molding, the liner just slips under the rubber gasket. I know, cuz I noticed a while back there was a gap there. Not sure if it was that way out of the factory or had slipped out. I just slipped it back in. Holding fine so far. I'll probably put a couple spots of "craft" adhesive on if it ever slips out again.

Jaz

jazvan · April 2006

Front or back brakes? With fronts I think there is a dry lube on the pad backing plate that sometimes is not applied or wears off that could cause squeak. Maybe someone more expert can comment on this 'cuz I never replaced front pad on a Focus. I pulled my back drums to take a look at my back brakes and it's no easy job. Car had about 18K on it and there was almost zero wear on the rear shoes. Problem was the parking brake cable needing adjusting which is quite easily performed from the cable lever. Well, that has nothing to do with your squeak accept the rears don't seem to wear very quickly.

Jaz

ndfred · April 2006

Is there any difference in an european version? I am renting a Ford Focus Compact Wagon 1.6 in Italy and have looked all over for the cargo specs after seating 4 people. I estimate the specs to be 3 ft high, 4 feet wide and approx. 2.9 deep. Any help will be appreciated since I do not want our luggage on our laps, especially mine, the driver. Thanks

bdyment · May 2006

Sounds about right. The North American wagon is approx. 32" high, 4' wide and 3' 7" deep. The rental agency should be able to give you the specs. of the European Focus wagon.

ndfred · May 2006

Thanks for the info. I hope the European and NA versions are at least close in size. All the rental agency could give me was that it depended on how many passengers as to how much luggage could be placed in the vehicle.

lenwick · May 2006

I get my new wagon monday it came in friday from another dealer nice its red and loaded.After i drive it for a while ill post what i think

bdyment · May 2006

Welcome. I bought a 2006 SES little red wagon a month ago.
All the options. Only various trim problems so far. Good mileage, lots of pep.

lenwick · May 2006

I got my wagon today, we had a good drive on hwy 401, wow 115ks is so easy, lots of power.It was very quiet for a small car.We like the radio and the way it handles,
more later as we use it

jack2440 · May 2006

You won't like it much once you start replacing the brakes as I have. Ford uses cheap parts and fails to tell you they will need to be replaced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.

lenwick · May 2006

What year is your focus with all the brake problems

Ford Focus Wagon

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