Ford Focus ZX3 Hatchback - Part IV

fgaydos

Yes, Silver, I got the same flag notice of a recall. I sent a email to Ford asking what it is about.
Will let you know if I get a reply.

2000 Ford Focus
Recall More Info
00E09 FAQ's

projectzx3

Mailed from:

Ford Focus
Program Headquarters
1501 Halo Drive
Troy, MI 48084

Hope that helps... we ordered in November so yours is most likely on the way!

swampgirl

I have a infra-red ZX3 and the watch I received matches the gearshift knob silver and black.

norwaydoug

Dear Zx3 Owners:

As you all have heard...I have been waiting 5 weeks (or 5.5 weeks) for my Focus zx-3 to return after being struck by a deer and struck while unattended in a parking lot. 2 hits in 2 weeks. Bad luck.

I went to the dealer and they have promised me that the car will be returned sometime next week. I am to call on Friday. They noticed that I need a new rear wheel and they just ordered it the other day. It is missing the black strip on the side of each door. Interestingly enough, even on the door where there was no damage! I suspect they took that part off and put it on another damaged Focus. Do you think they would do such a thing? The workmanship is acceptable, but not outstanding. The body panels were perfect from the factory, but now it is less so. What can I expect? So it is all very disappointing for me since I have been researching into this purchase since the Spring of '99.

I can say that I have had a mixed experience with the Ford Motor Company. On the one hand, they have been polite and understanding and on the other hand...they have been rude at times, employ stone walling tactics and incompetent (they have been building for 100 years....and they have no spare parts? Of course greed is a big factor.. Greed is short lived. You will pay later for your greed). I have been consistently courteous with only 1 demand and 1 notice...I want my car back now and telling them if they want to keep their customers then they better be customer oriented! I realise that this is all a vain attempt to change a system designed to 'put-down'the customer. Still, I try.

So if you want to avoid my experience please drive safely.

Is the Watch going to both US and Canadian Customers?

I found that statistic that approxx 70,000 Focus are ordered for the Canadian market. If this occured in the States that would translate to 700,000 orders since the population of USA is 1/10 of Canada. What are they putting in the water to our Northern Neighbo(u)rs to make them so Focus mad?


I have not received my watch (Purchased my Focus in mid December of the last century! Should I worry?

NorwayDoug

norwaydoug

From my truly pathetic dictionary:

The meaning of a hatchback is 'an automobile with a sloping back and an upward-opening rear hatch.

Coupe is 'a closed automobile with 2 doors'

To my mind a coupe is a car like a monte carlo (i.e. 2 doors and a trunk) and a hatchback is VW Golf.

Without Question a zx-3 is a hatchback. Perhaps the award for best coupe in the AJAC awards section is not 100% correct, but an award is an award.

ND

parsadanov

About the recall. I contacted Ford about 00E09 Recall. Here is the info I got from them. First it is awaiting to be mailed out. Second the recall is for the Fuel Injector Pressure Sensor. The guy I spoke to said that its something about water building up in the sensor, and during cold weather freezing up and expanding. Thus causing damage to the sensor. Some of the symptons are the Check Engine light. He said that the work should be done in 1/2 day. And that the dealer is AUTHORIZED to provide loaner vehicles to satisfy the customer. I don't think the dealers know about this recall yet. Because someone posted that they contacted the dealer and the dealer had no idea about the recall. So I think we have to wait for the notice to come in mail. And I hate dealing with dealers so much. They can be such a pain in the rear end. And most of the time they waste so much of our time!

Igor Parsadanov

norwaydoug

From my truly pathetic dictionary:

The meaning of a hatchback is 'an automobile with a sloping back and an upward-opening rear hatch.

Coupe is 'a closed automobile with 2 doors'

To my mind a coupe is a car like a monte carlo (i.e. 2 doors and a trunk) and a hatchback is VW Golf.

Without Question a zx-3 is a hatchback. Perhaps the award for best coupe in the AJAC awards section is not 100% correct, but an award is an award.

ND

drebe73

Projectzx3, thanks for posting the address, you're a pal.

Coupe or Hatchback, the least of my problems now is worrying about what my car is considered. By the way the manual says coupe.

drebe73

Just called my body shop to inquire about the recall, the managers response was, "there are a lot more recalls on the car than the one posted on the owner connection site. He said he's heard that there are about 20 recalls on it. He's not sure if this is exactly accurate but he is sure that there are more than one. He said that if I did some more research I'd find the others.

parsadanov

Drebe,

I think there are more than just one recall on our Foci... The ones that apply to us are listed on the connections web page. For example there is the cruise control recall out, but it doesn't apply to me, and prolly not you because we don't have it. Owners connection web site lists the recalls that apply to the specific VIN number.

Igor Parsadanov

mzn

Hatchbacks v. coupes. Always an interesting question because we're comparing apples and oranges. Hatchback refers to whether or not there is a trunk and coupe refers to the number of doors.

Here at edmunds.com, the Focus ZX3 is a hatchback. I believe that if you went to our Sports Car conference to argue the ZX3 is a sports coupe you'd "have another thing coming," as my dad would say! ;-)

carlady/host

mp10

Consider yourselves in lofty company...one of the weekly tabloids printed a big centerfold picture of Prince William of England climbing out of his 4-door Ford Focus silver hatcback...yes, indeedy. I bet HE wouldn't have trouble getting parts.

theatregrl

Hi everyone. I posted a while back when I was ordering my ZX3 from Carorder.com. Well, that went well, but 3000 miles later my beloved Focus is in the shop. The clutch is not engaging and I was told the main cylinder is bad. They can not find the part and have to order it directly from Ford. They are not sure how long this will take, and will not give me a loaner in the meantime. I am VERY nervous. Any suggestions?

parsadanov

Hey Theatregrl,

I would demand a loaner, it is their fault that your car is broken. You didn't buy a brand new car from THEM, o that you can bum a ride from someone, or take a bus. Make an apointment to see the owner/manager. They will try to tell you that it's impossible and this and that. Do not accept no for an answer. The will try to be so nice but they will make it look like there is nothing they can do. That is the part were you need to become really demanding. You brought them business, and now your NEW car is broken. I'm sure you don't sit at home all day long, and you have places to go and be. If they want further business from you, your friends, or anyone else who is into internet, they will provide with a loaner. Tell them how many people visit Edmunds daily, and tell them that you will post all your experiences with them. Good luck, and be firm.

Igor

silver_bullet

Theatregrl, they are probably talking about the clutch master cylinder. Very odd that it should fail - it had to be defective at manufacture. ZX3 clutches are operated hydraulically (not by a cable) using a conventional master cylinder (attached to the clutch pedal) that acts on a slave cylinder bolted to the clutch housing. Pressurized fluid does the job of releasing the clutch. I think it is also odd that the Focus uses a unique master cylinder, but it could. Normally, a part like this would be shared with several other models to keep costs down.

kevnyboy

I just got back from my dealer and had the recall taken care of. I actually went in because the 'check engine' light came on this morning on my commute into work, got a lunch time appointment with the service people, and had them look at the problem.

First off, in regards to the recall, they actually did this and told me about it after they had fixed it, kind of nice that they did that. I was planning on scheduling oil change in a few weeks, and have them take care of it then.

As for the 'check engine' light, they hooked the car to the computer, ran the tests and found nothing major. The code that got back had to do with the emissions, but they could not find anything wrong. They re-set the computer, and everything seems fine. Service guy mentioned it may have been nothing but a loose gas cap, first thing I checked, but no major malfunctions.

All total, I was in and out within two hours total, and it would have been shorter had the power not gone out due to a thunder storm

Catch you later...
Kevin

ilovemyzx3

Hey, ProjectZX3,
My G shock watch is all grey. My ZX3 is silver. I guess the watches they send out do match the car color.

Does anybody else feel that the volume on the stock stereo should be set a little lower? When I have the volume at "1", it sounds like it should be quieter. I just feel that perhaps the lower volume levels (1 thru 4) should have been ajusted to be more quiet.

silver_bullet

Ilovemyzx3, make sure you don't have the automatic volume control feature activated - refer to your owner's manual to see how to activate/deactivate this feature. When it is working, the volume adjusts automatically with road speed -- kind of unsettling if you don't expect it.

drebe73

Has anyone, who recieved the watch, purchased thier focus after december? I bought my focus in january and have not recieved the watch so maybe their was a '99 deadline for the promotion. I feel so left out.

kdominczak

ZX3 have the longest waiting period from all focuses,how long is it now?
Did anyone picked-up a zx3 with automatic windows yet?
Dealer said 6-8 weeks(zx3),does it sounds right?
Or does 6-8 weeks sound right for other models(not build in Mexico)?

catmom

Hello, this is a first time post for me. I have had my ZX3 for about a week and am getting concerned about the recent remarks of problems with this model. My car has also been marked for recall and I have had some intermittent problems getting the key to work in the ignition. My windshield is distorted and wavy and sometimes the dome light doesn't come on when the door is opened and today it started to flicker. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

gabegarwick

Hi kdominczak,
6-8 weeks seems to be the "standard" line that the dealers are giving out.
My ZX3 with automatic windows is supposed to arrive in about 2 weeks.
(side note: I ordered my ZX3 on Dec. 2nd, 1999. I've been waiting 14 weeks! Can anybody top that?)
{of course I knew with the options I selected that I wouldn't get it until March.}

Gabe

dbeaton0953

In regards to your problems 'getting the key to work', please refer to the manual. Having a metal fob or other keys on the same ring as the Focus key can interfere with the operation of the antitheft microchip. The manual suggests how to avoid this problem.

jamers85

the ford car owner service said they'll let my dealer know about the recall and i should call them to set up an appointment. so don't wait until the dealer contacts you. Make the first move...call ford and tell them call your dealers regarding this problem.

zx3bri

It has been said before, and I'll say it again, that the problems described on this page with Ford Motor Company are unexcuseable. However, I thought it might be a feel-good to share an experience I had tonight. I went out with some people from work, and one of their friends came along. He owns a 99 Audi A4, which was hit by a Suburban in December, 1999. He is still waiting for parts. Again, Ford should treat those waiting for parts like royalty, and it seems they are not. However, Ford is not the only one having this problem in the current market for new cars.

kdominczak

I'm sorry for you gabegarwick,that is sad.
Why to hell ford can not set up production line of zx3's in some additional plant to fix this problem!
Focus is getting more and more popular,if it gets even more popular waiting period will get even longer!!!!!That may be a major reason for many not to buy it!!!!!!
Also why hatchback is produced in Mexico while all other models are made here in the States?
It may tell that ford is treating hatch as a unwanted stepchild.
Do you agree?

rev4

I got my Focus wagon in mid-December and just got my watch and stuff today...March 9.........

alf3

In contrast to all the parts availability horror stories, I have a good story to report. My ZTS dome lamp, ordered 2-28, arrived at the dealer yesterday. Picking it up Friday - sure hope it fits my ZX3!

alf3

IMHO, Ford did a favor to you and I and all of the other current and future ZX3 owners by producing the ZX3 for North America solely in Mexico. I'm not an accountant, but I just have to believe that our ZX3s would cost a good deal more if they were produced in a US plant by UAW Ford employees. Nothing against the UAW, but I'm very pleased with the quality of my ZX3, and I'm sure that the lower labor costs in Mexico help keep the price of the ZX3 to such a reasonable amount.

I believe that Ford correctly judged the size of the hot hatch market in NA, and sourced the ZX3 to the Hermosillo plant, which runs at a much slower pace than the US Ford plants. In time, product will catch up with demand. Look what's happened with the New Beetle. Not so long ago, they were very difficult to find. My local dealer now has about a dozen New Beetles looking for buyers.

Once demand slows down for the ZX3 Zetec, you may see Ford augment the line with the entry-level ZX3 that was originally scheduled for US consumption, equipped with the base 2.0l engine.

Does anyone know if the Ford Mexico plant is running additional shifts to handle current demand?

norwaydoug

Alf3 and I are in perfect agreement regarding the quality and potential cost reductions. I am not so sure of the latter. I believe profit would be higher for Ford.

The zx-3 is well assembled and the paint job in my eyes looks better than the sedan/wagon.

In my opinion, the Mexicans should get a raise. They are doing a great job and shame on Ford for underpaying them.

NorwayDoug

mp10

So how do you know that the Mexicans are underpaid?

mp10

I have now tried to register 5 times at the Ford "Owner's" webpage to read about the recalls - after going through the very lengthy registration process I got a message saying "Sorry, this site is not available - try again in a few minutes..." Well, it's been that way since late last night (and I tried again this morning at 8 am, East Coast time). Can someone just tell us what the recalls are????? You would think they would tell you BEFORE you fill in 3 pages of forms that the freakin' website is down. m.p. p.s. I'm a tad grumpy - can you tell?

alf3

I purchased my ZX3 in mid-January, and my 'shoebox' arrived just now! Well worth waiting for! Picture frame / 'T4U' info (didn't open it yet, and the prized watch. So much for color-coordination, however; my ZX3 is Pitch Black - the watchband is Lifesavers' Red!! Perhaps Casio sells replacement watchbands ??? I can only hope!

kdominczak

Don't you think that zx3 is selling extremely well.
Don't you think that zx3 will sell better and better as people like all of us will buy it and pass the great news along.The best marketing for Focus is our great opinion about it. Focus is such a great success without major media campaign, I expect a focus mania soon,we'll see them everywhere!
Do you still think that Mexico will be able to produce enough of them down the road.
I agree that zx3 paint looks better that on other
models,and I have nothing bad to say about quality of work that Mexicans do, I think it's great!

pcleveland2

I too, agree with Alf3 about the Ford Mexico Connection and the ZX3. And as far as what they make, saw a TV program about it and I sure would not want to work under their conditions, but it's a lot better than what they had before. Besides it's their country and their form of government. I've spent enough time in other countries to understand why we are called "Ugly American go home".

I appreciate the Mexican Ford Employees who put my ZX3 together and believe that the XZ3 shows the quality of work they are capable of. And yes the paint job is great compared to that coming out of older American auto plants. Going to "clay" my ZX3 as soom as weather gets better, and then I will give you a report on "rail dust" (factory contamintation paint damage). From what I see and feel on the finish, I don't think its a big problem at the Mexican plant.
Pat

jamers85

i was driving home with my zx3 and while passing Shea Stadium ( home of the NY mets ) i saw another zx3 parked alone away from the other cars inside the stadium lot. after checking my brochure from last year the color it matches is light sapphire blue which supposed to be not available with our zx3. sorry to say i didn't the color. The other weird part is when i got home and parked my car i say a yellow box by my door. and i said to myself..WOW!!! yup..it's the watch..and guess what
color i got?....... "Light Sapphire Blue" :-(
WeLL now i guess i have to learn to like this color unless anyone wants to trade watches. My car is cd silver not sapphire blue.

tomcat630

At first, the Focus was to be the new 2000 Escort. Then the name change was approved after the sales dept. gave in. Then there was to be only a sedan and wagon, no HB, since they were thought to be unpopular. Research of young people showed that hatchbacks had no negative image, so the ZX3 came about at the 11th hour.

Ford probably expected that the "new" styling wouldn't have caught on so fast. Anyway, they are supposedly adding 30,000 units to the total 2000 production. (Chicago Tribune 3/10/00)

focusfan

bought my zx3 mid december, got the watch today, march 10. Love my sangria red zx3 5-speed

mp10

Got the box with the watch (bought my hatchling the last week of December). It's strange that Ford Corporate didn't know anything about it and kept telling everyone who inquired that "it must have been a local promotion..." Then again, maybe not so strange, huh?

pcleveland2

It's not strange that Ford Corporate didn't know anything about it. It's just a matter of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Happens all the time in big business. Bet anything the folks in Marketing/Promotions knew about it, but no one asked them. The guy in Corporate must of thought that it was a dumb idea and no one at Ford would do that.
Pat

alf3

Pat - I consider myself to be a car kind of guy, but when you mentioned 'claying' your ZX3 I must admit I'm lost. I remember that you could buy a Simonize product that removed oxidation, but I'm sure that 'claying' must be something else. Please explain ! Thanks!

BTW - I wonder what percentage of the US/Canada market Focus' sold are ZX3s, vs the sedan and wagon....anyone know?

projectzx3

alf, i didn't have a clue as to what 'claying' was either. when i got my zx3 back from the body shop it has some overspray on the right side. i was referred to edmunds Maintenance & Repair section topic #20 Paint & Body Care. That's where the folks there filled me in on claying. Guess what? Claying worked great! I was a little apprehensive at first but I got the hang of it after about 10 minutes! I used Mothers brand. The kit came with a clay bar, detailing spray (used to keep the area wet) and a mild cleaner wax for afterwards. The car looks great! Check out the topic I mentioned above. Like I said, I got alot of help there!

pcleveland2

alf3,
ProjectZX3 has it right. Clay (Automotive type) removes just about anything from painted surfaces, factory rail dust, brake dust, paint overspray, tar, bird droppings, pine tree drippings and much more. Lots of info about it right here in Edmunds Town Hall, Maintenance, paint and body care or wax and polish topics. This day in age its important to prepare a automotive finish before you polish or wax it because of all the factory pollutants out there. I'm going to use Zaino Show Car Polish on my ZX3. My ZX3 will probably have the deepest finish around. Talk about a ZX3 statement!
Tell you what, if you want to know about cars and how to take care of them, Edmunds Town Hall is the right place! ProjectZX3 knows.
Pat

drebe73

Ok, now I'm worried, Alf bought his car in mid January and got his watch. I bought mine early January and alas, no watch.

BTW, I ordered my exhaust tip today. Should be at the store on Tuesday. Got my pedal covers and ordered my tip, now all I need is my car.

pcleveland2

drebe73,
Where did you order the exhaust tip from?

Hang tight, you'll get the watch.

Pat

fgaydos

The AAA World Magazine for March/April gave the Focus a less than glowing review. They were particularly concerned with the poor acceleration of the manual transmission and the lack of rear leg room for adults. On a positive note they say it is "genuinely fun to drive" and it is still their pick for cars under $15,000.
To read the complete review go to
http://www.aaa.com

kdominczak

If you want to find something to criticize, you can always find it even in the best cars.
Our baby costs so cheap for what it offers, how can anyone writing a review talk in a overall bad tone about it!
Can acceleration be improved by superchip?
Enjoy your focus...

jamers85

did anyone lose there zx3? that sapphire blue zx3 i spotted at the shea stadium lot yesterday is still there. it seems like it didn't even move. and it's alone in the corner.

zx3bri

I took delivery of my ZX3 January6, and I got my watch etc. today. It's also blue, perhaps jamers had an idea with trading. Perhaps we need to set up an online Focus watch trading site where we can sort out the colors!

fgaydos

Actually, I think he was talking about the wagon for the test ride. That has a smaller engine, Yes???