im not offended at all.i have learned to be tolerant of the uninformed.however,one can make the argument that americas roads,bridges,interstates etc. are in need of repair which contribute to unsafe driving conditions,which in turn cause accidents. also,poorly lit + signed roadways.for one to suggest that americans lack basic driving skills based on one year experience here is ludicrous. on the contrary,given the hardships and crowding of roads,americans are for the most part very savvy drivers.america,love it or leave it!
togneter,did you get quote on the folding type? im seriously considering one.solaire site has pics of all types installed in z.they have general pricing as well.20% discount would be cool.
Oil suction guns are available at good auto parts stores, but they won't help much with draining the transaxle. Griot's Garage (a cool catalogue, but $$$) has an oil extractor (item 10122) for $64.95 that should work, but you'll have to move the pickup tube around to make sure you're reaching all the lube. How do we know our transaxles were "designed" for ATF? Sometimes (BMW has done this), an existing gearbox design gets the lube specification changed for purposes other than longevity - like lower friction. Maybe the 'box makes a bit more noise with the new lube, maybe not. I'm not an expert, but I suspect this is what Ford did with our transaxle. It would be interesting to know if the MTX75 was designed from the get-go to use ATF weight lubricant in every application... anyone?
Robbieg2, good luck with getting that wheel perfectly straight. After three tries, mine is ever-so-slightly off-center to the right, and I'm tired of having the dealer mess with it. Last try, they scratched my front bumper at no charge.
pat - no clutch brake in most passenger cars. The synchromesh rings in the gearbox serve as a "brake" for the spinning gear shafts - which is why engaging a forward gear before trying reverse usually helps.
...from mt dealer today. My Z is on the train at a holding station in Ohio? doesnt make much sense that it's in OH which is about 12 hours from me, yet, i wont be able to take delivery until the week of the 6th (was origionally the week of the 4th... i guess thats their way of saying that it's delayed a couple more days?) If I had the option, I think i'd drive up to OH and drive my Z back here myself.
We just brought our Kona edition ZX3 home last night. When we took it for the test drive it had 12 miles. Tonight it already has 110. What can I say? I love the car. I am also very pleased to have found this forum. The basic stats are: "dirt" paint auto tranny loaded except abs and side air bags plus all the kona goodies...
i have used simoniz tuff stuff to remove a major coffee spill from front seat + carpet.stains came completely out + dried completely with no residue. i had followed-up that spill on saturday with a wendys frostee spill.minor spill,stain came right out,again with tuff stuff.they just dont make lids like they use to.
I never meant to stir deep religious emotions with my comment which was really tongue-in-cheek... - and I live in NJ, which is probably not representative about the rest of the country!
But hey, nobody's perfect (at least in my opinion). Hope y'all are having a good drive today. Saw another sharp ZX3 yesterday...
Oh boy... Here I go... You are right on the money about NJ drivers... here it's kill or be killed... (at least close to NYC) what town/county are you in alpha? Now I understand why you have said what you have about american drivers... NJ is the place that created Road Rage. And im sure you've noticed... about 85% of people on NJ highways are rich yuppie plastic surgery junkie women driving SUV's the size of sherman tanks while slapping their kids in the back seat while trying to drink their hipflask full of vodka and OJ... all the while talkin on a cell phone...
Oh yes... Alfa, you are right on the money with your assesment of NJ drivers. Maybe not all american drivers, but there is no doubt about it that NJ drivers are pretty CrapTastic!!
...But having lived in over 8 different countries... I should know better than voice a 'lumpsum' opinion... the 'bad driver' chromosome is obviously not recessive, and has found its way into many drivers all over the world!
But back to the topic... Have you guys heard about the special Focus ZX3 'Presidential Edition'?
I'm interested in finding out from any of you who have the remote keyless entry option how far you can be from the car and have it work. I generally have to be within 10-12 feet of the car to have the remote actuate the locks. On my wife's Taurus wagon, it seems like you can be in the next county and it'll work. Is mine "normal" for a ZX3 or should I rag at the dealer?
I live in Madison, but I 'originate' from Scandinavia! (long way from home).
The Presidential Edition has just hit the showrooms. The 8-inch cigar is actually an option (with the smoker's package). The car comes equipped with a full 'presidential package' which includes a large white sticker on the rear bumber which reads: 'MY OTHER CAR IS A HONDA CIVIC'. I guess they want to make everyone happy!
what? no underage girl? must not be an option until the '02 year
anyways... can someone explain to me why exactly my car is in Ohio at a holding station? what is the point of that? my guess is that scouses' car is there too... how difficult could it be to load em on a carrier and drive the 12 hours to NJ?
It also comes with a spray bottle of 'industrial cleaner' (removes even old organic stains). Hmmm. I think I shall drop this dubious humor!
Regarding your car, they're probably waiting for a 'full shipment' of cars to go on that same carrier - I guess. The problem with smaller cars is that they are not exactly prioritized as much as the larger more expensive cars where Ford (still) make their $$$... (I guess)
thats the problem with car dealerships... those crazy plastic surgery women i described in that above post who are shelling out 30+ grand for one of those tanks take priority over us small car owners... Which is sad... Ive been working damn hard to be able to afford my Z, so it's rather frustrating to be put on delay so the soccer moms can have their trucks... but that makes sense doesnt it... get a whole new load of suv's on the road so by the time we get my little Zs, it's that much more dangerous for us to drive...
Just in case it wasnt obvious... I am very bitter about not having my car lol
I'm gonna need a bottle of that when my car arrives. i'll be perfectly honest... the day i get that call that my baby has arrived... there's gonna be a BIG organic stain in my shorts... (sorry if that offended anyone)
I have also been told that by holding the remote to your head, it increases the range. I didn't believe it at first, but it does work! It also works with my tv remote when the batteries are low. Personally, I just hold the remote to my right temple and click it - again, it works for me, but don't ask me if there is any scientific explanation for this (and NO, I don't glow in the dark!)
As I understand the Contours utilize the same MTX 75. Here is a link to a good info on switching to synth fluid . And their MTX 75 does have a drain plug. Will have to take a close look at my tranny again.
I've been testing this recently. The key--besides the amplification of the signal through your head--is to hold the button down. If you just click it, it won't always work.
I was walking out of Fred Meyer last night...big, empty parking lot. At about 40 yards, I held the button down and kept walking forward. The light went on very shortly thereafter. I paced off about 35 yards. That, I think, is more than sufficient. You don't want your door unlocked any sooner than that for safety reasons.
I think I read that you should always get the cloth sunshade if it is available, because it will block the sun on very hot days. Does not just fade your seats but can really cook the inside of your car (and the top of your head!) Think whether you would want this feature, say, in the desert!
Has anyone else ordered a 2001 ZX3 in the beginning of July? Am curious to find out if anyone's gotten a delivery date yet. My dealer said he hasn't heard from Ford yet. I am going on vacation and would like to get an idea before I leave and the dealer is no help to me! I have a feeling (from reading other posts) that I better get comfy without it... it sounds like I will be waiting an eternity.
I have to be pretty close for my remote to work. Usually in the 5 foot range for it to work the best. When and if I put a sun roof in I will be sure to get the cloth slider, the florida sun is a killer and even with tint my car is like a sauna, every afternoon when I open the door I can see the heat mirage escape my car. I wanted a sunroof from the start but couldnt really afford it. There is so much i want to add i need an alarm and the seat covers most importantly. The velour-like material on my drivers seat is getting crushed from getting in and out of the car, so the seat covers are a must, I just dont want to throw some cheap pair of covers on my baby, she deserves the best. Im still considering the Wet Okole, anyone have those for their ZX3?
Have they given you a VIN number or a build date yet? They will do that first. Then you have to figure on about four weeks or more from a build date before you actually recieve your car. I'm not sure about production of the ZX3 (Mexico), but the sedans and wagons (Wayne, MI) are slated for the week of 8/21. I ordered my sedan on June 14.
i'll tell ya this much... dont hold your breath... you will learn (im)patience very quick while waiting for your Z... I am still waiting for my 2000 Z, and the delivery date isn't until the first week of september (ordered may 30th). So i'd be willing to bet that you still have a couple months to go. Probably around october would be my guess. 3.5-4 months seems to be the average wait time for those of us who ordered 2000 models... I cant speak for the 2001 orders, but i'd guess it's about the same for the '01. Judging by the amount of '01 Z's that I saw on my dealers order status print-out, it may even be a longer wait on the '01s... the problem is, and I found this out the hard and frustrating way... is that once that order is sent out, there is nothing that can be done to get it there quicker. The only info the dealer will have for you is the print-out with all the orders on it. First you'll get your VIN, then you'll get the build date, then the delivery date. It's all in the factory's hands when your car will actually come.
Like i said before... this has definately been the summer of (im)patience for me.
I finally waxed my Z. Used Maguires cleaner wax and looks great. But also got wax on black trim and rubber and left ugly grey spots, like other posters here. I used Black Magic Total Shine, from Blue Coral/Slick 50. It worked great! And best thing is, the stuff is also made for clear coat paints and chrome too, so doesn't matter if you get some on those parts too - just wipes off. 3 weeks now and trim is still pure black.
5300 miles since I got my 5-spd Sangria Red ZX3 in May. All options but side bags and smoker's. Not a single problem. Lovin my Focus.
Thanks for finding that info on the MTX75 drain. I can't wait to check mine to see if the drain plug is there. Check the Redline website - I think you could use either the D4 ATF or their MTL product. Teir tech info explains the difference. Wonder what the Ford friction modifier is for? I'd be inclined to NOT add that to a synthetic lube unless the lube mfg. blessed it.
Seriously, that "golden grahams" commercial and the yahoo car had me thinking that focus would be the new "billboard car" like they did the OLD vw bugs! I always loved those when I was a kid. Supposedly they would supply the cool custom paint job for you, and you'd be giving them free ads. I remember the "orange crush" bug.
There is a new version of our focus, it's called Ford Focus "The 42nd street edition" This particular version is a bestseller in Bialorusia* (former soviet republic)
*in Bialorusia your must possess at least three condoms in your car, local milicia(police) is very strict and local laws must be obeyed while traveling through that part of the world.
I've been back from vacation for a couple of days (and wanted to give you guys/gals an update), but also wanted to catch up to see what I've missed, and therefore what else I could comment on...
Okay, I thought this would start with...it was a late, stormy night on I-95, pouring rain, and the left wheel began to shake just before the engine dropped to the ground...but alas, I drove 2441.8 miles (yeah, yeah, you and the rest of the world can comment on how precise I record my miles and gas consumption-but don't we all) without any problems. She drove great, well good.
Comments: First, she was a pleasure to drive, period. I'm smitten with sitting behind the wheel of my Focus on the open road, and she's even more of a pleasure to drive at night. The controls seem to be exceptionally well placed and functional.
Stereo: For a stock unit, kuudos. Back in my young days I had a tricked out Honda CRX, with an award winning stereo. While I now shutter at the amount of money I spent on stereo equipment a few years ago, I'm impressed and pleased with the stereo in my Focus. Though it's doesn't sound aftermarket, it sounds darn good.
During my trip there were several ocassions where I had four adults in my car with a trunk load of luggage. What an amazing amount of storage space, and I'm pleased with the amount of power/ acceleration with the car fully loaded (people + things + A/C). I was driving through the hills of Vermont and NH, and I was thoroughly impressed with her power. She rode well...Through rain, heat, etc. she ran great. Even when I started the trip, I saw two cars run off the road in pouring rain on I-95 between Raleigh and Richmond. One was a VW Corrado, hmmmm. My Focus didn't slip a bit in the rain.
Downtown NYC traffic, she ran like a charm. Great acceleration and swift lane changes, no problems. Easy to park.
Handling and suspension felt great, on and off ramps, in the city, etc.
Basically, I was very impressed with her performance. How much did she cost, wow!
But alas, the BAD, and the UGLY TRANNY...
I still have the tranny noise, and I empathize with you vadp. I noticed more noise the first day I drove some 15 or 16 hours. The next morning the noise was back to normal (look at me, I'm now referring to it as normal noise). I also notice the whine at 70-75 mph, 5th gear, exactly as you noted. I'm still not happy about it, one bit. Also, with the tranny I hear some slight chatter when I'm downshifting, especially in third. Yes, I've always felt like 3rd was the culprit.
I also noticed some slight noise when I have the wheel turned to an extreme. Something in the steering, but I haven't pin pointed it exactly yet.
Other than that, and a few odds and ends, she ran like a charm. I'm much more confident in her at the moment, and she really does run like a charm on the highway.
They're all over Seattle. New Bugs with various dot-com ads on them. I've seen Food.com, evite.com (a couple), and a few others.
They pay you $300/month to drive them, but you have to drive so many miles, par on the street, etc. And now they can track you with GPS. But it IS basically a free car.
silver_bullet, i'm still wondering what the friction modifier is. Came across a post that claims that without any modifiers the improvement is tremendous. Will continue to look around. Had no chance to take a look at the tranny yet. After work, for sure.
rgarner, welcome back! I'm glad you enjoied your Z so much. I havn't noticed any noise in the steering so far. I and silver_bullet plan to make a switch to synth tranny lube. Wonder if it'll cure the problem(s)
Comments
argument that americas roads,bridges,interstates
etc. are in need of repair which contribute to unsafe
driving conditions,which in turn cause accidents.
also,poorly lit + signed roadways.for one to suggest that americans lack basic driving skills
based on one year experience here is ludicrous.
on the contrary,given the hardships and crowding
of roads,americans are for the most part very savvy drivers.america,love it or leave it!
www.solairesunroofs.com
togneter,did you get quote on the folding type?
im seriously considering one.solaire site has pics
of all types installed in z.they have general pricing as well.20% discount would be cool.
Robbieg2, good luck with getting that wheel perfectly straight. After three tries, mine is ever-so-slightly off-center to the right, and I'm tired of having the dealer mess with it. Last try, they scratched my front bumper at no charge.
pat - no clutch brake in most passenger cars. The synchromesh rings in the gearbox serve as a "brake" for the spinning gear shafts - which is why engaging a forward gear before trying reverse usually helps.
So, what's 'the big one'??
NJ
"dirt" paint
auto tranny
loaded except abs and side air bags
plus all the kona goodies...
The only problem is it likes to go fast....
about 1/2 hr. from quakertown.sounds like you were real happy with the job that was done.thanks!
coffee spill from front seat + carpet.stains came
completely out + dried completely with no residue.
i had followed-up that spill on saturday with a
wendys frostee spill.minor spill,stain came right out,again with tuff stuff.they just dont make lids like they use to.
But hey, nobody's perfect (at least in my opinion).
Hope y'all are having a good drive today.
Saw another sharp ZX3 yesterday...
Oh yes... Alfa, you are right on the money with your assesment of NJ drivers. Maybe not all american drivers, but there is no doubt about it that NJ drivers are pretty CrapTastic!!
But back to the topic... Have you guys heard about the special Focus ZX3 'Presidential Edition'?
where in NJ you from alpha?
The Presidential Edition has just hit the showrooms. The 8-inch cigar is actually an option (with the smoker's package). The car comes equipped with a full 'presidential package' which includes a large white sticker on the rear bumber which reads: 'MY OTHER CAR IS A HONDA CIVIC'.
I guess they want to make everyone happy!
anyways... can someone explain to me why exactly my car is in Ohio at a holding station? what is the point of that? my guess is that scouses' car is there too... how difficult could it be to load em on a carrier and drive the 12 hours to NJ?
Regarding your car, they're probably waiting for a 'full shipment' of cars to go on that same carrier - I guess.
The problem with smaller cars is that they are not exactly prioritized as much as the larger more expensive cars where Ford (still) make their $$$... (I guess)
Just in case it wasnt obvious... I am very bitter about not having my car lol
NJ
Just curious, but why would you need your remote entry to unlock from over 10 feet away? I've never had such a thing, so I don't get it.
Sounds (and looks) silly, but it increases the range by about 10.
It also works with my tv remote when the batteries are low. Personally, I just hold the remote to my right temple and click it - again, it works for me, but don't ask me if there is any scientific explanation for this (and NO, I don't glow in the dark!)
Here is a link to a good info on switching to synth fluid .
And their MTX 75 does have a drain plug.
Will have to take a close look at my tranny again.
http://www.contour.org/FAQ/showfaq.pl?probs/shifter
I was walking out of Fred Meyer last night...big, empty parking lot. At about 40 yards, I held the button down and kept walking forward. The light went on very shortly thereafter. I paced off about 35 yards. That, I think, is more than sufficient. You don't want your door unlocked any sooner than that for safety reasons.
Pros/cons?
I have a feeling (from reading other posts) that I better get comfy without it... it sounds like I will be waiting an eternity.
When and if I put a sun roof in I will be sure to get the cloth slider, the florida sun is a killer and even with tint my car is like a sauna, every afternoon when I open the door I can see the heat mirage escape my car.
I wanted a sunroof from the start but couldnt really afford it. There is so much i want to add
i need an alarm and the seat covers most importantly. The velour-like material on my drivers seat is getting crushed from getting in and out of the car, so the seat covers are a must, I just dont want to throw some cheap pair of covers on my baby, she deserves the best. Im still considering the Wet Okole, anyone have those for their ZX3?
Like i said before... this has definately been the summer of (im)patience for me.
NJ
5300 miles since I got my 5-spd Sangria Red ZX3 in May. All options but side bags and smoker's. Not a single problem. Lovin my Focus.
Seriously, that "golden grahams" commercial and the yahoo car had me thinking that focus would be the new "billboard car" like they did the OLD vw bugs! I always loved those when I was a kid. Supposedly they would supply the cool custom paint job for you, and you'd be giving them free ads. I remember the "orange crush" bug.
This particular version is a bestseller in Bialorusia* (former soviet republic)
*in Bialorusia your must possess at least three condoms in your car, local milicia(police) is very strict
and local laws must be obeyed while traveling through that part of the world.
BTW it's spelled Belorussia (aka Belorus)
I've been back from vacation for a couple of days (and wanted to give you guys/gals an update), but also wanted to catch up to see what I've missed, and therefore what else I could comment on...
Okay, I thought this would start with...it was a late, stormy night on I-95, pouring rain, and the left wheel began to shake just before the engine dropped to the ground...but alas, I drove 2441.8 miles (yeah, yeah, you and the rest of the world can comment on how precise I record my miles and gas consumption-but don't we all) without any problems. She drove great, well good.
Comments: First, she was a pleasure to drive, period. I'm smitten with sitting behind the wheel of my Focus on the open road, and she's even more of a pleasure to drive at night. The controls seem to be exceptionally well placed and functional.
Stereo: For a stock unit, kuudos. Back in my young days I had a tricked out Honda CRX, with an award winning stereo. While I now shutter at the amount of money I spent on stereo equipment a few years ago, I'm impressed and pleased with the stereo in my Focus. Though it's doesn't sound aftermarket, it sounds darn good.
During my trip there were several ocassions where I had four adults in my car with a trunk load of luggage. What an amazing amount of storage space, and I'm pleased with the amount of power/ acceleration with the car fully loaded (people + things + A/C). I was driving through the hills of Vermont and NH, and I was thoroughly impressed with her power. She rode well...Through rain, heat, etc. she ran great. Even when I started the trip, I saw two cars run off the road in pouring rain on I-95 between Raleigh and Richmond. One was a VW Corrado, hmmmm. My Focus didn't slip a bit in the rain.
Downtown NYC traffic, she ran like a charm. Great acceleration and swift lane changes, no problems. Easy to park.
Handling and suspension felt great, on and off ramps, in the city, etc.
Basically, I was very impressed with her performance. How much did she cost, wow!
But alas, the BAD, and the UGLY TRANNY...
I still have the tranny noise, and I empathize with you vadp. I noticed more noise the first day I drove some 15 or 16 hours. The next morning the noise was back to normal (look at me, I'm now referring to it as normal noise). I also notice the whine at 70-75 mph, 5th gear, exactly as you noted. I'm still not happy about it, one bit. Also, with the tranny I hear some slight chatter when I'm downshifting, especially in third. Yes, I've always felt like 3rd was the culprit.
I also noticed some slight noise when I have the wheel turned to an extreme. Something in the steering, but I haven't pin pointed it exactly yet.
Other than that, and a few odds and ends, she ran like a charm. I'm much more confident in her at the moment, and she really does run like a charm on the highway.
More later! Happy trails!
They pay you $300/month to drive them, but you have to drive so many miles, par on the street, etc. And now they can track you with GPS. But it IS basically a free car.
If big brother GPS doesn't mind a few illegal U-turns etc no problem there.....
where do I sign?
i'm still wondering what the friction modifier is.
Came across a post that claims that without any modifiers the improvement is tremendous.
Will continue to look around.
Had no chance to take a look at the tranny yet.
After work, for sure.
rgarner,
welcome back!
I'm glad you enjoied your Z so much.
I havn't noticed any noise in the steering so far.
I and silver_bullet plan to make a switch to synth
tranny lube. Wonder if it'll cure the problem(s)
http://www.autowraps.com
http://www.drivead.com
ill be sure to mention you.thanks again!