What is the appeal with Traction Control ?? It is simply ABS in reverse, I drove an Alero with GM's version of Traction Control and it handled like a ship at sea. Perhaps I'm old fashioned but give me good old wheelspin anyday.
For the inexperienced driver (none of those on the roads, huh?) traction control is the ticket. Most of these systems use the existing ABS sensors to detect wheelspin, at which time they selectively dial back engine power and/or apply a wheel brake to keep the car pointed in the desired direction. A mechanical or viscous limited slip differential is the enthusiast's choice, because it allows the driver to make decisions about steering, braking, and engine power application - its job is just to make sure power gets to a non-spinning wheel. As with most things, there is the correct and incorrect tool for every job.
With all the visits to the dealer service departments and the surveys I have received from Ford I have come to the conclusion that the survey are just a waste of time. I have also come to the conclusion that the only good service at my dealer is provided by the person that mails me a form letter that tells my how to fill out the Ford survey. I have received one of those letters within days of each service department visit. The kicker is I get the letter even if they were not able to do anything to fix the car because they did not have the parts they needed.
I did get one call from Ford HQ several weeks after I mailed back a survey. But since the needed parts had been ordered, they figured the dealer had done all they could. I don't really care whose fault it is that parts are not available, I just want my car to run.
My previous car was an Alero gls and (no offense) I don't know what kind of pos alero they gave you to make you say it handled like a ship. My alero handled as good as, if not better than, my focus. (and I just can't refrain from mentioning that its 170ish hp, v6 got better gas mileage) Also, in my year of driving the alero, the traction control never affected the handling. Basically, I think traction control is overrated. The only way it was ever engaged on my alero was if you went over a speed bump too fast or a really bumpy gravel area might cause it to kick in (for me never in a situation that improved or degraded the handling). I respectfully disagree that it is for an inexperienced driver. IMO it isn't necessary for any driver, although it may appeal to some.
The only thing I can possibly imagine that would possess someone to rinse paint into a busy street would be sheer stupidity and ignorance. I just don't understand why I was the only one to go back to him. Maybe other people thought it was only suds and that's why it looked white. As soon as I got close enough to it to realize that those "suds" had no bubbles and that it was really paint, it was too late and I was cruising though it. I feel bad for all of those other people whose cars are now messed up and they don't know why. The guy who is responsible for this mess was very passive about the whole thing too. Kind of like, "oh well, I just didn't know what else to do with it." Imagine if some classic or restored car had driven through that! Somebody would have been back at his house cleaning his clock for sure! I guess I lucked out that he wasn't stupid enough to deny it and put up a fight and that he was an actual homeowner with insurance. Enjoy your weekend. It's supposed to be gorgeous!!
kht - glad to hear someone is getting info. on zx3 production. I ordered my 2001(sangria red-auto) the first of July and have so far received no info. from my dealer even though I have stopping in to check. I did see the posting on moonroofs but I do not have that option. I will stop at dealer again today and hope for some updated details.
cocoon, your dealer should have all that information on their daily status report. The salesman who sold me the ZX3 even mails me a copy of the status report every time there is a change that involves my car. He offered to call me, but I told him that it wasn't necessary.
Maybe if you ask to see the dealer submitted order form for your car. It has the order number for your car, then you could go and find it on the status report yourself (provided they let you look at the status report). The information should be there, even if it doesn't have a build date yet. For example my car is order number 106, so on the status report under focus I simply look in the order column for order number 106 (which my salesman always highlights for me anyway when he sends it). I know that this is going in way too much detail, but sometimes dealers aren't forthcoming with information unless you ask the right question using just the right words. Even then they may not be.
But I did notice on the status report that several (what I think are ZX3s) orders from july have a build date set for the week for september 18th. I also was warned that it could take as much as 3-4 weeks for the car to arrive after it is built.
cocoon, your dealer should have all that information on their daily status report. The salesman who sold me the ZX3 even mails me a copy of the status report every time there is a change that involves my car. He offered to call me, but I told him that it wasn't necessary.
Maybe if you ask to see the dealer submitted order form for your car. It has the order number for your car, then you could go and find it on the status report yourself (provided they let you look at the status report). The information should be there, even if it doesn't have a build date yet. For example my car is order number 106, so on the status report under focus I simply look in the order column for order number 106 (which my salesman always highlights for me anyway when he sends it). I know that this is going in way too much detail, but sometimes dealers aren't forthcoming with information unless you ask the right question using just the right words. Even then they may not be.
But I did notice on the status report that several (what I think are ZX3s) orders from july have a build date set for the week for september 18th. I also was warned that it could take as much as 3-4 weeks for the car to arrive after it is built.
JW great shots your Z's a beauty, the zinc looks great. The pics of your trip take me back, I grew up on Long Island, my parents stil live there. I spent alot of time in Port Jeff and visit every time I go back.
Cap, Wow I really love the Autumn Orange. The Kit looks great. I myself am partial to that new kit that was linked to earlier. Wish I had the cash to hook mine up. Where did you get the spoiler its a great addition, Id like to add one to mine. How much did it cost? How much does purchasing, painting and installing a kit cost?
I read it, but that doesn't seem real "long term" to many of us, I've goy almost 9,000 miles on mine! Also, sounds like they definitely got one of the poor mileage models. Mine has never gotten that kind of bad mileage, but I know many of you have. It really is a puzzlement why all this inconsistency in miles, there must be some flaw they haven't figured out yet.
This report for August 2000 represents the FIRST month of a 2 year long survey - go back to the report and see the link at the lower right marked "Introduction". From long-term road tests for other cars, it appears that Edmunds lets a variety of staffers try out these cars and write comments that are posted once each month over the 2 years.
Edmunds ordered this model, was told it would be 6 to 8 weeks before delivery and ended up waiting 15 weeks - ouch!
The low mileage might be a result of jack rabbit starts off the line. See the quote below from the article. "More than once our executive editor found himself squealing the front tires from a stop when trying to stay ahead of West L.A. traffic. "Cool. I can beat a large percentage of vehicles from a dead stop—especially all those tiresome SUVs—when I'm commuting in this car," he noted."
Drebe, That entire kit is the Razzi underbody kit w/ optional spoiler... Razzi makes 2 different spoilers for the Z the one on capriherbs Z and also a 3 piece wrap around... I think this kit looks great, but i favor the Wings West kit... has a bit different of a style... more angular i guess... you can see the razzi kits at http://www.razzi.com and you can see both kits at http://www.focussport.com or http://www.focusparts.com
I got it back from the service department tonight at about 5:00... seems to be running fine, but for some reason now when I just start the car, or am going to park the car and i put it in park... the engine seems to shake the car then turn off... could this have something to do w/ the new part they put in? it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor... what does that do anyways... i gotta go now, but will post later and let you all know if the car keeps stalling in park.
We ordered our malibu blue, 5-speed ZX3 on August 14. Our dealer called two days ago and told us that the build date is September 12. The wait is a killer, but I know it will be worth it. Right now I am driving a ... well it's a ..., okay, it's an '87 Aerostar minivan. I just pray that it holds up another few weeks.
I just got home from trip to Ithaca, N. Y. and was so pleased with the way the Z drove. I only saw one other Z from Ohio to Ithaca and that was in Erie, PA. In Ithaca two cars ( two different times) pulled up next to me and asked about my car and said they loved it!
For those who have posted saying they hesitated to get the zinc because of it standing out for the police etc. I had a New York State police car on my tail as I was passing a truck on Rt.17, I was a little nervous but as soon as I got past the truck and in the right lane, he past me and gave me the thumbs up. My mileage was not so good but, my heavy foot on the gas was probably a big factor! Happy days!
sunnyz, We missed somewhere. I travel Rt.17 (I-86), NY, between Exit 20 and Exit 14 at least twice a day in my Malibu Blue ZX3. Also travel anywhere along it in the big truck-tanker. Don't see many ZX3s in Western New York at all. One in the Fredonia area and a couple, give or take, in the Buffalo area. Have seen a few traveling back and forth along Rt. 60 between Jamestown and Dunkirk, but I think these have been dealers demos. Come to think about it, I did see a Zinc ZX3 somewhere a while back. But not recently.
Oh, read your profile. Smart move! Have a good friend who lost his co-worker to a client recently. Client took a knife to her. Definately not a good field to be in, but then someone has to do it. Best left to the big guys or girls.
njzx3, Yes it could have something to do with it. It is connected to the computor. In lay terms it senses the air going thru the air filter into the engine. They could have left something a bit loose and it could have disconnected. Best to get it back where the service was done.
I wanted to update you all regarding my Focus. Yesterday, I brought my car and the mechanics took some time off their work and listened to my engine. They all admitted that they heard the tapping noise.
Today the mechanics looked at it and they were stumped. They do not know what's wrong with it! They called the Ford Hotline and spoke to the staff, and I got the impression that they are aware of this issue, but at this time, they have NO fix for it. There are no TSBs (I checked the technical service bulletins on the net before I brought it in and knew that anyways!). The mechanic at my dealer told me that Ford is working on the problem and it might be days, weeks or months before an answer.
I told him that this is my second Focus and I am disappointed that I must spend so much time at a Ford Dealership with car problems. I bought a NEW car because it is supposed to be trouble free. This got me sympathy from the guy, but little else.
I have the car back now. It had an oil change (of course I smell oil in the passenger compartment) and the tires rotated. It taps away as always.
I am going to drive it for a couple weeks and if I don't hear anything, then I suppose, I have to see the manager (again) and request justice.
They claim my engine tap and the tractor-like noise while shifting in 1st and 2nd and the Loud idle are all from the same source. I believe that is the case.
I think I need a new engine and transmission. (opr just one or the other). And if that is the case and with my previous experience....then I will request a 2001 model for free of course. That is my plan. I will give them 2 weeks....I will not give them months to sort this out. I must battle again.
To be fair to the Dealer: They were polite, they admit there is a problem and I believe them when they say that Ford is 'working on it' and a repair procedure will come.
ND
PS: It's computer, not computor It's calculator, not calculater It's English....why should it make sense?
pat, thanks for the info... the stalling seems to have stopped after the first few start-ups and driving a bit... i am, however gonna drop by service again to make sure everything is ok and get a pre-mature oil change (probably around 1300 miles by then) before i leave for florida on tuesday or wednesday... I'll keep ya posted on this maf/stalling thing...
Hi everyone. I've been reading the dialog over the past few months and it's been both educational and fun.
I can now officially join the group because I'm a proud owner of a 2000 zx3 in sangria red. I wanted a few extras, but it seemed that either the zx3s were basically stripped, or loaded. I bought a stripped one with a/c. Over a 1,000 miles already and I'm very happy.
For the price the specs are just great, it looks good, is very functional and is fun to drive. Below is a link to a photo. Expect to hear more from me in the future.
strange... no more stalls... happened a few times... the first few times i got in or went to park... then i drove about 50 miles and it stopped happening... could the new MAF have adjusted itself to the car? i wonder what was causing it to stall out... Anyways... no more stalls, and I hit 1000+ miles tonight. Love my Z
NJ, your stalling probably was, like you said, due to getting readjusted(acclimated?)to your computer. Or your computer adjusting itself to the new m.a.f. Kinda like when you disconnect the battery, the computer has to reprogram itself. Did that make any sense? I wouldn't worry about it too much. Reed
Welcome Casagrande (great name). You took a fine picture of your car. Enjoy the ride, it is sweet.
NJ..I tend to agree that it was your computer system adjusting to the new component. Still bringing it in is the most prudent thing to do. I am pleased though that it is running well. Sometimes small problems occur and it is part of the new car buying experience. I hope you have many safe and happy miles.
Spelling never was my good point. And we were not allowed to use calculators. In fact I don't think there were any portable calculators until I was in high school. And computers, they took up a whole room. No wonder I know nothing about them.
Thanks for the links I my self dont really like the razzi kit . If I had the money right now to do it Id choose between the Wings West or the RS body kit from this site (posted earlier http://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/ ). And would probably go with the RS kit. I wish I had the cash to do it but dont think I'll ever be able to come up with the thousands of bucks to do it. Too busy actually paying for the car, the insurance, my rent, utilities, school loans, etc. Its no wonder I cant afford to eat, but I digress. I think I would like to get a spoiler though, I like the wings west beacuse it looks to follow the line that goes across the side of the car. But I think the roof spoiler gives a good finish, as if it was supposed to be there.
Also, I too notice that sometimes when I start my car I get a strong rumble. It only seems to happen when I make a short stop, ie at the post office, after having driven it for a bit. So I guess it could be considered a restart.
Side note, I wanted to comment on how impressed I am with the asthetics of the car. I really like how they incorporated the line across the side into the door handle and the fact that the lines created from the front grill where the turn signals are carries into the lens of the head light. (That elongated football shape is what im refering to.) I also really like the smooth curves of the interior. I apreciate the artistic styling of the car as if they really looked at the designing it from an artists standpoint.
I realy like the way that RS kit looks, but man... thats one EXPENSIVE! kit to get it to look like the pictures there... i think in time I will go with the full Wings West kit... unless another new kit that appeals to my eye a bit more comes along... All in all, they are all great looking kits, it all comes down to the preference of the driver. i personally took my money and decided to upgrade my sterio a bit before upgrading w/ any appearance mods... I'll be taking my Z in first thing monday morning for about a 3 hour surgical procedure to add in a Coustic power amped 8" Alpine sub woofer and to do some modifications to the stock sterio speaker setup. No more stalls... I think it was just the computer needing to readjust to the new MAF... but i'll be taking it in to service again in the next couple days before i leave for FL...
I think the west wings front and the RS sides and rear would be cool (the RS front costs the most and requires the most work). Or just the WW front and back with the RS sides, cause the WW sides are kinda funky.
Hello again to All. Just dropped by to leave latest "quickie-report" on how my Z is doing. Autumn Orange. 5-spd. Air. Smokers. 3000mi. 30mpg (75% hiway/25% city)........
No failures, No defects, No glitches. Absolutely flawless. Ford Dealer has yet to see my Z in his shop for so much as a "hiccup". ("How Suu-weeet it is!!)"
Service Mgr told me ..."You ain't the only one Pal! -- I l-u-v those cars".
Talked to sales mgr, telling him how pleased I am. He said, "I can't keep the damn things in stock! D'ya know the yard about back is empty again? I just got off the phone, trying to get a few from other dealers around here. No luck so far, but I'll find some, don't you worry". I' told him I wasn't worried, I'm not in the market for a new one. He laughed, we shook hands, I left smiling.
Conclusion: I'm impressed with the quality, road handling, reliability of the Z (and other Focus models). Coming from a veteran VW-GTI owner that's high praise, guys. Good luck to you all, and "Happy Z-ing". Zx3
Popular Science magazine predicts that the five door Focus will arrive in the near future along with a high roofed compact SUV and a Turbo hatchback Focus.(2003)
Today I went to the Roush Performance website www.roushperf.com to see if they had any info yet up on the Roush version of a Focus. Some background here, last year at the Milwaukee autoshow I spoke with a Roush rep who said they were working on one for 2001. He said it was being based on the sedan, and some of the things they were wworking on were exhaust, suspension, tire and wheels... the usuals. Well today I look and they have a small on-line survey asking various ?s about everything from style, performance to price. They also have a nice sketch of a 5 door hatch decked out with some styling effects. I am hoping personally this is what they choose to base a Roush model on, best of both worlds! Let them know! Also, as a side. anyone have info on the supposed/rumored Saleen Focus in the works?
I was driving home from my bro's house tonight and side swiped a deer. I pulled over and looked and kicked a couple stones [in the direct that the deer took off in] but didn't look too hard. Will wait until first light and hope I don't have to cry. In case I needed to undent something, does anyone have a link to the WestWing mods/ groud effects. I get Sport Compact Car on a semi-regular basis and have yet to see the WE mods.
get the stuff checked out.that computer re-set stuff is nonsense.theres more going on than that. btw,i was traveling g.s.pkwy.from cape may.i was passed by a silver z pa.plates.traffic was moving at 80 +.the faster the z goes,the smoother she seems.an exhilirating ride.your z is going to be o.k.the marriage of electronics + mechanical parts is always a sophisticated nightmare when even a minor glitch occurs.one little part,component, assembly can set an entire chain of events in motion.for your sake,i hope im wrong and that it is just a re-set problem.best of luck!
jimmy- man, i cringe every time i see a deer or herd of deer ready to run.i live in the heart of deer country.sorry to hear about your experience.i hope its only minor.recently my oldest son was side- swiped by a deer.he lost the side-view mirror, and major dents to front side panel.for wings west and ground effects try the following: www.focussport.com
zx3- long time,no read.how you been? did you get the custom seat covers yet? your report is good news. the only problem i have is that tractor sound like others have posted.i do not have the engine tap sound yet.there seems to be no performance issues.avg.mi.28.5.im o.k.with that given the way ive been driving it lately.take care and good to hear from you again.
Hey, I just converted your name to mimick mine....NorwayDoug. Anyhow, I am glad you have a sense of humor! It really was my intent to make a little fun of you in a friendly way and I am glad that is the way you took it.
I washed my car yesterday. Now I have water in my driver's side headlight. Can't catch a break right now. When the dealer calls me regarding the tapping engine, I will tell them about my wet light. Frustrating. Just a wonderful car though at the same time. No visible crack is apparent.
I definitely feel for the guy who struck a deer. I feel your pain. Good luck with the auto repair.
Question: Are these modified body panels painted prior to attaching them? I saw one West Wings Package in Green (same color as my car) and I have to say it didn't look all that good. The parts had this 1-2 mm space caused by a adhesive black strip at the mating point of the modified part and the body. The paint job on the wings was not pretty at all. Looked different. Man, I thought it looked grim. So for all of you putting on the panels, make sure you get a good paint job, because it can ruin the look of the car.
I agree with Drebe73, the thoughtful artistic fluidity of the lines of our Focus is great. It is a complete design.
I am very curious what Ford will do in 3-4 years when they do the inevitable 'update' of our car to keep it selling. I think anything they will do will make it worse. I wish the only thing they would do is improve the quality of the interior plastics and keep all the shapes the same. The only exterior thing to do would do some mods to the front fasia and rear, but everything else the same. I suppose that is what they will do. And put that triangular side blinker in! Ok Ford!!!???
The Focus edge design makes the Cougar look crude and gimmicky. Sorry, the Focus zx3 is just brilliant looking. The 2002 Ford Mondeo will also be a classic. Hope it comes to North AMerica.
ND
PS: I hope I haven't offended any Cougar owners. I just think the Cougar is a designed to make a statement, while the zx-3 is designed to meet the needs of the driver. To me the latter approach makes the design enduring and satisfying.
Just to clarify your comments- you are basically saying two of the most respected Ford performance tuners should not try to make performance versions of the Focus. You will just settle for an SVT version or a build-it-yourself performance Focus?? What about having variety and choices?
Hi 'Beast ..... thanx for the "welcome back". I have an appointment at 8AM Mon. to have front seats of my Z covered in vinyl. Color, is Black&Pumpkin combo that the fancy, expensive, Recaro Seats use. (A Recaro seat in that color combo is on display at the Custom-Seatcover Dealer's showroom. Wow, that is so cool, so neat. It sold me). When I get back this way again (dunno when, things are hoppin') I'll post here, how the job turned out. I'm not doing the backseats, as they are permanently folded down. I only need 2 seats. Heh, heh ... my Z is now a "permanent-hatchback", you might say. Later... zx3
How accurate is police radar? I drove past one of those little setups that they throw out every now and then that hits ya w/ radar and tells you how fast you are going... well, my speedometer was reading about 36-37mph and the radar was showing 32-33mph... is it possible that radar is that off? is it possible that my speedometer is 5 mph fast? nothing to worry about, was just strange... any opinions?
I just found it really odd that Rousche or Saleen would even care about such a "euro" styled car to even care about making there own versions of it, since they are most profoundly know for making mustangs/trucks etc. There are other companies that deal exclusivly with rally or euro style cars that are not here in america of course, but are much better at making "custom sports coupes".
BTW, my local ford dealer carries Roushe, so I could actually wait and get one if I wanted... (but I still PREFER the focus-R from what ive seen)
NJZX3: Same thing happened to me the other day. Mine seems to read about 2-3 mph faster than the gun indicated. I think normally guns are supposed to be set to read a tiny bit low if anything, but on these "demo" ones, who knows? Maybe they are set a little high to scare you more.
Also a quick gas milage note: after 2 fillups on my new 5-speed Kona, I am averaging about 25 mph. This is about 75% highway/25% city, going 65 on highway and AC on most of the time. Not great, but not all that horrible considering I am somewhat aggressive with the rpms when I accelerate. Those of you getting < 20mpg...I dunno, seems like something funky has to be going on there.
CarMax here in Maryland has a used Focus ZX3 with automatic and power locks/keyless entry. The car has about 1500 miles on it and they are asking $12,998 for it. Do you think it's a smart purchase?
What are you doing here bro? Don't you considering purchasing the Focus? My..my..my What about the recalls? Suddenly changed your mind? Here is what vocus used to say at the Echo forum:
"Right in the Focus forum here on Edmund's, a story is told by someone with a Focus ZTS whose accelerator stuck at 70mph because the recall was improperly repaired, causing her to run through a toll stop. That's not exactly a car I wanna recommend to someone."
Here is more as a direct response to my comment on the Echo looks: "Move on to the Focus and keep up with the recalls so you don't miss one."
It seems all the recalls are focused on the sedan models. I thought maybe it would be safer to consider the hatchback. And I was considering it because my stepdaughter liked the car a lot. I was going to purchase it and then hand the payments over to her in about a year when she starts driving. I kinda liked the car, and the seats are more comfortable than the sedan's are (side bolstering seems to be more aggressive).
Comments
It is simply ABS in reverse, I drove an Alero with GM's version of Traction Control and it handled like a ship at sea. Perhaps I'm old fashioned but give me good old wheelspin anyday.
I did get one call from Ford HQ several weeks after I mailed back a survey. But since the needed parts had been ordered, they figured the dealer had done all they could. I don't really care whose fault it is that parts are not available, I just want my car to run.
carlady/host
Maybe if you ask to see the dealer submitted order form for your car. It has the order number for your car, then you could go and find it on the status report yourself (provided they let you look at the status report). The information should be there, even if it doesn't have a build date yet. For example my car is order number 106, so on the status report under focus I simply look in the order column for order number 106 (which my salesman always highlights for me anyway when he sends it). I know that this is going in way too much detail, but sometimes dealers aren't forthcoming with information unless you ask the right question using just the right words. Even then they may not be.
But I did notice on the status report that several (what I think are ZX3s) orders from july have a build date set for the week for september 18th. I also was warned that it could take as much as 3-4 weeks for the car to arrive after it is built.
Maybe if you ask to see the dealer submitted order form for your car. It has the order number for your car, then you could go and find it on the status report yourself (provided they let you look at the status report). The information should be there, even if it doesn't have a build date yet. For example my car is order number 106, so on the status report under focus I simply look in the order column for order number 106 (which my salesman always highlights for me anyway when he sends it). I know that this is going in way too much detail, but sometimes dealers aren't forthcoming with information unless you ask the right question using just the right words. Even then they may not be.
But I did notice on the status report that several (what I think are ZX3s) orders from july have a build date set for the week for september 18th. I also was warned that it could take as much as 3-4 weeks for the car to arrive after it is built.
Cap, Wow I really love the Autumn Orange. The Kit looks great. I myself am partial to that new kit that was linked to earlier. Wish I had the cash to hook mine up. Where did you get the spoiler its a great addition, Id like to add one to mine. How much did it cost? How much does purchasing, painting and installing a kit cost?
Edmunds ordered this model, was told it would be 6 to 8 weeks before delivery and ended up waiting 15 weeks - ouch!
"More than once our executive editor found himself squealing the front tires from a stop when trying to stay ahead of West L.A. traffic. "Cool. I can beat a large percentage of vehicles from a dead stop—especially all those tiresome SUVs—when I'm commuting in this car," he noted."
hope this helped.
NJ
NJ
For those who have posted saying they hesitated to get the zinc because of it standing out for the police etc. I had a New York State police car on my tail as I was passing a truck on Rt.17, I was a little nervous but as soon as I got past the truck and in the right lane, he past me and gave me the thumbs up. My mileage was not so good but, my heavy foot on the gas was probably a big factor! Happy days!
We missed somewhere. I travel Rt.17 (I-86), NY, between Exit 20 and Exit 14 at least twice a day in my Malibu Blue ZX3. Also travel anywhere along it in the big truck-tanker. Don't see many ZX3s in Western New York at all. One in the Fredonia area and a couple, give or take, in the Buffalo area. Have seen a few traveling back and forth along Rt. 60 between Jamestown and Dunkirk, but I think these have been dealers demos. Come to think about it, I did see a Zinc ZX3 somewhere a while back. But not recently.
Oh, read your profile. Smart move! Have a good friend who lost his co-worker to a client recently. Client took a knife to her. Definately not a good field to be in, but then someone has to do it. Best left to the big guys or girls.
Pat
Yes it could have something to do with it. It is connected to the computor. In lay terms it senses the air going thru the air filter into the engine. They could have left something a bit loose and it could have disconnected. Best to get it back where the service was done.
Pat
I wanted to update you all regarding my Focus. Yesterday, I brought my car and the mechanics took some time off their work and listened to my engine. They all admitted that they heard the tapping noise.
Today the mechanics looked at it and they were stumped. They do not know what's wrong with it! They called the Ford Hotline and spoke to the staff, and I got the impression that they are aware of this issue, but at this time, they have NO fix for it. There are no TSBs (I checked the technical service bulletins on the net before I brought it in and knew that anyways!). The mechanic at my dealer told me that Ford is working on the problem and it might be days, weeks or months before an answer.
I told him that this is my second Focus and I am disappointed that I must spend so much time at a Ford Dealership with car problems. I bought a NEW car because it is supposed to be trouble free. This got me sympathy from the guy, but little else.
I have the car back now. It had an oil change (of course I smell oil in the passenger compartment) and the tires rotated. It taps away as always.
I am going to drive it for a couple weeks and if I don't hear anything, then I suppose, I have to see the manager (again) and request justice.
They claim my engine tap and the tractor-like noise while shifting in 1st and 2nd and the Loud idle are all from the same source. I believe that is the case.
I think I need a new engine and transmission. (opr just one or the other). And if that is the case and with my previous experience....then I will request a 2001 model for free of course. That is my plan. I will give them 2 weeks....I will not give them months to sort this out. I must battle again.
To be fair to the Dealer: They were polite, they admit there is a problem and I believe them when they say that Ford is 'working on it' and a repair procedure will come.
ND
PS: It's computer, not computor
It's calculator, not calculater
It's English....why should it make sense?
thanks for the info... the stalling seems to have stopped after the first few start-ups and driving a bit... i am, however gonna drop by service again to make sure everything is ok and get a pre-mature oil change (probably around 1300 miles by then) before i leave for florida on tuesday or wednesday... I'll keep ya posted on this maf/stalling thing...
NJ
I can now officially join the group because I'm a proud owner of a 2000 zx3 in sangria red. I wanted a few extras, but it seemed that either the zx3s were basically stripped, or loaded. I bought a stripped one with a/c. Over a 1,000 miles already and I'm very happy.
For the price the specs are just great, it looks good, is very functional and is fun to drive. Below is a link to a photo. Expect to hear more from me in the future.
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~dolen/focus/focuspicacho.JPG
NJ
Did that make any sense? I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Reed
as much as we love them.
NJ..I tend to agree that it was your computer system adjusting to the new component. Still bringing it in is the most prudent thing to do. I am pleased though that it is running well. Sometimes small problems occur and it is part of the new car buying experience. I hope you have many safe and happy miles.
ND
Spelling never was my good point. And we were not allowed to use calculators. In fact I don't think there were any portable calculators until I was in high school. And computers, they took up a whole room. No wonder I know nothing about them.
And would probably go with the RS kit. I wish I had the cash to do it but dont think I'll ever be able to come up with the thousands of bucks to do it. Too busy actually paying for the car, the insurance, my rent, utilities, school loans, etc.
Its no wonder I cant afford to eat, but I digress.
I think I would like to get a spoiler though, I like the wings west beacuse it looks to follow the line that goes across the side of the car. But I think the roof spoiler gives a good finish, as if it was supposed to be there.
Also, I too notice that sometimes when I start my car I get a strong rumble. It only seems to happen when I make a short stop, ie at the post office, after having driven it for a bit. So I guess it could be considered a restart.
Side note, I wanted to comment on how impressed I am with the asthetics of the car. I really like how they incorporated the line across the side into the door handle and the fact that the lines created from the front grill where the turn signals are carries into the lens of the head light. (That elongated football shape is what im refering to.) I also really like the smooth curves of the interior. I apreciate the artistic styling of the car as if they really looked at the designing it from an artists standpoint.
NJ
Just dropped by to leave latest "quickie-report" on how my Z is doing.
Autumn Orange.
5-spd.
Air.
Smokers.
3000mi. 30mpg (75% hiway/25% city)........
No failures, No defects, No glitches. Absolutely flawless. Ford Dealer has yet to see my Z in his shop for so much as a "hiccup".
("How Suu-weeet it is!!)"
Service Mgr told me ..."You ain't the only one Pal! -- I l-u-v those cars".
Talked to sales mgr, telling him how pleased I am.
He said, "I can't keep the damn things in stock! D'ya know the yard about back is empty again? I just got off the phone, trying to get a few from other dealers around here. No luck so far, but I'll find some, don't you worry".
I' told him I wasn't worried, I'm not in the market for a new one.
He laughed, we shook hands, I left smiling.
Conclusion:
I'm impressed with the quality, road handling, reliability of the Z (and other Focus models).
Coming from a veteran VW-GTI owner that's high praise, guys.
Good luck to you all, and "Happy Z-ing".
Zx3
gotta go drive...
Thanks in Advance
Jimmy
stuff is nonsense.theres more going on than that.
btw,i was traveling g.s.pkwy.from cape may.i was
passed by a silver z pa.plates.traffic was moving
at 80 +.the faster the z goes,the smoother she seems.an exhilirating ride.your z is going to be o.k.the marriage of electronics + mechanical parts
is always a sophisticated nightmare when even a
minor glitch occurs.one little part,component,
assembly can set an entire chain of events in motion.for your sake,i hope im wrong and that it is
just a re-set problem.best of luck!
of deer ready to run.i live in the heart of deer country.sorry to hear about your experience.i hope
its only minor.recently my oldest son was side-
swiped by a deer.he lost the side-view mirror,
and major dents to front side panel.for wings west
and ground effects try the following:
www.focussport.com
the custom seat covers yet? your report is good news. the only problem i have is that tractor sound like others have posted.i do not have the engine tap sound yet.there seems to be no performance issues.avg.mi.28.5.im o.k.with that given the way
ive been driving it lately.take care and good to hear from you again.
I washed my car yesterday. Now I have water in my driver's side headlight. Can't catch a break right now. When the dealer calls me regarding the tapping engine, I will tell them about my wet light. Frustrating. Just a wonderful car though at the same time. No visible crack is apparent.
I definitely feel for the guy who struck a deer. I feel your pain. Good luck with the auto repair.
Question: Are these modified body panels painted prior to attaching them? I saw one West Wings Package in Green (same color as my car) and I have to say it didn't look all that good. The parts had this 1-2 mm space caused by a adhesive black strip at the mating point of the modified part and the body. The paint job on the wings was not pretty at all. Looked different. Man, I thought it looked grim. So for all of you putting on the panels, make sure you get a good paint job, because it can ruin the look of the car.
I agree with Drebe73, the thoughtful artistic fluidity of the lines of our Focus is great. It is a complete design.
I am very curious what Ford will do in 3-4 years when they do the inevitable 'update' of our car to keep it selling. I think anything they will do will make it worse. I wish the only thing they would do is improve the quality of the interior plastics and keep all the shapes the same. The only exterior thing to do would do some mods to the front fasia and rear, but everything else the same. I suppose that is what they will do. And put that triangular side blinker in! Ok Ford!!!???
The Focus edge design makes the Cougar look crude and gimmicky. Sorry, the Focus zx3 is just brilliant looking. The 2002 Ford Mondeo will also be a classic. Hope it comes to North AMerica.
ND
PS: I hope I haven't offended any Cougar owners. I just think the Cougar is a designed to make a statement, while the zx-3 is designed to meet the needs of the driver. To me the latter approach makes the design enduring and satisfying.
I have an appointment at 8AM Mon. to have front seats of my Z covered in vinyl. Color, is Black&Pumpkin combo that the fancy, expensive, Recaro Seats use. (A Recaro seat in that color combo is on display at the Custom-Seatcover Dealer's showroom. Wow, that is so cool, so neat. It sold me).
When I get back this way again (dunno when, things are hoppin') I'll post here, how the job turned out.
I'm not doing the backseats, as they are permanently folded down. I only need 2 seats. Heh, heh ... my Z is now a "permanent-hatchback", you might say.
Later...
zx3
NJ
BTW, my local ford dealer carries Roushe, so I could actually wait and get one if I wanted... (but I still PREFER the focus-R from what ive seen)
Also a quick gas milage note: after 2 fillups on my new 5-speed Kona, I am averaging about 25 mph. This is about 75% highway/25% city, going 65 on highway and AC on most of the time. Not great, but not all that horrible considering I am somewhat aggressive with the rpms when I accelerate. Those of you getting < 20mpg...I dunno, seems like something funky has to be going on there.
Don't you considering purchasing the Focus?
My..my..my
What about the recalls?
Suddenly changed your mind?
Here is what vocus used to say at the Echo forum:
"Right in the Focus forum here on Edmund's, a story is told by someone with a Focus ZTS whose
accelerator stuck at 70mph because the recall was
improperly repaired, causing her to run through a
toll stop. That's not exactly a car I wanna
recommend to someone."
Here is more as a direct response to my comment on the Echo looks:
"Move on to the Focus and keep up with the
recalls so you don't miss one."
Are you allright?
Don't sound like you anymore.