Ford Focus ZX3

paulsiu

Not listed in the maintenance manual is the timing belt and manual transmission interval. What are they? I tried asking the dealer, but they did not know.

Paul

konafocus

I love the ZX3, I know it has some recalls, and the Ford dealers cant seem to handle them the way we would like, but mostly every new car that comes out is going to have problems. I about to install a performance wing to Focus, and a borla exhaust. I cant wait to see it done, the funny thing is that I bought this car for my girlfriend, and now I am having second thoughts giving it to her. No matter what I will be buying another one, but I heard a rumor that Ford is either going to have a custom Focus, the VST. My brother works for Ford, and he says one of his friends already has one? hum? I asked dealers in Southern Cal for it, and they cant seem to get info. I wonder if Steve Saleen is going to offer a version on the Focus? Like the Mustand Saleen? So many possiblities, I cant wait. The recalls really drag some what the enjoyment of the car, but hey as long as it is up and running most of the time I am happy, I should say my girlfriend is happy!!! keep on driving people!!!

catmom

pcleveland2--thanks for the info. Glad to hear I won't break the cranny. How about shifting from I to D2 to slow down on an icy patch?
Sometimes this seems safer than putting on the brakes.

Also had a hard time starting my car today (12 degrees). Took 3 tries. Then when it went, the gauges went to the right and then the left and back again one more time. Scared me. Drove k. Going down below zero tonight. Perhaps the gauges will just spin around a few times!

lizzie548

i recently bought a 2001 zx3. does anyone notice that you're getting 200 miles per tank? i'm no mark martin on the expressway, it just seems w/ a 4cyl i should be getting close to 350miles per tank. ford says w/ the ztec and automatic we should get anywhere from 320-400 miles per tank. does anyone have this problem?

cobie

I've only gone through 2 tanks of gas so far and have notice the crummy mileage. I hope after a break in period the mileage goes up. I've been very easy on the car so far and have only gotten 22 mpg (70% hwy, 30%city driving).

cobie

Hey, shov6.

How'd your zx do in the snow this morning? The 4 inches we got should be telling enough. I haven't driven mine today as I walked to work this morning.

s

rwgreenberg

I have about 1500 on my 2001 Z and can't believe how poor the mileage has been. Don't have an exact figure but it looks like I'm getting about 20 mpg with 90 percent suburban driving. I thought that even 8 cylinder machines get about 20 these days. Oh well, it is fun to drive. (By the way, my driving is very conservative with no fast starts etc.)

gogogopher

Hey all,
can't get my hatch open. It makes a noise when I push either the dash button or the one on the key fob, but no open. Now the "door ajar" light stays on. Even the key doesn't work. What's going on here? Its a 2001 model with power locks.
Is this going to be a quick fix or do I need to schedule an appointment?
thanks,
Wilson
2001 ZX3 Yellow
btw: is this searchable? tried and got every "hatchback" list.

pcleveland2

Catmom,
2 is just that - Second gear only. Good for starting on snowy or icy conditions. As for as downshifting, forget it. Let the focus transmission do its own thing. If you are on ice when you downshift you could skid or slide and you don't want to do that. Plan ahead and use your brakes gently.
Pat

silver_bullet

My fiancee's car did the same thing - you can get it shut by pushing it down sharply, if you are lucky. Once fully closed, the light should go out. It may open with the key, but you're going to have to get the dealer to adjust the latch - there is at least one TSB on this problem.

gogogopher

THanks silverbullet for the idea, I'll go try that. Otherwise I'll be loading and unloading through the back seat for x-mas travel (have a service date set for the 29th).
Incidentally, have noticed that I have to hold the unlock button longer for my ZX3 than for a Taurus (which we often rent for business trips). So, where is the reciever on the car located? figure it will help more to aim at that than pointing at the actual door lock...
happy holidays,
Wilson

silver_bullet

I'm not sure if the actual antenna for the RKE system is inside the CSM or not, but the CSM is located in the vicinity of the firewall, in front of the passenger acording to the Ford service CD-ROM I have. I can't find a direct mention of a separate antenna.

edm9

Hello all,
Is there anyone out here that has the 16" rims currently and are looking to upgrade to an aftermarket set? I would be interested in discussing the possibility of purchasing your 16's.
Dealer didn't have any ZX3's in stock at time of purchase with premium group. I bought on the "x plan" so I had to pick from existing stock (that was the only thing the bit about my buying experience).

zx3beast

snap!!!

silver_bullet

ZX3beast, I take it you aren't going to be checking your oil anytime soon. Is it below freezing where you are? Get water into the hood latch mechanism, freeze it, pull the release really hard -- and SNAP!

jimmyfocuszx3

Well, I just picked up my new FOCUS floor mats, thanks for the info on them to whomever mentioned them. I had to pop the little plastic thing off so that the mat would fit on Hook from the normal floor mats. I guess the sedan's don't have that hook so they included a hook that isn't compatable with the ZX hook.... Big surprise. As I said though, looks snazzy none the less.

Jimmy
Tyrant Dictator for life of Lala Land

zx3beast

you know the score by now man. as much as I like certain aspects of this car,the parts are truly
made of genuine crap. it pains me to say it,especially after my many post of praise for this car, but
the truth is the truth.i am more disappointed than I am surprised.i had wanted ford to have a real
winner,not just in sales but with a real quality-built vehicle that one can depend on in the long run.
this current situation just further tarnishes their reputation. so be it. by the way,it is below free-
in here. I went to dealer,no part in stock, temporary fix. I was talking to a ford customer service rep via a phone conversion who proudly exclaims the focus is made from 85% recycled parts. did
she really mean it that way? or did she mean it is 85% recycable? friendly to the evironment she
mentioned. isnt that nice? what about being a little consumer friendly?at my dealer,you can tell by
the attitude,they are really stressed from all the recall work.perhaps even a little embarrassed.the
sevice mgr. was cool,he took my car right in to have it checked out.i can live with it for now,all i ask is to be treated as a valued customer.sometimes they need to be reminded.

mdriver

Everyone seems to be complaining about their low fuel economy. My Honda Civic HX 5sp gets 41 mpg (summer, spirited urban driving). Don't get me wrong, I have driven the ZX3 and think it is a fun (handling) car, with excellent ergonomic design. But the engine seems no more powerful than mine and a lot less refined and the build quality doesn't inspire confidence in the car's longevity. Just look at the stitching on the leather wrapped steering wheel for example. However, I would still buy it, if I thought it would last as long as my Honda. All you need is the reliability and refinement of the Civic combined with the hatchback design and handling of the ZX3, and you'd have the perfect car.

zx3beast

one cannot deny the reliability of the honda line. i am now interested to see how honda will respond
with their upcoming new hatch design. i saw a pic of a new bmw concept hatch. very cool looking car.
also the new mini looks mighty nifty.

this_is_nascar

Are these cars readily available or are they like the PT-Cruiser which have to be ordered months in advance?

KicKMan1

I've sent Ford an official letter of complaint regarding this issue. Prior to that, the only efforts made by the dealer was to hook up their whatchama-meter and insist that I'm really getting 30-32 mpg. My gas purchases say different.

Since this isn't an across the board problem, there must be a problem with the ECU or something in the fuel delivery.

silver_bullet

I received the 00B59 service notice (not a recall, actually) today for the clutch master cylinder and return spring. Luckily, this service item popped up when my car was in for the OTHER two recalls a week or so ago, so it has been done. Still waiting for the new B-pillar trim panels to arrive (mine were broken by the dealer when they replaced the A-pillar trim panels for the recall). Hood cable hasn't snapped yet, although it is hard to pull. BTW - don't count on your dealer doing the clutch master cylinder in an hour or two. My dealer said it is more involved than Ford indicates - it took them the better part of a day to get it done.

My fiancee still likes the car, but she admits it might be different if she was the one dealing with all these service items. It is a ways off yet, but I think her next car will be the new Civic hatchback or possibly the new Mini.

zx3beast

proud to say,i got one today as well. im going for the recall record now. why not? at least it will be
something to brag about.

whyford

I'm fed up!

Sure seems like it might not start...

CRAP!

Merry Christmas to all

DaimlerChrysler blew away the money (9 BILLION)that was put away to weather the.....ARGH

GM laying off 13,000

Plants being shut down...

Okay buy your Honda. Heck i never would of bought this POS if i knew it was Mexican.

Ho Ho Ho and a lump off coal in the socks?

and yes i do know about the trade pacts.

W.

kostamojen

This is Nascar:

Theyre readily availible depending on your location/dealer...

thirstyzx3

I have a green 2001 ZX3. It's got 1500 miles on it and it's on a 2-year lease. I wish I had bought the 2000 model Impreza 2.5RS that is discounted by my local Subaru dealer. I like it OK but that Subaru gets my neck twisting every time I drive by it.

jimmyfocuszx3

My focus was sitting at the Park nI Ride for over 12 hours in temperatures that didn't get above the teens and I hopped in and it fired almost right up. The tach and speedometer did that dance type thing but that only lasted fractions of a second. The clutch was stiff but again, that cold it is understandable. I also got 00b59 today too and am looking forward to that one. I also am awaiting the new B Pillar covers as the staff did a bang up job of cracking and discoloring them.

BUT, I love the ride, it RULES! I think everyone else that hates it should take the "financial hit" and trade it in towards something else more practical. Anyone hear of all the great British roadsters of the 60's and 70's? They had usually fallen apart on the ride home from the dealer to put out 5 recalls to shame. Did anyone care? No, because the car handled like a champ and that is why they bought them.

Jimmy

zx3beast

i agree with you. that is the only reason at this time im hanging on to the z. i am hooked on the ride.
you make a very good point!

pcleveland2

First problem - Garage is not big enough. Second problem - Don't have enough money to buy the right combination of vehicles. Third problem - Would it be weekly average of one car per day or two cars per day? Don't think two cars per day would do it, have to go at least 3! Let's see, 21 cars to come up with perfect car. Now how big of a lottery do I need to win to buy these 21 cars, insurance, and the garage to put them in. Oh, would have to hire a mechanic to keep up the service on them.

pcleveland2

Check out this one. "www.club-focus.net". It's up and running again.

2000sangriared

pd01

http://www.CNN.com&story=breaking_news@216.121.107.178/cnn/

Has anyone heard about this? Is it true?

theparallax

That is a hoax. See the "@216.121.107.178" at the end? That points that URL to another website. It's not actually on the CNN.com website...they just made it appear to be.

fgaydos

Another wat to tell if it's a hoax is to go to CNN and do a search for Ford, Focus, or ZX3. Nothing. Also, notice there is no 'headline' like normal CNN pages.

fgaydos

Still not recommending the Focus till reliability concerns are addressed. That might be a big blow to our resale value folks.

fgaydos

Here is the followup review of the Focus right here on Edmunds web site. Pretty positive comments:
http://www.edmunds.com/vehicles/2000/ford/focus/roadtests/longterm.html

mmp2000

She must be a very oddly formed 5'6...I have the seat cranked waaaaay up, and I'm only 5'2 (on a tall day) and I don't have to "tiptoe" to reach the pedals. I think some people just start out with negative feelings and perceive everything through that tint, regardless of the reality. For me the window crank was the only badly designed interior item. As for the recalls and reliability...sigh...it breaks my heart. m.p.

1stoffdaline

I have a 2000 Focus sedan. I love it. The "Long term review of the 2000 ZX3" (Nov 2000) had one major flaw. The tester, Liz Kim, complained that she could not get comfortable in the driver's seat regardless of how many adjustments she made. I am two (2) inches shorter than this woman (standing at exactly 5'4"), and I can fit perfectly into this car,as can my 6'2" boyfriend, and 5'0" mother. It is a great car that can accomodate everyone, including our two dogs.

Pros of my car: great fuel economy, built on a Wednesday, doesn't skid in the snow and ice (considering it resides in Canada), or while driving at high speeds around corners, excellent handling, no repairs only oil changes(is a month shy of 1 year old), great suspension ("potholes?What potholes?!"), the tint, ergonomics of instruments, excellent factory stereo

Cons of my car: back side windows fog on moist days (even with fan on), would look awesome with bigger (17") tires, would love a power moonroof, a rear window wiper would be excellent (the ZX3 and Wagon have it, why can't us Sedans?!)

rmsabc

is this recall a big deal is it just some padding or is it really a major item which post is being adjusted what part of car
sound like car will have creaks in it after the inferior service that you get at some ford places
anyone had it done that thinks it is worth doing

mdriver

Edmund's "long term" evaluation has utilized the ZX3 a total of 6796 miles as of November. Does this mean that ZX3 owners can break out the champagne and celebrate a likely long and trouble free life for their cars. Nope. The ZX3 in Europe has established a track record for reliability that is average. Consumer Reports rates the car at "below average" in reliability. A bad rating from Consumer Reports can lower resale value overnight. Edmunds' evaluation will have virtually zero effect on resale value, good or bad. I knew the car would never win any longevity awards, but I was still seriously considering buying the ZX3. But after seeing the CR article I eliminated it from my list.

togneter

Hello everybody. Togneter here. It's been a while since I've checked into this forum.

Edgar (the Z) now has 10500 miles of trouble-free driving behind him. That is, until last night...

Anyway, story is, my clutch spring snapped last night. I remember this happening to some people in the past. Anyway, the weird part is, it's still drivable. I don't know if it's just sufficient pressure in the master cylinder or what, but it drives fine, if a little soft in the clutch. I have a few questions.

1) Why is it still working?

2) Is it damaging to drive it this way until I get it fixed?

and 3) Is it easy to replace these things myself, or should I really get the Service Dept. to do it? See, I have to go up to Canada on Friday for New Years, and the department at my dealership is closed today. The ones in the area that are open can't get me in until Friday. Is it really that hard to put in a clutch spring? I mean it's a pretty hefty spring that has to stretch pretty far. In theory it should be simple, but...

Thanks.

togneter

I just found out about the master cylinder seal/clutch return spring recall from Customer Care. Apparently they sent me a letter, but I never got it.

Time to do some back-reading...

tedf3

My ZX3 heater outputs some REALLY HOT air once the engine is warmed up. If I have the vent directed at my hands on the steering wheel, the heat is so intense that it is painful. The temp gage looks normal, though, somewhere below the halfway mark. The car heats up very fast, even in cold weather.

So, I'm wondering if this has something to do with the lousy gas mileage that I'm getting. I get about 24-25mpg for mostly highway driving (~80%). If the engine is too hot, could this be caused by burning more gas than what is "required"? Something to do with the air/fuel mixture? I don't know much detail as to how this works, but it seems like there could be a relationship between burning fuel and heat output. Has anyone else noticed the intense heat output, and are you also getting bad mileage?

silver_bullet

Tedf3, there is no logical relation between the climate control and fuel economy numbers for your car. Like most modern cars, the Focus' temp control knob controls an AIR distribution system on the heater plenum, allowing heated air into the cabin. Coolant flows through the heater core no matter what setting you select. People in this forum have reported high mileage, crappy mileage, excessive interior heating (you), and virtually no heat for 10 minutes or more. I doubt we'll ever get straight answers to these issues.

fgaydos

I found that the heater is slow to warm up, but once it does it really does the job. Even on the coldest day I cannot keep it at the highest setting without unzipping my coat.

pcleveland2

Isn't it a great heater! Much better than previous vehicles. For once in my many years, I have a vehicle where I can turn the heat down and be comfortable.

Pat

konafocus

I love the car, only compliant is the cup holder location. Other than that I love the car. I must be lucky because I am getting 31 miles to the gallon of gas. I drive the car hard at times, and easy at other. I cant wait to experince my first recall, I know it has some recalls, but it is a minor pain in my book. I guess because it is my first car. I plan to buy another, but I dont know if I should pay a little more for the 4 door? Any suggestions people? Should I stick to the ZX3, I know ford is coming out with special packages for it, hum wait? Decisions, decisions? My girlfirnd loves the car, I will most likely give her the Kona I am driving now, and buy myself another one. Have you guys seen how ugly the Civic looks!! They ruined that car!! Glad I am driving the Focus, makes the Civic look like a box cramed in.

zx3beast

locally,only are offered on 4dr. sedan. no rebate on zx3.

tedf3

silver_bullet, I see what you are saying about the climate control and air distribution, but I guess what I am wondering is if the heat that circulates through the car originates as the heat generated by the combustion of gas in the engine, then, if too much fuel burns, won't that result in excessive heat, especially if the fuel simply burns inefficiently? And if the fuel burns inefficiently, then the mileage will be poor. I just wonder if those who report poor mileage also happen to have a great heater...

togneter

Wow...that's a stretch of logic. =]

I think your gas mileage problem is probably from something else.