Ford Focus ZX3

mzn

We keep talking and talking and talking about the
Ford Focus! Please, join the conversation. First,
take a look at guyindasky's post in the previous
Focus topic and help this former lurker make a
decision. Thanks!

carlady/host

cobie

The lack of amber turn signal lenses on N. American Foci was discussed in the past but I thought this interesting....
While looking through a yr.2000 brochure for the focus at my local ford dealer I noticed that the zx3 is shown w/ amber rear turn signal lenses but it has a N. American front bumper assembly. Crazy, eh?

pcleveland2

What's going on with the Focus Club??

rwgreenberg

Hi. I'm really starting to enjoy the new car. I'm wondering...would some of you who drive the 5 speeds give me an idea of how high you will let the revs get before shifting when your looking for high exceleration? I'm assuming that under normal driving conditions about 2800 rpm would be the place to upshift. Does this make sense to most of you? Thanks

silver_bullet

2800 RPM? Hello, you should have gotten an automatic! The Zetec is not designed for Honda-like high RPMs, but shifting at 2800 is silly. Peak torque is developed between 4500-5000 RPM, so revving the engine to 4000 or so before shifting to the next higher gear will give you some decent performance.

rwgreenberg

Silver Bullet, I understand that it would be silly to shift at approx. 2800 if one wanted speed, but doesn't shifting at this rpm give one maximum gas mileage? If you look in the Focus manual 2800 represents more or less the rpms that match the suggested upshift speeds in each gear.

zgrrrl

During the experimentation with the other "look" of this forum, I made a post asking some questions about Trans VS Automatic - That post is now gone - is it because I said I didn't like the new look - and you don't want to make mention of it?

Oh Wellllll....


Speaking of RPM's...I was on a 2 lane road coming home from work Friday - tried to drop from 5th to 4th so I could pass the very slow moving car ahead of me and -

I hit 2nd gear instead. I feel sick thinking about watching the tach hit 7000 rpms for that brief second.

I know I wasn't doing my car any favors - but how bad ....

silver_bullet

If you shift based on the upshift indicator, you might conceivably obtain the best gas mileage - but you'll likely get run over by all the angry drivers bottled up behind you Several years ago, BMW conducted a study that proved maximum fuel economy resulted from accelerating briskly up to the point of maximum torque, then upshifting, getting into high gear as soon as possible. Real world road conditions rarely allow you to drive in the most fuel efficient manner - sometimes you have to "go with the flow".

Zgrrrl - Ouch. Hopefully the rev limiter kicked in and prevented valve damage, but an overrev from a missed downshift often results in valves contacting pistons. Is your car running normally? Sound okay, and idle smoothly? If yes, you were lucky.

zgrrrl

it seems to be okay - but it didn't sound a little different today when idling (it happened Friday) Nothing bad, just a wee tiny tad bit more "noisy" altho I hesitate to use the word noisey. It just sounded different. I thought it was the cold weather.

What should I be looking/listening for?

greycap

... has been conquered by impatience. I'll admit it: I have tried and failed to change my clock back from daylight savings time.

According to the manual, I just press and hold the "CLK" button until a message appears indicating time set mode (I forget the exact wording), then press "SEEK" while continuing to press "CLK". These simple instructions haven't worked for me; here's what actually happens:

Scenario 1: Radio/CD Off
I press and hold CLK. And hold. And hold for 30 + seconds. The display doesn't change. I press SEEK anyway. Nothing happens.

Scenario 2: CD On
I press and hold CLK. No mode message appears, but the hour starts to flash. While continuing to hold CLK, I press SEEK. The CD skips a track, but the hour stops flashing and nothing else changes.

Can anyone tell from the above what I'm doing wrong?

fdanna

You know I keep looking at pictures of the North American focus thinking "somthing is just not right." Then I noticed that ford has been mixing Euro model pictures with the NA model pictures and I've just noticed that the bumpers on the euro model are shorter which give the car a snubbier apearance! It's cuter actually. I wonder if they had to do that to comply with US laws.

silver_bullet

1. Turn on the RADIO
2. Press CLOCK and hold
3. Turn volume knob to change time

silver_bullet

If you zinged the valves from and overrev and the engine still starts and runs okay, you may have been lucky. What happens in an overrev situation with an engine that has what's known as an "interference design" is the pistons hit the valves, usually resulting in bent valves and/or damaged pistons. Lots of LOUD valve clatter when this happens, assuming the engine runs at all.

fgaydos

I mentioned I was having my gas gauge acting up after I fill up. It would not register right for about a day after. I mentioned to my dealer and he asked if I had the key in the ignition when I filled up. Yes I said. Take the key out and try filling it . I did and it worked OK. I only tried it once so I don't have a trend yet.
FYI

pcleveland2

Ya know, the one time it happened to me, I think I left the key in the ignition. Been a long time since that happened, so I can't be sure. But I do think I left it in that time. Thanks fgaydos!

Pat

ottos

fdanna: yes longer bumpers are for US gov't.

zgrrl,
Maybe the zetec is an inteference engine. if so, then i you should will be ok, because the valves can stick out when the piston comes up, and the two won't touch. if not, then maybe there is a safety margin past redline (what is redline anyway? 6000?).

When going from 5th to 4th, zgrrl, just pull down. You don't have to guide the shifter. Let the springs guide the shifter to 4th. The same goes for shifting from 2nd to 3rd. The only shifts that require some guidance are from 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 2nd, and of course to reverse. I just wanted to say that because I often see people guiding the shifter with more deliberation that necessary.

So how is the car? Is it fast enough for you guys? I am considering buying one, being on the A-plan and all, but I don't know for sure. If it do 0-60 in 7.8s according to some magazine that I forgot, then I will think some more.

zx3beast

has anyone else been noticing a clicking sound when turning wheels
left or right? seems to be coming from front-end.

kostamojen

Ok, I'm seeing fanatics all over the place trying to pound on Democrats on ALL the boards I go to... They must be despret or something, oh well...

So has that guy been banned yet moderator carlady?

kdominczak

This is the automatic transmission that I want.
http://www.ford.co.uk/fo2/fo2flat/esc.html
Why we(here in the USA) always get outdated products.
Our four speed automatic is so outdated, in Europe they don't have tradition in automatics and they are still better than we are.
Dear Ford, please treat us like the rest of the world.
Here in America you can sell almost anything.
Our poor four speed automatic or old 110 hp escort engine would never sell in Europe.
Sooner or later we all have to pay for our lazy(on average poorly educated) life style.
Sad but true,... the saga continues.

cobie

Does anyone know if, when one opts for ABS and the premium package on the focus, if 4 wheel discs come w/ the package? tia

silyboy

you will only get 4 wheel discs on a North American Focus ZX3 or ZTS sedan (or the street edition limited edition models) if you choose the AdvanceTrac option, which is an extra 1091/1225.

silver_bullet

Although there has been some pointed disagreement about this, I believe you have to order the Advance Trac option to get 4 wheel disks - just ordering ABS won't do it.

cobie

thanks for the info, all.

maswol

I've been looking for aftermarket fog lights for the ZX3. I noticed the manual says the size for it was 899. what's the translation for that? h1, h2?

tickbitty

I saw my twin car with extra fog lights added. No offense, but what is the purpose of them? The car already has fog lights anyway.

I have an astigmatism and my eyes are pretty light sensitive. I hate it when I see people running those bright white-blue foglights along with their other lights when it isn't even at all foggy. I think they are just trying to look cool, and those lights bounce around and act very strangely, In the background they can sometimes look like a cop car's blue light. Freaks me out!

chicagodriver

Has anyone installed mudflaps on their car? I really think it would help and was considering putting them on. Also if you know of any company which makes a bug deflector that would be great. Please don't refer me to the aftermarket site, just tell me if there's a company or brand or whatever. Thanks for all of the help.

fdanna

My ZX3 order was placed on Friday and was wondering if anyone had experience with order times at Ford. The dealer said people usually take them off the lot...but the ones on the lot are stripped I got all options except the automatic and in egg yolk yellow. I'm thinking it will be in around christmas.

tickbitty

I think mine took about 81/2 or 9 weeks. I got it in the beginning of April. (don't know if they are faster or slower at different times of yr.)

tickbitty

It's not really SO hard to look in the aftermarket site, I looked and immediately found this post

" #34 of 53: Contoured Bug Deflector (pcleveland2) Fri 07 Apr '00 (08:33 PM)

Lund makes a smoked Bug/Stone Deflector for the
Focus. Model # 78528, X-Terminator style.

Pat"

chicagodriver

Thanks, I'll go order it tonight.

zgrrrl

I am with you...I HATE fog lights. And I despise people who drive around with them on all the time. I've only used mine -- in the fog of course. But to tell you the truth, I don't know what purpose they serve. Is it so I can be seen better or to actually see better?

Regardless, used imporperly - they are annoying.



And I DO know how to shift - it was a mishap that happens. Just wasn't paying attention.

mzn

Friends, I don't expect the Focus Club to begin before we migrate to the new platform. Zgrrrl, I'm sorry one of your posts got lost in translation. When we made our move over and back again, some posts between October 23 & 31 were lost. As for the politics, we're deleting as fast as we can!

carlady/host

tickbitty

but weee like the ooolddd platfooormmmm! We hate change at Edmunds!

mzn

Weeeeeee like it toooooo but weeeeeeee've got to let it gooooooooooo because the software is noooooooo looooooooonger suppoooooooooorted. :-(

carlady/host

zx3beast

my vote goes for carlady for president. no finer
diplomat anywhere.

fgaydos

I second zee motion.
A Focus in every pot.
I mean, browser.
Seeing more Foci around Philly lately.
Blinking and waving.

takeagamble1

I have been reading and enjoying these posts for months. This is my first post and although I have a 2000 Focus Sedan (in Rainforest Green) I like the hatchback posts. Thanks to Silver Bullet I can now change my clock as well. Have been trying for months to get that thing to work. Am very concerned about the rear wheel recall though. Taking it in on Nov. 10th. I can't help feeling a little insecure in the car now.

cgsangel

I can change my clock too!

I had my recall done on Oct 30th. They added the part but nothing else needed fixing. They pulled both rear wheels and did a complete inspection.

Until it was done, I guess I was a little insecure too. But I'm glad they are doing the recalls and getting these things done.

cg

hylerdee92677

When I first got my car in May, my dad and his friend tried to set the clock but could not figure it out. I figured it out by fooling around with everything. I think the directions were actually wrong :0

fgaydos

When I took my 3 in for the recall I asked the service rep how many wheels actually came off. None! He was very skeptical about the whole thing but better to be safe than sorry.
I also felt insecure so hang in there, based on history you should be OK.

zx3beast

although it is highly improbable that the rear wheel will come off, the possibility still exists.
i recently had this recall performed,only after i
was given a free loaner for 6 days,till part arrived at the dealer.my new concern is the front clicking sound when turning.i suspect it may be the cv joints.this will be my next visit,along with the
tractor-sound complaint.despite these concerns
however,i still enjoy the ride.after considering
a trade,ive decided to stick it out,warts and all.
i just like too much about the car overall.

zx3beast

ive been looking to spot a silver z in ivyland.i
also have noticed more z sightings in bucks area.
recently, 3 black,1 midnight blue, i maliblu blue,
2 rainforest green, 3 sangria red, 2 silver, 2 zinc
yellow, 2 white and an autumn orange.seen all these
in the past 2 weeks.

rlr207

Ok...I need some advice. My beloved ZX3's suspension creaks like an old pick-up. Just yesterday a cold snap brought on an embarrassing squeak from the left back wheel. I had the ford guys look at it and they lubricated everything to no avail. I then had the bearings replaced to no avail. I can't take it anymore. I feel like the wheels are going to come off. When I am going slow (5-10mph) and go over a bump, the suspension thumps and squeaks like it is made with tinker toys. Anyone have any suggestions or maybe just a little sympathy?

acrazyraisin

I had a slight problem with the hatch not closing properly, and called the dealer. He told me I could bring it in right away. They fixed it on the spot. Just thought I would share a good dealer story.

lm_shaft

I just bought my 2001 ZX3 this past Saturday and I love it! My research and this forum's attitude & information helped immensely in my decision. It has the Premium and Power groups -- I went with Rainforest green to get the Power group -- but it still looks sharp. I now look forward to driving to and from work everyday.
Thanks for all the great postings that kept me informed.

whyford

Hello Fellow Focus owners.

How do you people save this site? I get a screen that says my post was not complete. I posted about two weeks ago and i come up annonomis>>>>>>> what makes you think you have the wrong colour?

I responded that the slip (larger than the mini bottle) had the make/year and code on it...and also had someones name that sure wasn't me.

Ohhhhh he said, i guess you would have noticed it when you touched up your scratchs.

Duh?

Nice fellow and got me my correct colour.

BUT why should i click click click on my rear hatch remote with a pile of boxes standing 12" that's 12 inches from the keyhole. Kinda makes the REMOTE option redundent?

This is not a great car it is a good car with serious flaws.

Ford failed again and i just found out about WHY they had no Mustangs.

Not blowing off steam just calling the shots as i see them at this time.

With respect,

Whyford (and i thought the name sounded cute!)

fgaydos

I only go to ivyland on Sundays after the eagles games.:>)

Whyford--- I can click my hatch open from 15 feet away. Maybe check your batteries?

cobie

Someone asked about installing mud flaps for the focus. Ford's short-sightedness doesn't allow for the factory "moulded" flaps for the front of the X3 -- only the sedans and provides only rear moulded flaps for the X3. Regular after marked flat mud flaps will fit on the front but due to the very small fender "turn in", you'll have to affix the mud flap to the front fender well liner.

cnollkamper

I have a late response to the post from a few days back. In regards to over revving, i dont see what kind of problem s you would have since I drive a manual ZTS (Sedan with Zetec engine) and I frequently rev beyond 5000 for acceleration purposes. Also it seems that when you rev DOHC engines freely it "loosens them up" and they are more responsive later on down the road. I personally have gone to about 6900 rpm with no probs, and once (on purpose) I hit the rev limiter which is not easy to do because the Zetec does not have much thrust above 5500 rpm so its just extra noise above that point really. I sometimes when merging on my southern california freeways have to downshift from 5th gear to 3rd and it never causes any unwanted behaviour, just thrust and the Rpms usully jump from 2500 to 5000 when i do this. So In the end You can almost certainly be sure that those engine computers are going to keep you from doing any harm to the engine, which is good since Ford did not put a redline on the Tach!
Peace....

pcleveland2

cnollkamper,
The rev limiter is at 6850/6900 rpm. You can't go over it unless you get a aftermarket chip. But why rev that high. You have gone past your torque and horsepower peak and are losing power. The peak is around 6000/6200 rpm. Shift then and you are staying in the power range. Going past 6200 rpm is why a lot of guys are not doing well 0-60 and in the quarter!

In other words, I agree with your post.
Pat

silver_bullet

You can overrev an engine equipped with an electronic rev limiter - by missing a downshift! Go from 4th to 1st at high speed, release the clutch, and bingo! When this happens, the car is "driving" the engine - the crank and pistons are spooled up to extremely high speeds by the wheels, and the valvetrain often can't keep up. It can make quite an $$ mess, as a friend of mine discovered when he missed a downshift in his '96 M3. Going UP the rev range is another matter - the rev limiter usually steps in to prevent damage.