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Just the other day while on the Interstate 88, 65 mph is posted and where I have always driven at 71-73, I noted that with this new Focus, traffic that I was ahead was getting "big" much faster than normal. I was also aware that nobody was passing me even though with the cruise control set at (only) 72, you will generally be passed. Then I had the opportunity to measure my odometer against the mile markers over several miles. It was consistently under measuring. Mile posts were coming up somewhere between .9-1.0 . over 5 or six miles it was over 2 tenths short. My focus has the Pirelli 205/50 16 inchers. Has any body else noticed these discrepencies. The majority of the Foci have the 15 inch tires. I have not yet reported any problems to the Dealer.
There's nothing special about the battery that I can see. I went to ntb.com to see if they sell a battery and they do. Looks like there are alternatives.
If something like this is available, there is no question that I would go for them if replacements become necessary.
Has anyone been refused this service? Do you know if you got the new pump design?
As was explained to me by several customer service people this is NOT a recall but an extended warranty.
Ford has admitted there is a problem, but to avoid paying for the diagnostic to see if you have the defect they don't call it a recall but an extended warranty. Sounds like a bunch of crap to me.
Below is a copy of the Ford letter talking about the defective fuel pump assembly.
http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=847&scid=37
Focus Extended Coverage Program 03N01
All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers
SUBJECT:
Extended Coverage Program 03N01 - Certain 2000 and 2001 Model Year Focus Vehicles Fuel Delivery Module
PROGRAM TERMS
This program extends the coverage of the fuel delivery module (FDM) to 10 years from the original warranty start date of the vehicle, with no limit on the number of miles that the vehicle has been driven. This program provides replacement coverage, and is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.
VEHICLES COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM
Certain 2000 and 2001 model year Focus vehicles built at the Wayne and Hermosillo Assembly Plants from Job #1,1999 through June 13, 2001. Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.
REASON FOR PROVIDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Some of the affected vehicles may experience engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms as a result of contamination of the fuel pump filters. Because the contamination of the filters is progressive, they may ultimately become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall completely. Although the symptoms noted above can occur under a variety of driving conditions, they are most likely to occur when there is less than one-quarter tank of fuel and/or when the driver is attempting to accelerate while making a right turn maneuver (such as entering a highway through a cloverleaf) or while driving uphill.
SERVICE ACTION
If the customer's vehicle exhibits the symptoms described above, dealers should replace the fuel pump unless there is clear evidence that the symptoms are solely caused by some other component. To assist in determining the cause of the symptoms, you should interview the customer. In addition, diagnosis time is provided to road test the vehicle. See Attachment IV for customer interview flow chart.
If it is determined that the symptoms are caused by some other component and the FDM is operating properly, the customer should be notified that the repair is not covered under this program. This program does not cover parts or procedures other than replacement of the fuel delivery module. The fuel delivery module replacement will be performed at no charge to the customer.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD CUSTOMER LOYALTY
With increased service capacity, use the resulting service traffic to acquire new retail service customers, or become re-acquainted with current ones. Take this opportunity to make a lifetime customer by demonstrating:
Care by using the Quality Care Report Card every time to identify additional service needs that may require attention.
Convenience by offering convenient payment terms, by scheduling service appointments, and by providing convenient hours and days of operation.
Competitive Pricing by promoting national, regional, and your individual dealer service specials.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information
Attachment IV: Customer Interview Flow Chart
Customer Notification Letter
QUESTIONS?
Claims Information:.....................................................- - ............................1-800-423-8851
Special Service Support Center (Dealer only) Questions:............................1-800-325-5621
Diagnostic fees in my area are $75. The nice thing is that according to the wording, it's really up to them to prove that there isn't something else causing the problem. It reads that if they can't find another possible cause, they need to replace it.
You can read the article through the below URL
http://www.ofoc.ca/news/news_2003_11.html
Does anyone have the 2.3L manual? I am interested in knowing a little more before driving 100 miles to test drive.
Overall, manual transmission make up less than 9% of all cars sold in the U.S.
I would think that in a place like Texas with such enormous distance between cities that a 5 speed might be more popular (less shifting).
Maybe we have more europeans up here who prefer 5-speeds. In Europe it's more like less than 9% automatics. You should see the look on american's faces when they get to their rental cars... they're ALL manual unless you specifical request automatic. Even then, it's a crapshoot.
Good luck!
Since we're not even getting the new Focus chassis here I wouldn't expect to see anything like this anytime soon. Oh well.
Anyway, dealers don't want to stock a 5 speed car, that will sit and sit and sit. Most "enthusiasts" who want one are picky and would probably not like the color, options, etc, anyway, so they'd end up ordering another.
For every one "I demand a manual", there are 10-20 buyers of in stock auto cars.
http://www.forddirect.com
and my favorite:
http://www.dealerconnection.com
and a dealer 30 miles from me has a ZX5 and a ZTS in the 2.3-manual variety... fortunately I prefer autos...
the P0171 LEAN 1 code.
I have already replaced the Oxygen Sensor, EGR Valve, PDF Sensor, but
the engine light still stays on. A mechanic also checked the
vaccum,an it's OK.
What else can it be????
Any suggestions?
Currently mine is at the dealer for frequently stalling as I would slow for a stop (It's a manual, and it would die when I disengaged the clutch. I noticed a funny sulfury smell the last time it happened.) They told me I need a new head gasket for $1600 (?, seems steep, I haven't seen the written estimate yet). This is a 4 year old car with less than 50K miles, conservatively driven. I really like it, but reliable it aint. Anybody have any thoughts about this diagnosis and estimate?
Thanks.
Is your car part of the fuel pump recall (all cars made between 2000 and 2001)? You could check that
Also, I thought this was the same engine used in the Escorts, with good results. When the head was replaced in 2001, it took them several weeks to get one. I wonder if they didn't "improve" it somehow...
Anyway, this is tough to swallow, especially since this is the second time in less than four years and I'm only working part time right now. I plan to spend some time with the service rep tomorrow to get some of these questions answered.
BTW, it is covered by the pump recall, but the symptoms don't match very well.
Thanks for your input. - Don
Considering you're out of warranty, you should see if you can talk to an independent garage or another dealer.
How can such a major item fail twice? Clearly had they done the job right the first time you wouldn't be in this position. See if you have legal recourse.
This shop is better than others in the area, and the fix did last three years. I wonder if there's a design issue, but it's so hard to find out if others are having similar problems.
If this is the same repair that you already had done once, I'd say you have a strong case in small claims court. It's not reasonable to expect to expect that a repair of such a magnitude would last only 3 years and the dealer needs to take at least partial responsibility. Maybe if they DID do the repair right the first time, you wouldn't be in this position... especially if you can show that you haven't abused the car in any way.
I would fight this all the way and get Ford involved at the highest level.
Pffft, 50k miles on a car and you need $2100 in repairs... that's absurd.
If it is listed that way, it is because it is warrantied for 100,000 miles instead of 36,000.
Now if you're from Canada, I have no idea what it might be.
So far the car runs fine.
Of course, I'm a highly disgrunted Focus owner who will do anything to stick it to Ford royally... so that's just what *I* would do.
Good luck.
The viscosity rating system is the same for all oils; however, the synthetic oil flows normally at much lower temperatures and it holds up better in extreme heat, too.
I don't know what part of Canada you're in, but if you never encounter temperatures below zero degrees F, 5w-50 synthetic is just fine. If you spend more than a day or ten below zero, consider using 5w-30 synthetic, at least for the winter months.
5W-50, in my opinion is far too heavy for Canada, or most of the Northern US. The second number in the viscosity rating--the "50" in 5W-50, for example--tells you that the oil will stay thicker at high temperatures than one with a lower second number--the "30" in 5W-30, for example. What's really important is that you use the oil viscosity your car's owner's manual recommends.
The thicker the oil, the more stress on the moving parts. This seems bad to me.
I have been experiencing trouble with squealing breaks, a shaking feeling in the car (feels like the car is going to stahl before I come to a stop), and a strange high pitch whistling sound that comes out of the engine upon acceleration and deceleration.
I have taken my car to the dealership 3 times for all three items and nothing ever gets done. I drop it off before I go to work and by the time the technician gets to my car, he takes it for a drive and then says, "there's nothing wrong." These issues are happening. But, I don't think th dealership wants to touch these issues. For one thing, they won't get paid because its under warranty.
But, I am getting extremely frustrated with the car and with the dealerships inability to be proactive and fix these issues.
Its documented everywhere that the 2001 model is riddled with recalls. Yet, they say that my car doesn't qualify for any recalls because of when and where it was built. This is the worst experience I have had with an automobile that is only 3 years old. Believe me, I will not be purchasing another Ford in the future.
If there are any thoughts or suggestions on what I could do, I would love to hear the responses.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...the dealer can make the car owning process good or bad. Your car has relatively minor problems...you're right, the dealer doesn't care!
After reading all of these posts about the fuel pump going and other things Ford had to recall, I am concerned for my own car.
Yet, the dealership has shown me 3 times that they cannot fix any of the typical "recall" items because my car was built at a certain time in a certain location and so it doesn't qualify for a recall.
So, I will take my car to a different dealership and see if they are able to fix the car.