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Ford Focus Sedan

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Comments

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Err, snakerbill? You might want to ask in a Pontiac discussion, maybe one on the Coupes board. Try the search features on the left side of the page. (The Select a Board dropdown will get you to the Coupes board.)
  • buggywhipbuggywhip Member Posts: 188
    fdanna, you're so correct about the Focus being a german car with cheap global parts. "Cheap parts" is key. The focus is a fine small car but Ford need not build it better b/c it can discount it heavily to move 250k/yr.......and you're right--it's all about SUVs. Ford needs to move lotsa Foci for every SUV so it can meet CAFE standards. A $500 loss on every Focus is more than offset by a $2000 profit on every truck sold.
  • markus5markus5 Member Posts: 102
    I am still becoming adjusted to the driving dynamics of the my ZTS. The 2.3 is really impressive even with auto. I have only 1500 miles on it but the Gas mileage is not Impressive this is probably due both to the newness of the car and the types of driving I am doing right now. However, it seems that some of this is due to the accuracy of the odometer.

    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.
  • trish21trish21 Member Posts: 1
    Someone hit mine off while I was parked in the street : ( I'm debating calling the insurance company . .. .
  • bobk14bobk14 Member Posts: 17
    The Focus is in its fifth model year, yet no one, but no one, makes a battery for it except, of course the manufacturer.Can someone out their please tell me why?
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Hmm... I think the battery is about the only thing on my car that hasn't failed. Oops... I probably just jinxed myself.

    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.
  • mustang3688mustang3688 Member Posts: 3
    Is the ford focus zx3 consider a sport car or a hatchback, does the insurance cost a lot to insure the ford focus zx3 if your a 16 years old driver.
  • markus5markus5 Member Posts: 102
    Anything like this will be expensive especially if you have the heated mirrors which are on mine, and there have been a few close encounters already. I remember reading somewhere that there is an option for "fold in" mirrors for the SVT models which may be adaptable to other Foci. Am I delusional, or has anybody else seen this ?
    If something like this is available, there is no question that I would go for them if replacements become necessary.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I was wondering if anyone had brought their 00-01 focus in to have the fuel pump replaced under the warranty extension program. The service advisor I spoke to said he hadn't seen one case yet and that the fuel pump wouldn't be ready for another 2 to 4 months even though the customer service letter said late january.

    Has anyone been refused this service? Do you know if you got the new pump design?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    ZX3 is considered a hatchback 2 door on the market. Regarding insurance costs, ask around.
  • summerprojectsummerproject Member Posts: 20
    I had my Focus stall in rush hour freeway traffic for no apparent reason so I was happy to get this letter concerning the fuel pump assembly, until the service department told me I have to pay the diaognostic fee of $83.00 to see if I have the "Program 03N01" defect.If they deterimine that you do indeed have this defect they will pay for everything including the diagnostic, but if you don't you pay for the test.
    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
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    That term really irks me. I mean, if you drive on small roads less than 5 miles away from home in a temperate climate, maybe there isn't an unreasonable risk. However, if you have a 35 miles highway commute in temperatures that drop down to -10 on highways that lack breakdown lanes in some parts, then I'd say it's an unreasonable risk. I found myself in the latter situation. I'm hoping to get the pump replaced as soon as the new design is available.

    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.
  • summerprojectsummerproject Member Posts: 20
    Here is a link to the message I posted before. I deleted the message because it contained copyrighted material that is against policy to post here. My mistake.
    You can read the article through the below URL
    http://www.ofoc.ca/news/news_2003_11.html
  • 151ranch151ranch Member Posts: 109
    I am looking to test drive a manual tranny focus, but my dealer tells me there are only 2 (!) in the entire state of Texas on the dealers' lots to look at....I refuse to buy a manual with out test driving it, and am not really interested in the SVT.

    Does anyone have the 2.3L manual? I am interested in knowing a little more before driving 100 miles to test drive.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Personally, I don't think Ford is building more than a trickle of cars with 5 speeds. I'm in Houston, and there is not a single ZX3 with the 2.3 and manual transmission on a dealer's lot - what's up with that? I'd seriously consider getting one, but there are none to be had. Around here, it isn't worth going to a Ford store unless you are shopping for a truck :(
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I think here in the north east 5-speeds are a tiny bit more popular, depending on the model. The ZX3, for example, is not so hard to find here with a 5-speed. However, if you're looking for, say, a Carolla 5-speed, forget it.

    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!
  • summerprojectsummerproject Member Posts: 20
    I have a 5 speed Focus wagon and at the time I bought it the dealer said they didn't exist. I even showed them a print out from Edmunds that showed that option on a wagon and the salesman still refused to believe me.I had to insist that he search the Ford dealer data base for other dealers' inventories and after a few failed attempts they found one at a dealer in Vermont(I'm in NY state)
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I'm gonna eat my words and say I spoke to soon. I just did search on forddirect.com and there are NO 5-speeds around. Geez, that sucks.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/ae_news_story.php?id=43389

    Since we're not even getting the new Focus chassis here I wouldn't expect to see anything like this anytime soon. Oh well.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Europe is now more than 10% automatics nowadays. Autoweek mentioned once its more like 25-30%.

    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.
  • buggywhipbuggywhip Member Posts: 188
    Sticks are dead. People are too busy with cell phones and CD players. No one wants to shift anymore. Personally, I can't wait to get a stick again.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    I want one too. The 2.3 Focus is of interest to me, but I doubt I will find one. How can I search lots for one?
  • iusecadiusecad Member Posts: 287
    I don't know why, but Ford offers 2 web sites:

    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...
  • skippyspaniel2skippyspaniel2 Member Posts: 3
    My 2001 Ford Focus ZTS with 58,000 miles has the engine ligh on with
    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?
  • pigloverpiglover Member Posts: 25
    Just want to say that my 2001 Focus SE with the SOHC engine with 20k miles is doing fine. I did take her in for the recall about the rear wheel bearings and I did get the letter about a possible problem with the fuel pump. But I have yet to experience any problem with it. I did baby the car during the first couple of hundred miles. And I like using 5w-30, not 5w-20 oil. On the highway I get 34 mpg, averaging 60-65 mph., and I love the way the car handles.
  • hotx3hotx3 Member Posts: 71
    Have you talked to your dealer? I had problems about a year after I bought mine and they replaced the head (paid by Ford).
        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.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    If you had a leaky head gasket, you'd have more of a sweet smell and you'd see your coolant level dropping. Even if it is the head gasket, $1600 is insane and you should try another dealer or a local mechanic for a second opinion.

    Is your car part of the fuel pump recall (all cars made between 2000 and 2001)? You could check that
  • hotx3hotx3 Member Posts: 71
        You are right - no coolant loss or smell. I talked to the service writer today. He tells me the exhaust valves are unbalanced because of carbon deposits, and I need a new head assembly, to the tune of $2100! They got input from Ford, and supposedly ran tests to confirm the problem. I wonder why they can't clean the valves off.

        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
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Hey it really sounds like they're trying to screw you big time.

    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.
  • hotx3hotx3 Member Posts: 71
    The first time was under warranty, so I didn't pay. Ford parts get 12 months.

        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.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Don't give the dealer the benefit of the doubt. Their goal is not to save you money. As you said, it's hard to find people with similar problems... this is not common and 3 years is not acceptable for an engine in a car that Ford says has a lifespan of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

    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.
  • trinity7trinity7 Member Posts: 18
    w ell ,my lease is up on my focus.unfortunately i went over my milage so i have to buy the thing out.they tried to lock me into another lease on a new car..no way.i am now trading it in for civic.no more fords for me.in 3 years i've had this car nothing..nothing but problems and ford well once you have the car they don't seem to help you out at all.they don 't take responsibility for any of their mistakes.it cost me well over $800.00 for a badly designed fuel pump and almost my life when it stalled suddenly on a major highway.they said it wasn't under warrantee..you can look at the list of warrantee parts on a new focus and it will list all other pumps on the car except the fuel pump...anyways to all future buyers please look at other makes too,show ford that they have not yet achieved the level of quaility they think they have..i got rid of ford..i'm free.. freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    "you can look at the list of warrantee parts on a new focus and it will list all other pumps on the car except the fuel pump"

    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.
  • trinity7trinity7 Member Posts: 18
    hi,my fuel pump broke at around 64000km..it was not under any other warrantee.it had a full 60,000km/3yrs warrantee..the power tran warrantee goes to 100,000km but mentions all other pumps except the fuel pump.i don't know about new cars but i'm sure with the bad publicity they are having with this recall, the new pumps they are putting in are probably warranteed forever(if they are smart)i had to pay for a new pump at 64000km along with hundreds of other owners i'm sure.with just over 4000km pass the warrantee i was told it was not covered by the full 60,000km one or the 100,000km warrantee.i hope this clarifies things for you..bye
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    not sure how it works in Canada, but in the U.S., you can be re-embursed for the cost as long as you have a receipt.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    again, I may not have been clear above. Ford apparently issued a retroactive extended warranty that covers previous years Focus fuel pumps for (I believe) 100,000 miles. If this applies to Canada as well, you could be reimbursed for the cost of the having the fuel pump fixed/replaced even if it was long ago. I'd look into it if I were you. Want to say this came down the pike about 2 months ago at the earliest.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!
  • hotx3hotx3 Member Posts: 71
    You called this one right. The second dealer diagnosed the stalling as a combination of bad gas and the fuel pump. They replaced it under the extended warranty. It costs me just over $200, vs. the $2200 quoted by the first. By the way, the head put in three years ago is the most recent version, so it would have been (my) money down the drain. I am out about $150 for the first diagnosis and a fuel filter that was replaced again at the second dealer.
        So far the car runs fine.
  • haulthault Member Posts: 130
    I don't know if this is FORD specific, but the so called stalling/fuel pump issue has occurred in other FORDs. I work in Ohio and the company I work for has a fleet of Crown Vic's. We have had some cars with the stalling problem. FORD dealer says it is "bad gas and/or fuel pumps." I suspect the screen FORD uses prior to entering the fuel pump is either too fine causing clogging and overheating /failure of fuel pump or the screen is too big allowing comtaminates to "damage" the fuel pump causing it to fail. Any one seen any tests or info on this problem.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Glad that problem was finally cleared up. If I were you, I'd try to get my $150 back. I'd call customer service for Ford and tell them what they put you through and that they misdiagnosed a known issue and it cost you money.

    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.
  • oily_ragsoily_rags Member Posts: 6
    Hello. Just a quick question. Inside my engine bay it says 5w-20 engine oil is required for the Zetec, but after I took my car for servicing they listed 5w-50 synthetic as the oil they put in the car. Do synthetic oils have a different rating system? what are the advantages of such an oil. I put synthetic on my brothers suggestion. Thanks.
  • carlrjrcarlrjr Member Posts: 35
    In my opinion, almost any synthetic oil would be better than 'regular' 5w-20. The only reason 5w-20 is recommended over the more standard 5w-30 is to save about .2 MPG on the government fuel economy tests.

    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.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    Man, this oil debate is like beating a dead horse. I've never even heard of anyone getting any advantage from synthetic outside of a laboratory. Even still....

    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.
  • oily_ragsoily_rags Member Posts: 6
    hmm interesting, I called up my dealership and they simply say 5w-50 synthetic is compatible in my engine so I guess i'll take there word for it. I did some research on my own and apparently that grade of oil is usually used in highly modified 4 cylinder engines with turbos. I guess thats why it's so thick the oil. Can anyone give me some real world benefits to this oil grade? if 5w-20 is supposed to increase fule economy, will 5w-50 reduce it? Is the engine smoother with either grade etc? Sorry if this has been discussed before I am new to this website. Thanks.
  • haulthault Member Posts: 130
    Do to the tighter tolerances in the engine I would not want anything greater than a 30 weight oil. Although with synthetics it does not seem to matter as much. I use 5w-30 synthetic all year round in my Zetec engine. I'm hoping the synthetic will decrease the wear and extend my engine life. I'm shooting for 100-150,000 miles. As far as gas mileage goes I believe the difference is insignificant in real world driving. I believe the 5w-50 synthetic is some of the most expensive oil the dealer can sell. That's probably why they "recommend" it.
  • steve2675steve2675 Member Posts: 10
    My manufacturer warranty on my used 2001 Focus is due to expire in 500 miles.
    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.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    Your problem is not with the Focus or the Ford Motor Company but rather the dealer. Would suggest you find another dealer where you may get more responsive service.

    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!
  • steve2675steve2675 Member Posts: 10
    It's amazing, this particular dealership is rated at the top in customer service. I believe that to be true. However, my frustration is with the technician. They drive it, say there's nothing wrong and then the car sits all day until I pick it up. Interestingly enough, I have taken my car out for a test drive with 2 different technicians. The first time, of course, the car didn't act up. But, the second time the car acted up and the technician recognized all of them. Yet, nothing was fixed on the car. They stated that I had the updated brake pads, and there was nothing they could do about the squealing brakes. They said that the whistling sound coming out of the engine was a "characteristic" of the 2001 Ford Foci. And, they could not replicate the shaking feeling in the car.
    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.
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