Probably covered better in another forum... but my preference is based largely on the notion that a QUALITY synthetic lubricant is rather cheap insurance for your engine. Synthetics tend to have more stable flow and viscosity characteristics at very cold and very hot temp extremes, and tend to resist breaking down in high load situations. They pump up very quickly when you start from cold, and this is when most engine wear takes place. With the extreme summer temps we have here in Texas, I like having all the protection I can get. You won't get extended use from synthetics, however - they will get contaminated with combustion byproducts just like petroleum-based oil. As for filters, I stick with what the manufacturer recommends and use the Motorcraft FL-2005. This filter has the correct anti-drain back valve, and obviously meets Ford's specs. In the event of a major engine problem, I don't want Ford to point to an aftermarket oil filter and say "you blew it, buster". New Porsches and Corvettes leave the factory with Mobil 1 in them - that's good enough for me
so far our experience with our 5spd. zx3 hatchling is trouble-free with the exception of one 130lb. doe, the recall work and the inside hatch release button being replaced. we are very pleased with our car and ourselves for having chosen a zx3. we have 5000 miles on the car... and quite frankly, every one of the miles has been lots of fun! we are still bitter with ford corporate about the parts wait. we are also dumbfounded that a ford service dept. could over-fill one of thier own with oil. the car is just soooo damn fun and is an engineering marvel for 14k!!! my .02 so far
Yes the infamous yellow focus box arrived yesterday with a black Casio G-Shock watch (for my Picth Black ZX3)and picture frame. The dealer had no idea what I was talking about when I finally received my car and the only thing I have done is register with Ford Owner Connection recently. Anyway the watch is really cool, a little larger but it looks slick. The picture frame, well a little much for me but it was a nice thought anyway. It is nice to see this from a car company. I also picked up a chrome exhaust extension from GI Joes last weekend. It is more of an oval shape that really appeals to me, only $10 so how could I say no.
First, hatchqeen Your comment is really funny. Have you spend some time outside America? We have so many "experts" here without a real life experience. I live in San Diego and NEVER was run off the road by others. You have done something really outrageous. There are so many ignorant drivers in this area: people driving 55 mph on the freeway in the fast lane while other four lanes are empty. And if I blink my headlights at them and they suddenly slam on their brakes--hey, I would probably become really pissed off. ZX3, I am agree with you on american driving. The problem is that everybody can obtain a car and a driver license here without spending considerable amounts of time and money. Therefore the relative level of skill is not high at all. But at the same time american roads are still one of the safest in the world. So the only problem with driving in America as I see is lack of effort on behalf of majority of the driveres in improving of their driving skills.
BTW italian drivers are famous for their crazy driving. Hey, try tailgating a merc in Moscow. There is a good chance you'll swallow a bullet before too long.
Friends, I've hidden some posts above as we were careening towards an off-topic collision. :-) I invite all of you to the News & Views conference where we have several topics on drivers of all varieties!
Can you get a similar statistics from Italy. Let's compare if we can, here in America we could have 50 times as many cars on the road than in Italy. So even if in Italy there are only 2 dead victims of car accidents a day,proportionaly you are in the same ratio as we are. How many deadly car accidents per day do you get in Italy ? How many cars are there on Italian roads ? I wish there is no dead accidents on the roads in Italy ,but I'm afraid that it's not all that safe on those narrow Italian roads, with famous Italian temperament and small(even comparing to euro standards) Italian cars. ...just my 2 cents.
a quick note to calm things down, this has got too far off-topic. kdominczak, I don't have the Italian statistics to hand but I am sure they make for sorry reading. Far too many people die on the roads here. I lost a friend in an accident and his wife was left a widow, physically and mentally scarred for life. Another friend lost her boyfriend at the wheel of a BMW. She watched him bleed to death beside her.
My post had nothing to do with petty national rivalries. Excuse me if you saw it that way.
Maybe this is all down to my frustration as I am still waiting on the delivery of my Focus. I've been searching for days for independent confirmation of the recall from Ford and some information about when the problem will be resolved but I can't find a thing. The dealer insists he is doing all he can.
Oh well let's just get back to the reason we came here in the first place. Tell you what, I'll just shut up until my car arrives.
P.S. Apologies carlady, I'll try to stay on-topic next time.
Torinopaddy, hang in there. Hopefully Ford will untangle the parts mess and get you on the road soon. Your situation got me thinking... do you know how difficult it would be to special order parts for the ZX3 (like Euro-spec shocks and springs, rear disk brake conversion sets, and maybe interior and exterior accessories), and bulk ship them to the U.S.? My local dealer says he cannot get non-U.S. spec parts - he can't even get parts for Canadian Fords. I find this very odd, because I can walk into my local BMW dealer, give them virtually any part number, and have the part in hand in less than a week... even if the part is for a "grey market" model never imported into the U.S. I used to do this all the time with a German-spec 635csi I once owned. Ford just says "no can do". I would be interested in setting up a conduit for some of these special parts if the costs aren't totally absurd - your input is appreciated.
Once again...I HAVE driven in Europe and in the US. I can assure you that it is not skill that is the determining factor here...it's awareness and state of mind while driving.
Italians drive as if they are prepared for anything to hapeen at any time...because it most likely will. Americans drive as if they expect everybody to follow the rules all the time...which they don't.
That said, I don't find that Italians are more SKILLFUL. They are just more AWARE and PREPARED.
And trust me, ZX3, Americans are anything but humble and apologetic. They are generally brash and Amerocentric. (This is from observation, not from conjecture)
One complaint I have--and I wonder if anyone else has noticed.
On my drive home from work, I have to have my visor down on my right. When I turn right near the end of my tip, I have to put it back in the front. My complaint: The clip for the visor is positioned so that you have to push the visor UP into it, rather than forward. This requires that I take one hand off the wheel (of course) and BOTH eyes for the second or two that it takes to secure it in place. This is not safe. Has anyone else had this problem? Are all fords like this. It seems like a small thing, but all of my previous cars have been set up so that the visor swing into the clip.
I'd probably invest in a new visor isf Ford could supply one.
Hello, I was wondering if there have been any incidents of cracked windshields in this group.. I remember someone mentioning something way back in maybe part II or III and wanted to check. My zx3's windshield has a crack, and I believe it is stress related.
I had to take my car to the dealer for fixing a stuck lock cylinder.. the key wont go into the ignition, and the car had to be towed to the dealership. it now has 12,800 miles on it.
While I was there, I was trying to get them to fix the windshield also, and they are refusing to do it, saying that it is a stone that caused the crack. I believe there are others who have had the exact same J shaped crack starting at the windshield header and curving around the rearview mirror.
I'd like to hear from you if you have had a windshield problem with the focus.. Thanks.
Read one of your posts above, and coudn't agree more that Americans have something to learn about good driving habits! Sadly, it seems to be getting worse rather than better!
Funny... A reasonable following distance at reasonable speeds, and we'd ALL be getting where we need to go faster, more safely, and without consuming as much fuel. Yet, there are the lane-changers... Those who think that by gaining 3 or 5 car-lengths on someone, they're somehow going to "come out ahead!"
Forgive me for venting... But there are also those in the parking lots who "stalk" you in their vehicles as you walk out to your car, hoping that they can pounce on your parking spot the moment you back out! This is partly why I park WAY OUT THERE in the lots... It's kind of entertaining to have someone follow me in their car as I walk... Sort of a "Pied Piper" thing!... Of course, it wears off halfway out and they speed around you with great indignance!
togneter, Just step on your breaks fast enough and everything will be O.K. Right? I guess the "moose test" was invented to entertain test drivers in Europe and has no importance for America. This is what italians do all day long (steering) And their skill level doesn't differ from the "brush your teeth while driving" american skill?
Dan, Yes, I had my windshield develop a crack around the rearview mirror along with another guy online. Get a ballpoint pen and run it along the crack to "feel" for an impact point. If you feel a bump then it was caused most likely by a stone, if not, then it is most likely a stress crack. Good luck, Frank
Car Lady, we all apreciate the hard work you do, but I feel that you are begginning to "over-manage" whats discussed on this board. A certain degree of guidence is needed, but have faith that if we stray it is only temporary. Thanks again-->Doc
Tangents are a natural result of any type of discussion. This group doesn't seem to have a problem with these temporary and tangential topics, and we always remain on subject in the end. We've formed a bit of a community on this board, and I think we're doing just fine. People are also acting maturely, and not throwing insults around, which is nice to see.
Man, my blood pressure has been boiling all afternoon. I never realized what a hot button issue this is for me.These days I have to commute through Silicon Valley in Nor Cal(highway 101), and any discusson of traffic gets me all agitated. Now that I've calmed down I'll try to stay away from the Forbidden Topic (just pullin' your leg Car Lady, you know we love you) Remeber all the other battles (DRL)? Hey, I never registered with owners connection but I got the watch anyway...Its really a WATCH. Maybe I'll use it to beat all those foolish American drivers out of the way!
The famous "Focus Car of the Year Stainless Steel Coffee Mug"! Maybe they don't like me. Anybody got any pull at Ford Customer Relations? Gee, I'd like one and put it to good use. Promise I would. Pat
thanks for your feedback.i had suspected that stability + viscosity were the main reasons for choosing a synthetic.i have always believed that a 6cyl. + 8 cyl. were more forgiving when it comes to oil maintenance than a 4cyl.my only other question, is it important to stick with a synthetic once you make the change? hatchqueen-i agree with your assessment about this group,it always comes full circle. pcleveland- stainlees mug (did you have recall done?)
I took my first road trip with my ZX3, to Orlando to ride the new coaster at seaworld. At one point I think I accidentaly got up to a hundred, a very smooth ride. I did notice that I got rocked a little when passing trucks but my baby held its own. I do wish that I had the comfort package the cruise control and adjustable stearing wheel would have been nice on that 2 hour drive. I'm am just about to put my 1000th mile on it. Has anyone had this problem, when I got back from the trip, there was this plastic piece hanging down behind the front skirt. Turns out it was the air damn that channels the air to the radiator. It is in three pieces that tab together. I supposed the speed of the air forced the pieces apart. Wish they had secured the pieces better.
Opinions re. "Drivers in USA" etc. have been cogently expressed, Pro and Con. I agree, further discussion on this topic would be counter-productive.
Question: How far does the clutch on your Z-hatchling have to be depressed, before your car will start? The clutch on my new Z has to be within 1/8-inch of floorboard, before turning the key will "activate" the starter. This seems way too close. Yes? No? Thanks, for any replies. zx3
i'm the other guy online who had the same "J" shaped crack you are talking about. I had the service manager look at it and he determined it was a stress crack and i am getting it replaced under warranty. that was two weeks ago and i'm still waiting on the part. this windshield crack is not something unusual on our foci. more than several people on www.club-focus.com have mentioned that they had the same "J" shaped crack. get your dealer to fix it. good luck.
to zx3 -seems to be perfectly normal.same deal here. the windshield problem has me concerned. sounds as though it may be a bad batch of glass installed.last thing i want is a windshield replaced. we visited this topic before. rubberban + danny1234-sorry to hear about your situation.
I was concerned normal clutch linkage "wear-in" might later require the pedal to be pressed further, then you'd not be able to start car. Is this a switch on the firewall that activates starter ignition? Anyway, thanks for the info.
BTW, what's your mileage, how's your Z running? Also, I too am interested in wether changing to synthetic oil might mean you can't return to conventional oil later on. When you got your Z, did you wax it or use any liquid to make it shine more, or have you just washed it? (I'm looking at Maguiar line of finishes, and thinking of doing something). zx3
Anyone have any information regarding availability of "vent visors" for the ZX3?
My wife is awaiting delvery of her new car in June. She was so impressed with how the visors function on my new Dakota Quad Cab that she wanted a pair for her car.
to each his own.i prefer wax .others prefer polish. i use polish once a year.i wax 4 to 6 times a year. a lot of people swear by zainos,others meguiars, others zymol ,and so on.as with most things,you are performing the application,if you are satisfied with the results,thats all that really matters. personally,i dont believe you would harm your finish if you used one over the other.polish is fine as a thorough cleaning agent,but it can and will remove some paint surface in my opinion.i like carnauba wax for its surface protection qualities. its easier to keep a waxed finish clean,especially black,which i have.there is a conference on waxes + polishes here at edmunds.i have posted before about this topic.the beauty of todays finishes have come a long way from the past.my first brand new car a 1976 olds cutlass supreme(at that time the best-selling car in the u.s.)was showing rust on the surface in the first year of ownership,as were many other cars.foreign cars,especially from japan had tremendous rust problems.one rarely finds rust on cars today.i brought this up to illustrate that it is an easier task to maintain a lustrous finish today.i remember the time when we used to say,we had to simoniz our car.dont sweat your own choice, some go on + come off easier than others.if you like it,again,thats all that matters.as far as mileage,im rolling up to 3k,time for oil change. engine seems to be peppier+smooother now.,must be broken-in.the last couple hundred miles.the engine really has seemed to smooth out.i dont know if its just a placebo effect or if it really has.just something that seems truly different.has anyone else experienced this?
catsoft... you and your wife are gonna love your new zx3! pat yourselves on the back for making an excellent decision and not falling back into the import 'quality' myth. ford does have every other competing model beat with thier focus.... and for roughly 14k! in answer to a prior post... our 5spd has to have the clutch depressed just about to the floor to start and this IS NORMAL so no need for concern:) drebe..watch out for the speed traps dude! please have fun but be careful!
i used mothers brand mild cleaning wax (clearcoat safe)to remove the rail dust etc. and got quite a nice shine out of it. i am old school and like waxes. i did 'clay' a section that had paint overspray. it worked well but i didn't master it. claying takes patience and i can be impatient many times. i recommend mothers brand products!
congrats + good luck on your new purchase.the wait will be worth it.i have the manual but a lot of people here have the auto and swear by the fun factor just the same.i drove the auto and liked it very much.ive been driving stick 30yrs.and couldnt bring myself to make the switch.i dont believe with the auto that the fun quotient will be any less. enjoy!
to projectzx3- would you mind briefly elaborating on the clay process experience? i am also old school and have been out of the loop when it comes to some of these processes, such as claying.i know there is a conference on this here,however i would appreciate hearing about it from someone here like yourself.by the way.mothers is an excellent product as well.i live within 50 mi.of that zaino brothers co.+ never knew about it till recently.
I'm looking to replace my automatic shift knob(over/drive), does anyone know where I can purchase a focus auto knob on the internet? I tried "carparts.com" but no help there.
You will have no problem with your car if you decide to go back to petroleum based oil at some later date. Some people have reported problems going the other way, however - switching to synthetics in a high mileage car after a life of petroleum oil isn't a good idea. The different detergent package often cleans out a lot of old sludge, and suddenly you've got a car that uses oil. This happened on an old BMW 320i I once owned. Synthetic flows so well, that it will often flow past old, worn oil seals and cause slight leaks where none existed before.
Regarding the clutch interlock, you should have to depress the pedal fully before the starter circuit is enabled. Don't worry about "linkage" wear, our cars have hydraulic clutch actuation, not mechanical (cable) actuation. The loclout switch should be fine for a long time.
Drebe, I guess you found out what the max speed of the front spoiler is :-) Way to go! You might want to carefully drill some small holes and attach the pieces together with some small nuts and screws - use flat washers under the screw heads to spread the clamping force.
Paint clay is not new - body shops have used it for many years to remove overspray. Beware, this is a product that can create as many problems as it can fix if used incorrectly. It MUST be used with liberal amounts of lubricant, and you must be careful to not pick up any grit in the clay, or you will create some serious scratches.
Pat, If your car was not part of the 00E09 campaign, you won't likely get a mug from Ford. I've seen your wishes for a mug, and it breaks my heart I received a mug after my recall, but to be honest, I won't be using it - I don't eat or drink while driving. Let me know if you'd like mine, and I'll send it to you. We can exchange info offline.
Congrats on your new purchase. I too drove a 323 prior to the ZX3. I really liked my 323 but it was at a point of where the nickels and dimes were turning to dollars. With your ZX3 you will think you died and went to car heaven.
Silver Bullet, Was part of campaign. Work was done Mar 13th. Notified here and thru ownerconnection, but not thru U.S. Postal Service. Thanks much for the offer, but I've just been venting. It's a nice place to vent, because its also a nice place to express how happy I am with the ZX3. Just keep thinking (wishfully) that someone from Ford Customer Service would read my vents and do something about it. Really appreciate your offer.
I know many of you read the postings in the NG alt.autos.ford.focus, but for those of you who don't here's a post I came across from a salesman at a Ford dealership.
I have just received the ordering guide for the 2001 Focus and the following are the highlights of the changes.....
New Colors Egg Yolk Yellow Clearcoat Jackpot Gold Clearcoat Metallic Twilight Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Fog Lights now standard on the ZTS
New 6 spoke 16" wheels standard on ZTS, optional on ZX3 as part of option package
Front armrest now standard on SE Sedan and Wagon
Power windows now standard on SE Sedan and Wagon
Single disc CD standard on all models except the LX
New MANUAL moonroof ZX3 only
Front and rear floor mats and smokers package standard on all models
New premium group (air conditioning, 16" alum. wheels, tilt/telescoping, front armrest, cruise, front maplights now available on ZX3
Manual transmission available on SE Wagon
Power Group on ZX3 now includes windows/locks/mirrors and remote entry on ZX3, and is only available with the premium group
Zetec engine now standard on SE Wagon
side impact airbags optional on all models, when ordered with side airbags the rear seats get head restraints!
Automatic transmission on ZX3 is only available with the premium group (manual transmission is available with or without the premium group)
and last but certainly not least......
Advance Trac - integrated vehicle dynamics designed to provide precise handling in adverse situations available on ZTS and ZX3 only. This package includes traction control.
silver bullet- thanks for the feedback.i going to stick with the old carnauba wax.as far as the first oil change,im going to do one petroleum then do switch to synthetic.im putting my trust into a local shop which is very familiar with the overfill problems posted here.there was a time i would do it myself but to much hassle in disposal etc.
Just to let everyone know. Color of your car may not be what you think. My "Malibu Blue", color code K7, is also "Bright Atlantic Blue", and may be listed as other Ford colors. Found out when buying touch up paint. I already knew, just thought I let you all know. Pat
Yes, it is getting to be a hassle to dispose of old oil. I have a 55 gallon drum on a pallet behind garage. Have to haul it to a guy who burns old motor oil for heating his shop. Real pain, but I'd rather see someone like him get it, instead of someone who is making money re-refineing into "new" motor oil. They don't give me anything for it. Pat
zx3beast, True on backorder. I'm still waiting for a drop in K&N air filter and a Lund bug/stone deflector Over two weeks. Started checking elsewhere to see if anyone will treat me better. Pat
pcleveland2-i know we touched on this subject way back.you had mentioned hauling bearings.seems to me today,that in many industries,there is very little warehousing of parts of any kind,like the past.seems most co.wholesale+retail operate in the just in time inventory mode.excuse me,if this is off topic.i just wanted to express a view to calm any doubts or fears on the issue of delivery + wait on parts pertaining to our much-loved focus.
Ford parts availability reminds me of the old Monty Python skit about the cheese shop. No matter what kind of cheese the guy asked for, the clerk had some clever excuse as to why they didn't stock it It makes me curious enough to jump over the counter to see exactly what parts they DO keep in stock! I've been waiting 3 weeks for one of the map light/domelamp assys. for my fiancee's new ZX3, as well as a set of Focus logo front floomats from the dealer accessory catalogue. "Just in time" actually means "we have to make some, so don't hold your breath".
Ford of Canada list a part #FOC250 for those of you who didn't get that Mug as part of a recall it's list price is $16.20. Kinda steep for a mug but if you gotta have it-
Thanks for posting the 'new, improved' 2001 Focus stats. One glaring item missing is the passenger front seats being automatic sliding forward. The current design or lack of same is really lame.
silver bullet-believe me,i share your frustration. wholesale distribution is how i make a living. i despise backorders,its leaving money on the table the answer i always get is,there will always be backorders.i say poor excuse,poor management of inventory,a total lack of expertise on forecasting the needs + wants of the customer.the 2 parts you mentioned,i am going to check my dealer for availability.i will check on tuesday and report back.they are suppose to be the largest on the east coast for whatever thats worth.
Comments
Be careful out there folks.
Your comment is really funny.
Have you spend some time outside America?
We have so many "experts" here without a real life experience.
I live in San Diego and NEVER was run off the road by others. You have done something really outrageous. There are so many ignorant drivers in this area: people driving 55 mph on the freeway in the fast lane while other four lanes are empty. And if I blink my headlights at them and they suddenly slam on their brakes--hey, I would probably become really pissed off.
ZX3,
I am agree with you on american driving.
The problem is that everybody can obtain a car and a driver license here without spending considerable amounts of time and money. Therefore the relative level of skill is not high at all. But at the same time american roads are still one of the safest in the world.
So the only problem with driving in America as I see is lack of effort on behalf of majority of the driveres in improving of their driving skills.
BTW italian drivers are famous for their crazy driving. Hey, try tailgating a merc in Moscow. There is a good chance you'll swallow a bullet before too long.
carlady/host
Let's compare if we can, here in America we could have 50 times as many cars on the road than in Italy. So even if in Italy there are only 2 dead victims of car accidents a day,proportionaly you are in the same ratio as we are.
How many deadly car accidents per day do you get in Italy ?
How many cars are there on Italian roads ?
I wish there is no dead accidents on the roads in Italy ,but I'm afraid that it's not all that safe on those narrow Italian roads, with famous Italian temperament and small(even comparing to euro standards) Italian cars.
...just my 2 cents.
kdominczak, I don't have the Italian statistics to hand but I am sure they make for sorry reading. Far too many people die on the roads here. I lost a friend in an accident and his wife was left a widow, physically and mentally scarred for life. Another friend lost her boyfriend at the wheel of a BMW. She watched him bleed to death beside her.
My post had nothing to do with petty national rivalries. Excuse me if you saw it that way.
Maybe this is all down to my frustration as I am still waiting on the delivery of my Focus. I've been searching for days for independent confirmation of the recall from Ford and some information about when the problem will be resolved but I can't find a thing. The dealer insists he is doing all he can.
Oh well let's just get back to the reason we came here in the first place. Tell you what, I'll just shut up until my car arrives.
P.S. Apologies carlady, I'll try to stay on-topic next time.
Italians drive as if they are prepared for anything to hapeen at any time...because it most likely will. Americans drive as if they expect everybody to follow the rules all the time...which they don't.
That said, I don't find that Italians are more SKILLFUL. They are just more AWARE and PREPARED.
And trust me, ZX3, Americans are anything but humble and apologetic. They are generally brash and Amerocentric. (This is from observation, not from conjecture)
On my drive home from work, I have to have my visor down on my right. When I turn right near the end of my tip, I have to put it back in the front. My complaint: The clip for the visor is positioned so that you have to push the visor UP into it, rather than forward. This requires that
I take one hand off the wheel (of course) and BOTH eyes for the second or two that it takes to secure it in place. This is not safe. Has anyone else had this problem? Are all fords like this. It seems like a small thing, but all of my previous cars have been set up so that the visor swing into the clip.
I'd probably invest in a new visor isf Ford could supply one.
I had to take my car to the dealer for fixing a stuck lock cylinder.. the key wont go into the ignition, and the car had to be towed to the dealership. it now has 12,800 miles on it.
While I was there, I was trying to get them to fix the windshield also, and they are refusing to do it, saying that it is a stone that caused the crack. I believe there are others who have had the exact same J shaped crack starting at the windshield header and curving around the rearview mirror.
I'd like to hear from you if you have had a windshield problem with the focus.. Thanks.
Funny... A reasonable following distance at reasonable speeds, and we'd ALL be getting where we need to go faster, more safely, and without consuming as much fuel. Yet, there are the lane-changers... Those who think that by gaining 3 or 5 car-lengths on someone, they're somehow going to "come out ahead!"
Forgive me for venting... But there are also those in the parking lots who "stalk" you in their vehicles as you walk out to your car, hoping that they can pounce on your parking spot the moment you back out! This is partly why I park WAY OUT THERE in the lots... It's kind of entertaining to have someone follow me in their car as I walk... Sort of a "Pied Piper" thing!... Of course, it wears off halfway out and they speed around you with great indignance!
Ah well... Such is the motoring mentality!!
Just step on your breaks fast enough and everything will be O.K. Right?
I guess the "moose test" was invented to entertain test drivers in Europe and has no importance for America.
This is what italians do all day long (steering)
And their skill level doesn't differ from the "brush your teeth while driving" american skill?
Yes, I had my windshield develop a crack around the rearview mirror along with another guy online.
Get a ballpoint pen and run it along the crack to "feel" for an impact point. If you feel a bump then it was caused most likely by a stone, if not, then it is most likely a stress crack.
Good luck,
Frank
Thanks again-->Doc
Tangents are a natural result of any type of discussion. This group doesn't seem to have a problem with these temporary and tangential topics, and we always remain on subject in the end. We've formed a bit of a community on this board, and I think we're doing just fine. People are also acting maturely, and not throwing insults around, which is nice to see.
And to those of us in the US, be extra aware when driving this weekend. (More people travel on this holiday than any other.)
Have fun, be safe, come back whole.
Gabe
Hey, I never registered with owners connection but I got the watch anyway...Its really a WATCH. Maybe I'll use it to beat all those foolish American drivers out of the way!
But I swear I spotted Russel Crowe using it to fend off a sword blow in "Gladiator" =]
Pat
choosing a synthetic.i have always believed that
a 6cyl. + 8 cyl. were more forgiving when it comes
to oil maintenance than a 4cyl.my only other question, is it important to stick with a synthetic
once you make the change?
hatchqueen-i agree with your assessment about this group,it always comes full circle.
pcleveland- stainlees mug (did you have recall done?)
I agree, further discussion on this topic would be counter-productive.
Question:
How far does the clutch on your Z-hatchling have to be depressed, before your car will start?
The clutch on my new Z has to be within 1/8-inch of floorboard, before turning the key will "activate" the starter.
This seems way too close. Yes? No?
Thanks, for any replies.
zx3
sounds as though it may be a bad batch of glass
installed.last thing i want is a windshield replaced. we visited this topic before.
rubberban + danny1234-sorry to hear about your situation.
Is this a switch on the firewall that activates starter ignition?
Anyway, thanks for the info.
BTW, what's your mileage, how's your Z running?
Also, I too am interested in wether changing to synthetic oil might mean you can't return to conventional oil later on.
When you got your Z, did you wax it or use any liquid to make it shine more, or have you just washed it? (I'm looking at Maguiar line of finishes, and thinking of doing something).
zx3
My wife is awaiting delvery of her new car in June. She was so impressed with how the visors function on my new Dakota Quad Cab that she wanted a pair for her car.
i use polish once a year.i wax 4 to 6 times a year.
a lot of people swear by zainos,others meguiars,
others zymol ,and so on.as with most things,you are performing the application,if you are satisfied with the results,thats all that really matters.
personally,i dont believe you would harm your finish if you used one over the other.polish is fine as a thorough cleaning agent,but it can and
will remove some paint surface in my opinion.i like carnauba wax for its surface protection qualities.
its easier to keep a waxed finish clean,especially black,which i have.there is a conference on waxes +
polishes here at edmunds.i have posted before about this topic.the beauty of todays finishes have come a long way from the past.my first brand new car a
1976 olds cutlass supreme(at that time the best-selling car in the u.s.)was showing rust on the surface in the first year of ownership,as were many other cars.foreign cars,especially from japan had
tremendous rust problems.one rarely finds rust on
cars today.i brought this up to illustrate that it
is an easier task to maintain a lustrous finish
today.i remember the time when we used to say,we had to simoniz our car.dont sweat your own choice,
some go on + come off easier than others.if you like it,again,thats all that matters.as far as mileage,im rolling up to 3k,time for oil change.
engine seems to be peppier+smooother now.,must be
broken-in.the last couple hundred miles.the engine really has seemed to smooth out.i dont know if its
just a placebo effect or if it really has.just something that seems truly different.has anyone else experienced this?
in answer to a prior post... our 5spd has to have the clutch depressed just about to the floor to start and this IS NORMAL so no need for concern:)
drebe..watch out for the speed traps dude! please have fun but be careful!
will be worth it.i have the manual but a lot of
people here have the auto and swear by the fun
factor just the same.i drove the auto and liked it very much.ive been driving stick 30yrs.and couldnt bring myself to make the switch.i dont believe with
the auto that the fun quotient will be any less.
enjoy!
on the clay process experience? i am also old school and have been out of the loop when it comes
to some of these processes, such as claying.i know
there is a conference on this here,however i would
appreciate hearing about it from someone here like yourself.by the way.mothers is an excellent product as well.i live within 50 mi.of that zaino brothers
co.+ never knew about it till recently.
Regarding the clutch interlock, you should have to depress the pedal fully before the starter circuit is enabled. Don't worry about "linkage" wear, our cars have hydraulic clutch actuation, not mechanical (cable) actuation. The loclout switch should be fine for a long time.
Drebe, I guess you found out what the max speed of the front spoiler is :-) Way to go! You might want to carefully drill some small holes and attach the pieces together with some small nuts and screws - use flat washers under the screw heads to spread the clamping force.
Paint clay is not new - body shops have used it for many years to remove overspray. Beware, this is a product that can create as many problems as it can fix if used incorrectly. It MUST be used with liberal amounts of lubricant, and you must be careful to not pick up any grit in the clay, or you will create some serious scratches.
If your car was not part of the 00E09 campaign, you won't likely get a mug from Ford. I've seen your wishes for a mug, and it breaks my heart
Was part of campaign. Work was done Mar 13th. Notified here and thru ownerconnection, but not thru U.S. Postal Service. Thanks much for the offer, but I've just been venting. It's a nice place to vent, because its also a nice place to express how happy I am with the ZX3. Just keep thinking (wishfully) that someone from Ford Customer Service would read my vents and do something about it. Really appreciate your offer.
Pat
I have just received the ordering guide for the 2001 Focus and the following
are the highlights of the changes.....
New Colors
Egg Yolk Yellow Clearcoat
Jackpot Gold Clearcoat Metallic
Twilight Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Fog Lights now standard on the ZTS
New 6 spoke 16" wheels standard on ZTS, optional on ZX3 as part of option
package
Front armrest now standard on SE Sedan and Wagon
Power windows now standard on SE Sedan and Wagon
Single disc CD standard on all models except the LX
New MANUAL moonroof ZX3 only
Front and rear floor mats and smokers package standard on all models
New premium group (air conditioning, 16" alum. wheels, tilt/telescoping,
front armrest, cruise, front maplights now available on ZX3
Manual transmission available on SE Wagon
Power Group on ZX3 now includes windows/locks/mirrors and remote entry on
ZX3, and is only available with the premium group
Zetec engine now standard on SE Wagon
side impact airbags optional on all models, when ordered with side airbags
the rear seats get head restraints!
Automatic transmission on ZX3 is only available with the premium group
(manual transmission is available with or without the premium group)
and last but certainly not least......
Advance Trac - integrated vehicle dynamics designed to provide precise
handling in adverse situations available on ZTS and ZX3 only. This package
includes traction control.
stick with the old carnauba wax.as far as the first
oil change,im going to do one petroleum then do
switch to synthetic.im putting my trust into a local shop which is very familiar with the overfill
problems posted here.there was a time i would do it
myself but to much hassle in disposal etc.
Pat
Pat
True on backorder. I'm still waiting for a drop in K&N air filter and a Lund bug/stone deflector
Over two weeks. Started checking elsewhere to see if anyone will treat me better.
Pat
back.you had mentioned hauling bearings.seems to
me today,that in many industries,there is very little warehousing of parts of any kind,like the past.seems most co.wholesale+retail operate in the
just in time inventory mode.excuse me,if this is off topic.i just wanted to express a view to calm
any doubts or fears on the issue of delivery + wait
on parts pertaining to our much-loved focus.
wholesale distribution is how i make a living.
i despise backorders,its leaving money on the table
the answer i always get is,there will always be
backorders.i say poor excuse,poor management of
inventory,a total lack of expertise on forecasting
the needs + wants of the customer.the 2 parts you
mentioned,i am going to check my dealer for availability.i will check on tuesday and report back.they are suppose to be the largest on the east coast for whatever thats worth.