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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XII
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Comments
scribed the drivers there. was i just seeing things
on that one post?......just kidding!
Afraid I haven't been stopping by to read the boards in a while, been really busy with work...anyway, I've got a situation with my ZX3, and thought maybe someone could give me some input on. I don't think I'll be able to check the boards again for a little while, so please email any input to me at: jedifromga@aol.com. Thanks so much for anyone that helps!
Here's the situation: I lost my keys the other day. I don't have a backup key...when I bought my car back in March (first new car I've ever bought, so I didn't know too much about the whole process), I didn't get two sets of keys like I was supposed to. I found out about two weeks after I bought the car that I was supposed to get another key/remote fob. I called the dealership (Jim Tidwell Ford in Kennessaw, GA - I do not recommend this dealership to anyone, was a horrible experience) and told them I didn't get my second set of keys. Each time I called, they gave me the runaround and avoided the issue until finally, about two months later, I called again and asked to speak to a Sales Manager, and I talked to him (at least I think it was the Sales Manager, some dealerships use tactics where they have a senior-ranking salesperson pretend to be the Sales Manager)...and whoever I talked to HUNG UP ON ME. So I gave up on the dealership. I was going to buy a key from another Ford dealership and program the keys myself. I did not realize you have to have two sets of keys (already programmed) in order to program another key. I should have read the darn manual. So now, I lost my one key. I had someone call Jim Tidwell Ford for me, and they asked for the GM of the dealership. They talked for a bit and the GM said I certainly was owed another key and that he would have one of his guys make a copy for me. That was yesterday...today, whoever was going to make a copy of the key called and said that he has to have the car up there so he could program the key and "could I drive my car to the dealership so he can do it". Well, apparently they didn't listen...I lost my one key that I have and, therefore, I cannot drive my car. So he told me to call Ford Roadside Assistance and have them tow the car to the dealership. He didn't know if I would be charged for this, though. Now, he said they might have to charge me for the programming of the key (which is like 60+ bucks). He said that if I had gotten the 2nd set of keys when I bought the car, they would have already been programmed and it wouldn't have been a problem. But he said unclaimed keys get reprogrammed and used for other cars they have on the lot, so now I would have to pay for the programming of the key.
Now this is where I ask for advice (whoa, that was a long message...sorry y'all!). Should I have to pay for the towing fee or the cost of programming the second key (which I was owed in the first place!). When my salesman checked off the items on my Delivery form, he checked off "gave customer two sets of keys".
I apologize again for the long message and I hope that someone might be able to give me some good advice...email any thoughts or suggestions to: jedifromga@aol.com.
Thanks very much!
Clint
A Proud ZX3 Owner (even when surrounded by Idiot Ford Customer Service Representatives)
After reading your post, forgot what I was going to post. Sure one of the guys or gals will help you out!
Oh ya, Silver Bullet. Thanks for jogging my memory on the clutch thing. Been a while since I've had a auto clutch out, or even for that matter, had a concern over one.
Oh, talking about jogging memory, I've been driving heavy trucks off and on since 1970. Think I know what's been happening out on the highway. Our driving habits have gotten progressively worse over the years. Hate to tell you guys that. Not saying we're bad drivers, but that we are in to much of a hurry and lack courtesy. And it's not gender related. Even the newer truckdrivers are bad. Way back when I started driving, drivers in this country (USofA) drove "defensively" while drivers on the other side of the pond were noted for their "offensive" driving skills. It was wild trying to learn to drive over there for one of us who was trained to drive in the US. Today we are what I would call very sloppy offensive drivers. Maybe careless would be better. In addition to driving, we're talking on phone, reading newspaper, eating, shaving, combing hair, looking at person (or baby) in back seat, looking at person we're talking to, playing with radio, along with other things I don't dare mention on this conference. I've seen it all and it's getting worse. Our mind isn't on our driving, unless of course one is an foci enthusiast.
Enough out of me, still gotta get my pax side carpet dryed out.
Pat
red line oil site gives the following explanation:
"Another use of this product is as a break-in additive for drive axles using hypoid gears. Used in the proper proportions, Red Line Limited-Slip Differential Friction-Modifier/Break-in Additive
will significantly reduce the friction between gears during the break-in process of a new drive
axle. High temperatures can be encountered during break-in that can damage the hardening of
the gear teeth. The softened teeth will, then, rapidly wear to the point of failure. This product can reduce temperatures by as much as 50° F during break-in. Friction Modifier/Break-in Additive
is compatible with petroleum-based and synthetic gear lubricants."
Comments?
They should give you one set with no charge. You will pay to replace the lost set.
--
Driving - My worst experiances with awful drivers have been in Massachusetts. Every time I visit that state I see at least one wreck and a handful of scary driving examples.
Several years ago I was on a bus with a friend heading into Mass, and I told him about the bad drivers and wrecks. Just as the bus crossed the state line it passed a car that had recently plowed into a tree.
Driving back from Cap Cod on my last trip I was on a twisty two laner doing 55 to 60 when someone pulled up on my bumper. He was obviously in a bigger rush then I. A few moments later I glanced in the mirror and he was gone. I was trying to figure out where he was, when I spotted him, on my right - in the grass - passing me - driving with one hand on the wheel and one out the window flipping me the birdy. I was doing at least 60 at the time!
A few miles down the same road a car came up behind me and passed me - on a solid line curvy hilly section. As the car passed I could see the women driving was putting on her lipstick in the rear view mirror.
Of course traffic lights are optional in Mass.
I'm always so glad to leave the state alive.
BTW, I made a quick attempt to find the drain plug, and I'm still not seeing it. I have the Ford Service Manual CD coming, so I'll post what I find there. Once I learn how to navigate around the CD, I'll be happy to look up service procedures or tech info for those of you who are interested - maybe I can fax you a needed diagram as well!
And while this is way old, getting back to Alpha and American Drivers being bad. Just ask Alph how many drivers there are in Europe. I know in Germany it is under 50% of the people 30 and under and it costs like 1000.00 to get a license... I perfer the land of the free and home of the brave my own self.
Jimmy
not lack basic driving skills.however,i will agree
there is an increase of discourteous drivers.
there was a time when the truck drivers were known
as the "knights of the highway".they were respected
for the rigs they drove and the payload they hauled.they were greatly admired for the driving
skills they possessed and exhibited in their daily
runs.truck drivers at one time were the most courteous drivers on the road.you are right,there are many,many distractions drivers are preoccupied with.this does not mean that they lack basic driving skills but simply common sense.just sheer stupidity.
thank you!it is never way old to defend americans.
in my 45 yrs. i can count zero the number of americans wanting to leave to live in europe.i will
defend those the right to express opposing views
as well as my own right.one can reasonably assume from reading the post that the majority of folks here have either bought a focus,are waiting for delivery or are considering purchasing one.then you
have one individual who spews verbal garbage regarding how americans lack basic driving skills.
this person admits to not owning a focus and has
lived here only one year.the only thing thats way
to old is reading about people complaining about americans,even if it only has to do with driving.
although i appreciate the contributions and comments made by this person,i do not care for the negative overtones directed at americans.i wish to
keep the conversation on topic but i am compelled
to respond in kind.
by the way,enjoy your new wheels!
Thanks for the tip on white plastic number tag - my salesman recorded the number but I don't recall him telling me to hang on to it.
togneter,
which business in Seattle has sunroofs on sale ?
my comment on current driving: I'd much rather
have a hand available for switching gears than
holding a cell phone
As to 'spewing verbal garbage' - I think you overdo it a bit (and I believe a lot of the readers will agree). I also 'qualified' my earlier post, if you had only read it.
As to exagerated patriotism, I personally think it stinks no matter which country you're from.
With that, I wish you a good day. Also, I never infringed on your right to express your opinion, and I believe that we probably socialize in different circles. Most Americans I know have travelled a lot to Europe (or elsewhere) and when we get together, we often have some entertaining debates comparing living experiences in different countries. In fact, if you look around, you'll find that more often than not, Americans have roots in many different countries (including mine, Norway).
Case closed - let's get back to car talk.
Here are some pics from the press unveiling last year of the Focus rally car. Racing is an essential component of marketing for car manufacturers in Europe, especially in the 'small car segment' where competition is fierce. Success or failure in rallyes often makes or breaks the success of a specific model, and the effect often trickles down onto other cars in the range. The video streams may take time to download, but it's kind'a fun to hear and see the Focus on its trial track run (turn up your volume):
text:
http://www.rallycar.co.uk/focus/text.html
pics:
http://www.specialstage.com/issue5/images/focus13.jpg
http://www.specialstage.com/issue5/images/focus16.jpg
http://www.rallycar.co.uk/focus/g.html
video:
http://www.rallycar.co.uk/focus/2.mpg
Rally Finland, one of the more demanding rallyes, starts tomorrow, and Ford is set on scoring some winning points.
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/gallery/ford/focus_cosworth.htm
I agree that this forum should be a strictly Focus oriented.
On the other hand I'd like to know what is going on it the rest of the world, focus is a global car and internet is global superhighway. It's almost impossible to completely avoid politics, flags, and other national elements.
I think that with presence of folks from different parts of the world our Forum can only get better, and more interesting.
It can be very educative as well.
That's my subjective opinion and I truly respect
your point of view in our rather democratic forum.
the plug IS there!!! In the exact same location as the picture shows. It was already dark when I got an opportunity to take a look. I easily found it with help of a flashlight.
Regardin oil. It seems that D4 ATF will be a good choice. This weekend I will visit one of the distributors in my area.
alfaromeo,
thanks for the links. Loved the video. The sound of the exhaust is just awsome.
Will the speedvision channel include the Finnish stage in their programming?
I used ramps. Without them it's next to impossible to find the plug, 'cause it sits in a some kind of a cavity on the passenger side of the tranny casing. So you need to get as close as possible to it in order to be able to see the plug.
MTL or D4 ATF. Hmm...
I'll e-mail the redline site with this question.
Strangely the owner's guide shows that the non-zetec tranny is using "synthetic manual transmission fluid", while ours is MERCON ATF.
He suggests D4 ATF just because the manufacturer requires ATF.
Here is a quote from the redline technical information page:
" In transmissions which recommend Dexron or Mercon fluids we recommend our D4 ATF which is
very similar to the MTL, being a GL-4 Gear Oil also. The D4 ATF will provide better
low-temperature shiftability, and the MTL would provide better wear protection for racing use.
Konagrl: you are absolutely right about the treatment being different from dealership to dealership... unfortunately, the area I live in is a SUV hell!! How do you like your kona? what color/transmission/options did you get?
NJ
Brian
focus zx3 hatchback forum. say and believe as you
wish.one can never overdo for ones country. why
would one post here about a car they chose not to buy? sure, i will talk-up the z, i bought one.
its a great car. my impression is that you want to ingratiate yourself with the other z owners to
share a passion about a car you chose not to buy.
makes no sense at all. i dont look to others here
to agree or disagree with me,im my own man.i do however enjoy everyones input and have found very
valuable information and exchange of ideas about
the z.ive never read one post in the this forum
complaining about folks from overseas.thats the difference here,thats all,nothing else. america
is a generous country,whose sons + daughters have
given the ultimate sacrifice.i choose never to
forget it.this is not political,this is the truth.
my point is,i read this forum for sharing experiences about the ford focus zx3 hatchback.
not about someone who claims not to have bought a focus but wants to post about how americans lack basic driving skills. you brought the subject up
i had responded,now you want to qualify it. i will
qualify this for you. it makes no difference whether others here agree or disagree but we agree
to disagree.thats my $0.002 worth. actually,its
sort of overpriced.
I like my new wheels and tires, quite unintentionally it raised the car up a tad and seems to have given it a "rally car look"... At least while parked in the gravel "Park n Ride" parking lot. As to the WRC Focus, Ford Dealerships had big posters with the car and my salesman is soooooo cool, he pulled it off the wall and let me take it home! It is now hanging on my wall!
Lest I be accused of wrapping myself in the Red and Green flag of LaLa Land, 100% of the drivers in my humble land have passed a 130 point safety test.... Or is that our used cars?
Jimmy!
here sooner rather than later.thanks for the link.
tioned they gave the z a lifted look.are they a
slightly higher profile than the stock wheels? are
they a brushed flat finish or shined chrome look?
as far as count goes, togneter was keeping count.
tog,whats the current tally?
Silver Bullet RE: - shiftability in cold places. Does that go for automatic transmissions too?
it was the only thing I could eat...good diet though. Good luck!
Anyone know if the roof/bike rack would preclude installing a sunroof? Obviously it would have to be inbuilt if at all, any input appreciated. Also, have any of you guys seen the Hella replacement lamps for the front? They rock!
Let's not turn this into a Political debate when everyone knows that the jab they made in jest may have hurt the personna that they posted to.
These things manifest and GROW into what i see on most forums. UGLY, MEAN and CRUEL.
Nuff said on that.
Update on my ZX-3,
Didn't drive on my 'long' trip as i was picked up by my Bro in a company car (gas paid). Fished and rode a Jet-Ski(3 seater Sea-Doo...Boring)and am now due for my oil change? Sorry Ford...Only got 1560 km on da Tblue beast...I'll let YOU know when i am coming in.
Now for some serious stuff?
Reverse. I read about problems and i see now why. I also have problems in reverse and my concept was wrong. Yikes!!! I say i am wrong!
My darling woman friend will NOT allow me to put the car on ramps. WHAT!
She says that i bought the car because i wanted something i did'nt have to work on.
Okay Babe that is true. End of story?
Nah.....'Babe' i says in my most humble voice...I built the Factorys that build the cars! I now maintain the machinery that the builds the cars in the Factory that i built!
Guess what i didn't build? The Patio (interlock are piled up beside a mound of limestone) Kitchen light (under the kitchen table) New tools HIDDEN? in the Computer room (manno do i like new tools) and so on .......Oh she says 'and YOUR Stereo room' just what the heck is that on the floor? An engine? Better be for the lawnmower that broke!
Bless the world for Garage door openers! I got a Kit Plane in there and she only found the engine!!
Truth be told i also bought a top of the line Sears 6.5 hp lawnmower...Welders hooked up and i DID fix the home air condu.....
This weekend i WILL do what i know should be done.
Then? Ramps are out and i'm checking the Z out.
Might even have a box o' brew cold nuff for a bro or two handy!
And i can here it now. 'What happened to the fridge that was in the basement"?
Oh Oh,
5 speed Manual
DEEP tint.
Nothing more at this time.
Peace,
And nothin wrong with Alfa's!
W
To MiniZX3: Thanks for the tip on the tonsil removal diet. I'll definately keep that in mind.
To Konagrl: I'm glad you are enjoying your Z, sounds like a great car. Did you get the bike yet? I heard that there was a recall on the bikes due to a faulty gear or somethin lol.
Anyways people, Lets not forget that we are here to talk about our cars and other FRIENDLY conversation.
Thanks,
NJ
I've been bitten by the bug for new headlamps in my zx3. I dunno why, just have. So, I gather (and feel free to correct me on this folks...) that I need H4-compatible bulbs. The 60/55w power is fine for me; I'm worried about going to higher wattage - I like my lenses the way they are, thanks !
My question is, why on autotoys.com can I buy a pair of Hiper 9003 H4 hiperwhite 3800K bulbs for $19.90, but a pair of PIAA 9003 H4 Plasma/Superwhites cost $66.50. Do you folks think the PIAA's are worth the extra cost ? As I say I don't want to go to higher wattage; I wanna remain legal.
Similarly, has anybody replaced their fog lamps ? Some other discussion boards recommend replacement PL893 bulbs (which on autotoys cost $28.50 for a pair of superwhites), which apparently do fit the zx3.
Will appreciate any recommendations, even for other online websites for getting replacements. Thanks.
Treva
carlady/host