I just ordered a new 2001 Focus ZX3 with Silver exterior, Manual, Power Group, Convenience Group, ABS, and Side Air Bag. Cost me $14556 ($100 over Invoice), should come to about $15,700 out the door. (incl. taxes, fees, etc)
The only pain was that I had to pay a $150 Advertisement fee included in the invoice and the dealer was not willing to budge on it. In any case the price was exactly what I had in mind and I didnt really have to fight for it. The dealer was very nice and courteous... bought it at Bredemann Ford of Glenview (IL).
The dealer said that it might take about 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Anyone else waiting for a 2001 delivery? How long has it taken and what is your geographical location?? Thanks.
I did not mean for you two to get into a political debate. I was just asking a simple question so posters would be wary of using terms that would be considered degrading. Thats all. Lets just foget about it and stay on topic or maybe you might want take your discussion to email and spare the rest of us. Thanks
i had thought it ended. i had attempted to put a softer edge on the topic. i let go of it many post ago. i was just trying to convey that i thought you were being a good guy,thats all.sorry you didnt interpet it that way. by the way, just filled the tank,again 28mph. third in a row. sitting at 7,600 . is it rainy where you are at?
Hi, I too am waiting on my 2001. Ordered it about a month ago and was told that it wouldn't be built until sometime in October because I ordered the moonroof. Had a similar experience buying it. $100 above invoice with no budging on the advertising fee. Mine is white, with Premium Group and a moonroof, about$14,400 out the door. I think that I'll be waiting till Dec. or Jan. for delivery. Hopefully sooner, but I doubt it.
I am not sure about your State or Commonwealth, but I know most if not all Pontiac's are able to use the fog lights with only parking lights and not full head lights.
Oh, I didnt know someone meant they wanted them seperate from the headlights... the Subaru has daytime running lights, so it didnt matter about turning the fog lights on...
What is the BMW part number for the chrome tailpipe tip that fits our ZX3? Planning to put one on. I know it's somewhere in the previous postings but if someone has this handy it would save me lots of searching.
Washed and waxed the car for the first time last Saturday. Suprising how much crud already found its way in to the paint in places (it had been standing on the dealer's lot for a week or two before I took delivery). The hood area paint doesn't feel all that smooth. I'll get some cleaner and see if that helps before the next waxing. After hearing how hard the stuff comes off plastic I taped off the trim before applying wax using masking tape. A bit of work, but it did make the whole process a lot easier (would have been virtually impossible not to get wax on the trim otherwise). Used Turtlewax 'Emerald' for the paint and Turtlewax 'Wet & Black' for the trim/tires. The end result looks pretty good on my silver Focus! Also sprayed the seats and carpet with 3M's ScotchGuard, hope it'll help to look like new a little longer.
when the engine is at the normal operating temperature I feel that the air coming out of the vents is warm. It should be fresh (of the same temperature as the outside air - not warmer) I'm taking the car to the dealer tommorow and wonder if I should address this problem too.
beast: its all good, im not mad at all. I do have a zx3 related question for you. Your Z is black as well, I was wondering if you have used the expensive wax that was posted on here a while back? I have yet to do a real waxing on my car, I am very afraid that I might screw up the finish. I only used the spray way at the car wash and also Ive used a cream rinse of wax from turtle wax. Id love to use that expensive wax made for black cars but dont have 100 bucks to spare.
vadp: I too experience the warm air coming fom the vent when the ac and fan is off. Do you leave the temprature setting to the cold setting?
Yes, I leave it on cold. I suspect heater air leakage.
For waxing I'm using the Zaino stuff. Check out the Zaino forum. The product is absolutely incredible. It takes some time to prepare a car for the very first application, but the results are very good and lasting.
Keeping along the lines of wax and such...the weather's been too humid but now that it's still sunny but cooling off nicely - it's TIME!
**I thought about using some sort of striping over the black molding to keep the waz off - someone just said masking tape - that's not harmful is it?
Oh, and any wax product reccomendations?
** Also, I've been meaning to post this for a bit. A long time ago this perosn here in the forum went on and on about this thing called "The Absorber" to dry off the car. I thought he worked for the company he was so gung ho about it. Anyway, I bought one and I tried it and it really does work. Although I don't use it to dry the car...I just let it air dry after using a self drying soap from Rain-X. Of course there are water spots, but the absorber gets rid of them in a simple swipe...no rubbing or buffing blah blah blah.
I know I sound like an informercial, but I am the ultimate in lazy and just letting the car air dry then making a few swipes here and there makes me happy
**And Finally....little dings are appearing in the paint...and I was sent some touch up paint...I can just go ahead and take care of them with this stuff, yes? Any harm to be done.
Per usual thanks for your help I know I sound like a paranoid freak at times - but you guys still rock
I've noticed the same thing - A/C off, temp control set to "full blue", distribution set to face level, no recirc - warm air from the ducts, when it is cooler outside the car. However, the next morning I checked again, and the air seemed to be blowing at ambient levels. Something to do with the engine coolant being warm? Yeah, it does sound like air bleed from the heater, doesn't it?
Won't harm your car. The adhesive is just barely enough to hold it on and it comes off very easily (especially on the trim). I bought it at Walmart, taped only those places that are hard to avoid when waxing (top trim, door handles, side trim etc).
So what's up with this Zaino stuff? Yeah, I read some of those forum messages but those guys don't get over their ooohhhs and aaahhs to give any actually useful information. Not a mention of a price or Web URL with more info.
warm air coming from the ducts all the time would sound like a nice "feature" in Alaska. Unfortunately here in SoCal it gives me another reason not to like my "unwanted feature laden" Focus. togneter, buddy, are you still around? I would like to hear if your Foci leaks warm air too. You sounded like your car was really well put together.
To stop the warm air from coming from the vents, turn the system on for about a minute on fresh air with the AC on and the fan on medium or high. Once you turn it off, it should blow cool air. My Mazda does it all the time with the warm air, and this is how I fix it. Works every time.
I drove a yellow ZX3 and really liked it. But the problems everyone is having (ND saying about dumping it and everyone's brakes and stuff going crazy) makes me wanna stick to Mazda. Anyway, I did like the ZX3 a lot.
As far as the Protege 1.8 vs. Focus 2.0 Zetec, to me the Protege feels zippier anyway. It's just something with Mazda cars. They are right when they say Zoom Zoom. It's just a feeling I get that no other car besides the Protege gives me when I drive it. I know you all probably think I am nuts, but it's my opinion. I do like the Focus too, but the Protege feels zippier.
And I think the 2.0 engine in the 2001 Protege will be a version of the 626 4-cylinder engine. Also, it will be an option so it won't be mandatory to get it.
Kedar- We ordered our ZX3 on August 14. The dealer told us 11-12 weeks (he didn't want us to get our hopes up, the other dealers had said 6-8). We got a build date of Sept. 12 but for some reason it changed to Sept. 18. We were told it should be here about 3 weeks from the build date (today). The wait is getting harder by the day, hour, minute . . . Oh, we're in Southwest Missouri.
As I recall, most cars I've owned leaked a bit of warm air with the fan off and all controls set to cool mode. I ALWAYS leave the fan on however, and the warm stuff clears quickly.
I actually like the feel of fresh air, or cool air if the A/C is on, blowing on me as I drive. It tends to keep me more alert. I've yet to wear out a fan motor driving like this, and tend to get well over 100,000 miles on my cars.
I've had my Zinker for about 1 1/2 months now, and it's got nearly 4500 miles on it. I've been busy! So far the dealer has yet to see it. So along with all the problem reports, there is at least one happy Focus owner on this board.
I too have the warm air problem. Have tried to let the ac blow for a while, but in certain temps, the inside air just gets hotter than the outside air. It does seem to happen after the engine warms up. I wonder if it has to do with the cramped engine and the heat build up. It seems pretty hot under the hood. The fresh air might get heated up before it reaches the vent. I've never experienced this in a car before... have always enjoyed the fresh air blowing through.
Alas, I have that problem too. My car is at the dealer getting this terrible knock fixed (motor mounts?....we'll see.....) and I also wrote on my list ...
why does my car blow warm air from the vents?
why does it smell like oil coming from the vents after an oil change? It is most unpleasant!
(I am particularly proud of that last comment).
I find it very interesting that problems suddenly appear. I wonder if it is because Fall has arrived and people are not using their air conditioners anymore and are discovering the vent air is too warm. I am certain it is a design flaw. An improper placement of the air intake. It could be a heater malfunction....that's why I put it on my list for the dealer.
This oil smell after a oil change is really bumming me out though. Every 4000 miles, I have to endure this pleasure? I don't think so!
Why Get a Focus Vocus? You can keep your Protege and once in a while you can drive your secretary's very funky white SE Sedan. I am giving you the hocus pocus vocus with a focus!
(Vocus, I am sorry about picking on you, but I can't resist)
Oh and Pat, how's that calculater holding up? Have you bought a new computor?
You think that's bad, you should hear the tauntings she experiences. See, the company we work for is called Vocus (my username) and she has a Focus which she drives to Vocus every day. We always tease her.
A few weeks ago I posted an upbeat report on my ZX3's making 10,000 trouble free miles. Then, at 10,180 miles...trouble!
Over Labor Day weekend I couldn't get the ignition key to turn. We've all had our keys 'lock' if the steering wheel is turned when you last shut off the car. Well, that's what it felt like...but NO amount of jiggling and straightening of the wheel would free the ignition. The key itself went in and out of the lock smoothly, I tried both keys, and reversed them many times...no luck. With an automatic transmission, the steering wheel is locked, and drive wheels can't turn, and the car is nosed into the garage. How could it be towed? I called the dealership, who told me to call Ford Roadside Assistance. I called on Tuesday after Labor Day, but was on hold for 25 minutes, and had to get to work (I fortunately has a 19 year old Winter Beater Blazer as a back up vehicle). On Wednesday, I got through (only 20 minute hold time), and arranged for a tow truck. The tow truck driver had never seen this problem in any car, and he tried to jiggle the wheel too. Did you know that the Focus as a 'neutral safety switch' under the engine? He pressed it, and we pushed it into the driveway, and got it hooked up to the tow truck, and away we went.
When the dealer looked at it, they determined that the ignition tumbler had broken. No ignition tumblers in Minnesota. They were put on emergency order, and should be there in "1-2 days". Making a boring story shorter, the parts took longer than expected, and it was ready exactly a week after being towed in. The tumbler was covered under warranty (it had better be!), and the tow was free. A bizarre experience indeed..but I'm still a big Focus Fan, and am pleased with the car, which now runs perfectly. Dave
from the dealership I dropped my car off this morning (with tractor like noise + fuel gauge problems). "Couldn't replicate the problem". I was expecting that. Gotta go right now to show those a**es where to look. Just love the Ford service department!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! Sounds like the honeymoon is over. What a difference from the early posts. Takes time for the problems to shake out and a trend noted I guess. Still love my Focus.
sorry! i was trying out a test browser and it locked-up. didnt mean to let anybody off the list. i know there is more. i still love the z , but its necessary to know whats going on.as long as the steering wheel doesnt come off and the brakes dont fail,ill be happy. i dont know if this was mentioned before, but look under the passenger side dash. the air vent looks un- finished. or it is finished what looks like re- cycled paper. whats that all about?
from the dealership. 1. Tractor like noise. The service manager could hear the noise. He doesn't think that is abnormal. What, other brands don't do the same? Don't compare apples to oranges. Yes, this is what he told me. That's it. I'm done with that particular dealership. I was trying to convience him to reconsider his decision - no luck. After reading the contour board full of complaints about the trannys popping out of the gear and service people telling, it's still normal, I'm not surprised.
2. Funny fuel gauge. I was told that they are aware of the problem which is a design flaw. No fix available other than replacing the sending unit. Doh!! And the new ones do the same!!! How about that? Was told to wait until FoMoCo figures it all out.
You must take your car to another dealer. Where did you test the noise? Inside the garage itself? I would recommend asking to have the car taken into the garage and run it. Do your tricks to initiate the sound....step on the clutch a few times or gently move the shifter to second without steping on the clutch slightly to initiate the sound.
I had my car at the dealer today. They readjusted the motor mounts. This did not help. I still have the rattle. They are now going to replace the clutch because that is where they feel is the source of the problem.
I am frustrated with my car, but at least they recognize it as a problem. So take it to another dealer. Your problem is real.
They are going to replace 3 parts. I can list the part numbers if you like later. Just ask.
Warm air: I was told this is normal. It isn't good, but I do believe them.
hey vadp- i guess that service mgr.probably says the same to the firestone recall customers.what doesnt the tread come off the other brands?man, that kind of crap annoys the hell out of me.did his name happen to be bozo?this is what gives ford a bad rep. and they deserve it.i hope you pursue with a district rep.im scheduling my appointment saturday for the tractor noise.i wouldnt mine the noise if it cut the grass.good luck!
nd- do you have any objections mentioning the dealer working on your car? the reason i ask is that you sound as though you are making some pos- itive progress.
I do agree that many of the problems in the list of 14 have appeared on this and other lists rather frequently. Some however would seem to fall more in the catagory of random failures. Without going over every previous post, it's hard to say, but I'll make some estimates on these.
5. key-cylinder sticking (I've seen maybe 3 reports of this) 7. water in front light lens (one report?) 8. defective hatch catch (perhaps 3 to 4?) 13. squeaky suspension (fewer then 6?)
I think some of these issues stick out more in our minds because the unhappy folks with the problems understandably tend to discuss them a lot, and the difficultity of getting some of these fixed is as much a topic of discussion as the actual problem.
Perhaps we can add "Frequent dealer incompetance" to the list however.
I still say we hear a lot about the bad stuff on these boards, because a good running car isn't much fun to talk about.
Here's a boring message --- "My car started fine this morning and I drove to work with no problems." --- yawn.
So take the most frequent of these problems, and make a guess of the true percentage of Foci that have experianced it.
In addition, some problems really may be only design quirks. Squeeky brakes, the hesitation, and warm air coming from the vents fall into this catagory. Lots of cars from other manufacturers have similar quirks, and I for one would probably not complain about them, unless the problem was severe.
i have a `93 ranger that does the same thing. i found that if i leave the vent on "floor" it's not as noticeable. its alright in the winter but not too kosher in the summer. haven't noticed it on the Z yet.
Yes I do know, my grandpa had a Moskvich when I was 7 years old. Our neighbor had a Zaporozetch we could hear him driving home from a mile (what a sound! all with no fancy exhausts or air-intakes) Those kind of cars are the best to learn on (those cars will show you any mistake you'll make, and that's the best way to learn) Our forum is turning sour and sad lately. We all knew that focus is a new design which may need couple of years to fix all the of probable design flaws. Hopefully the next Focus (2002-...)will be build and re-design (considering all design flaws and problems) and focus will shine like it should. I'm seriously thinking about trade-in, not now but after two years when the car will be 3 years old and when Ford will release Focus with more powerful engine and hopefully with all little problems fixed.
A quick response to Pat about the location of the Focus's neutral safety switch: I didn't see it, but the tow truck driver reached under the engine compartment (from under the front bumper) probably to about the rear of the engine, and was able to trip the switch. I've never seen my Focus from underneath. The switch effectively puts the car in neutral, despite the transmission selector being in park. The car can then be pushed (but not steered). At the dealership, the guy ducked under the front bumper again, and switched it back. The switch is accessible without the car being hoisted...he did it while laying on the ground both times. It was then the dealer's problem as to how to move the car! Don't suppose that helped anyone else very much. Oh well, I'll check it out if I ever see it when it's on a rack.
Hey all! I've been reading the group for the last couple of months and find all of the info very interresting. I ordered a zx3 a while back and hope to take delivery this week. As of last Thurs., my dealer said it was on a rail car somewhere, and he expected it to be here shortly. Needless to say, I'm getting anxious.
The color is black and has everything except auto, moon roof (manual???), and traction control.
Vadp, I even know what you are talking about! Too bad he probably doesn't even want to know.
ND, I think they are on the right track, just didn't go far enought with motor mounts.
computer, computer, computer, computer, computer, computer, computor - whoops, wheres the back space button!
You should see the new computer in truck at work. Hooked to cell phone system? somehow then to a satellite then to a center in Flordia and back to terminal. Awful long whip antenna for cell phone. About 7 foot long. And it needs a mouse. Awful without a mouse!
purpose of list is to illustrate that presently, most problems,quirks,design flaws etc. appear to be very minor and not wide-spread. pretty decent for a first year model run. however,there are those with unresolved issues,potentially serious that still need to be addressed.we will all benefit from sharing our experiences,good,bad + otherwise.we all know knowledge is power.my car as well started-up (tractor noise+ all) and performed admirably.again,that noise is no way normal. neither is warped rotors,hot air coming from fresh air vent,etc. etc.
Anyone, please gimme some info on the Focus H-back manual transmission. Does it have long trows?, Is first gear too-high or too-low? Is the clutch pedal too-long? In our local dealership, they dont have any 5-sp to test drive. So, before i drive too far away from home searching for one. Please share this info with me. ...Apreciate it! _Mike_
with a different dealer. The saga continues. Really hope that ND will be able to fix the car. Yes, I'm frustrated. Not with the car. With the ignorant service people waisting my time. The first year of production will always have disproportionally large number of issues. I was aware of that. Unwillingness of the dealer to fix them that what surprised me. I'm still enjoying the Z. More than before. The engine is not as tight as before. The rings have sealed. And it easily revs up to its limits. The way it behaves on the winding roads is just amazing. As you remember I changed oil in the tranny to the Redline MTL. I've noticed that it shifts differently when it's cold, like the fluid is almost too thin.(it provides low viscosity and easy shifting in low temperatures).But after warming it up the tranny really smoothes out. Planning to make a switch to synthetic motor oil at the 10K mark. Will use the Redline brand. 10W30 viscosity rating. $6.29 qt. BTW the oil producer warns not to use it during the break-in period (before it reaches the 3K miles mark)
Yes it has relatively long throws. The clutch engagement is exceptionally smooth. The pedal travel? You mean the engagement point? There is very little travel before the clutch grabs, at least on my car. First gear too high or too low? In my opinion the gears are nicely spaced. It allows very comfortable and quite highway cruising. But if you're of a more performance oriented type you'll like the Protege gearing better.
Hey everyone, I've been reading the site for a while now and haven't said anything because I don't have my car yet. I just received the VIN from the dealer tonight and was wondering if I could somehow track the production progress with the VIN. My dealer hasn't been too much of a help and I was wondering if you all had any info or tracking a car's progress. Any help is much appreciated.
Comments
I just ordered a new 2001 Focus ZX3 with Silver exterior, Manual, Power Group, Convenience Group, ABS, and Side Air Bag. Cost me $14556 ($100 over Invoice), should come to about $15,700 out the door. (incl. taxes, fees, etc)
The only pain was that I had to pay a $150 Advertisement fee included in the invoice and the dealer was not willing to budge on it. In any case the price was exactly what I had in mind and I didnt really have to fight for it. The dealer was very nice and courteous... bought it at Bredemann Ford of Glenview (IL).
The dealer said that it might take about 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Anyone else waiting for a 2001 delivery? How long has it taken and what is your geographical location?? Thanks.
-Kedar
Lets just foget about it and stay on topic or maybe you might want take your discussion to email and spare the rest of us. Thanks
i let go of it many post ago. i was just trying to convey that i thought
you were being a good guy,thats all.sorry you didnt interpet it that way.
by the way, just filled the tank,again 28mph. third in a row. sitting at
7,600 . is it rainy where you are at?
Jimmy
Pat
Washed and waxed the car for the first time last Saturday. Suprising how much crud already found its way in to the paint in places (it had been standing on the dealer's lot for a week or two before I took delivery). The hood area paint doesn't feel all that smooth. I'll get some cleaner and see if that helps before the next waxing. After hearing how hard the stuff comes off plastic I taped off the trim before applying wax using masking tape. A bit of work, but it did make the whole process a lot easier (would have been virtually impossible not to get wax on the trim otherwise). Used Turtlewax 'Emerald' for the paint and Turtlewax 'Wet & Black' for the trim/tires. The end result looks pretty good on my silver Focus! Also sprayed the seats and carpet with 3M's ScotchGuard, hope it'll help to look like new a little longer.
-Rob-
I wonder if anybody experiencing this:
heater - off
recirc. button - off
a/c - off
when the engine is at the normal operating temperature I feel that the air coming out of the vents is warm. It should be fresh (of the same temperature as the outside air - not warmer)
I'm taking the car to the dealer tommorow and wonder if I should address this problem too.
its all good, im not mad at all. I do have a zx3 related question for you. Your Z is black as well, I was wondering if you have used the expensive wax that was posted on here a while back? I have yet to do a real waxing on my car, I am very afraid that I might screw up the finish. I only used the spray way at the car wash and also Ive used a cream rinse of wax from turtle wax. Id love to use that expensive wax made for black cars but dont have 100 bucks to spare.
vadp:
I too experience the warm air coming fom the vent when the ac and fan is off. Do you leave the temprature setting to the cold setting?
For waxing I'm using the Zaino stuff.
Check out the Zaino forum. The product is absolutely incredible. It takes some time to prepare a car for the very first application, but the results are very good and lasting.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=Maintenance&t=1319
Keeping along the lines of wax and such...the weather's been too humid but now that it's still sunny but cooling off nicely - it's TIME!
**I thought about using some sort of striping over the black molding to keep the waz off - someone just said masking tape - that's not harmful is it?
Oh, and any wax product reccomendations?
** Also, I've been meaning to post this for a bit. A long time ago this perosn here in the forum went on and on about this thing called "The Absorber" to dry off the car. I thought he worked for the company he was so gung ho about it. Anyway, I bought one and I tried it and it really does work. Although I don't use it to dry the car...I just let it air dry after using a self drying soap from Rain-X. Of course there are water spots, but the absorber gets rid of them in a simple swipe...no rubbing or buffing blah blah blah.
I know I sound like an informercial, but I am the ultimate in lazy and just letting the car air dry then making a few swipes here and there makes me happy
**And Finally....little dings are appearing in the paint...and I was sent some touch up paint...I can just go ahead and take care of them with this stuff, yes? Any harm to be done.
Per usual thanks for your help I know I sound like a paranoid freak at times - but you guys still rock
So what's up with this Zaino stuff? Yeah, I read some of those forum messages but those guys don't get over their ooohhhs and aaahhs to give any actually useful information. Not a mention of a price or Web URL with more info.
-Rob-
You'll find the prices on the order form
http://www.zainobros.com/
togneter, buddy, are you still around?
I would like to hear if your Foci leaks warm air too. You sounded like your car was really well put together.
Pat
I drove a yellow ZX3 and really liked it. But the problems everyone is having (ND saying about dumping it and everyone's brakes and stuff going crazy) makes me wanna stick to Mazda. Anyway, I did like the ZX3 a lot.
As far as the Protege 1.8 vs. Focus 2.0 Zetec, to me the Protege feels zippier anyway. It's just something with Mazda cars. They are right when they say Zoom Zoom. It's just a feeling I get that no other car besides the Protege gives me when I drive it. I know you all probably think I am nuts, but it's my opinion. I do like the Focus too, but the Protege feels zippier.
And I think the 2.0 engine in the 2001 Protege will be a version of the 626 4-cylinder engine. Also, it will be an option so it won't be mandatory to get it.
We ordered our ZX3 on August 14. The dealer told us 11-12 weeks (he didn't want us to get our hopes up, the other dealers had said 6-8). We got a build date of Sept. 12 but for some reason it changed to Sept. 18. We were told it should be here about 3 weeks from the build date (today). The wait is getting harder by the day, hour, minute . . . Oh, we're in Southwest Missouri.
I actually like the feel of fresh air, or cool air if the A/C is on, blowing on me as I drive. It tends to keep me more alert. I've yet to wear out a fan motor driving like this, and tend to get well over 100,000 miles on my cars.
I've had my Zinker for about 1 1/2 months now, and it's got nearly 4500 miles on it. I've been busy! So far the dealer has yet to see it. So along with all the problem reports, there is at least one happy Focus owner on this board.
why does my car blow warm air from the vents?
why does it smell like oil coming from the vents after an oil change? It is most unpleasant!
(I am particularly proud of that last comment).
I find it very interesting that problems suddenly appear. I wonder if it is because Fall has arrived and people are not using their air conditioners anymore and are discovering the vent air is too warm. I am certain it is a design flaw. An improper placement of the air intake. It could be a heater malfunction....that's why I put it on my list for the dealer.
This oil smell after a oil change is really bumming me out though. Every 4000 miles, I have to endure this pleasure? I don't think so!
Why Get a Focus Vocus? You can keep your Protege and once in a while you can drive your secretary's very funky white SE Sedan. I am giving you the hocus pocus vocus with a focus!
(Vocus, I am sorry about picking on you, but I can't resist)
Oh and Pat, how's that calculater holding up? Have you bought a new computor?
Good Night Everybody!
NorwayDoug (ND)
10,180 miles...trouble!
Over Labor Day weekend I couldn't get the ignition key to turn. We've all had our keys 'lock' if the steering wheel is turned when you last shut off the car. Well, that's what it felt like...but NO amount of jiggling and straightening of the wheel would free the ignition. The key itself went in and out of the lock smoothly, I tried both keys, and reversed them many times...no luck. With an automatic transmission, the steering wheel is locked, and drive wheels can't turn, and the car is nosed into the garage. How could it be towed? I called the dealership, who told me to call Ford Roadside Assistance. I called on Tuesday after Labor Day, but was on hold for 25 minutes, and had to get to work (I fortunately has a 19 year old Winter Beater Blazer as a back up vehicle). On Wednesday, I got through (only 20 minute hold time), and arranged for a tow truck. The tow truck driver had never seen this problem in any car, and he tried to jiggle the wheel too. Did you know that the Focus as a 'neutral safety switch' under the engine? He pressed it, and we pushed it into the driveway, and got it hooked up to the tow truck, and away we went.
When the dealer looked at it, they determined that the ignition tumbler had broken. No ignition tumblers in Minnesota. They were put on emergency order, and should be there in "1-2 days". Making a boring story shorter, the parts took longer than expected, and it was ready exactly a week after being towed in. The tumbler was covered under warranty (it had better be!), and the tow was free. A bizarre experience indeed..but I'm still a big Focus Fan, and am pleased with the car, which now runs perfectly.
Dave
Pat
2. water leaks
3. clutch pedal return spring
4. tractor-sounding noise
5. key-cylinder sticking
6. squeaky brakes-pre-mature rotor wear
7.water in front light lens
8. defective hatch catch
9. 2000 rpm stumble
10. poor gas mileage
12. warm air flow from vents w/temp control at coolest setting
14. clutch hydraulics
"Couldn't replicate the problem".
I was expecting that.
Gotta go right now to show those a**es where to look.
Just love the Ford service department!!!!!!!!!!!!
Takes time for the problems to shake out and a trend noted I guess.
Still love my Focus.
locked-up. didnt mean to let anybody off the list. i know there is more. i still love the z , but
its necessary to know whats going on.as long
as the steering wheel doesnt come off and
the brakes dont fail,ill be happy. i dont know if this was mentioned before, but look under the
passenger side dash. the air vent looks un-
finished. or it is finished what looks like re-
cycled paper. whats that all about?
1. Tractor like noise.
The service manager could hear the noise. He doesn't think that is abnormal.
What, other brands don't do the same? Don't compare apples to oranges. Yes, this is what he told me.
That's it. I'm done with that particular dealership.
I was trying to convience him to reconsider his decision - no luck. After reading the contour board full of complaints about the trannys popping out of the gear and service people telling, it's still normal, I'm not surprised.
2. Funny fuel gauge.
I was told that they are aware of the problem which is a design flaw.
No fix available other than replacing the sending unit. Doh!! And the new ones do the same!!!
How about that?
Was told to wait until FoMoCo figures it all out.
You must take your car to another dealer. Where did you test the noise? Inside the garage itself? I would recommend asking to have the car taken into the garage and run it. Do your tricks to initiate the sound....step on the clutch a few times or gently move the shifter to second without steping on the clutch slightly to initiate the sound.
I had my car at the dealer today. They readjusted the motor mounts. This did not help. I still have the rattle. They are now going to replace the clutch because that is where they feel is the source of the problem.
I am frustrated with my car, but at least they recognize it as a problem. So take it to another dealer. Your problem is real.
They are going to replace 3 parts. I can list the part numbers if you like later. Just ask.
Warm air: I was told this is normal. It isn't good, but I do believe them.
NorwayDoug
the same to the firestone recall customers.what
doesnt the tread come off the other brands?man,
that kind of crap annoys the hell out of me.did his name happen to be bozo?this is what gives ford
a bad rep. and they deserve it.i hope you pursue
with a district rep.im scheduling my appointment saturday for the tractor noise.i wouldnt mine the noise if it cut the grass.good luck!
itive progress.
5. key-cylinder sticking (I've seen maybe 3 reports of this)
7. water in front light lens (one report?)
8. defective hatch catch (perhaps 3 to 4?)
13. squeaky suspension (fewer then 6?)
I think some of these issues stick out more in our minds because the unhappy folks with the problems understandably tend to discuss them a lot, and the difficultity of getting some of these fixed is as much a topic of discussion as the actual problem.
Perhaps we can add "Frequent dealer incompetance" to the list however.
I still say we hear a lot about the bad stuff on these boards, because a good running car isn't much fun to talk about.
Here's a boring message --- "My car started fine this morning and I drove to work with no problems." --- yawn.
So take the most frequent of these problems, and make a guess of the true percentage of Foci that have experianced it.
In addition, some problems really may be only design quirks. Squeeky brakes, the hesitation, and warm air coming from the vents fall into this catagory. Lots of cars from other manufacturers have similar quirks, and I for one would probably not complain about them, unless the problem was severe.
Just trying to keep things in perspective here.
Our forum is turning sour and sad lately. We all knew that focus is a new design which may need couple of years to fix all the of probable design flaws. Hopefully the next Focus (2002-...)will be build and re-design (considering all design flaws and problems) and focus will shine like it should.
I'm seriously thinking about trade-in, not now but after two years when the car will be 3 years old and when Ford will release Focus with more powerful engine and hopefully with all little problems fixed.
The color is black and has everything except auto, moon roof (manual???), and traction control.
I'll let everyone know how it goes. Later...
I even know what you are talking about! Too bad he probably doesn't even want to know.
ND,
I think they are on the right track, just didn't go far enought with motor mounts.
computer, computer, computer, computer, computer, computer, computor - whoops, wheres the back space button!
You should see the new computer in truck at work. Hooked to cell phone system? somehow then to a satellite then to a center in Flordia and back to terminal. Awful long whip antenna for cell phone. About 7 foot long. And it needs a mouse. Awful without a mouse!
Pat
Pat
and the Moskvich is.....??
most problems,quirks,design flaws etc.
appear to be very minor and not wide-spread.
pretty decent for a first year model run. however,there are those with unresolved issues,potentially serious that still need to be
addressed.we will all benefit from sharing
our experiences,good,bad + otherwise.we all
know knowledge is power.my car as well
started-up (tractor noise+ all) and performed
admirably.again,that noise is no way normal.
neither is warped rotors,hot air coming from
fresh air vent,etc. etc.
_Mike_
The saga continues.
Really hope that ND will be able to fix the car.
Yes, I'm frustrated. Not with the car.
With the ignorant service people waisting my time.
The first year of production will always have disproportionally large number of issues.
I was aware of that. Unwillingness of the dealer to fix them that what surprised me.
I'm still enjoying the Z.
More than before. The engine is not as tight as before. The rings have sealed. And it easily revs up to its limits.
The way it behaves on the winding roads is just amazing.
As you remember I changed oil in the tranny to the Redline MTL. I've noticed that it shifts differently when it's cold, like the fluid is almost too thin.(it provides low viscosity and easy shifting in low temperatures).But after warming it up the tranny really smoothes out.
Planning to make a switch to synthetic motor oil at the 10K mark. Will use the Redline brand. 10W30 viscosity rating. $6.29 qt.
BTW the oil producer warns not to use it during the break-in period (before it reaches the 3K miles mark)
The clutch engagement is exceptionally smooth.
The pedal travel? You mean the engagement point?
There is very little travel before the clutch grabs, at least on my car.
First gear too high or too low?
In my opinion the gears are nicely spaced.
It allows very comfortable and quite highway cruising.
But if you're of a more performance oriented type you'll like the Protege gearing better.