Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • tedf3tedf3 Member Posts: 7
    I read some posts in the past about the starter not cranking - zgrrrl's in particular. With a manual, the clutch pedal needs to be pressed for the starter to work, but on my ZX3, I have to press it in ALL THE WAY for it to start. Even then, I could swear that I had it pressed in all the way, and sometimes, it still doesn't start on the first try. Anyone else have starter issues like this? All the other electronics seem fine, so I can't imagine that it's the battery.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal is adjustable, and should be set so that the starter is enabled only when the pedal is FULLY depressed. A maladjusted switch could cause the "no crank" symptoms mentioned, so have your dealer check it out for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. Likewise, cars equipped with cruise control will have a second switch located at the outermost limit of the pedal's travel. This switch disengages the cruise control whenever the pedal is depressed even a small amount.
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    was not for the hassle of a recall, it was pre-recall and everyone got it. Don't know if they are continuing this promotion and don't ask your dealer because they know nothing about it. Register at the ford owner site and you should eventually get the watch, if they are still doing it. I think that those who were subject to the fuel injector recall (I wasn't) got a travel mug.
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    was a running improvement on 2000, because on earlier models exessive noise from rain/or standing water would come through to the passenger compartment. I drove my first Focus without it, and it happened to be rainig at the time. Believe me it was worth it , because the sound was definately loud and annoying. After 6300 miles on my newer Focus with the liner, it seems quite durable and does not absorb water. Hope that answers the question....
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    Sorry for the typo, but also i didnt mention that there is no sound now, minimal noise in the rain so far..
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    is what you get for recall.not all,however received
    one.
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    I haven't written for a while because I haven't had much positive news to talk about. My made in May 2000 zx3 is still having the knocking at idle sound and tractor-like sound in first and second gear. It is at the shop again for the 5th time to repair. My car has major driveability issues and is a shadow of what it once was.

    The dealership is fed up with me. they ask me, 'what do you want from us?' I said 'a fixed car.'

    I believe I will get the car back tomorrow without it being fixed. I am very afraid that I must contact a lawyer to get things resolved. I have brought my car in 5 times over 2.5 months to fix the same problem. I have given Ford time and opportunity to fix my car. If things are not resolved tomorrow, I will talk to the manager (if he lets me) and tell him that they are leaving me no choice. It's sad. I really am upset about going to the dealer. My resolve is diminished now and I am so sick and tired of my BELOVED focus that I am worn out about the whole thing.

    I will let you know what happens tomorrow. I haven't written because I don't want to be a downer, but I thought I should write since I have been here since the beginning and have been a very positive and outspoking fan of the Focus.

    I still am! I hope mine is a lemon and all of you will have a better experience than me. It burns me up to think that the dealer could possibly be annoyed with me when the fact of the matter is I just want a properly running car. Too much to ask?

    ND
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Maybe you have lousy service people??
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    silver bullet,
    Interesting concept on the life of the synchronizer rings. Did he use the clutch? I don't in the truck. But never really got the hang of it in a car. Can do it in a car but it is not the same as diesel gearing vs rpm. Plus some engineers say it is not good for the tranny. Always felt that as long as you don't rake the gears that there was no problem.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    ND,
    Can't believe you still having problems. I too, wonder about the service dept. at the dealership. Did you see the post about synth tranny fluid. Think somebody found it on the Cougar or Contour board. Can't remember if I saw it here or on Discussion Board.com. Suppose to solve the knocking noise at idle in the same tranny as the ZX3. Hopeing things work out okay!

    Have you got a Ford Tech Training Center in your area? Know there's one in Buffalo. Think I'd be after the DM to get it in there so they could do some expermenting

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Mug? Never did get mine. Don't want one unless it's a Nissan Mug! Not the Nissan car, the Nissan Mug.

    Pat
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    ND, it's very sad. I'm with you in your fight for a new car (working right, fixed right, brand new?).
    You are another victim of a very tempting new design (Focus), unfortunately your story is showing a downside of that tempting risk.
    Hopefully Ford will get it right some day.
    I'm admiring your love and passion for that car regardless of what you're going through with it.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    pcleveland2,you are who i had in mind as one who had never received their mug.yo ford, you owe pat a mug!
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    sorry to hear about your latest run around.i cant
    believe that imbecile who asked you that moronic
    question.they just dont get it.its important to report here the bad and the good.you arent the downer,the dealer is.youve been there before,im sure your familiar with the routine.in the end you
    will win out.ive been at the crossroads recently
    where i was extremely disappointed with the recalls
    and parts delay,etc.im chalking it up to first year
    model kinks to be worked out.i hope you have a speedy resolution.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    ND - After what you've gone through, I would be dealing ONLY with the zone rep or owner of the dealership -- or I'd have an attorney deal with them. I'm sure you've thoroughly researched your state's lemon law, so I'd also consider going that route. Sure, the Focus is a neat car, but how much effort and time are you willing to devote to it? It is supposed to serve you, not the other way around.

    Pat - my instructor at the Barber school demonstrated rev matching by going up and down through all the gears WITHOUT using the clutch, and he never graunched a gear. He wasn't recommending this trick, it was just for demonstration purposes, but it sure made his point :) BTW - I've only been able to duplicate this trick once, and it was in an old car with lots of miles and a well-worn gearbox.
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    None of the local dealers have yet stocked any units equipped with the moonroof. Question to any of you with the 'roof option: Is there any significant decrease in the available headroom versus non-roof vehicle? I assume there is a new headliner that is required (i.e., thicker) to accommodate the moonroof. I'm only six-foot tall so I assume there should be no problem due to any diminishment in room. TIA.

    Another topic (especially in light of ND's poor experience with his Z. I have continued to read posts that rationalize Focus' quality problems as syndromes due to it being a "first-year model". In fact, the 2000 Focus for North America is really in its second-year from a design standpoint -- recall the Focus was first introduced in Europe. While I admit there may exist first-year BUILD (launch) issues at Wayne and Hermasillo assembly plants, I believe Ford should have already worked-out most of the DESIGN-related bugs by the time the model was launched in the U.S. Customers like NorwayDoug absolutely deserve and require a better product if, in fact, Ford is at all serious about it being a "consumer-driven", new attitude company. ND, you have more patience than I. The new Civic would start to look veeerrry appealing to me!
  • tedf3tedf3 Member Posts: 7
    The moonroof doesn't affect the headroom in any noticeable way. If there is any loss it's really small. The window is quite flush with the rest of the inner roof. The crank is also resessed in the area over the rear view mirror, very nicely positioned. It's a fun, worthwhile option, which my kids really love!
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    Does the moonroof have one of those sliding solid panels on the inside to block the sun? or is it just a glass roof open to the sky?
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Yes, it has a sliding panel on the inside. The roof can tip up, or roll back. I've used mine at least 5 times and it hasn't broken!
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    5 times and the sunroof still works? Incredible! Let's hope they don't issue a recall on sunroof equipped cars :-0
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    ND has the patience to deal with Ford to get it right. Hopefully they will get it right!

    zx3beast, You note that I don't want just any old Ford mug. Don't think I will ever see one from them. But if I were the CEO and somebody else didn't get the mug, I would make sure they got one along with a personal note. But then, I am not the CEO.

    silver bullet, I can do it but it is much more difficult with a gasoline engine. Maybe that's because I am to use to the rev matching of a diesel, which is much lower rpm'ed than a gasoline engine.

    Moonroof! My son lost the factory moonroof off his mustang while going down the road. Not a pretty sight seeing it flyng thru the air.

    Pat
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    You guys are the best!

    FYI: I have a knock in the transmission at idle. it is very annoying. This is my Update:

    I still do not have my car. I called them at 4:30 and the service manager said he would call me in 10 minutes. He called back (!) and said that they cannot reproduce the sound and they would like to keep my car for another day!

    The fact that they are now claiming that they can't hear the noise now sounds like they are trying to discredit me. In the past the Dealership admitted they hear a noise....they replaced the motor mounts and did some clutch work, but now suddenly they can't hear the noise. It's very strange since they can't hear it, why don't they return it to me?

    My out of Focus experience continues.....

    Thank you all for your kind words. I really appreciate it!

    ND
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    ND - Now that cold weather is upon us in up state NY, I think I finally know the diesel noise you were talking about. Engine is much louder than it was in the summer. Haven't paided any attention to note if it is that way when warmed up. Does sound like a diesel when it is cold. Am running the new Mobil 1 5w30. Will have to pay more attention tomarrow.

    Also, did you catch on about what I was talking about on the tranny noise and the transmission fluid. Think it was post here not to long ago. With in the past two weeks.

    Pat
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    Sorry you are having so many problems with your Zx3. I have to take mine in tomorrow morning to have the A pillar recall fixed. So tired of going to that place but I'd feel better having it taken care of. Good luck to you.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I'm not sure if the formulae are similar, but I switched my 5-speed transmission to Redline MT-90 synthetic lubricant a few month's ago, and noticed no difference in the slight gear rattle my car has. It DOES shift better with the Redline, however, especially during what passes for cold weather here in south TX. I'd be curious to know what company supplies Ford with "their" synthetic gearbox lube.
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    ND, I'm sorry to hear about your continuing problems with your Focus. I am glad that this community is here to support you. Hang in there and please, keep us posted!

    carlady/host
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    this sound everyone's talking about... is it a soft clicking sound most noticabe at idle when the engine is cold? if so, i'm experiencing it also. has anybody found a cause/remedy for this?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    I get that only when going down slight downgrade, not accelerating, at slower speeds, i.e. 25 mph., with the automatic.
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    This morning I took my Zx3 to the dealer to have the "A" pillar recall taken care of. Turned out that they did not recall the Zx3's afterall-only the 4 doors and wagons. Wasted that time for nothing.ahhhhhh
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    is the recall being done in stages or are they saying the zx3 is not affected at all? it was my understanding all models of the focus were
    to be eventually recalled. thanks!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    I get that only when going down slight downgrade, not accelerating, at slower speeds, i.e. 25 mph., with the automatic.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Go check post 526 of Part XIV. It is about the manual tranny, MTX-75, in the cougar. Same as our tranny. What Mercury (Ford Motor Company) recommends to fix the noise. Follow the link. Don't know if it works or not. Hope it helps!

    Pat
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    ...that hatchbacks, sedans and wagons are all affected by the A-pillar recall, and that notices are being mailed out in phases, starting with the hatchbacks on 11/16/00. I think that dealer was just blowing smoke ;-)
  • jimmyfocuszx3jimmyfocuszx3 Member Posts: 65
    If we [or your'all] have talked about the following grips, I am sorry, but has anyone noticed.....

    Windshield Wipers suck
    Brakes squeal when cold
    Driver side door groans when cold??


    Thanks
    Jimmy
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    The dealer said that if my car needed to be fixed, they would send me a notice in the mail in the future.
    So glad that is over with! :)
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    Just so you are aware, and everyone else who wondered, The Focus may have been in Europe before the US, and that bodes well for the overall design. BUT many of the suppliers are different, and thats because not all the parts for the world market can come from one place. And then there is the Assembly plant, first year probs can have as much to do with the plant, as the design/materials. Ford should have used the F150 plant to make the Focus, or all their cars for that matter!
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    No, haven't noticed those problems. Don't have them either. But have developed a high vibration rattle on the right side. Only on acceleration at speeds just over 65 mph.

    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    But she sure likes Brrrrrrrr chilly temp. Runs better and quicker in the cold weather.
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    pcleveland2, she's so hot that she must be cooled off in some way to perform better.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    i agree with your assessment. i have stated and argued that point for months.we can all thank the
    so called one-world economy. i cringe everytime i hear that. its a scary premise.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    i have same noise,even at low speeds.present mileage 9,500.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I know there was a previous post regarding disabling this idiotic idiot light, but recall that the procedure could not be done on a car with cruise control. My car does have the cruise, but my salesman (probably has no idea), seemed to think that it could be disabled. Does anyone know whether the Ford service people can disable this feature?
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    anybody have any experiences to share about Island Ford on Staten Island?
  • minizx3minizx3 Member Posts: 32
    Hey Fokus5 I am a former Staten ISlander!!! Moved to NJ two years ago. We bought our first car from Island Ford in 92 an Escort at the time. The experience was ok, we have a few problems with the salesman, forgot his name. One delivery the car had a dent in the front fender and they insisted that there wasn't a dent. Anyway, being a young couple, we drove off the lot and brought the car back a few days later and at that point there was absolutely nothing we could do. We lived with it.

    Service department was pretty good. Early morning Saturday's in and out in an 1/2 hour for oil changes.

    Good LUCK!!!!!
  • norwaydougnorwaydoug Member Posts: 249
    I have a knocking sound in my engine compartment of my 5 spd zx-3, that I can hear it when the car is idling with my foot off the clutch pedal.

    Update:

    The dealer for the 6th time has informed me that they can hear the knock. They suggest that I need a new transmission. They are currently waiting for Ford to give them the 'ok' to order a new transmission. I am stuck now with an ill-running car that is operating at about 70% performance since this problem affects the efficiency of the car.

    I have called the area representative and left a detailed message in hopes for a response. I am a very unsatisfied customer. I hope my car is just a lemon and that all of you with a 5 speed Focus are not going to get the problem I have.

    I just want everyone to know that if they hear this noise, I would take it to the dealer. It is a very serious problem and be prepared for unpleasantness at the dealer to convince them it is a true problem. I find my experience to be very unpleasant when my only goal is to have a car that runs correctly, but the dealership sees this as too much to ask. Constant battle for what is right.

    ND
  • catmomcatmom Member Posts: 42
    I appreciate the posts of norwaydoug, zx3beast and the others who are willing to share both good and bad experiences with the car and with certain dealers. This is how we all learn and it gives us much needed information on our own cars. I consider this forum a great support.
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    No need to be a name caller. If you don't like the post, just move on or delete.
    No one likes all the posts, they are what they are. Doug may have a lemon or it may be the start of a trend. Time will tell.
  • thirstyzx3thirstyzx3 Member Posts: 2
    I'm relieved and upset to learn that other ZX3 owners are having problems that the dealer is not paying attention to. I've gotten 17.5-19 MPG on every tank of gas in my 2001 ZX3. It's almost to 1000 miles and the dealer tells me that the computer will adjust and correct the mileage by 1500-2000 miles. That's a huge adjustment to get it to the claimed 25-33 MPG but Ford thinks it will happen. In the meantime, I can only get 190 miles on a tank of gas.
    If this correction doesn't happen, I'll have to talk to the dealership owner, or like you said, have the lawyer talk to him.
  • aldegennaldegenn Member Posts: 4
    My ZX3 with a 5 speed now has 6100 mi. Since 3000 mi, the mileage and performance have crept upward. I'm now getting a consistent 29-30 mpg on my mostly country-road commute. I'm guessing I'll get the promised 33 on my next highway trip.
    It also seems to have more pep on acceleration.
    This car just has a longggggg.....break-in.

    Al
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    Well i just drove home and sure nuff my door made a dry clunking sound also!

    Clutch bearing noise that i modulate by pushing in the clutch pedal...engine power fade at steady speeds...sometimes that engine noise, sometimes not...steering wheel modulation when i correct the cars path every so slightly and on and on...

    Gas mileage seems to be getting better and the car moves out fairly spiritly when revs are up into the 5K range :)

    Brakes squeel everyday and not intermitant like the were and the wipers are kinda shoddy and i wiped them down every car wash.

    Guess i will bring these things up when the dealer gets parts in for my rear bearing fix/recall.

    Lots of warranty left so i guess i have calmed down a little but i do intertain thoughts of trading it in. But as they say "the devil you know".

    And norwaydoug, keep posting please as this is what the forum is for is it not? To share both good and bad experiences?

    I found mudflaps that fit very nicely on the rear of the car. Canadian tire has them and the inner face that goes onto the body has a double lip kind where the outter lip molds around the bodyside molding and the contour of the panel and the inside runs into the fender well. Drilling holes always worried me because of the rust factor but i will wait just to see how much muck really goes onto the rear of the ZX-3 once the snow flies.

    Any one driving in snow yet?

    Oh and for only having rear drums this car sure comes to a halt in a short distance!

    Thanks for sharing your experiences people!

    Whyford,
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