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Ford Focus ZX3

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Comments

  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    I have a 5-speed ZX3 built 10/99. I took it in for the 00S31 recall yesterday (11/16). A second recall was also performed, 00T04, a PCM reprogram. Anyone else had this one done? Oil change, tire rotation and the recalls took 4 1/2 hours.

    danderson
    Cleveland, OH
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    When I went in, it was not my recall that took so long....it was getting an empty slot because of all the tire recalls. My dealer had tires stacked to the ceiling. Almost everyone there that day was for tires on the Explorer. Once I went in the service bay it was an hour or less.
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    I have had my 2001 ZX3 Auto. with Premium Pack for 3 days now. I love it so far - handles great, no noises, break squeel, etc. I may invest in some snow tires, as the firehawk GTA's don't have a very good reputation for winter driving. Hope my enjoyment with this car continues -
  • pd01pd01 Member Posts: 25
    I was looking in the New Cars section here at edmunds and I found something that confused me. I was looking at the 2000 and 2001 ZX3's. For the 2000 model Edmunds said that the acceleration from 0-60 was 8.8 seconds. Then I looked at the 2001 model and it said that the acceleration was 10.2 seconds. Was this a typo or is it true. If it is a typo does anyone know what the true acceleration time is?
    Oh and what kind of reputation do the firehawk GTA's have Jazz13 or anyone?

    THANX
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Don't know much about the Firehawk's, but I can tell you the Goodyear Eagle RS/A's are not much good in the snow once they have any amount of mileage on them. My Eagles have 22,000 miles on them and they are about useless in the snow. After doing a lot of research I ordered the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q's. They rate right up there with the Bizzak's and the Artic Alpin's and last a lot longer. Plus they don't lose their traction ability over the life of the tire.

    Do your home work on the net and find out everything you can about snow tires. There isn't a lot of info out there. Nokian has a fantastic site at "WWW.nokian.com". One of the best I have seen.
    Pat
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Hang on a minute, there is a product review site, But i have to find it
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Try this site - "www.carreview.com". Does not have much on snow tires, but does have lots of personel reviews of regular tires.

    Pat
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    What is 00t04 reprogramming recall for?
    Is it about a poor gas economy?
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Just looked on the National Highway Dot site and didn't see it there?
  • kdominczakkdominczak Member Posts: 174
    ...or is it about that hesitation around 2200rpm?
  • jcu1886jcu1886 Member Posts: 39
    The service person told me only that it had something to do with the car's computer. My invoice says "D N99 00T04 RECALL PCM REPROGRAM." Under Part# it says "RECALEM". That's all I know. It will be interesting to see if the gas mileage improves. Or if that slight hesitation is now less noticeable.
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    Two comments: (1) To NorwayDoug -- I echo the posts of others and ask that you keep us all updated on your "experience" with your car and dealer. The comments of Wilson25, in my opinion, were out of line. We all gain useful info through such sharing. (2) Just a note of thanks to Pat (pcleveland2)for all of his posts that consistently provide knowledgeable help and excellent info on the spectrum of car ownership,driving and maintenance. Where else would I ever learn of "Nokian" brand tires? A sincere thanks, Pat.
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    I looked up the consumer reviews of these tires at "Tire Rack.com". Unfortunately, these tires have a poor reputation, especially when it comes to winter driving. Oh well, snow tires here in New England are a safe bet anyway, and I can keep my aluminum wheels nice and shiny by using a steel wheel with a cover for the snow tires.
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    That where I found out about them. But have to admit I saw a sign at a Tire Distributor in Erie, Pa. a couple years back. Kind of wondered about them then, as the distributor was also carrying other Northern Europe Brands.
    Pat
  • cgsangelcgsangel Member Posts: 79
    Some time ago, someone posted a link to the Matchbox website, showing a Ford Focus ZX3 in orange. I finally tracked a few down at local stores. I also found one in the bright (Malibu?) blue, but it only comes as one of five of the Euro Sports series. It also comes with fancier wheels than the orange and shows the rear lights in red. The others in that series I recognized as a Jaguar, Audi and Porsche.

    Pardon me for including this but for someone who used to collect Matchbox cars and dreaming about having the real thing, I can say now that I have both in orange. So far, no recalls on the Matchbox versions. :)

    Charlie
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    i was looking at the NHTSA www page, and did a search on the recalls. there is something odd here..... they are listing 4 recalls. but 1 of them is a new one i have not heard of yet, this is in addition to the new one listed above "00T04"! does this now possibly set us at a total of 6 recalls?!

    here is the new one (another cruise control one)-

    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V302000
    Component: FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES:ACCELERATOR:FLEXIBLE
    Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 28800


    Year: 2000
    Make: FORD
    Model: FOCUS
    Manufactured From: MAR 1999 To: FEB 2000
    Year of Recall: '00
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Summary:

    Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with speed control and automatic transmission. A speed control cable could have a core wire that is long enough to catch on the sleeve at the throttle body end of the cable during wide-open throttle acceleration.

    A throttle that does not return to idle could result in reduced vehicle control and, potentially, a vehicle crash.

    Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, replace the speed control cable. Owner notification is expected to begin during October 2000.
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I've had my 2001 for a few weeks. So far so good. I noticed the other day that there is a bunch of sloopy black caulking sticking out around both sides of the front window. It looks pretty gross. Anyone else notice this on their Zs?
    My impressions of the Z so far:
    Nice features for the money.
    Good ride.
    Quiet.
    Nice sound system.
    Nice seats.
    Nice driver display and good control arrangement.
    Nice room. Good getting in and out.
    Poor acceleration in the lower rev range.
    Sticker clutch than I've ever had in a Japanese 5 speed.
    Sloppy caulking around front window.
  • tedf3tedf3 Member Posts: 7
    With all the pans of the wide Firestones in snow, I guess I should be looking into snow tires. I've never had to get snow tires before - how much do they cost, on average? Do you typically buy separate rims for the tires, or do you just swap them for the regular tires for the winter season, and back again in the spring?

    Also, I'm getting the impression that the lid that covers the trunk space (hanging from the black strings) is in the way most of the time. I find myself frequently removing it to fit in large items, esp when I fold down the seats. I'm about to remove it completely and store it in the garage. Has anyone else resorted to this?
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    I almost stored mine in the shed, but my daughter insisted that whe needs the platform in the back to put all of her junk when she goes for a ride.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    you ought to be careful about putting any unsecured items on the rear decklid as they may potentially become dangerous projectiles in the event of a collision or even heavy braking. i like to keep a small duffel bag behind the driver's seat to temporarily store any 'junk' i might have. this saves me from having to look for a map (or any other item) under the seats when i need it. my $0.02

    by the way, that decklid keeps prying eyes off the the subwoofer you all really should have in your trunk. even an 8" tube supplements the stock system nicely.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    for all us unlucky ones with armrest-less '00 models, does anyone have info on getting one? i recall seeing such info in an earlier post long ago - i think it was supposed to be about $80. I called the local dealership (Island Ford of SI,NY- bunch of shady, incompetent idiots) and was quoted $207 for a focus armrest. i think they might be trying to jerk me.
    any input would be appreciated.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    i used to get the slight hestiation at about 1800rpm and lousy mileage that many others are reporting, though both have disappeared at about 4k mi. the engine runs VERY nicely now when properly warmed (easy on the gas, revs <2500 for 1st 5 mi. or so - more when cold like it's been in the NE)
    one thing that's been bothering me though is the noticable deterioration in the ride (at 6.5k mi.) from 'excellent' to 'good'. i don't know whether to attribute this the cold weather or wear. i do monitor the tire pressure regularly. remember: every change of 10 deg. in temp equates roughly to a difference of 1 psi. i've seen some friends' cars running at tire pressures in the teens when the weather gets cold.
  • fokus5fokus5 Member Posts: 38
    contour's OR probe's V6's.
    -they were alright engines in my opinion.

    why are we limited the 2.0 I4 when it's not considered adequate for a decently-equipped escape? i think the z's engine is her weakest link - definitely doesn't live up to the chassis and suspension setup/composure.

    sorry - now i'll really stop.
  • lm_shaftlm_shaft Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2001 ZX3 (Premium, Power) and have kept track of my gas mileage on a spreadsheet since day one. I drive 90% city driving to and from work and so far I am getting exactly 24mpg. My trip is 10 miles and takes about 20 minutes.
    I noticed (either on the sticker or in the ZX3 manual) that 25 and 31 are the average for city/highway, but the mpg range for city is actually 22 to 27 and the mpg range for highway is something like 28 to 33.
    I thought I read in previous posts that there is a computer reading that gives the mpg? Am I reading the posts wrong? And if this info is available, how do I access it (would save me the time from using the spread sheet)?
    Thanks for the help!
  • hylerdee92677hylerdee92677 Member Posts: 15
    I get 23 MPG so far.(Mine is an automatic) I got my 2000 in May and have just over 4K on it. I have heard that you get better milage once the car has been driven a little more.
  • jimmyfocuszx3jimmyfocuszx3 Member Posts: 65
    I have over 10k miles on my Focus and owned it since April and found the mileage to be a bit better than my 1998 Ranger 3.0 but not much better..... Of course all those redline launches may have something to do with it..... Oh well, I am having fun.

    Jimmy
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    29-30 mpg average @ 22,000 miles w/ automatic. Varity of city 25%/highway 75% driving. If I'd stay off the pedal, I might get better. My city driving is small towns, not big citys.

    Pat
  • zonazzonaz Member Posts: 4
    Hey all... I've been reading your nifty forum for about six months, and with the input, I purchased a beautiful 2001 malibu blue ZX3 in September. However, this is my first manual transmission, and I'd love it if you fabulously experienced drivers could give me a bit of advice... while breaking in my car, how high should I let the RPMs go before shifting to the next gear? Does it matter? My car only has about 500 miles on it so far... and I just want to make sure I'm not going to kill my new car by driving it too conservatively or too recklessly. Thanks so very much for your help, and i'm sorry if my question is so inane, it makes me just a dumb chick who can't drive stick. :)

    Thanks again
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    This topic is usually good for lots of different opinions, but here is my $0.02: Don't lug the engine by driving around in too high a gear; watch the tach, and downshift if the revs drop much below 2K. Upshifting around 3K-4K RPM is fine, and you can gradually increase that as you get over 1K miles. Avoid jackrabbit starts. When starting the engine first thing in the morning, let it run for about 30 seconds to allow all the fluids to circulate before you head out - I use this time to put on my seatbelt, adjust the mirrors, select a CD, etc. Check your oil and other fluids weekly, and take note of anything unusual (such as a drop in the oil level) that might indicate a manufacturing problem. Don't forget to have fun while you drive!
  • z2benzoz2benzo Member Posts: 18
    For those who have asked questions about the AdvanceTrac option and about electronic stability systems (ESP) in general, there is a feature article in the Nov. 20 issue of "Automotive News". It can be accessed at www.autonews.com (the article is entitled "Question of Balance"). It provides a good explanation of ESP systems and its benefits. The conclusion is such systems DO represent an effective, active system to help maintain dynamic stability. Unfortunately, the installation rate / volumes are still low -- especially in North America -- and, consequently, OEM costs and consumer option pricing are still high. As many of you may know, the AdvanceTrac option for the Focus has an MSRP of $1,225 (invoice of $1,091) PLUS it requires mandatory ABS option for another $400 (invoice $356). The AdvanceTrac system DOES include rear-wheel disc brakes for the Z (only way to get factory-installed rear-discs).
  • cobiecobie Member Posts: 108
    I've ordered a focus w/ side air bags (not taken delivery yet) and am curious to know just how high up the side these inflate.
    Ford's web site describes the side air bags as "head and chest" but the consumer brochure available at the dealer just says "side air bags".
    So, do these air bags inflate to cover up the whole side of the driver and passenger and cover up the glass area as well?
    TIA
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Location: Ski Country just south of Buffalo, NY. About 12+ inches of that wonderful white cold stuff overnight. Crawled to tire dealer and got new snow tires installed. Drove back home in same conditions inside my secure ZX3 with new boots all the way around. Brand new snow tires. Wunderbar Finnish Snow Tires from Finland. From the same people who make Nokia cell phones! Cell phones and snow tires? Don't need cell phone with their snow tires! Wunderbar!!!!!!!!!!!

    Pat
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    north,south and west of phily area. we were spared.
    i saw that report from buffalo,incredible!you got those tires just in time.you were talking snow only
    a week ago.your wish came true.enjoy!
  • cnollkampercnollkamper Member Posts: 43
    Two answers to two questions....
    Regarding the ride in the winter, the ride will likely be a little "harsher", or just less damped because the extreme cold weather affects the suspension and tires greatly by lowering the pressure of the gas in the struts, hardening the bushings and keeping the tires at a lower pressure than when they are warm.
    The side airbags are designed to deploy up and around , so it would protect a body on the torso and head from intrusion through the side pillar (C and D) and the side windows.
    The Nhtsa Reports 4 star side impact rating for the Focus Sedan with no Side airbag, i am sure it woukd be 5 star with them, like mine..
    Hop that help anyone interested...
  • sunnyzsunnyz Member Posts: 22
    Saw athe weather today and thought how happy I am not to be there! Got a little in Ohio, not too bad and tires work fine! I can't seem to get a good handle on the defrost system of my focus! It works fine if the fan is up as high as it will go, but if I turn the fan down, I start fogging up. I take the Z in for my first oil change next tuesday and will have them check it out. Suddenly with the cold am also getting squelling brakes. Well I squell with the cold too but still don't llike the sound they make! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm thankful I was able to get my Z this year! Oh yea, Drive carefully !
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    Hi all and happy Thanksgiving. I received a Bullet exhaust pipe tip the other day for my Z. But am a bit confused as to how one is supposed to attach it. It is just slightly larger than the pipe it is to surround (good). But there are no set screws in the thing. It's a solid piece of stainless steel. Looks very nice. Am I missing something, (no instructions included), or do they expect me to get this welded on. Thanks.
  • wedgiewedgie Member Posts: 1
    The armrest for the 2000 ZX3 is sold as an accessory kit. I ordered and paid for mine in early August and do not have it yet. Once a month the parts manager calls and informs me that there are problems with the supplier and expects it will ship in the next thirty days. I have not yet heard this month but it was projected to be shipped in mid-Nov. An alternative, which I did is order the arm rest and bracket from the sedan an modify the console cover to make it fit. If I had it to do over (the parts manager doesn't want to cancel my order for the accessory kit) I would also have ordered in addition the plastic console cover from the sedan and been done with it. But lack of knowledge or information at the parts department left me in this predicament. By the way this is a very easy installation. Just remove the cupholder liners and remove the screw at the bottom of each. Remove the rear tray by prying out with a screwdriver and remove two 10mm nuts, pry out the brake lever boot by squeezing at the front an prying up. The armrest bracket is designed to be bolted to those two studs that the 10 mm nuts were removed from. Then I carved the console cover with my sabre saw until I removed enough plastic to make it all fit together. Why - because facing a 2000 mile drive I would not be comfortable without an armrest and it did work out wonderfully. But I still want my correct kit so it is done right.
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    I'm hoping some one of you are knowledgeable about painting cars:

    Is it possible to paint the black rub strips on the zx3 to match body colour?
    Are there any complications to do this because the rub strips are "grained" or because the rub strip won't hold the paint?
    TIA
    p.s. I don't think adapting the sedan's body colour rub strips is an option. They seem too different even with "cut and paste" methods.
  • catmomcatmom Member Posts: 42
    Where are you? Keep us posted about you and your focus.
  • whyfordwhyford Member Posts: 50
    It's now cold and the car does handle light snow fairly well but i just can't get the ZX-3 to shift down into first gear.

    I'm not talking high rev gear downs i am talking 2nd to first at about idle! Rolling stops there is also a problem.

    Seems i almost have to pry the gear shift into first to engage the gears.

    Now here is how MY day began,

    Put on my winter mitts and am now prepared to go out and start the car and wipe off the snow.

    Problems as they came about..

    1- Had to take my glove off to accuate the fob key opener. two tries and used key for first time.

    2- Now i need my EXTRA long window scraper...remove other glove to squezzzze my hand behind drivers seat to find...

    3- Gloves (big Sno-mitts) back on and flip wippers outta the way and no problems.

    4- Headlights must be off? Sure i had the switch clicked but better check.

    5- Swished the fuzzy end of the brush over the headlights (plastic scratches)

    6- Okay. I'm ready to roll! Can't find the seat belt with gloves on!!! I'm gonna be late.

    7- Got the seat belt and gloves on AGAIN but can't click in the seatbelt.

    8- ARGGGGGH what time is it?

    9- Car was cold but tossed the gloves and made time only to be at a four way stop.

    10- Four way stop sign. I WAS there first BUT couldn't get the ZXer in gear before the other guy thought i was letting him go first.

    Turning my head left and right i made an error here.

    I ASSUMED he would STOP.

    Missed my front end by a thin margin.

    Never would have had this scenario if the ZXer shifted gears as IT SHOULD HAVE.

    Just my opinion.

    Whyford.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Switch to Redline MT-90 synthetic gear lube and your shifting problem will disappear. Cold weather shiftability problems like yours are common - synthetic gear lube usually cures it every time.
  • jazz13jazz13 Member Posts: 9
    I've been trying to find a decorative exhaust pipe tip and Ford says that they can order me the tip that comes with the "Kona" edition ZX3. Only problem is, I don't know what it looks like or how it attaches to the pipe. The BMW model mentioned by Silver Bullet sounds good. What does it look like? Where can I purchase it?
  • kahuna1kahuna1 Member Posts: 6
    The simple way to avoid all those problems that you so colorfully described, is to move to a warmer state. Forget California or Hawaii, both are already full. We do have some wizard driving roads in Calif., tho. I have heard that if you leave a 150W bulb on all night in the garage, it produces just enough heat to help things move. Perhaps it is time for a D8? Cheers and aloha
  • kahuna1kahuna1 Member Posts: 6
    Just ankle down to your local Beemer dealer, and I am sure that you can see that tip in a catalog or on a car. Perhaps you will be overcome and get a Z3!! Cheers...
  • pcleveland2pcleveland2 Member Posts: 516
    Didn't think I was. Just wanting to be prepared. Was prepared just in time and they are fantastic! The other two tire companies should take a lesson.
    Pat
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The BMW tip is available through the parts dept. of any BMW dealership, as kahuna1 suggests. It is about 6 inches long, and has a straight cut end with a very subtle rolled lip. It is a very clean, nicely styled tip that looks great on the ZX3 - nicely made too. Expect to pay between 8 and 12 dollars, depending on the greed level of the dealership. BTW, if you're going to fall for a Bimmer convertible, blow off the dorky little Z3 and go for the new Z8 :)
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    i have just noticed that ford removed the recall
    feature from the site.
  • silyboysilyboy Member Posts: 90
    go with the BMW tip- because it is cheaper!! the BMW tip has cost most of us about $10. If you look in the Ford Focus Accessory catalog, the tip in there (which is on the sony, kona, and street editions) is $30!
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Did you notice the $500.00 rebate FORD is offering on 2000 Foci???
    Must be getting ready to make room for the 01.
  • lroeminglroeming Member Posts: 1
    I've had my Focus ZX3 (automatic transmission) for about 3 months now and I've put about 3000 miles on it. According to the Edmunds review, it should get about 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. So far, I'm only getting 18-22 city (granted my commute to work is only 2 miles) and I've only hit 30 mpg on the highway once. I mentioned it to my dealership when I had service done and they said, "It's all computerized; we couldn't adjust it if we wanted to."
    What kind of mileage are other owners getting?
    Thanks.
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