Ford Focus ZX3

moses5 · February 2001

Well folks it has been at least 3 months since I lasted posted.

I just had another recall fixed and received another letter in the mail today for my 5th recall. The 60/40 seat back pin my come loose and compromise safety in a crash.

1.Fuel sensor
2.Bearings
3.A & B Pillars
4.Clutch assembly
5.60/40 seat back pin

As for the suspension noises. I have had trouble with my suspension for a year and the dealership nor Ford has done a thing.

Are there any of you hearing creaking noises when you make right turns. My car now rides as if it has a spare tire on the rear--it leans.

I have even consulted Fords Dispute settelment board and they have not even contacted me after more than 2 months since I filled out the the paper work.

I read the other day that the reliablity of the Focus ZX3 has been bad the first year. I agree.

dmallinder · February 2001

Or does anyone else have a problem with noisy/squealy brakes on a 00 ZX3 ?

The car has been very reliable ( despite the piddly-[non-permissible content removed] recalls which are a pain ) and enjoyable but the brake squaling is annoying and dealer seems to want no part of repairing it.

Anyone had any luck getting this done ?

Apologies if this has been covered on the 12000 previous posts but I didn't think I could spend the several hours to check it ! :-)

silver_bullet · February 2001

There have been Ford technical service bulletins issued on brake noise issues - tell your dealer to get off his butt and check it out. You can also look this info up on the NHTSA web site, by searching the technical service bulletin (TSB) database. I've heard that Ford has come up with different compound brake pads and brake shoes to deal with noise/dust issues. If your dealer is unwilling to help, try another, or contact your zone rep for assistance. Is your noise coming from the rear drums, or front disks? You are correct - this is a common complaint, and a competent dealer should know how to fix it.

vadp · February 2001

Well, my rear brake shoes were replaced with different compound pads with no positive results.
I'm now waiting for new "re-designed-on national backorder" brakes that should solve the
embarassing sweaks and squeals every time I get to a traffic light.

mesowoman · February 2001

I've been looking at buying a decent used car recently. My two major options are Focus ZX3 or Chevy Prizm...Anyone out there with experience with both cars? Any suggestions or comments....

Thanks

zx3beast · February 2001

which one are you most confident driving?the score is well-known concerning the zx3. price/performance is hard to beat with the zx3.
on the other side,the recalls are a nagging problem. despite the known
problems,i wouldnt part with my car.if one one could sum up the zx3
experience, it is a fun car to drive. there are precious few at this price
point that can provide the total package like the focus.

cgsangel · February 2001

Just returned home this morning after an oil change, tire rotation and 2 recall repairs... no problems with the service at Century Ford in Rockville, MD. Four recalls since March 2000 and all taken care of, with no problems.

I got the car in (first in line) at 8 am Saturday morning and was out the door by 9:15 am. The service lady said they do about 10 A pillar recalls a day now, so they've had lots of practice. No problems with the match up of parts or seatbelt operation after installation.

The hinge on the back seat was replaced at the same time. So I guess it pays not to bring the car in immediately on a recall if it isn't something life-threatening. The service people need time to learn the procedure and it appears that Ford isn't too helpful in informing all of their technicians. Or it could be some dealerships pressure the technicians to get so many repairs done over a time period and they are overwhelmed with all the work. Some people would say the technicians are incompetent but I won't go that far, based on my experience.

I've been getting quite nervous after hearing all the bad posts, and after having a good experience I felt that it was necessary to share it. I've got more than 13,000 miles on my ZX3 now and it's coming up on the 1st anniversary date. It's been an enjoyable experience for me in general, and I've learned to overlook some of the minor stuff than happens because life's too short to nickpick. I sympathize with the people who have had bad experiences because on past cars I've owned, I've had problems too.

As far as my brakes go... yes, they do squeal at times (mostly in the rain and early in the morning), but they've always worked fine for me. My brother owns a ZX3 also and he wouldn't agree with me because he's had some major brake problems with his. But he's had a good service dept to work with all along, so at least his car is in tip-top form now. I think it's like doctors.. you find a good service dept and stick with it.

Charlie

masked30281 · February 2001

Hey all,

I'm taking a look at different cars to decide on what I want for college. It'll be a 2 1/2 hour drive from my home to Clemson (if I end up there, and of course we're only talking every few weekends), so I want a car that I can deal with sitting in for that long coming back. I want a car that has some zip to it (I like taking people on at school now), but can actually be used for something. The Mustang has power, but let's face it, the trunk is near useless and the car has a bit MORE power than I'm looking for. I stumbled accross the Focus ZX3 and almost wrote it off because of the 2.0 Zetec, but saw the Horses and figure I'll test drive it Saturday. I like the sit high philosophy, and the hatckback. It looks good enough for me. But before I take the 20-25 minute drive to the Ford dealer, can someone tell me if this car is going to be able to have the zip of a......oh, say a '89 Probe (smallest engine) but also be confortable for the long journeys? I know it's a hatchback and can carry a load, but can you remove or fold down the rear seat to add to the cargo space?

Also...looking for an automatic with spring off the line, which is hard sometimes...and don't try to sell me on a 4-door, I just don't want one. Just looking for a comfy, nice looking car that has some zip and can carry things. Add in that it's comfortable and that's what I'll spring for.

Does the ZX3 fit the bill?

rwgreenberg · February 2001

Yes, the Focus fits the bill if your willing to risk purchasing a car that has had poor reliability ratings so far.

pcleveland2 · February 2001

It may not have the zip you want, but it is one heck of a ride. You can get everything you want in the hatch including the kitchen sink. I have heard everything from washing machines to what ever. I even hauled a 12' x 20' storage shelter (unassembled, 3 large/long boxes) in her. Had to leave the hatch open. The handling is excellent, nothing like a sub compact, but more like a compact sport car. The automatic is very good, 0 - 60 in under 10 seconds and sounds nice. Gas mileage isn't the greatest, I get a average of 29/30 mpg, but the handling makes up for it. I think almost every one who has one says that she is a fun ride. I think she would be as much fun as the Probe.
Pat

stant2 · February 2001

I've always gotten a Toyta or a honda
car.They always last at least 175000
miles with NO RECALLS and they last at least 12 years with NO MAJER PROBLEMS!!!! But they NO longer make
a low priced hachback,so i had to order a 01 zx3.(does look great)
How good is the zetec engine?
Any other car use it?
HOW LONG SHOULD THIS CAR LAST WITHOUT ANY MAJER PROBLEMS?????

pd01 · February 2001

My car is a week old and has 250 miles on it and I just noticed something this morning. For some reason this morning I reached up and touched the roof and noticed that it wasn't glued on to the metal part of the roof. It's like hanging down a little, maybe 1/4 or an inch or so, and it's like that alomst throughout the car. Has anyone else noticed this. Has anyone talked to their dealer about it; if so, what was the resonse. Or is it suppose to be that way?

Thanks

rwgreenberg · February 2001

Speaking of noticing little things... I recently noticed that the outside rails of the front seats have plastic end caps on them, but the inside rails are bare with the bolt exposed. Are all of your Zs the same, or am I missing 2 plastic caps?

My interior roof is firm, as I guess they all are, and it's hard for me to tell if it glued on in all places. It doesn't feel like it's hanging down anywhere.

silver_bullet · February 2001

See the March issue of Automobile for some nice photos of the upcoming SVT Focus (including a great interior shot). Sounds like it will be a fun car. Rwgreenberg - plastic rail caps are on the outer rails only... inner tracks do without, so a few more pennies can be paid to Ford shareholders.

mrstang · February 2001

I have a 1999 Ford Focus, and yes it had that nasty creaking noise.
I took it to the Dealer here in Dallas, and they found out that my lower control arms were bad. Don't know why they were bad, I have less the 8,000 miles on my car.
So they Replaced my Lower Control Arms, and now I don't have any more sqeaking or creaking noises. Hope this helps some of you people out.

silver_bullet · February 2001

mrstang, how did you get your hands on a "1999" Focus? Although they were built and sold during the fall of '99, I'm pretty sure all Focuses are 2000 or up models...

focusmatt · February 2001

outside of the TSBs and recalls, are there any major problems?

I just got a 6/00 production 2000 Kona ZX3, and I'm starting to get scared that the thing will become a lemon. I have 910 miles and so far the only problem is that at above 55mph the steering wheel tends to feel shaky and vibrate. I dropped my car off this AM to have 2 recalls fixed and the shaking looked at...although somehow I think they're going to do laugh off the shaking noise.

I have also noticed that there are a few random plastic parts hanging around my back seat that don't belong anywhere...

Otherwise I adore the car and really hope it's reliable. I didn't get presuaded to stop buying imports only to experience Detroitesque unreliability.

*sniffle*

focusmatt · February 2001

Rwgreenberg,

I also have exposed rails. I thought it was either a) cheap or b) industrio-cool, depending on how you look at it.

Perhaps you can help me with my assorted parts bin... under my seat I found a plastic black thingy and a yellow plastic hookie thing. They seem without a home...

pcleveland2 · February 2001

Maybe we need a few more Discussion Titles for the ZX3 Owners Club. We all wanted it and waited so long to get it and now it's going nowhere real fast. Maybe it's the weather.

How about "Should I Buy", and "I Have This Problem--, Do You Have A Answer?", or "What I Would Like To Tell Mr. Nasser And The Ford Engineers.", or "How Do I Keep It Looking Nice?".

After all the asking for the ZX3 Owners Club, I hate to see it slip by the wayside.

Pat.

loolala · February 2001

Hi, I just dropped off my ZX3 for the two recent recalls. I asked if they could check that auto volume increase feature since I never notice it working. The guy wasn't sure about it, and he did ask 2 other technicans and they both didn't know much about it. And when I was leaving, I noticed he didn't even write it up on the paper!
My questions are: is every Focus equiped with this feature? and how do I know it's working?
Thank you.

melissa · February 2001

I've created two new discussions in the Owner's Club. Should I buy? and Tell Ford What you Want?

northguy · February 2001

I have also found an odd plastic part under my front passenger seat. It is hot pink in color and has a hook on one end and two tabs on opposite ends that appear to be made to be inserted into two slots. Since there are no other items in the car that are hot pink I don't have a clue as to what this thing is for. Maybe it's part of a pinata and my car was built during some Mexican festival. (only kidding of course) I am impressed with the workmanship on the car overall and must admit that I was skeptical when first learning that the zx3s were made in Hermosillo.

mrstang · February 2001

silver_bullet · February 2001

This feature is on every AM/FM/CD factory head unit I've seen. When activated (read the owner's manual, for pete's sake - what's wrong with those techs?), it takes a signal from the engine control unit and increases the volume at higher engine speeds. It is also adjustable -- up to "+7" if memory serves. At the higher settings, it is very noticeable, and a bit bizarre. You'll notice it working if you are cruising down the freeway at a good clip, then happen to rapidly slow down for traffic or an exit - the volume will "compress" rapidly.

rwgreenberg · February 2001

I haven't been able to hear it kick in on my car either.

cobie · February 2001

I've not experienced any brake squeal on my 2001 zx, however, I did replace the front disc pads w/ dust free ones. Maybe only the OEM pads squeal?

vadp · February 2001

Rear shoes have a terrible tendency to squeal.

km54201 · February 2001

If you read the owner's manual, you'll see that the AVC feature can be turned on or off. Press the menu button to see if it's off and turn it on. Mine was off when it was delivered and I prefer to keep it off...I like mine loud all the time!

km54201 · February 2001

I finally got my new Z out on the highway this weekend and noticed a random thumping noise underneath somewhere. It seems to show up above 50 mph and doesn't seem to be triggered by bumpy roads because it will also happen on smooth ones. Sometimes it sounds like it's in the back, but sometimes it seems to be further forward. It's like something is knocking against the car. Guessing muffler, but wondered if anyone else has heard it.

focusmatt · February 2001

Will a K&N Air Filter void the warranty in any way?

pd01 · February 2001

My avc works quite well. It isn't really noticable when the avc is on a lower setting. like 1-4. And it's not very noticable when driving under 45mph. when on the highway you can only really notice it if you listen carefully. It's a pretty cool feature once you get the hang of it.

planetred · February 2001

Dose anyone know what the top speed is for a 5spd 01zx. Im only aware of the rev limiter.
Is there a speed limiter too?

jimmyfocuszx3 · February 2001

Thanks for the link on the foglight thing, I remember asking about that way long time ago. I guess it would be a good idea to disconnect the battery while doing any work with the fuse box??

I wish someone would figure out how to turn one of the rear back up lights into a euro style rear foglight

I also wish for a million dollars

Jimmy

edm9 · February 2001

I don't know what the top speed is. I've had mine going 105 and I think there was more. I decided to slow down when I hit an expansion joint on the highway and the car was all over the place. I am going to replace the struts with KYB or Tokiko, add strut towers braces, anti-sway bars, lowering springs (1") and eurothane bushings. This should help with the floaty-ness. Then I will feel confident making an occasional 100+ mph jont!!!

Others: The AVC is an awesome feature. If you think its not working, press the "menu" button on the radio twice. AVC (with either off or a number) will apear. Use the radio tuning buttons to increase or decrease the number. I keep mine on 7. (personal preference)

vadp · February 2001

http://www.teamfocaljet.com/how2_shift_knob/how2_shiftknob.html

vadp · February 2001

Check it out (page 14)

http://www.batinc.net/files/focus.pdf

sweetlidc · February 2001

Well, I got rid of my trusty Honda civ and got a '01 blk Focus....it's been 2 months and I love this car! Unlike other posts, I haven't had any problems....yet (knock on wood). I have heard the squeaky brake every now and then, but there doesn't seem to be any functional problem. Despite that small item, the car handles like a gem. I peel away from stoplights with ease and I expect to get my first speeding ticket any minute now! It's a great ride for the money and I treated myself to a fully loaded model (moon/sun roof, power everything, side airbags, tilt, 16" tires.... I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.

Peace

planetred · February 2001

I noticed that when my car is warmed up and idling, there is a strange, faint whistling sound that gets louder when I rev the engine to between 1500 and 2000 rpm. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what is it???

planetred · February 2001

I forgot to mention that the sound is coming from inside the dashboard.

zx3beast · February 2001

loud thumping noise is a common sound which appears to be coming
from rear felt wheel wells. possibly due to flexing of material even
on smooth roads.especially prevalent when the roads are wet. the odd
whistle from dash is engine noise as you accelerate. im glad you mentioned this,i never have previously but i always have noticed it.
actually, i dont believe it to be anything serious,just another annoying
quirk or feature of the zx3. anybody else out there with the same observations on these two sounds?

z2benzo · February 2001

Many articles / press releases coming from the Chicago Auto Show re Focus SVT model. Check auto.com site. Salient points re the new model: est. base model price of $18,000; planned production run of 7,500 units with retail sale to commence at the end of this year; 170 H. P. with variable valve timing; 6-speed Getrag; 17" five-spoke alloys with Z-rated tires; four-wheel discs with ABS and 12-inch front rotors; stiffer suspension components; sport seats with blue or red mesh inserts; performance exhaust; rear spoiler; revamped grill with smoke-tinted headlamps; gray-faced electroluminescent gauges; and metal shift knob. Sounds sweet. Worth $18k?

silver_bullet · February 2001

I'd say the SVT Focus will be a bargain if Ford doesn't tinker with the preliminary specs too much, and can actually deliver the car for $18K. If they delete big-time goodies like the Getrag 6-speed, then I've got my doubts. Wonder where it is going to be built? Automobile magazine says it will be available in SVT Blue, black, silver, red, and yellow - wish they'd pick a different yellow from the current "egg yolk" shade, though. I called my local dealer (who happens to be an SVT dealer) and asked the sales guy about availability and ordering. He said Ford is putting all their energy into getting the new T-Bird launched (due July 4th), so it's too early to be talking about ordering an SVT Focus. He asked me to check back about 4 months prior to launch, which would be in late July for the projected November launch.

silver_bullet · February 2001

Just read the Auto.com article. 7500 SVT Foci to be built for North America, all at the Hermosillo plant. Looks like the car introduced at Chicago is the same one photograped for the article in Automobile magazine. Pretty spiffy!

Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on... ?

planetred · February 2001

Thanks zx3beast, you really help put my mind at ease. I thought it may have been a vacuum leak.

drebe73 · February 2001

Hello gang...It's been a long time since I've posted. It's nice to see some familiar posters still around. I've really been enjoying my ZX3.
Could have done with out all of the recalls, but really can't complain since the car hasn't given me any real trouble. I've become a real pro driving my 5 speed, some of you remember that I didn't know how to drive stick before I bought my ZX3. Well I just wanted to stop in and say hello and hope all are enjoying their ZX3 as much as I do.

espowari · February 2001

I lost the notes I took on what parts to order etc to install the arm rest in my 2000 zx3.

Anyone have them around?

focusmatt · February 2001

I've had my ZX3 for 4 weeks now. It needed servicing for the recalls, and also, about 2 weeks into the posession, i noticed that at speeds above 60mph the steering wheel would vibrate and shake, as if the alignment is off.

The dealer realigned the wheels but it feels only slightly better. Hell, the yucky Olds that was my loaner car really excelled at highway speeds and felt smooth.

Is this problem related to the fact that I have 16" wheels or do you think it's a defect?

silver_bullet · February 2001

My guess would be you've got a wheel imbalance problem as opposed to an alignment problem. Go to a quality wheel and tire shop that is used to dealing with performance applications and have them check each wheel for imbalance - paying attention to the actual alloy wheel as well. You could have a slightly bent or distorted wheel, or you might just need to have the wheel/tire combo rebalanced. Another possibility would be a defective or damaged tire, where one of the belts has shifted. I realize your car is new, but rough treatment during shipping, or while your car was being moved around by "lot jockeys" could have resulted in this kind of problem.

rmitos · February 2001

Hi all,

I love this car!

After 3000m, I want to change few things on my ZX3. I'm not a car expert so I'd like to run it by you first.

manual transx.= mxt75: RedLine ATF D4 (well, if I can get hold on it) - could actually somebody suggest a decent alternative?

oil to: 5W30 Mobil 1 synthetic

air filter: K&N air filter

Is there anything else that should be done here? e.g. lube joints, suppression, battery check or so?

Thanks everybody who reply!

Robert

vadp · February 2001

RedLine product distributors:

Last time I checked Eurasian Parts had the lowest prices.

http://www.redlineoil.com/frames/dealersinfo.htm

Ford Focus ZX3

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