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Ford Escort ZX2

1555 messages,  Last post on Dec 19, 2012 at 2:18 PM

You are in the Ford Escort ZX2 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Escort, Coupe

Messages Page 149 of 157

#1472 of 1555 Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [click23] by billwruck

Dec 15, 2008 (3:55 pm)

Replying to: click23 (Jan 06, 2006 10:50 am)
Hi Robert. This is an old thread I know, but allow me to add my $00.02 worth.Last spring my '01 ZX2 with, at that time <70,000 miles developed an intermittent screeeching/squealing sound similiar to a bad belt/pulley/or bearing. It was due for a timing belt change so I took it in to a trusted local shop who installed a new timimg belt, tensioner and idler pulleys. The noise stopped for a while but then returned sporadically. I returned a few weeks ago and this time they replaced the serpentine accessory drive belt but the sound continued. My mechanic removed the timing cover and inspected the timing belt and then removed the serpentine belt and ran the car without, effecitvely eliminating the water pump and alternator as sources, and the sound persisted. He listened with his stethoscope through the valve cover and determined it was the exhaust cam making the noise. The diagnosis was a bad variable camshaft timimg assembly and it was recommended I take it to a Ford dealer. The Ford dealer informed that it was a common problem with the ZX2's and would run anywhere from $500 to $1500. His recommendation was that I drive it until the noise was constant and then return for the repair. Last Friday I was in the local shop again for an unrelated issue. A different tech, who was unaware of the history, worked on the car. He heard the squealing noise and investigated on his own. With the engine idling he pulled out the oil dipstick which was accompanied by a whoooshing sound like vacuum escaping and the squealing ceased. The problem? The crankcase breather filter! I picked up Motorcraft Part #FA-1661 from the Ford dealer for $15.93 plus tax. As my local tech explained it to me when the crankcase breather filter is obstructed the engine vacuum is not allowed to escape and it sucks oil down from the top of the engine effectively starving the camshafts for oil and hence the squealing noise. I also gathered from talking to him that not all zetec engines came equipped with the breather filter, some apparently just had a straight hose from the valve cover to the air intake case. My experience led me to google the topic which brought up this thread. Nice job in spreading the word about this issue Robert. I am really disappointed in Ford Motor Company for failing to awaken to what is obviously a known problem and issue a technical service bulletin or some statement on the issue. The dealer service departments don't seem to be aware of this.

#1473 of 1555 Re: honda hater [drm4869] by fordman

Dec 15, 2008 (11:51 pm)

Replying to: drm4869 (Jun 09, 2000 4:38 am)
cool im glad someone agrees with us zx2 guys i smoked one awhile back in my stock 02 zx2 and it an auto trans

#1474 of 1555 E-brake stuck on by teverton

Dec 17, 2008 (10:00 am)

When my sister had the car the e-brake got stuck up so a mechanic detached the wire so it wouldn't stay on. i need to fix it for inspection time and was wondering what could have caused it to stick and if it would be an easy fix. its a 99 zx2 manual

#1475 of 1555 Re: WEIRD smell coming from AC [bbb2002] by JRQC

Dec 18, 2008 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: bbb2002 (Nov 19, 2008 10:28 am)
A sweet smell is usually antifreeze. If the smell is in the interior of the car it could be the heater core (up under dash somewhere) to a leaking hose. A decent A/C shop should be able to rectify that for you.
 
Jon

#1476 of 1555 Airbag Light Flashing After Changing Radio by steeler82

Feb 17, 2009 (10:30 pm)

2000 Ford Escort ZX2...after changing the factory radio with a Sony Xplod CD Radio (which works), now the airbag light is flashing. Checked for loose wiring or connections, no luck. Any ideas? I have seen some posts on disconnecting battery cable for 30 min and another on getting dealer to reset for you, but wanted to see if anyone else had any ideas. Thanks.

#1477 of 1555 1998 Escort ZX2 Hot - interference or non? by mcwllw

Apr 06, 2009 (9:48 am)

I have a 1998 Escort ZX2 'Hot package' 5 speed manual - I have searched and searched but have not found out if the engine is non-interference or not. Does anyone have a clue?

#1478 of 1555 2000 Escort ZX2 by pmoltke

May 03, 2009 (11:46 am)

I am trying to find the Blue Book value of this car and have been unable to find anything. can anyone help me with this?
Thanks

#1479 of 1555 Re: 2000 Escort ZX2 [pmoltke] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 03, 2009 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: pmoltke (May 03, 2009 11:46 am)
From fair condition around $1400 to excellent around $3000--$3500

#1480 of 1555 Re: 1998 Escort ZX2 Hot - interference or non? [mcwllw] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 03, 2009 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: mcwllw (Apr 06, 2009 9:48 am)
Non interference on your model, the DOHC engine
 
Visiting host

#1481 of 1555 engine swap by jmileski

May 06, 2009 (7:16 pm)

Will a 2001 escort 2.0 liter zetec engine work in a 1996 ford contour that has a 2.0 liter zetec engine and if so, what needs to be changed.

Messages Page 149 of 157

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