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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part XI - READ ONLY

657 messages,  Last post on Aug 14, 2000 at 11:56 PM

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Messages Page 66 of 66

#648 of 657 Re: first gear by vadp

Aug 14, 2000 (8:27 pm)

In my case it's the third gear that feels notchier than the rest.
The first gear in general reguires more of effort to engage smoothly in every car. In my car it behaves the same is in other cars.

#649 of 657 cont. by vadp

Aug 14, 2000 (8:30 pm)

And I do plan to switch to synth. gear oil.
Have you seen the man. tranny?
It doesn't have a drain plug.
Just the fill one on the side of it.
Any idea how to drain it?
Or no choice but to use a pump to suck oil out?

#650 of 657 Tally and more... by togneter

Aug 14, 2000 (8:41 pm)

autos: 14


manuals: 12


As far as downshifting into first...you really shouldn't unless you're at a complete stop (or at least very near one).


I actually had a friend tell me that he though it was much easier to do this in my Z than in his car, so I guess i's subjective.

#651 of 657 Just an observation and a thanks. by drebe73

Aug 14, 2000 (9:03 pm)

I am very happy that there is a place for we Zx3 owners to swap info. This is a great community to be a part of. It is interesting to observe how each of us have so many different styles of driving and personal preferences even though we are all driving the same car. I think it is fantastic that we are able to share experiences and are able to pass along helpful information to one another. Just wanted to send a big thanks to everyone one this board. You make owning the Focus that much better. Too bad we can't do one of those "Saturn" type gatherings, it would be cool to meet everyone and to see a parking lot filled with hundreds of ZX3's.

#652 of 657 reverse by tickbitty

Aug 14, 2000 (9:09 pm)

not trying to be insulting as I know this is quite obvious, but when shifting into reverse are you holding the "lockout ring" up good and high? Have noticed when friends try to put the thing into reverse they will overlook that feature. If you are only "sort of" pulling it up I guess it could make it harder? Again, sorry if I'm being overly obvious.

#653 of 657 Glad it's not just me by silver_bullet

Aug 14, 2000 (9:16 pm)

Vadp, I've been all over the transaxle, and I'll be darned if I can find a drain plug either - just the filler plug on the side of the casing. I suppose it is possible Ford never intended on having it drained, only topped up periodically, but it seems hard to believe. It would be difficult to get a very complete drain, but I suppose you could use an oil suction device with a flexible probe inserted through the filler hole.


Anyone else have an answer to this little mystery?

#654 of 657 Tranny ?'s by bjammin2

Aug 14, 2000 (9:28 pm)

I believe someone had posted earlier that the manual was lubed for life and already uses a low friction mineral oil. I have problems with gears not fully engaging too. I just hope it doesn't do any serious long term damage.


Question. Has anyone really used their z to haul things with? Do you fold down the seats often? I moved a 32" tv yesterday and found that the side with the center seatbelt would not go back up AGAIN! This is the third time. It seems the the center belt locks up and won't let me raise the seatback. The last time this happend the dealer finally had to cut the thing off. When they put a new one in and tested it, the darn thing locked up again. Am I the only one with this problem???????

#655 of 657 Re: Treva by njzx3

Aug 14, 2000 (9:58 pm)

Treva... you asked where everyone was from?


I'm currently in New Jersey (also known as the "Armpit of America") but I will be leaving for Tampa, FL for a year and a half or so The weekend after labor day... assuming that the delivery date for my Z that the dealer gave me is correct..


NJ

#656 of 657 Hauling stuff. by togneter

Aug 14, 2000 (10:07 pm)

I hauled about 12 boxes of books over a mountain pass, and I've put lots of other stuff back there. I'm amazed how much I can fit.


No problems with the seat going back. My bigest problem (very minor) is that it's hard to put the trunk cover back in, 'cause it just BARELY fits through the opening. Couple of seconds of finagling...that's all.

#657 of 657 carlady by mzn

Aug 14, 2000 (11:56 pm)

Well, I was just too busy driving in Chicago to catch up with you! If you have a chance to attend one of the edmundsLIVE events, do it!


I have no news from Bonnie Rick, the Town Hall Community Manager, about the Ford Focus club. I'll ask her for an update and let you know what I find out.


To continue the conversation, just click here.


carlady/host

Messages Page 66 of 66

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