- #495 of 613
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Re: License Plate Lights [tomh3]
by remowus
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Jun 19, 2006 (6:20 am)
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Replying to: tomh3 (Jun 18, 2006 4:29 am)
I had a similar problem with my 03 ZTW.
The bolts on the shocks on my rear hatchback door
rusted out. The dealer said they had never seen that problem. But they fixed it under warranty at about 35k miles.
I'm replaceing my squeaky brakes all the way around here in a couple of weeks in my driveway. My son is a mechanic and we will do it when it cools down . Maybe we can have a brake party here in St. Louis. Let me know if you're interested.
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- #496 of 613
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Re: Impressions about a Focus Wagon [mikus]
by jazvan
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Jun 20, 2006 (10:09 am)
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Replying to: mikus (Jun 09, 2006 5:04 pm)
The 2.0 Zetec (old head) has 10 ft/lbs more torque which is significant in this type of car. The new 2.0 Focus engines all have the higher efficiency Mazda heads (Duratec) and they are rated at 136 hp and 37mpg hwy. It has the same head as the 2.3 which is basically stroked with added balance shafts. The 110 hp Zetec engine no longer exists, I wasn't thinking of this one and have to admit it compares poorly.
The "hot-rod" 180 hp MAtrix XRS is an interesting comparison point because my 2.3 wagon is faster and smoother and more efficient. 2.3 wagon has 0-60 of 7.9 seconds (Car and Driver) compared to 8.5 to 8.9 for a 180 hp XRS. My highway MPG is 35 compared to 30, I do not require high octane fuel and I have more cargo capacity. BTW I do achieve EPA MPG.
But my opinion that the Matrix engine is inferior is not based so much on specs but by just driving both cars. It is just displacement-challenged IMO and the Mazda-designed Focus engines are at least as efficient with more displacement.
Jaz.
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- #497 of 613
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Rear wheel noise on 2003 ZTW wagon
by jdudzienski
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Jul 02, 2006 (12:56 pm)
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Has anyone had issues with wheel bearing in the rear of the wagon? My wagon has 43K on it I have replaced all tires and shoes and pads. There is a vibration from the rear left when driving at all speeds. Very easy to hear on fresh blacktop, older roads hide the sound. Dealer said to replace both wheel bearing at 60k. Any thoughts?
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- #498 of 613
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Re: Rear wheel noise on 2003 ZTW wagon [jdudzienski]
by jazvan
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Jul 02, 2006 (5:46 pm)
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Replying to: jdudzienski (Jul 02, 2006 12:56 pm)
Is it just vibration, or a lot of noise too? Just vibration could be tire balance, 'cuz a lot of places never quite seem to get the balance right. Cheap check for that is rotate it with another wheel like the right front. Wheel bearings are possible but it's not normal at 60K. Personally I would just get the bad one done if you are sure that's what it is. I've never had a bad wheel bearing on any car and I drive them up to 150-190K miles. If a bearing seal is shot, that could make it wear out premature, so it's not impossible either. FWIW
Jaz
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- #499 of 613
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Re: Leaking Rainwater [rmsmallll]
by jeannad2000
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Jul 12, 2006 (10:51 am)
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Replying to: rmsmallll (Oct 11, 2003 10:36 pm)
I purchased a 2005 Ford Focus in October of 2005. After a rainstorm in November of 2005, a major leak occurred, leaving over 2 inches of water on the front, passenger floor. The dealership fixed the car. In July of 2006 I found water in the same location. After the dealership looked at the car, they stated that it is coming from a different location (not where they originally sealed it). They went on to tell me that they would have to remove my dashboard, requiring extensive labor, to locate the new cause of the leak. Unfortunately, my warranty is up because I drive far to work. I have only gone 700 miles of my limit. After speaking with many agents at the Ford Motor company I find I am out of luck. A service representative said that if there were enough complaints they would have to file a recall but he has not had any yet. (I am the first…find that hard to believe). I went on-line to search for others in my situation. I found numerous websites with complaints of Ford Focuses leaking on the passenger floor. I need to find others with this problem. We must demand that Ford take action for this problem. Please reply if you have the same problem again and/or a solution or suggestion.
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- #500 of 613
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Re: Leaking Rainwater [jeannad2000]
by jazvan
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Jul 15, 2006 (12:14 pm)
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Replying to: jeannad2000 (Jul 12, 2006 10:51 am)
It seems extremely unlikely you had two sources of leak, so the dealer did not troubleshoot the problem correctly the first time and "fixed" something that was not the problem. Weak service department. Maybe they are liable to go back and fix it correctly? From what I read the usual problem is a seal between the windshield and cowl and it can even be sealed with some silicone. This does not require dash removal of course and could even be performed DIY.
*** I think you are right it should be a TSB.***
Sorry I can not be of much help.
Jaz
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- #501 of 613
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Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot
by beccaorend
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Jul 27, 2006 (4:40 pm)
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Nine times in the last 16 months, my 2003 Focus ZTW (71,000 miles now) has left me stranded. The same thing happens each time. The weather is warm (or hot) and I drive 30 minutes or so, then stop at the store. When I come out 10 or 15 minutes later, the engine turns over but stalls, and won't start up again for about 45 minutes. At that point, it starts without incident.
My Ford dealer has no idea what the problem is, but they are the same people who needed four appointments with my car to realize it did have a serious transmission problem ( which they rebuilt at 34000 miles.
The car is perfect for me except that I can't trust it to start . . . any ideas?
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- #502 of 613
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Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [beccaorend]
by etmom7358
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Jul 30, 2006 (1:21 pm)
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Replying to: beccaorend (Jul 27, 2006 4:40 pm)
Are you running the air conditioner on these warm/hot days?
If so, is the air conditioner factory installed or installed by the
dealer?
My Ford Bronco II (1987) had a similar problem. The air
conditioner was installed by the dealer and the dealer did
not upgrade the radiator per spec, instructions and price.
I had another mechanic install the correct radiator for me
and all was well.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
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- #503 of 613
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Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [etmom7358]
by beccaorend
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Jul 31, 2006 (1:34 pm)
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Replying to: etmom7358 (Jul 30, 2006 1:21 pm)
I am an "open window" kind of person, and only use the AC when I have to be really presentable. My AC is factory, and hasn't been on any time my car has failed me.
Thanks for the input.
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- #504 of 613
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Re: Focus wagon 2003 won't start when hot [beccaorend]
by jazvan
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Aug 01, 2006 (9:33 am)
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Replying to: beccaorend (Jul 27, 2006 4:40 pm)
Wow, seems there are too many flakey Ford service departments. Seems any dealer or good mechanic could take a stab at this 'cuz it is not that uncommon of a problem. I have had cars in the past which exhibited the same thing to a lesser degree but I don't know anything Focus-specific. I think a probable cause is "Vapor-lock".
Jaz
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