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Ford Focus Care & Maintenance

309 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2009 at 1:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

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#7 of 309 fuel gauge (in)accuracy by silver_bullet Feb 19, 2001 (2:24 pm)
When my tank is filled, my car's fuel gauge reads slightly over "F". Automotive gas gauges are pretty inaccurate devices - think of them as something designed to give you a general idea of how much fuel is in the tank. The only way to accurately calculate your fuel economy is to fill your tank to a recognized fill point (say the first pump "click"), reset your trip odometer, and drive. As the gauge approaches "E", return to the same station and refill using the same pump if possible, to the same "click". Divide the miles recorded by your trip odometer by the number of gallons added. Smile or frown, as the case may be.
#8 of 309 Stock Stereo by eyefi Feb 19, 2001 (9:46 pm)
The stock head unit in the Focus is the best one I've seen of any of the new cars. Some of the upgrades offered by other manufactures can't compete in overall quality and sound. Since this was a European designed car we got 5X8 in the doors and rear. I thought of upgrading, but why? Instead I have a single Audiobahn 12" Sub and a Orion HCCA amp, it rocks! One of my tech's has a Honda SI, [he has Foci envy] with a typical import head unit. The more I drive this car the more I love it.... except for the 20mpg.
#9 of 309 Fuel Gauge Findings by pcleveland2 Feb 20, 2001 (1:11 pm)
Have noticed that if I have attendant fill my tank while I sit in car that the fuel gauge does not register the fill-up. If I fill it my self and go inside to pay, with key in pocket, that it does register. I think it has something to do with the proximity of the key chip to the vehicle. The marvels of the computer age!
#10 of 309 re: eyefi by zx3beast Feb 20, 2001 (6:41 pm)
i am also very fond of the stock system. i agree, no need to upgrade. actually, i never expected it to sound as good as it does. after owning this car for one year, i rate the cd player/ speakers as one of its stellar attributes. im an old retro tube amp fan and i find the sound in the zx3 stock unit very enjoyable. to my ears, it is quite natural sounding and non-fatiguing. a big plus in my overall rating of the car.
#11 of 309 Re: Service manual on CD-ROM by piglover Feb 26, 2001 (4:22 pm)
Silver bullet, can the dealer supply the service manual on CD-ROM? How much is it? Is it also available in paper copy?
#12 of 309 CD ROM Service Manual by silver_bullet Feb 26, 2001 (4:49 pm)
I doubt that Ford will sell you this CD, but I suppose it is possible. It is updated each month, so the older copies tend to find their way into the marketplace - like the one I got on eBay. Helm Publishing makes service manuals available in paper form and on CD ROM, but they are quite expensive (well over $100). Replies to this message: roryamos (Jul 27, 2008 5:16 pm)
#13 of 309 scratches in plastic bumper by cgsangel Mar 10, 2001 (6:56 am)
Hi,   This topic has probably been addressed somewhere among many of the messages previously posted in Edmund's Town Hall, but I will address it here, since the Focus Care and Maintenance topic hasn't been around that long.   I've gotten some scratches in my back bumper on the top surface where the hatch swings open. I was wondering if anyone has had the same problem (I'm sure it's happened alot if someone uses the hatch alot). I want to touch up the white appearing scratches because they really stand out against the autumn orange paint. I was thinking of applying some touch up paint and rubbing it into the scratch rather than just leave a ridge of paint along the scratch. Then I could let the paint set up good and then apply a good wax to the bumper surface.   Is there some kind of black plastic plate or something like I've seen on the back of some station wagons and vans that will act as a protection for the bumper surface that could be used for our cars? I'll bet some aftermarket company has one out there somewhere. I once got scuff plates for my van that were perfect (for the door sills). This would work in the same way, and make it look decent too. The black color would go along with the black trim that is already part of the zx3.   Mine happened from a build up of ice and salt and sand along the back this winter, and when I cleared it off I didn't realize the sand would cause the scratches that easily in the plastic.   I figure any cars with a paint color in great contrast to the undercoat or base color of the bumper will really stand out and look bad. Mine has a white base color so the dark paint stands out. I imagine anyone with black or a dark color is having or will have the same problem someday.   Charlie
#14 of 309 aftermarket floor mats ordered through Ford by cgsangel Mar 10, 2001 (7:06 am)
I had ordered the rubber front floor mats from Ford and they fit and look great! But one problem I have is the attachment for the driver's side mat. The hole in the new mat is far too small to fit the hold down pin in the carpet. It is obvious when they made the mat they didn't make it for the hold down. I was thinking of drilling out the hole in the grommet in the mat to a larger size to accomodate the hold down pin.   It looks like I will have to use at least a five-eighths inch drill to do this. Too bad I just can't push out the grommet and replace it with the one from my stock mat. I don't want to attempt removing the plastic insert and damaging the mat in the process.   Anyway, I was wondering anyone who ordered mats got some with the right size hole? Or have they all been made for another hold down pin? It is a very small issue since the weight of the rubber mat is heavier than the carpeted ones, and they do stay in place better than the carpets. Although occassionally I have to reach down and pull it back about an inch or so because there is some forward movement after some use. Just an aggravation, since there is a pin on the floor that would work if the hole was larger. For now I don't need to go to the trouble of buying a drill and drilling it out, or risking damage to a good looking floormat.   Charlie
#15 of 309 floor mats by rwgreenberg Mar 10, 2001 (3:57 pm)
Hi. I got the same mats and broke out the plactic insert with a hammer and striker type device. The plastic instert broke out and the rubber mat was not damaged, and the hole in the rubber is the right size to fit on the hook on the foor. I was a bit hesitant to do this, but it did work out fine in the end.
#16 of 309 Re:15 floor mats by rwgreenberg by cgsangel Mar 10, 2001 (4:56 pm)
Hi,   Thanks for the tip! I'll give it a try tomorrow.   It's odd how the box with the mats came with instructions for mats for a Ford truck. Which made no sense at all. Maybe they figure no one reads instructions anyway. Or maybe it was just a mistake. Installing mats shouldn't need any instructions.   At least they fit good... in fact they cover a little more area than the carpeted mats, and they're easy to clean right at the car wash.   Charlie

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