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Ford Focus Recalls and TSBs

160 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

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

Messages Page 10 of 16

#90 of 160 2000 Focus Transmission Problem! by wtavcar

Mar 17, 2006 (11:28 am)

My Brother-in-law has a 2000 Focus SE (Ford 2.0L w/auto). He is having bizarre problem with his transmission. The car has only 45k km.
 
When he is cruising along, and steps on the gas to activiate the kick-down (passing, etc..), the transmission starts slipping, much like a finished clutch in a standard shift. If he backs off, it eventually grabs again. The car was used in city for awhile so unknown when it appeared. Now it is getting highway useage.
 
The tranny was brought in to Ford (which overhauled the tranny). It is still doing it. They even changed the car computer. They (FORD dealer) are stumped.
 
Any suggestions? The car had the tranny overhaul done in the final days of the extended warranty.

#91 of 160 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up by aland1

Mar 23, 2006 (3:25 pm)

ignition switch lock-up for the second time. 1st time car towed to dealer who wanted $655 to replace plus $127 to make a new key which would have to be done because of wear. called ford and they claim no complaints on this particular problem. My locksmith tells me that new keys should be made at the slightest sign of wear to prevent this problem, but my key doesn't look that wore. Dealer will not confirm this fact. If this is true maybe we all could be spared some frustration and expense of a new ignition by being told this fact and pay the $100+ to get new keys made periodically. Ford needs to test their keys and ignition for durability. I was fixing to get a new key made but ignition locked up before I could get to dealer.

#92 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [jrsawvel] by candccarroll

Apr 01, 2006 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: jrsawvel (Jan 06, 2006 3:17 pm)
Ok, at least I know that I'm not alone. I own a '00 Focus SE Sedan. I purchased it with 26 miles. To this date, here are the things that have gone wrong.
 
Replaced ignition twice (once under warranty) 3 yrs apart
Front coil spring broke (yesterday)
Rear wheel cylinder just went as well
Brakes and tires replaced every 18 months
 
I too feel that there should be something done to compensate us for the problems. I like my car, but can't afford the repairs. I just put out over $1000 to get my car to pass inspection. That's ridiculous for a car that's not that old.
 
I'm with anyone who would like to pursue this.

#93 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [jrsawvel] by cpgdan

Apr 03, 2006 (8:26 am)

Replying to: jrsawvel (Jan 06, 2006 3:17 pm)
I also had the ignition lock up..and I also feel you should fix (not replace) it and keep the car. I have had my zx3 for 6 years and 90k miles. I won't say problem free, but very low cost of ownership in general. I had a local locksmith rebuild my ignition tumblers for $80 (and that was a house call). That was 3 years ago and not a problem since (with orignal key). Only other issue was rear wheel bearing last winter (there is plenty of warning before they go...several hundred miles...you will hear it). I have been getting 45k+ miles per set of tires and 50k+ for breaks. Clutch take-up is not showroom smooth, but no slipping after 90k miles.

#94 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [aland1] by mu681137

Apr 03, 2006 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: aland1 (Mar 23, 2006 3:25 pm)
Awwww.....I have replaced 3 ignitions to 2 seperate cars. 2000 and 2003 Focus. The 2000 was replaced in Atlanta, GA by a guy named Cowboy, he guarantees the ignition for the life of the car. Cost about $300, including an extra key. The 2003 was done twice in Houston, TX...first time at the dealer which lasted about 6 months and second time with an individual who replaces them for a living....well, that one is going bad too. Taking the 2003 to Atlanta, GA for Cowboy to fix right! Everyone that I know that has a Focus has replaced their ignitions too. I complained to Ford, they said the same thing....I laughed at them and sent them my bills. But Ford keeps offering me "specials" to buy another Ford......NOT me! I'm buying Honda instead. Have one and getting another one soon.

#95 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [mu681137] by retiredguy

Apr 03, 2006 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: mu681137 (Apr 03, 2006 4:00 pm)
I have a 2003 wagon (I guess that makes no dif) when an ignition switch fails..do you get any warning..or does it not work and leave one stranded? I guess there is no mileage est to failure, is there? TIA

#96 of 160 my problem child by racergirl

Apr 12, 2006 (2:00 am)

Since several of you are having so many problems with your foci, I hope maybe someone can help me. I have only had the fuel pump problem a year ago that was covered with the recall until now. I have a 2000 ZX3 with an automatic on the floor. About half of the time that I go to shift out of park the button will not depress to go into gear. I realized after a bit of poking around that there is a "just in case" slot I can poke a screwdriver in to engage it, but it gets aggravating looking like I am rigging my car to drive each time! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

#97 of 160 Re: 2003 focus 4 dr sedan [explorerx4] by creakid1

Apr 18, 2006 (12:40 am)

Replying to: explorerx4 (Jan 04, 2006 3:34 pm)
"the 'mazda' engine is the 2.3 liter version. the other engine size is 2.0 liters. easiest thing to do is check the owner's manual. the engines do look different."
 
That's right! The Mazda-engineered Duratec 2.0 didn't come out until the '05 model year. So if the '03 Focus has 2.0, then it's the problematic Zetec.

#98 of 160 Re: 2003 focus 4 dr sedan [creakid1] by retiredguy

Apr 18, 2006 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 18, 2006 12:40 am)
I have a 2003 ztw with the Zetec engine..what are the usual problems and at what mileage do they start to occur? My car has only 15k miles..TIA

#99 of 160 Re: 2000 ford focus ignition switch lock-up [mu681137] by krusty_schmitt

Apr 22, 2006 (4:48 pm)

Replying to: mu681137 (Apr 03, 2006 4:00 pm)
What did Ford do when u sent them your bills? Anything?? I am a young student and have had to fork out student loan money for 2 ignitions now getting kinda upset!!

Messages Page 10 of 16

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