Minsterman

Now that its dark, I have just tested mine and it does exactly the same. Does anyone know if it can be re-programmed so that the dash and radio do not stay lit up like a Christmas tree once the car is locked? It wil be like a beacon to thieves, particularly when they cotton on to the fact there is no removable panel on the Ford 6000CD - unless of course it is that difficult to remove - which I doubt!! :shock: M

Hi, Yes it is a 'feature' that the LCD on the radio and the Computer thingy stay lit up for about 5 mins after locking. Re the unlocking, just checked mine, however as it is daylight it is difficult to tell. Will try later when its dark and let you know. M

Well, if i hadn't already spent all my dosh on a new Zetec Climate (and a bigger house!!), I think it would have to be Panther Black or red. In fact anything but orange!!!! M

Thanks for that Gasman. My dealer is going to top it up 'gratis' for me next time I am passing. M

Hi, I've had my new Focus for a couple of months now. When I got it, I noticed the coolant was at the 'min' mark in the expansion tank. it hasn't lost any, but I would feel happier if it was at the 'Max' mark. However, the antifreeze already in the car is pink. I have tried a few places and all the antifreeze on sale is the blue type. Will the blue stuff mix okay with the pink stuff?. Or do I need to buy Ford antifreeze from a Ford dealer, at no doubt extra cost? Sorry if its a dumb question, I just don't want to invalidate my warranty or use the wrong stuff etc or 'water it down' by

Yes, I agree as well. What also seems bad, is that there is no 'removable panel' security feature on the Ford 6000CD head unit fitted as standard. So, not only is the damn thing lit up like a Christmas tree, you can do bu&&er all to reduce the chance of some undesirable breaking in and nicking the head unit. M

Hi, Yes it does stay on for a while. It does eventually switch off. Haven't had a flat battery so far, so I don't think it uses that much power. M

The steering has 3 modes (as copied from the handbook): Standard - Suitable for all driving styles Sports - The steering assistance is reduced. This suits the sportier driving style by increasing the feedback through the steering wheel. The sport setting is also an advantage when driving on icy and snowy road conditions. Comfort - The steering assistance is increased. The steering will feel lighter and you will not need to exert as much force on the wheel. Personally I have mine set to 'sport' all the time. Re the 2.0 diesel - I cannot comment as I have the 2.0 petrol. M

Hi Ross, Re the handling, don't forget the Zetec has the sports suspension, which is not specified on the Ghia (and is an option on the Titanium). I have driven my mates new Focus Ghia and it doesn't handle as well as my new Zetec. I think this is down to the sports suspension. M

Hi Nick, As it has only started raining here in the last few days, yes I have also found my new Focus misting up a lot. However, by switching on the Air Con (with the flow pointing to the windscreen) and setting the air flow to re-circulate and using the heated front/rear screens it does clear quite quicky and stay clear. Seems like the best way of keeping clear to me. M

Wish mine was doing that sort of mpg. Mine is hovering in the top 20's/low 30's mpg at the moment (according to the computer). Still it should get better soon I hope. M

Hi Ronaldo, This is the holder (with the bulb fitted) on the drivers side. It is quite easy to find with a torch looking up from the footwell. M

Sorry, I don't know how to open a poll either!! However, I can confirm I am more than happy with my new Focus (2.0 petrol Zetec Climate Auto). Although i have only had it one month, nothing has gone wrong with it (touch wood), and it is a delight to drive. The road holding is second to none and the auto box very smooth. If I have one criticism, it is that it is slightly heavy on petrol. Still once run in it should improve. Overall 9.5 out of 10. Just a pity my dealer is so crap, but thats another story!! M

Hi STick170, Many thanks for that. I can sleep peacefully now knowing my warranty etc is safe. Just strange my dealer never mentioned this check. Still, I am spared the 'hard sell' of accessories!!! M

As a point of interest, how did you find out about this 3 month/1500 miles check? As I posted above, my dealer said ' see you in a year' as I drove out with my new Focus last month. I cannot find anything in the service bit in the owner handbook about it either. I just don't want the warranty etc invalidating by missing out on a check, or has my dealer has given me 'duff gen'. M

I dont think they were tight fisted. I think they were generous to have the sockets and wiring left in the car so we didnt have to add wires and sockets ourselves. Well, I suppose it depends which way you look at it. Either they have skimped by not putting in 2 bulbs or they have used an 'over spec' wiring loom and other bits and just kept quiet about it. I am sure if Ford had wanted to, they would have put two bulbs into the car and put it down as a feature in the Focus brochure. I wonder if any more things like this wil be found out by owners, - easy mods for next to nothing becau

I wasn't aware it needed one at 3 months/1500 miles. My Ford dealer said my new Focus's first service was at 12 months or 12,500 miles (which ever occurred first). M

The wiring under the bonnet for the heated windscreen jets should look something like this (This is the drivers side jet and wiring). Appologies for the crap pic (black wiring against a black bonnet!!)

Hi, I also have a new 2.0 Zetec Climate Petrol and it definitely doesn't have the a/c glove box. In any case, I cannot really see the point of it, All it would do is chill down the Owner Handbook and a few CD's. If the 'Glove Box' is indeed for gloves, you would get cold hands as well!!!! M

Hi, I have a new Mk2 Zetec Climate 2.0 Petrol Automatic. The road holding is fantastic and the gearbox is very smooth. You can also put it in clutchless sequential manual if you want to 'play'. I went for the 2 litre as having tested the 1.6 thought it was slightly underpowered with the auto box (only slightly though). I previously had a 2.0 Auto, so it was probably just me! All in all a great car - just slightly heavy on the petrol at the moment - still it has only done 600 miles!! I am sure you will enjoy it. M

Works fine on my Zetec Climate as well - In fact I think is standard from Zetec upwards. M

I have discs all round on my Mk2 Focus and I feel they are a lot sharper than on the facelifted Mark 1's that are fleet cars at work. In fact they are so sharp I nearly projected my front seat passenger through the screen the other day as he had just momentarily released his seatbelt when I had to brake rather heavily. Don't think he will do that again when i am driving lol!! M

Bought the bulbs and installed them today. Now have nice illuminated footwells :D I can't believe Ford were so tight fisted not to fit them in the first place if all they needed was 2 bulbs that cost me a quid. Will try the courtesy light/map reading lights next. M

Well, I picked up my brand new Focus 2.0 Zetec Climate Automatic in Panther Black from the dealer yesterday afternoon. Sorry but my other half has the digi camera at the moment so no pics as yet. It is without add ons or mods (had to watch the bank balance :( ) but looks superb. I like the fact that as well as auto mode, it has clutchless sequential shift as well. Guess its time to give it a spin again!!!!! M