[nairrk]

ALL FIESTA OWNERS – QUIRIES – SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE HERE

I have seen many posts by fiesta owner members regarding doubts and clarifications especially upgradation of various stock items viz - ICE, TYRE CHANGE, ALLOYS, SEAT COVER, and other accessories.

Further, many new (would be) owners have various doubts on above topics and by viewing this thread they should be able to get atleast some answers. This thread started in view that one can get information from only one place instead of searching various posts of our members.

In addition to my input, I request other members who has more knowledge in certain department must come forward and contribute (some are well known about ICE, SEAT COVER, TYRE UPGRADATION,ALLOYS etc) their experiences in this thread. Also there are reports about jerk while gear shifting especially 0-1 and 1-2 gear. Some other members voiced concern about RPM ( this thread will complete only with all these inputs).

Gear shifting in fiesta, as far as I am concerned is very smooth and never had any problem as such,Jerking. May be when used to and once you drive more, this problem may be automatically get sorted out.
Otherwise a check up with the service people may be recommended.

Members are welcome to correct wherever I am giving wrong information.

Some standard informations are: (many member owners may be well aware of below terms but still writing all these as part of the subject.

1- Fiesta Cars are equipped with one Remote Key, the second one is ordinary duplicate key (without remote function)

2- The remote key can be programmed as such that one can open only one door (driver side) or all four doors from remote position. Just press the Locking and unlocking buttons simultaneously for 4 minutes. You will see turn indicator will flash twice. After second flash(which will occur after 4 minutes) you remove the fingers from the buttons. Now you can see all doors are locked. Press the unlocking botton and you will find only driver door opens ( all other three doors will be in locked position – this is good when you are alone in the car most of the time and no need for all doors opens at all time). To come back the original position., repeat it again i.e keep pressing the locking/unlocking button for 4 mintues and this function will get deactivated.

3- Remote Key has got three bottons. Locking/unlocking and other botton (shape of a car with lids open) which you press twice the boot lid will open. This will help you to open the lid from outside without opening the car door. To open boot lid, there is another round switch equipped in the dash board(electric boot release switch), just right side of the Steering wheel and down below the driver side a/c vent. Press this switch to open the boot lid.

4- The bonnet opening lever is the one wrongly placed in fiesta , front seat passenger side. Little inconvenient for the driver to operate it. When you pull the liver the bonnet will open with a small catch lever will come out. Raise the bonnet slightly and pull the catch towards you. Open up the bonnet and support it with the strut. When you closse the bonnet the catch lever will go back its original positon.

5- No autolocking of doors when on move / at certain speed, like some other cars have. You have to do it manually. Depress the inside door handle (front doors either on the driver side or passenger side)and all 4 doors will be locked.

6- Auto Relocking of doors - When you press the unlocking button on the remote the doors will be on open mode. Incase you do not open any of the doors in 45 seconds, the doors will relock automatically. However once any of the door is opened or if the luggage compartment is opened or the ignition is switched on, then autolocking will not happen.

7- Child lock is equipped for the rear doors. A key hole is there on the pillar you turn it using the ignition key and lock the door. The doors then cannot be opened from inside.

8- Collapsible Steering column and driver seat adjustment - to adjust ones driving position and seat hight adjustment. The best positon/adjustment (in my opinion) is - you sit on the driver seat (comfortable to drive) and see the instrument cluster. You should be able to see
all the instruments (Speedometer, tachometer, oil and temperature gauge, DTE counter etc without any blocking, through the wheel (you can see these without you adjusting your head here and there)

9- Fuel cut-off inertis switch ( in duratec only) - Incase of Accident, the fuel supply will be cut-off, this switch can be found behind the glove box.

10- Low fuel warning lamp. According to the manual, once the fuel warning lamp lights up, you will have about 80kms equivalent fuel available in the tank,(?) but it is recommended to refuel at the nearest pump.
DTE- Distance To Empty, some cases this may be near accurate but do not believe it 100pct.

11- Stock Music has no Remote Control. Sotck music system gives decent sound output but still many members have upgraded and many are upgrading (experts please provide here your recommendations and costs for others reference - kindly mark the post with a sub-heading so that one can easily search this topic).

All ford Music system is security coded. A keycode security number will be provided must be entered before the unit will operate. Normally, the Ford Dealer does this during the PDI. If the battery is disconnected or Audito unit is removed from the slot, the Keycode has to be
re-entered otherwise the unit will not function. This may discourage the thieves and if the system is still stolen, it is unlikely that the thief will be able to use it unless the Keycode entered. Keep the Security code safely and never keep it anywhere in the vehicle. The keycode, if found pasted on the glove box cover, please remove it from there and paste it in the Audio guide (then do not keep the Audio guide in the car).

12- Seat Cover - Low variant cars comes with fabric seat cover. SXi and S comes with stock vinyl leather seat cover. Many of our members have changed the stock seatcovers. Those who have done this upgradation please provide your recommendations/costs etc for others reference (with a sub-heading)

13- Tyres : Tubeless 175/65 R14 for 1.6 EXi, 1.6 ZXi, 1.6 SXi, 1.4 EXi, 1.4 ZXi, 1.4 SXi.
195/55 R15 for S
Wheels : 1.6 EXi, 1.6ZXi, 1.4 EXi, 1.4 ZXi -14" steel
1.6 SXi and 1.4 SXi -14" Alloy - 1.6 S 15" Alloy.

14- Brakes: Antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) equipped in variants - 1.6 ZXi, 1.6 SXi, 1.6 S, 1.4 ZXi, 1.4 SXi
EXi Variant do not have ABS/EBD.

15- Ford fiesta comes with a 2 year / 100,000 kilometres warranty and an option to purchase Extended Warranty that covers the car against all electrical failures for an additonal period. 3rd and 4th year EW can be obtained by paying extra money to the Dealer. This EW comes from FORD (and not from the dealer). 3rd and 4th EW covers 150,000 kms or 4 years which ever comes earlier.

16- Dual airbags fitted for extra safety in SXi and S variants.

17- Engine Immobilizer : It is a theft protection system that prevents someone from starting
the engine with an incorrectly coded Key. The immobiliser is armed automatically a short time after you have switched the ignition off. (The indicator in the instrument cluster will keep flashing to confirm that the system in active). Switching on the ignition deactivate the system provided you are using the correctly coded key.

18- DTE, Odometer, Tripmeter: These display is activated when teh driver's door is opened or the ignition is switched on. With the ignition switched off and the key removed, the display will be automatically deactivated after approximately 10 minutes.

19- Reverse Parking Sensor : This is extra fitting but the report from most of our members recommends this sensor. There are various models/make available in the market - LED type and Screen type. Price starts from Rs.2500 onwards.

20- Ford has got following accessories with Ford markings (Ford Accessories):

-Alloy Wheels
-Vinyl Leather Seats
-Rear Spoiler
-Body moulding with chrome line
-Door scuff
-Mud flops, Floor mat, boot mat etc

21-. Ford Offers: Please take time to visit all dealers office (If your place has got more than one Ford dealer) and try to squeeze maximum out of them. When you book the car, you must ask for official booking form filled up by the dealer with everything is written clearly (not just on white paper which has no value incase any dispute in future). If you have email/fax facility put them in writing whatever mutually agreed. Never show you are in a hurry to buy this car - make the dealer to follow you and not you.

Also see the booking form contains certain terms and condition printed overleaf (which will also have the Clause specifying about interest payable incase delayed delivery etc).

Please discuss the free offers from FORD/Dealer first and then go for freebies. Ford offers keep change time to time. Have seen many dealers are cheating buyers regarding the insurance matter. Recently free insurance is the offer from FORD , whereas it was reported that many dealers collecting money towards insurance from the buyers and then please them with giving some freebies. Such dealers are still making money out of the buyers. (Ford has an arrangement with Bajaj Allianz for Insurance for all Ford Cars).

Also it was understood that, Ford gives Rs.10000 (for petrol car purchase) towards exchange bonus. It is not necessary to sell your old car to Ford/Ford Dealer. What they need is that the copy of both RC’s (the one with your name and one with buyers name, after transferring it with the RTO). Normally FORD dispatch their cheque to your name directly (it may take about 2 months maximum). But heard that in some cases the dealers paying this amount on the sport – good practice.

From the beginning itself, tell the dealer that you want proper invoice for all monies paid to him. The Invoices are supposed to contains the dealer name along with FORD emblem in one corner. Any other normal invoice typed out in computer stationery is not worth it.

Pre-delivery : Most members and many guests are well aware about the PDI formalities since these instructions and details are already available in the forum.

Also on delivery, make sure among all other formalities, they hand over the car with sufficient fuel to reach the next/nearest petrol pump. With just 3 or 5 litre petrol in the tank, modern cars will have the warning lamp glowing. You will not be sure how much fuel is there in the fuel tank. In such occassion, better ask the Show-room guy to accompany you till the next petrol pump (may be useful to push car to the side of the road in case the car stops on the road for want of petrol -the cop can catch you, slap penalty, if your vehicle stops on the road due to no fuel - or you can send him to buy a bottle of petrol for emergency purpose). If some one do this, they may be cautious next time.


Have seen many people used to complaint about FORD after sales and high price range of the spare parts. There is general tendency in the mind of people, even now that maintaining a Ford car is very expensive. But what we have seen in the recent past that things are changing and Ford is really started caring its valuable customers.

Regular servicing of your vehicle is must for smooth running without any problem.
The first free service is due at 5000kms or 3 month, whichever is earlier and the second free service is due at 10,000kms or 6 months whichever is earlier. Ford means the free service is only ‘Labour’ and one has to pay the cost of consumable, if any. (more details and information about the service and warranty are given in the owners manual).


Besides periodical dealer service, it is recommended to maintain the car regularly. If you are driving the car daily, it is good if you water wash the car daily. Even one bucket of water (where there is water scarcity) is sufficient for normal washing. (how we feel refreshed after a cold bath daily?). Ofcourse it is not a easy job to wash the car daily (you will get tired soon).In apartments, you can engage the securiy/watchmen to wash the car (you can make a deal – pay Rs.100 /150 or so per month which still good) and you can instruct them how to clean the car (it is happening in most of the apartments/ housing societies in the metros). If you have a habit of covering the car (with car cover available in the market), please make sure the car is fully dried prior covering it.

Please feel free to discuss - wherever possible, I will reply or more experienced members may kindly reply to any doubts further.

[nairrk]

FIESTA OWNER MEMBERS LIST:

S.NO--Name------------Model--------Version

01----abhi1309--------1.4----------EXI
02----ABZ ------------1.6----------S
03----akash m --------1.6--------- EXi
04----aravinrd-------- 1.6---------ZXI
05----Anuj G----------1.6--------- S
06----anumod---------1.4----------SXI
07----anachronix -----1.6----------S
08----Archer2005 -----1.6---------SXI
09----ariendj--------- 1.6----------ZXI
10----ashishgandhi_00 1.6----------SXI
11----chillout--------- 1.6----------SXI
12----DipantS---------1.6--------- S
13----dpkol-----------1.6----------ZXI
14----dkcrpl---------- 1.6--------- SXI
15----esoteric su------1.6----------SXI
16----frankmehta -----1.6----------S
17----gautam dhaliwal-1.6----------S
18----Ghodlur---------1.6---------ZXI
19----Gilead---------- 1.6----------S
20----gksunil--------- 1.6----------ZXI
21----Govinda-Govinda 1.6----------S
22----GS--------------1.6----------S
23----GR8NATIVE------1.4-------- ZXi
24----gsachin 21------ 1.6---------SXI
25----jk @mumbai------1.6-------- SXi
26----JackTheCrack ---1.6---------SXI
27----jaganm----------1.6---------SXI
28----jerish666-------- 1.6---------S
29----katalysm76 ------1.6---------S
30----kiku007 --------- 1.6-------- ZXi
31----kumar7 ----------1.4---------ZXI
32----lamborghini-------1.4---------ZXI
33----lin-jo------------ 1.4---------SxI
34----marlinspake ----- 1.6--------- S
35----Mad Monkey------1.4---------SXI
36----MeEncore--------1.6----------ZXI
37----mohitd---------- 1.6----------S
38----MonkeyMan------1.4----------SXI
39----moonraker-------1.6----------ZXI
40----nag20in----------1.4----------EXI
41----nairrk --------- -1.6----------ZXI
42----NC----------- no Info----no info
43----nitinrailli--------- 1.4----------ZXI
44----nityanand ss------1.6----------S
45----nura------------- 1.6-------- ZXi
46----oss ------------- 1.4---------SXI
47----premjit -----------1.6----------S
48----raamki -----------1.6-------- ZXI
49----rajeshvin ---------1.4------- SXI
50----rajivn ------------1.4------- EXI
51----raju_kb98--------1.6---------ZXI
52----Rastapopoulos- --1.6---------SXI
53----Rehaan---------1.6---------no Info
54----rpmx1000 ------- 1.6-------- ZXi
55----rouheet----------1.6-------- ZXi
56----sanjayc ---------1.6-------- SXi
57----sathee46 ------- 1.6---------S
58----shajufx -------- 1.6---------ZXI
59----Speedkrish----- 1.6---------ZXI
60----srisri-------------1.4---------SXI
61----stronghold ------ 1.6---------SXI
62----Stumpz----------1.4----------SXI
63----Souravdebiswas--1.6---------- S
64----sv1976----------1.4----------ZXI
65----suman ----------1.6---------SXI
66---The Hummer Guy--1.6------S
67----Torque123-------1.6---------SXI
68----tortoise--------- 1.6----------SXI
69----unni.ak---------- 1.4---------ZXI
70----Vnabhi ---------- 1.6---------SXI
71----wanderlustindia---1.6--------- S
72----wolffe----------- 1.4----------ZXI
73----yajaman99 -------1.6----------ZXI
74----yogi--------------1.6----------SXI
75----zaxis------------- 1.6----------ZXI
76----1968chensaro-----1.4----------EXI
77----ruchirtnt------1.6---- SXi
78----Hatari------1.4-----ZXI
79----kt00979----1.6-----ZXI
80----infallible79--1.6-----SXI

[Gilead]

Fantastic post Nair. A few points

12- Seat Cover - Low variant cars comes with fabric seat cover. SXi and S comes with stock vinyl leather seat cover.

The S does not come with Vinyl Leather. It comes in full fabric which is of a higher grade than the one found in EXI and ZXI. Only SXI comes with leather.

Just press the Locking and unlocking buttons simultaneously for 4 minutes.

Is it 4 minutes or 4 seconds?

20- Ford has got following accessories with Ford markings (Ford Accessories):

-Alloy Wheels
-Vinyl Leather Seats
-Rear Spoiler
-Body moulding with chrome line
-Door scuff
-Mud flops, Floor mat, boot mat etc

There are two sets of spoilers. A regular one and a sporty one. Both the genuine spoilers do NOT come with any brake lights.

[nairrk]

Originally Posted by Gilead

Fantastic post Nair. A few points


The S does not come with Vinyl Leather. It comes in full fabric which is of a higher grade than the one found in EXI and ZXI. Only SXI comes with leather.


Is it 4 minutes or 4 seconds?


There are two sets of spoilers. A regular one and a sporty one. Both the genuine spoilers do NOT come with any brake lights.

++

sorry, it is 4 seconds -
error in typing

[vinayak007]

wow, Nairrk !

That was a super post that helps prospective buyers a lot !!
A few questions from my side:
1. Can the back seat which has the armrest and the neckrest be custom ported to the S variant ? ( i'm guessing the entire seat unit needs to be ported, but is it possible ?? )
2. Are you aware if Ford might release yet another 'limited edition' variant which might have the above mentioned seating option for the S model sometime in future ?
3. A question to the ICE experts: can the 6.1 inch components be fitted in the 5 * 7 slots seamlessly ?

Regards,
Vinayak

[Gilead]

Originally Posted by vinayak007

1. Can the back seat which has the armrest and the neckrest be custom ported to the S variant ? ( i'm guessing the entire seat unit needs to be ported, but is it possible ?? )

Should be possible. But might cost you a bomb though.

2. Are you aware if Ford might release yet another 'limited edition' variant which might have the above mentioned seating option for the S model sometime in future ?

Limited editions are typically used to increase sales of the lower or mid variants. The S, being a top variant, is unlikely to come in a limited edition. But one never knows what Ford will do.

3. A question to the ICE experts: can the 6.1 inch components be fitted in the 5 * 7 slots seamlessly ?

6.5 inch components can be fit in with spacers. That is what I plan to do.

[vnabhi]

Good summary Nairrk!
I too was a bit concerned about that 4-minutes typo---man you will get sore fingers if it is 4 minutes!!

BTW, I don't think my car has that immobilizer---I don't see any light glowing on the dash---I do see one in a diesel variant in my parking block however.

[oss]

Good summary nairrk

@vnabhi: The current versions do come with immobilizers. ONe of the Ford engineer claims that it was all along there, but the great mktg guys weren't even aware and never bothered to advertise it till such time Maruti made a ooh-ah of it in the Swift.

I want to try out the autolock/driver side alone locking part. Tried it once earlier and didn't get it right. Now let me try again and see how it works.

Is there a way to get beeps on autolocking using hte remote option? I am used to hearing the sound on locking, and rarely look for the lights. Now i leave the car without locking many times and rely on the central lock to get activated automatically. Hope it does work

[nairrk]

Originally Posted by vnabhi

Good summary Nairrk!
I too was a bit concerned about that 4-minutes typo---man you will get sore fingers if it is 4 minutes!!

BTW, I don't think my car has that immobilizer---I don't see any light glowing on the dash---I do see one in a diesel variant in my parking block however.

+
I know, it makes lot of difference (typing such a big message and attending other things in between, the fingures preferred minutes to seconds - but it is logic anyway ?

Engine immobilizer - No, all fiesta cars will have this. the small light flash will be there just above the DTE counter? - When you open the door, but before putting the key into keyhole and move the key, just watch cluster where you can see very small light flashing with intervel? Same way, when you switch off the ignition you will see this (even during night one looks car from out, these flashing can be visible)

[Gilead]

Nair, Can you let me know what engine oil is used in the Fiesta petrol? I have been told that the S uses synthetic. Can other S owners confirm?

[TheHummerGuy]

Cool guys, I woke up so late and this threadis getting more interesting!

@Gilead, I saw your update in SMS regarding your plans to upgrade the tires to YOKO, well I am not sure I will do it during the worst chennai monsoon the roads look pathetic have to drive it home on these pot holes on wednesday :(

[ashishgandhi_00]

Originally Posted by Gilead

Fantastic post Nair. A few points


The S does not come with Vinyl Leather. It comes in full fabric which is of a higher grade than the one found in EXI and ZXI. Only SXI comes with leather.


Is it 4 minutes or 4 seconds?


There are two sets of spoilers. A regular one and a sporty one. Both the genuine spoilers do NOT come with any brake lights.

I can vouch for the spoiler

[Chillout]

Hats of to Nair, excellent post, I don't think any other car has a similar thread, shows the passion of Fiesta owners.

BTW as Sr member Vnabhi mentioned, even I don't have the small light flashing, I think this light was made available in the facelifted version that was launched sometime after July 2008. I hope the absence of the light does not mean that immobilizer is not available.

Originally Posted by nairrk

+
I know, it makes lot of difference (typing such a big message and attending other things in between, the fingures preferred minutes to seconds - but it is logic anyway ?

Engine immobilizer - No, all fiesta cars will have this. the small light flash will be there just above the DTE counter? - When you open the door, but before putting the key into keyhole and move the key, just watch cluster where you can see very small light flashing with intervel? Same way, when you switch off the ignition you will see this (even during night one looks car from out, these flashing can be visible)

[MonkeyMan]

The stock music player in the Sxi version (don't know about Exi or Zxi) can play music even with the key out of the ignition switch. Here's how it is done
Keep the player ON and then switch off the ignition and take out the key, the player goes OFF. Now press the ON button again and you have music playing.

[vnabhi]

Originally Posted by Chillout

Hats of to Nair, excellent post, I don't think any other car has a similar thread, shows the passion of Fiesta owners.

BTW as Sr member Vnabhi mentioned, even I don't have the small light flashing, I think this light was made available in the facelifted version that was launched sometime after July 2008. I hope the absence of the light does not mean that immobilizer is not available.

But the diesel version I was referring to is a few months older to my car---perhaps it is a Dec 2006 model. Looks like the petrol versions got it later. I have not seen any flashing light above the odo so far.