1999 zx2

sid0120 · 07-31-2008, 04:58 PM

I just recently bought a 1999 zx2 the "hot" model with the DOHC. I noticed that they coolant is low whch leads me to believe that the guy didn't take very good care of the cooling sytem. I was thinking I should flush the coolant system and put new coolant in. I was also thinking as long as I'm doing it I might as wll change the thermostat. Can anyone tell me the procedure for flushing the coolant system and any ideas as to whether I should change the thermostat and that procedure as well. Also, the car syas on the original window sticker that the car came with keyless entry but the guy I bought it from had no idea that it had it and I did not receive any remotes with the car. Any idea how I find out if it has it or not?

Thanks

ZX2Fast · 07-31-2008, 06:10 PM

If it has keyless entry there will be a RAP (remote anti-theft personality) module on the inside of the passenger fender well in the trunk. You can buy the remotes and program them yourself.

Coolant loss doesn't mean it wasn't taken care of. The system should be flushed every two years. This is one of the few things I'll take my car to a shop for. I can usually get it done for $60. This way you don't have to deal with the coolant disposal and it works better then using your garden hose. They actually reverse flush it hot with chemicals. Just make sure they don't put stop leak in there.

A common issue with these radiators is that they will develop a seeping leak between the aluminum core and plastic end tanks. It won't even show up on a pressure check. You'll notice a residue where the core and tanks meet if it seeps here.

sid0120 · 08-01-2008, 05:04 PM

I had the radiator flushed today. I do not think they put any stop leak in there at least they didn't tell me they did. I did have them put the flushing additive that removes supposed buildup and then the after additive that supposedly preserves the coolant more. The car is doing another weird thing now. When I am at about 50 to 60 mph it seems like it kind of shakes or vibrates. I just had new tires put on it, an outer tie rod end, all balanced, and an alignment done any ideas? Also, when I am at about 55 or 60 with the cruise on the car seems to jerk or kind of hesitate every once in a while any ideas on this as well? Thanks for the help. Btw I just put new plugs in at (properly gapped), checked the plug wires, changed the oil/filter, and new air filter.

sid0120 · 08-01-2008, 05:07 PM

Yeah the guy today also told me that if I had keyless entry to cycle the key on and off 8 times and if the locks cycle it is equipped. I tried it and nothing hapened so I wonder if the RAP is bad? Any ideas on this as well? Are they expensive to replace? Do I need to redo all of the wiring etc if I do replace it?

ZX2Fast · 08-01-2008, 07:43 PM

Cycle the key from 'RUN' to 'OFF' 10 times just to be sure. It could be a bad RAP module or the fuse to it could be blown. As for the shake, I've had wheel balancers fall off before because the tire place didn't put them on good enough. It could even be a bad belt in the tire or even debris inside the rim. I had snow stuck to the inside of a rim once and it shook like crazy over 45 mph. It couldn't have been more then two ounces of snow.

The jerking could be the crappy knock sensor tuning Ford did with this car. Most of us just unplug the knock sensor. This engine isn't prone to knock. I have my ZX2 boosted at 8 psi with the knock sensor disabled and I get no knock at all. The knock sensor is on the block on the firewall side of the engine. There are only two electrical connectors coming from the block, one is the oil pressure switch (single wire) the other is the knock sensor (two wires). I think the connector for the knock sensor is green as well. Try unplugging it and see if the surge goes away. If it doesn't, it could be a vaccum leak or bad/contaminated MAF.

sid0120 · 08-02-2008, 04:54 PM

Ok, I tried looking and can't find the knock sensor you are talking about. Could you explain a little more in detail because I couldn't find it. The thing I noticed is that I mainly notice this jerk or hesitation when I am using the cruise control do you still think this is what it could be?

ZX2Fast · 08-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Your cruise cable could be sticking. If you can find the starter, go from the front of the starter (end that sticks into the tranny) and follow the starter towards the passenger side and you should be able to see the knock sensor. It is hard to see from the top, it would help to lay under the car. I had to lay under the car to un plug it. It might help to remove that driver-to-passenger cross-member if it is in the way. It doesn't support anything, it just keeps the front from flexing as much.

microsfoftxpuser21 · 08-03-2008, 07:11 PM

omg dude lol get your tires balance and a front aliment done how warn r the tire if worn replace and get it balanced and front alignment then u should be fine person here is a hack i dont take parts off shaking front end sound like the 3 things i said i've own a 05 ford focus zx4 know since the first focus front ends tend to shake after first 20,000 mine has 45,000 when i crashed it so yeah i did alot from brakes to rotor to coolant and oil changes myself

sid0120 · 08-03-2008, 08:17 PM

I bet if you read through my second post before you made a comment you would see that I said I have new tires, had them balanced, and an alignment done already.

sid0120 · 08-03-2008, 08:20 PM

Also, it sounds like ZX2fast knows a little more about these cars then you do maybe you shouldnt insult people