I replaced the clutch in my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 and now it is very hard to shift into first and reverse

SOURCE: ford focus, 2000 zx3 code p0455

your engine code means "big leak" in the evap control system, this system has alot of pieces, but you are looking for a vacuum leak most probably, look at your vacuum hoses, and refer to the vacuum diagram stuck under your hood for routing, see if you have a bad hose, or disconnected hose some where. these are small vacuum hoses that attach to the purge valve, air filter housing, and charcoal cannister. let me know what you find.

Testimonial: "Found the leak on the purge control valve. The hard plastic vacum line had holes worn in it from vibration. Thanks"

SOURCE: 2001 ford focus stereo amp location

look under driver's seat...

SOURCE: timing belt broke -2000 ford focus zx3

Hello mawbea: My name is Roger I will answer your question. You did not say which engine is in your car. So if you have a 2.0 SOHC engine. If the belt broke you should be Ok. If you have the 2.0 DOHC engine. The likely hood of bending the valves are just about a guarantee. How ever with any engine using a timing belt it is possible to bend a valve.Should you need more help please just ask.
Please rate the quality of your answer as this way we know you received helpful information.Thank You for using Fix Ya, Roger

Greg Bernett

• 2993 Answers
• Posted on Dec 06, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 ford focus zx3 starter replacement instructions

2.0L DOHC Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   • Negative battery cable
     
   • Air cleaner outlet tube
     
   • Lower starter motor bolt
     
   • Two starter motor upper bolts
     
3. Slide the starter motor from its mounting until you can gain access to the wiring.
   
   • Integral connector
     
   • Starter motor
     

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   • Integral connector and tighten the retaining nuts to 61 inch lbs. (7 Nm)
     

SOURCE: how do you adjust the clutch on a 2000 ford focus

The only adjustment is for the pedal itself. There is a master cylinder at the top of the pedal that makes the pressure which travels thru the metal line to a rubber hose to a metal line which goes to the slave cylinder which is what actually pushes the clutch rod in the transmission. Sounds to me like your problem is in the Master cylinder part. It is like the brake master cylinder, there is a rod with rubber cups on it, and it sounds like the edges of the cup folded over backwards and hung up inside the cylinder, when you forced the pedal back up they folded back the right way, and now they are **** up a little making them not want to push as easy. This problem will happen again, so You better start pricing a new clutch master cylinder. From what I saw while researching this It looks like you can buy the master and slave cylinder as a set. If any pieces of the master cylinder rubber cups came off during this they may work their way thru the system to the slave cylinder and cause problems there as well. The reason behind thinking its the master and not the slave is, if it were the slave that hung up the pedal would have come back up since it has a spring on it.