Dodgy Auto box

Clearcut

Clearcut

Clearcut

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Joined
28 Jul 2004
Posts
1,991
Bought an Auto 2011 Focus from a dealer on 3rd December. When I went over to see the car initially it was being valeted so I was unable to test drive it. The salesman told me the gearbox was lovely and smooth.

I bought it because it was a nice car and the finance was good. However, in the last week or so, whenever I set off from a junction (worse if I am turning), there is an almighty judder, similar to the one you get as you are stalling a manual - or the noise on the floor when a washing machine starts it's final spin. It's only in the low gears at takeoff - after that it is smooth.

They told me to bring it in on New Years eve at 10.00 and take it home if it needs parts. It's a 50 mile round trip!!!

Has anyone else had experience of this fault, and if so, what are my chances of driving home with a working car?

Thanks :(
 
Chances of you driving home with it fixed are slim to none. I'd be more thankful you bought a warrantied car tbh as auto issues are rarely cheap or simple to fix.

Also I appreciae it may sound a lot to you, but a 50 mile round trip really isn't bad -half an hour each way won't kill you
 
Clearcut said:
Bought an Auto 2011 Focus from a dealer on 3rd December. When I went over to see the car initially it was being valeted so I was unable to test drive it. The salesman told me the gearbox was lovely and smooth.

I bought it because it was a nice car and the finance was good. However, in the last week or so, whenever I set off from a junction (worse if I am turning), there is an almighty judder, similar to the one you get as you are stalling a manual - or the noise on the floor when a washing machine starts it's final spin. It's only in the low gears at takeoff - after that it is smooth.

They told me to bring it in on New Years eve at 10.00 and take it home if it needs parts. It's a 50 mile round trip!!!

Has anyone else had experience of this fault, and if so, what are my chances of driving home with a working car?

Thanks :(
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My dad has a similar problem with his 61 plate, Ford can't find a problem with it, though concede that a problem exists. His solution is picking up a new Golf next month. He's had the problem with the Focus for the last 2 years.

He has also started getting very lumpy gear changes as well, very similar to letting the clutch out all at once. Other solution was to keep it in Sport with sequential, but even the sequential part is having problems now. I assume you have a PowerShift box?
 
Sorry but you should have done some research first, Ford automatics are the worst in the world, they always have being. I love autos, but always buy German
 
I have a 2010 2.0 TDCi Focus with Powershift and it's been fine up till now - Is it the same transmission as later Fords. ?

Got me worried now.

Dave
 
DannyW said:
Sorry but you should have done some research first, Ford automatics are the worst in the world, they always have being. I love autos, but always buy German
Click to expand...

The Powershift gearbox that Ford use is made by Getrag, who are a German company, and one of the 'big' transmission manufacturers :rolleyes:



I'm not sure if the Powershift in your car is the double wet-clutch variety - I think it is (post the reg and I can check on ETIS to be sure) but they require a fluid change every 3 years or 37k miles - if this hasn't been done and it is way in excess of the mileage then a fluid change will do it the world of good.


They are not unreliable gearboxes if they're looked after correctly. There are more people complaining online of problems with VW DSG boxes.
 
DannyW said:
Sorry but you should have done some research first, Ford automatics are the worst in the world, they always have being. I love autos, but always buy German
Click to expand...

Perhaps you should do some reading as well. The Focus is made in Germany and the PowerShift gearbox is made by a German company ;):p
 
There are quite a few software updates for that box so may need a visit to a Ford dealer for a software update.
 
Howard said:
I'm not sure if the Powershift in your car is the double wet-clutch variety - I think it is (post the reg and I can check on ETIS to be sure) but they require a fluid change every 3 years or 37k miles - if this hasn't been done and it is way in excess of the mileage then a fluid change will do it the world of good.
Click to expand...

Didn't think they used the double clutch version until 12/62 plate models unfortunately
 
All Powershift transmissions are double clutch.

The first Powershift transmission was the 6DCT450 which uses double wet clutches. This has been around since 2008, with the 2.0 TDCi engine on the MK2.5 Focus. It was later available on the MK4 Mondeo, S-Max, Kuga, Galaxy and I think the 2.0 TDCi engine in the MK3 Focus. Volvo also use this transmission. These seem to be generally reliable if they are maintained properly. They misbehave if the filter is clogged to the extent is affects the oil pressure inside the box.

The MK3 Focus 1.6 is fitted with the DPS6 or 6DCT250 transmission. Still double clutch, but it's a more compact, lighter, fuel efficient design because the clutches aren't dragging oil around. There have been lots of complaints about this transmission, particularly in the USA. Revisions have been made to various components, particularly the clutches, some seals and a number of software revisions. I've driven one a few times and whilst it does make some odd noises and will occasionally jerk slightly, it's perfectly drivable when working properly.
 
Quick update:

Dropped the car in to dealer yesterday, they sent it to a Ford specialist, who did a software update and the car is driving really nicely. Touch wood that's the end of that.

Thanks for your comments. :)
 
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