Well, I just scheduled an appointment on Monday to get my update for my 6-speed dual clutch. Seems like some dealers are willing to hand over the update (another poster on this board did), some dealers will still give the ole "its not a torque converter" mantra, and some dealers (the one I just called) don't know that there's a TSB out there, and when researched will come up with it. And the dealer I called fell into the latter (after I went to another dealer who gave me the mantra).
I'm happy with my DCT but I'm willing to see what this new update does for the transmission (in terms of smoothness and less hesitation). Hopefully, I'll have some noticeable difference. Did anyone else get an update? If so, how'd it work out for you. I'll let you know my thoughts after a good drive on Monday.
yeah theyre looking at it i just wanna see what the work order says i didnt as i live 5 mins from work and have acces to another vehicle however the longer they have it the more i worry what if it was my only vehicle or what if the same situation happens to someone else
I hear you but your main concern should be that it is fixed properly. If possible, get to know the tech working on it. Ask questions to learn more about the DCT. I have an excellent relationship with my tech. He services my 11 Fiesta SES and my wife's 12 Focus Ti.
I plan to continue to let him service my Focus ST once I have it.
Yeah, take him a coke or something. On Thursday, if he has done a great job and explains what he did and what behavior to expect and you're extra pleased, buy him some beer! [8D]
How many times do techs get thanked versus yelled at. I find getting to know them and talking to them really works well.
When I arrived at the dealership this morning my Service adviser was there to meet me when I pulled up. I told her that the noise from the tranny this morning was pretty obnoxious so she asked if I could give the tech that will be working on it a ride and I agreed no problem. We got down the road and you could hear it pretty good but a little harder to hear due to the 3 lane road we were on and the cars all around us but he seemed convinced he heard it and told me we could head back. As we were pulling back into the service lane he asked about how many months ago did the noise start and how long ago did I have the last DCT flash. I explained a few months and he said they are releasing DCT Updates all the time and he would check and see if Ford provided any newer ones. When we got out of the car I said. Oh and there's a fluid leak coming from the tranny and about that time the Service adviser was standing there and he said. Oh, well then I know exactly what it is. Yeah, okay. He looked at the adviser and said. ITs the same thing as the others but I'm going to need parts and it will take a few days. She told him they already ordered the parts so he said.. Okay cool well then about 2 days to get it fixed.
Shortly after that as I was heading to the customer lounge to wait for the Rental car agency to pick me up the Service adviser said they may even need to replace the clutches. I said, Whatever you have to do.
Lugging was a word the Service Manager who rode with me the first time came up with. He said it's like taking a 6 speed Manual and putting it in way too high a gear for the speed. I doubt any of us would be shifting to 6th in a manual at 40mph and 1500 RPM's. I mean its possible you could do that but I know I wouldn't want the bogging low throttle response, etc.
Its not lugging at a steady state 40 mph and 1500 rpm. I certainly would have been in 6th as soon as possible if I had a 6MT, I was already used to shifting my 5MT into 5th as soon as possible and accelerating below 2000 most of the time in town as the car had over 235000 miles on it by the time I got my Focus. I'd put over 44000 of them on it myself.
If you're that concerned about it then either shift it manually at higher revs or give it more throttle to prevent it from sitting at that engine speed. You would pay a mileage penalty for that however as an engine that is spinning at higher rpms is using more fuel than one that isn't working as hard. At least to a certain point.
My wife had terrible problems with a Peugeot 307 automatic. we thought that it would be best to buy her a new Ford Focus PowerShift as it just launched in Sept 2011 in South Africa. I had a few Fords myself and convinced her to go for the focus as could not image her with a broken vehicle alongside the road. This was the worst mistake we ever made!!! The first Focus she got started shuddering from day one, after a few fights, numerous emails and letters to Ford SA and 3 months later, they replaced the Focus with a Brand new one. Up until about 4 months ago the car was fine and had a few rattles and shakes, not what you would expect from a new car. Then it started to shudder to the extent that it got her so upset se bumped into a car in front of her. The car is now back at Ford, and we don’t know where to go from here. We have bought the same problem but for R280 000.00 versus a R55 000.00 Peugeot. We can’t sell the car because no one will buy a new car with a broken gearbox. What now?
Did you have the 12b37 recall applied to your car or still on the previous programming? I recall prior to the 12b37 programming my DCT seemed to be way more responsive to throttle angle. It would downshift and upshift appropriately but now it' just seems so hesitant to downshift and way to eager to upshift.
Got a call today from the Service lady. Told me they were still working on it and that they were hoping for tomorrow to have it completed and she would give me a call with another status tomorow. I told her I was curious as to what the tech found once he had a chance to tear into it, Did it in fact have a real problem with the seals to which she responded. Yes!. The fluid I saw was in fact coming from those faulty seals. I asked if the Clutches needed to be replaced as well and she said Yes that was the source of all the noise I was hearing.
So you guys are correct. There should be no issue with 6th and 40mph as long as your clutches are still working correctly.
I told them to please let the tech know I am more than happy to drive the rental if they need another day to please not rush on my account. I would rather put up with the rental which by the way is HORRIBLE!. LOL. A 4 door Plain Jane Toyota Yaris. Compliments of Enterprise. Anyhow, Yeah I'll deal with the rental as long as they fix my car correctly!.
I have a 2012 SEL made in 6/12 and purchased just six weeks ago. Soon after I bought it I noticed all of the performace issues discussed here (lugging, hard shifts, etc.) and posted about it here. I now have around 2,700 miles on it and it greatly improved. Much smoother. I think I read somewhere that the adaptive learning system does whatever it does at around 2,200 miles. I don't know if that is true but for mine it seems so. Just wanted to share my experience here.
Reminder: if you haven't reached out to me already and you're experiencing transmission issues, please send me a PM with your VIN, mileage, dealer, and phone number. I want to get each of you escalated so we can get these concerns addressed pronto.
I highly recommend doing this. Crystal & ford got my issue pushed w/ my local dealer without me having to try to convince them to look at it. I have an appointment for wednesday and we'll see what happens.
Still, though, instead of complaining, get in touch with her and work on getting it sorted.
Hi folks. Well I picked up my Car Friday. They replaced the seals that were responsible for leaking and also replaced the clutches. So when I pulled out from the parking spot when leaving the dealership the tranny behaved very strangely. As though I had it in Manual mode with the 1st gear selected and then it shifted pretty strangely to 2nd but once I started out on the main road it seemed to work out whatever issue it intially had. I just assumed something related to maybe things needing to sync up internally. I dunno but now let me tell ya. I have never. NEVER had it shift so smoothly before. I've been driving around this weekend and so far it shifts really great. No RPM Flares, shudders vibration and NO NOISE!.
I haven't really got on it very hard but one or twice I needed to get around a car to position myself for an upcoming exit and it downshifted really well and pulled great.
I guess I'm trying to take it easy on the car though so I've been taking it pretty easy. Oh. I did experience one strange issue today. I was backing into my driveway which has a slight incline. I had to give it gas to get it to start rolling back and when I let off the gas it started bucking like I'd let out the clutch on a manual too fast.
SO I guess there's still some break in to go. but so far so good!.
The grinding and bucking has all but stopped, there's an occasional misstep but no big deal. I'm at 2400mi and it appears the computer has figured out how to shift, I just hope there was no permanent damage.
That being said, this thing is now a pleasure to drive. It actually feels quite peppy for a little four banger, aside from the occasional extremely late shift, this thing can really get up and go. It pulls nicely on the highway even at high speed, that was a very pleasant surprise. All in all, I'm very pleased with the Focus.
The grinding and bucking has all but stopped, there's an occasional misstep but no big deal. I'm at 2400mi and it appears the computer has figured out how to shift, I just hope there was no permanent damage.
That being said, this thing is now a pleasure to drive. It actually feels quite peppy for a little four banger, aside from the occasional extremely late shift, this thing can really get up and go. It pulls nicely on the highway even at high speed, that was a very pleasant surprise. All in all, I'm very pleased with the Focus.
@PratoN - Any chance you have another nearby Ford dealer that you can take it too? Except this time make sure the car is warmed up. I ran into the exact same issue. First trip in they told me the Tech could not duplicate the noise. Well yeah because the car was sitting stone cold by the time the tech got to it. I was asked to come up to the dealership and take the Tech for a ride which I did and got the same response that he could barely hear it and that it was normal, etc. When we returned I explained all the other issues that I was having besides the noise like the shudder the jerky acceleration from time to time, etc and most notably the Leak seeping from between where the engine meats the transmission.
I will credit my Dealerships Service dept though. They did look up the TSB and agreed to order the parts as well as once those parts were in would have me bring my car back up for a 2nd opinion. When I arrived a week later the car was nice and warm from the drive there and I happened to tell my Service manager that it was really making some obnoxious noises on the way and that's when she had me take the tech for a ride. He heard the noise and when I told him it was leaking fluid he immediately recognized the issue and was just like. Ahh Yeah I know what it is then. He even turned to the Service manager when we got back and said. Yeah order the parts it's the same ole thing as though they've seen them a few times already. Luckily the parts were there so they replaced the clutches, seals, Fluid, etc. Its a completely different car now. I just hope it stays like it is!.
Oh and I even had the same issue as you with the IA and got told the same thing. "Can't duplicate it". I didn't win the battle on that one. [mecry]
I went to drop it off last night after work – mind you it was shuddering and grinding badly, but the techs had already left for the day.
So (of course) when I went to drop it off this morning the engine/clutches were cold and it barely made any grinding noises at all… I had the guy come for a ride just in the parking lot. I could still hear the grinding, but he didn’t. But I’m used to it so I know what I was supposed to hear. Anyway, I only tried it twice and didn’t even think about trying it with the windows down so I just left it there and went to work.
They’re also supposed to fix the intermittent IA and no low washer fluid warning issues as well. I wanted to get those out of the way before my 36k/3yr warranty is up (which will be next month at this rate). If they say they can't hear the grinding I'll just ask them to check for transmission fluid leaks and take it in again on a weekend when it's all warmed up and crunchy.
They called me back already and said they fixed the no low windshield washer fluid issue. They said they couldn't replicate the IA access issue (even though there's clearly a TSB for it) and they also said my transmission noises were "normal." Although, I'm sure the clutches were nice and cold and they probably didn't drive it uphill.
If I just buy a new $700 clutch pack and install it myself, does this void my warranty? If I do this, I'm throwing the old clutch pack on their desk and telling them to [][][][] off.
Unlike some other users, I can't afford another $26k car. But I can guarantee that I will NEVER buy new car from Ford.
I cannot believe there are 130 pages to look through on this topic. :O wow!
I started having problems this morning with my 2012 Focus shuddering and shaking from take off when stopped at a light or stop sign. I bought my car used a couple of months ago and it has not given me any problems until now. It has over 25k on it. It was also mfd in June/2011 so I am looking into the update as I do not know if my car has had it.
I am waiting on a call back from the dealer. I do not want to start having car problems. I really like this car.
Go to etis.ford.com. Under the "vehicle" section input your VIN. This should at least tell you if FSA 12b37 is available for your car. This is the software update that did the most good for the most people. Good luck! They are great cars; you just have to get through this quirk.
Where on the etis website would it show if the update is available? I input my VIN and under "Outstanding Field Service Actions" there is nothing listed. The car was built 5/23 of this year.
*EDIT* Reading back in the thread it was mentioned that all cars built since March should have the current software.
I only ask because at the end of an 80 mile trip tonight, my car was having a really hard time accelerating from a stop smoothly and grinding pretty bad during the 1-2, 2-3 shifts. I could hear it with the windows up and radio on.
I'm not going to say it's the end of the world just yet though, as this car is very green with now only ~270 miles. Hell, I'm still on the first tank of gas from the dealer. It was just a little disconcerting considering I haven't heard it make this noise before.
There is a period of time when the car is "learning" now to adjust to its clutch's unique characteristics. Ford says this adjustment period can take 1,000 miles, or even more if most driving is on the highway. After an 80 mile trip, thngs could be heat-soaked in a way the car hadn't yet experienced, which could explain the behavior.
Don't panic yet: these things are almost alive, seeming to get sick and then healing themselves. The good news is that many cases of grinding seem to be caused by transmission fluid leaking onto the the clutches. While this is not welcome, at least it's something that can be fixed. Also, the grinding you hear is reportedly a clutch, not a gear noise, so you shouldn't have visions of your transmission destroying itself.
I have a DCT that functions fine except for the grind-while-shifting noise from 1->2. This past week, I got in touch with the ford customer service person on the forums, Crystal and she got me in touch with Brian who is the DC-area ford customer service person.
He set up a drive around with a Tech at Apple Ford here. Everyone was pleasant and professional. The tech said the noise was 'normal' for the transmission which wasn't really what I wanted to hear. The DCT/ABS was not up to date, so they flashed that.
The result of the flash was that the car seemed about the same. But they warned the grinding noise wouldn't be effected and it wasn't.
In the end, Brian/Ford gave me an extended powertrain warranty for 6years/100,000miles, which is nice because I'm putting about 20k miles on per year and I was worried about getting off warranty.
Your mileage may vary, but for me, contacting the Ford folks here was a good move. It simplified dealing with my dealer - not that they wouldn't have given me a tech to drive around with, but I didn't have to deal with it. And in the end I got a warranty extension that was worth some $ and peace of mind.
In the end, Brian/Ford gave me an extended powertrain warranty for 6years/100,000miles, which is nice because I'm putting about 20k miles on per year and I was worried about getting off warranty.
I wouldn't be surprised if Ford and all the major manufacturers go to a 6/100 powertrain warranty. Not only to allay prople's worry about the DCT, but to keep up with the Korean competition.
When I was purchasing my car the finance manager was really trying to sell me that extended warranty. I think she got the price all the way down to just below $700.
Man I am really starting to whish I had bought it then. Now it will cost $1200 and there is no way I am going to keep this car without it.
How sad that we are GLAD we bought extended warranties! Ford offered to extend my power train warranty. Nice of them since I already had an extended warranty for the same number of years and miles! I kindly declined their offer.
I stay up with these posts, as I am leary of the longevity of the DCT. Mine started out with the shudder, got better, then started shuddering (a little) again. Other than that, no issues. I can manually outshift, and beat a '94 Mustang GT. And still get 36MPG's. The Sony stereo is awesome, and I still love this car, but, and this is important, I am praying that Ford gets a grip on these complaints, figures out what's wrong, & right, and can make these rides into what they should be. I traded a Honda to get one of these. I had rented a Focus for a week before I decided to buy. I found the rental to be Far Superior to the Honda in Ride, Fit, and comfort. Now that I bought, I still am happy with all of the above, but am apprehensive on the longevity of it. Listen up Ford, this is a car we are wanting, we just need to know we can count on it! [cool]
I stay up with these posts, as I am leary of the longevity of the DCT. Mine started out with the shudder, got better, then started shuddering (a little) again. Other than that, no issues. I can manually outshift, and beat a '94 Mustang GT. And still get 36MPG's. The Sony stereo is awesome, and I still love this car, but, and this is important, I am praying that Ford gets a grip on these complaints, figures out what's wrong, & right, and can make these rides into what they should be. I traded a Honda to get one of these. I had rented a Focus for a week before I decided to buy. I found the rental to be Far Superior to the Honda in Ride, Fit, and comfort. Now that I bought, I still am happy with all of the above, but am apprehensive on the longevity of it. Listen up Ford, this is a car we are wanting, we just need to know we can count on it! [cool]
If you're really concerned about the trans, ask your dealer to check it over (again, if needed). If you're not satisfied there, get in contact with FordCustomerService. They can at least get your concern addressed. As for mine, they said they found nothing wrong. People do also need to remember that these transmission do adjust themselves to people's driving habits. I didn't really think much about this until recently when I tried to change my driving habits, and I noticed that some of my issues with the DCT seemed to fade away. Not lying. I used to drive somewhat aggressively (quick stops, or not stopping completely at stop signs--the rolling stop), and that caused the car to shift erratically. But I found when I do come to a complete stop, wait a second, and then go, the car seems to do better at accelerating and upshifting from a stop. Still not 100% smooth as I'd like, but way better than it was before with the way I was driving before.
Before, the car would shake violently during acceleration (sort of a hopping feeling in the car), but now I sort of let the clutches "catch up" by waiting an extra second or so at a stop sign or light. The car does still shutter a little on start-up fro ma dead stop, but this I can live with (it's not ideal to me, but manageable). Just not the hopping/violent vibrations.
The DCT issues are what prompted me to get an extended powertrain warranty. Yes, it may be a waste in the end (if i don't need/use it), but it could save my butt if I do (it only cost me about $600--and a new transmission alone would be more than that, even a rebuilt trans). But I only plan to keep the car for about 6 years or 100k, whichever one comes first.
But as I had posted in another area, I'm starting to think that some of the issues people experience may be related to their driving habits. The DCT does operate differently than a standard automatic, and thus you don't get the same smooth shifting every time. If you drive aggressively, the DCT will shift quicker, but probably not as smoothly. At least, that's what I have found from doing little experiments on my own after the last reprogramming of the PCM. But, there still is room for improvement by Ford as well. I just also read a MotorTrend review on the Dodge Dart which also has a DCT and they had noted that it was quite smooth in operation--smoother than the Focus, in their review. So it makes me wonder what Dodge did that Ford did. Sometimes, being the first one out the door with new technology (or newer technology since VW uses DCTs and DSGs), isn't always the best.
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