2012 Focus - Rough Idle

[RustyPonds]

Originally Posted by Red 2012

low idle was one of the design objectives to get better MPG ... you know when you have a problem if it stalls at idle. we seemed to get used to it after a couple of weeks.

most noticeable is the back creep on hill once you have stopped ... and not that automatic nice hold like on a larger ford. or shifting into R and nothing happening until you step on the gas? not like the Freestyle where we have to keep the brake on when stopped and in gear.

automatic. whatever cheap gas is available.

Oh, yeah, that back creep was weird. Still used to my older Taurus and it would just stuck to an incline.

Yeah, probably my biggest "issue" with the car is how dead it is at idle and when you are off the gas. You do have to kind of punch it to even get it to creep into your garage.

Glad to hear this rough idle is normal-ish.

[deezx5]

Funny there are similar complaints on the Hyundai boards about the 2011 Elantra. It has intermittent rough idle if engine is warm while in D but shifting to N makes it go away. Happens more often with AC on.

I did a quick google search for chevy cruze rough idle and they have complaints in forums too. Guess its a side effect of making fuel efficient cars.

[Joeywhat]

Originally Posted by newmission

Manual says 89 only. And I'm running a MTX.

Manual says you can run premium 'for improved performance'.

[deezx5]

So the 2012 Focus is factory tuned for Premium?

[JRicky]

same with the new mustangs, the computer senses the octane in the fuel and gives a few more ponies... I've seen it dyno tested in a mustang mag... it's 2 or 3 hp, but pretty cheap

[Targon]

I thought I read that there is a hill(or slope) sensor to keep the brake on for a second or two in order to avoid the problem with the roll-back while on a hill. Could it be that the early batches don't have this, or is it limited to that hill park assist button on the S/SE?

Edit: I was thinking of that Hill Stop Assist feature that probably SHOULD be included in all trims, but seems to only be in the SE(and maybe the S). That feature would prevent the roll-back we have noticed.

[FordCustomerService]

Hello,

It may take a while for your Focus to smooth out. If you are concerned about the shifting habits of it, you may want to bring it into the dealer to verify it is running correctly. If you feel it is an issue, please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, and servicing dealer information and I will try to help.

Hill Start Assist is a feature of the PowerShift transmission. It automatically operates when a slope of 5 degrees or more is calculated, so you are on a smaller incline it will not activate.



~Natasha

[AliasJerk]

It is direct injection, a friend of mine has a Cooper S with direct injection and you feel light litter at idle with his too, it is more efficient but not necessarily as comfortable. If enough people complain there will end up being a TSB where Ford will adjust the idle level.

[straightboy]

Love everything about my new Focus except that I was taken aback a little by rough, gentle shaking of the car when you let it creep forward with no acceleration. I first thought it might be stalling out or happening because of the strain of the A/C running. Still happens without A/C and sometimes to a small degree when you're completely stopped (foot on the brake). No change in the RPM's ever happens. Only have 200 miles on the car so I am willing to give it a little time to smooth out but I really wish it was smoother.

[FordCustomerService]

Hi straightboy,

I appreciate you giving your Focus a chance to smooth out. If it becomes more concerning, then I would recommend visiting your dealer to make sure everything is functioning correctly. If you would like additional assistance, please PM me with your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer. I will work with you to resolve it. Have a good day.

~Natasha