new TSB 12-5-5 for manual trans focii - Page 4

ralck · 05-14-2012, 12:18 PM

Possibly dumb question, but where would I see if my car needs this TSB update? According to this, my build date is in the range affected, but I don't see anything on ETIS (Would I, or does that only show recalls?). Is there anywhere else I should check to see if I "qualify" for this?

iso3200 · 05-14-2012, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

How is this a "problem?": Difficulty launching from a stop when not using the accelerator pedal.

I would think it pretty much impossible to launch without using the throttle, lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetaDnB

I'm one of those.

You should be able to launch manual transmission cars without using the accelerator. That's the first thing you should learn how to do when learning to drive manual or a motorcycle so you know where the clutch engagement point is. I've also had to drive like this due to my left knee being immobilized.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Uh, wrong. No throttle and the engine stalls. Pretty simple.

I agree with BetaDnB. This was the first thing I learned driving a stick: on flat and level ground, launch the car without any throttle input. On my 2012 Focus, this is extremely easy. Even engaging the clutch (i.e., releasing the pedal) a bit quicker caused the car to lurch forward a bit but I've been able to not stall. It takes quite a quick release to stall my car. This makes me happy.

amoosenamedhank · 05-14-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iso3200

I agree with BetaDnB. This was the first thing I learned driving a stick: on flat and level ground, launch the car without any throttle input. On my 2012 Focus, this is extremely easy. Even engaging the clutch (i.e., releasing the pedal) a bit quicker caused the car to lurch forward a bit but I've been able to not stall. It takes quite a quick release to stall my car. This makes me happy.

Good point as well. This is one of the very first things I start people off with when I'm teaching them how to drive a manual transmission. They need to get a feel for the engagement point and learn what is mechanically happening with their input.

BetaDnB · 05-14-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoosenamedhank

Good point as well. This is one of the very first things I start people off with when I'm teaching them how to drive a manual transmission. They need to get a feel for the engagement point and learn what is mechanically happening with their input.

This is what I was getting at when I made the post about motorcycles. I took a beginner motorcycle course a couple years ago and this was at the beginning of the run down.

1) Learn to get on and off the bike (engine not running)
2) Understanding how a bike countersteers (engine not running)
3) (engine running) Find clutch engagment point without throttle. If you use the throttle you're likely to get tossed from the course without a refund (becuase it's not time to learn how to use the throttle yet and this could be dangerous)

But hey, what do I know? I've only been driving manuals for 16 years.

Bimmer-Bob · 05-14-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetaDnB

This is what I was getting at when I made the post about motorcycles. I took a beginner motorcycle course a couple years ago and this was at the beginning of the run down.

1) Learn to get on and off the bike (engine not running)
2) Understanding how a bike countersteers (engine not running)
3) (engine running) Find clutch engagment point without throttle. If you use the throttle you're likely to get tossed from the course without a refund (becuase it's not time to learn how to use the throttle yet and this could be dangerous)

But hey, what do I know? I've only been driving manuals for 16 years.

Well, I owe you an apology.

I've been driving a manual for 15 years, believe it or not. And in fact, I've done this a million times, for example, when creeping forward in traffic. I guess 1st of all - I don't really consider it a "launch" per se, but I do see how, if you define it as any forward motion, then it is. And secondly, for some reason I got overly defensive to your posts and things escalated, which I regret.

So sorry for making a stubborn ass of myself.

amoosenamedhank · 05-14-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Well, I owe you an apology.

I've been driving a manual for 15 years, believe it or not. And in fact, I've done this a million times, for example, when creeping forward in traffic. I guess 1st of all - I don't really consider it a "launch" per se, but I do see how, if you define it as any forward motion, then it is. And secondly, for some reason I got overly defensive to your posts and things escalated, which I regret.

So sorry for making a stubborn ass of myself.

Showing back up and setting things straight is good character.