Rough Idle and Manual Transmission Noise

[trombo]

Two things:

Has anyone else experienced a rough idle? I'm only at 2xx miles, but I can't believe how rough the idle has become. Way, way too much vibration being transmitted throughout the car. A few months ago some others commented on this, but I was curious to get some new feedback. Has it improved with rolling some miles and a little more break-in?

Secondly, has anyone with the manual trans noticed a slight transmission rattle at idle? With the trans in neutral and clutch out, there's no other way to describe it except for a metallic rattle noise. As soon as the clutch is pressed in the noise goes away. Clutch out, faint tingy rattle. Clutch in, nothing.

blah.

To end on a high note, when moving I really love how the car drives.

[Sponsor]

[CrazyDave]

I've owned Fords, Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Mazdas, a Chevy, a VW, a Mitsubishi, even a Mercedes.

All of them made noises some time. Usually they come and go. Sometimes
its related to temperature. Car is too hot, or not warmed up yet.

I've heard some strange noises in my new Focus too. But, they went away.
All of us are over sensitive when we get a new car. But relax, it's under warranty.
If the noise is serious enough, take it in and let Ford figure it out.

In the meantime, turn the stereo up a little, the noise will go away.

[silenthill]

I have a SEL w/ the automatic and my idle is rough sometimes, but I can't figure out any pattern. It can be rough at one red light, and fine at the next.

Just something to add to the list of things to have the dealer check out when it's time for the first oil change.

[sterg]

I've had a few rough idle experiences but then I get them in the Silverado. Tranny noise a few times too. I look at it as normal. Grinding second....I hate that noise

[Eurofordfan]

That rattle, in neutral, with the clutch pedal out, is called roll-over rattle. It will only happen when the transaxle fluid is hot; it is totally harmless. By comparison, you should hear how rattly a diesel tractor is, with the thirteen or eighteen speed Eaton transmission!

If, by comparison, it makes noise when the clutch pedal is pushed-in, then it may very well be the throwout bearing. That is a cause for concern, 'cause it's so much of a "beach" to get to!

Don't worry about roll-over rattle. And notably do not change transfluid to attempt to quiet it down; trans fluid viscosity is very carefully chosen by the designers, to ensure that lubrication of the needle roller bearings (in the case of the MTX75 transaxle) get lubricated properly! Also, the fluid properties figure big-time into the behavior of the synchronizers.

[kingburger]

I wouldn't worry about these mechanical noises.

My Miata has made a ticking sound occasionally on startup until the oil pressure comes up. This freaked me out at first, but 16 years later, it doesn't worry me.

[CrazyDave]

I took Focus in for the wiper recall, and asked them to trouble-shoot the transmission rattle issue. Mine rattles in neutral and the clutch out. Like always when stopped waiting for lights to change.

Service guy said he clearly heard the noise. Service tech said he didn't hear anything wrong. Ford had my car for over a week. No fix.

At least the issue is documented in case it turns out to be more serious later.

Still love my 2012 after 12K miles.