2013 Ford Focus Transmission

[danyall2010]

I would like the 2013 owners to chip in and tell us your transmission experiences.

[Phokus]

I got my car last Tuesday. I have 800 miles on it, about 50/50 highway city I would say. Maybe a bit more on the highway/country road side. 65/35?

Anyhoo. At around 150-300 mi I had some shuddering. It seems to have gotten better as I haven't had it happen again as often. Just once the other day but it was just lumpy all around that was weird. Didn't happen after that.

I usually just drive in D
I've putted around town for a short amount of time in S and played with the shifty buttons including downshifting to slow down for a short while too

[GEN3F]

We have two new 2013 SE's - one with the 201A option. They both have the Power Shift gearbox. We love the cars but have found the gearbox to still have some hesitation/stumbling in the low gears - first and second - but not all the time. You can also hear some clatter from the clutches (I presume) from time to time - particularly at low speed, during cornering - but not real loud. The gearbox seems to be improved from the issues reported for 2012 models. We understand the concept of the auto manual and it may be that driving style can help - we found that using the throttle will smooth out stumbling. However, it is a concern and surprising that Ford would take to market an unperfected concept like the Power Shift gearbox - especially from one year to the next. This is my tenth Ford in a row as a daily driver and I have faithfully stood by the brand. Time will tell how we feel about these cars and what we consider for the future.

[Superlifted06FX4]

I was smart at got the 5 speed. I have no problems.

[GEN3F]

You were smart do get a 5-speed. I considered ordering my car that way but decided to buy a recent 2013 arrival with the Power Shift box. Especially since my son was buying one with the auto manual.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by Superlifted06FX4

I was smart at got the 5 speed. I have no problems.

It might be simpler than the DCT, but at the same time that lack of a second overdrive ratio really hurts fuel economy at higher speeds (i.e. above 55 mph). The DCT equipped car with the 16" wheels is turning over at around 2600 rpm at 70 mph, the 5MT car with the same 16" wheels is turning over 3000 rpm at 70 mph, or 374 more revolutions per minute, and the gap only increases at higher speeds.

It might be old and dependable, but the gear ratios on the 5MT were essentially the same as my old 1994 Geo Prizm LSI 1.6 L. But that car weighed in at close to 570 or more pounds lighter than the new one, ergo it would be easier on gas in the city than the newer car.

[His Dudiness]

Originally Posted by suss6052

It might be simpler than the DCT, but at the same time that lack of a second overdrive ratio really hurts fuel economy at higher speeds (i.e. above 55 mph). The DCT equipped car with the 16" wheels is turning over at around 2600 rpm at 70 mph, the 5MT car with the same 16" wheels is turning over 3000 rpm at 70 mph, or 374 more revolutions per minute, and the gap only increases at higher speeds.

It might be old and dependable, but the gear ratios on the 5MT were essentially the same as my old 1994 Geo Prizm LSI 1.6 L. But that car weighed in at close to 570 or more pounds lighter than the new one, ergo it would be easier on gas in the city than the newer car.

I was just wondering if 17'' wheels on a DCT equipped car would lower that 2600 rpm even more?
Also, can I install 17'' tires but with slightly higher profile - thus increasing overall wheel diameter and lowering rpm's even more on highway? e.g. instead of standard 215/50R17 put 215/55R17 or 215/60R17 or even 215/65R17

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by His Dudiness

I was just wondering if 17'' wheels on a DCT equipped car would lower that 2600 rpm even more?
Also, can I install 17'' tires but with slightly higher profile - thus increasing overall wheel diameter and lowering rpm's even more on highway? e.g. instead of standard 215/50R17 put 215/55R17 or 215/60R17 or even 215/65R17

Yes. And it should result in better highway mileage and worse city mileage. But considering these transmissions seem to be sensitive when stock, I'd hardly recommend anyone put much more loading on the transmission... Also, you have to be careful with rubbing when turning, hitting bumps, etc.

Most places don't recommend anything more than a 3% variance than stock.

[His Dudiness]

Originally Posted by PratoN

Yes. And it should result in better highway mileage and worse city mileage. But considering these transmissions seem to be sensitive when stock, I'd hardly recommend anyone put much more loading on the transmission... Also, you have to be careful with rubbing when turning, hitting bumps, etc.

Thanks. However, why city mileage will decrease slightly? If there is enough torq from 2.0 GDI engine on lower rpms - then city mileage should also slightly increase, no (since wheels have to be turned less to cover same distance)?

[onestout]

I've got about 5K on mine so far and no issues, everything has been working as it should.