Ford's letter regarding the "PowerShift 6 Speed Operating Characteristics"

[Scott02]

Originally Posted by paul21

Having worked in the industrial control industry, a lot of onlookers used to say fix it with software. Sometimes a kludge can be done, but it's really hard to fix broken actuators and leaky seals with a software update.

And as far as Ford not working on this, I've had 4 different versions of DCT software installed on my car so far (2011 factory, December 2011, 12B37, and a newer version when I took it in Jan 2013.) Somebody is doing something, I'm just not quite sure what it is. It still hasn't removed the oil from my clutches or fixed my squeaking actuator.

Currently working in the industrial controls industry, I 100% agree. The "mechanicals" always think it's my software's issue, when it's typically a valve sticking or something of the sort. Therefore, if it's a broken actuator or a leaky seal, then of course that cannot be fixed with program updates. Those parts need replaced by the dealer.

I personally (to my knowledge) do not have hardware problems. So, I only notice the software issues, which is what I was commenting about above.

[cobie56]

Originally Posted by Scott02

I actually purchased this car because it had the DCT transmission. I had one in California for a rental and really liked the DCT. As a general comment, I think the DCT actually functions quite nicely considering it IS a manual transmission, and also for how new the concept is.

Being 100% realistic, 50% of the manual transmission drivers I've driven with, drive more jerky than this DCT. Seriously... Think about that one.

I actually feel the DCT up and down shifts quite smoothly, and was also pleasantly surprised on how well it takes off from a stop in 1st gear.

However, that said, there are certain situations where things can go awry. For instance, when driving slowly (just above creeping) up a decent slope, say from a stop light. The programming makes it upshift to 2nd gear WAY too early, and the car starts jerking and lunging.

Is this the transmissions fault? Nope.
Is this the drivers fault? Nope. (but in hindsight, he/she could just simply press the accelerator pedal a little bit more like he/she would have to do in a manual car, and the car wouldn't try to upshift into 2nd)
Is it the Transmission Controller's programming fault? Yes, I do think so.

In my opinion, the majority (if not all) of the "issues" that people have with the DCT, could be fixed in the software.

So to me, this leaves two questions...
Why is Ford Engineers not working like crazy on updated software?
Why is NO ONE ELSE working on better software?
~~~If I had more time, I'd be all over this.

In the VW world many manufacturers flash the DSG Trans Controller for better performance, firming shifts, moving shift points, making it all around "better", etc.

If there is something sketchy or quirky with a car (or anything for that matter) it only takes someone with enough drive to fix it.

REF your quote below... I solved that problem by leaving the tranny in S mode when creeping... that pretty much eliminated the problems you are describing.. good luck.

However, that said, there are certain situations where things can go awry. For instance, when driving slowly (just above creeping) up a decent slope, say from a stop light. The programming makes it upshift to 2nd gear WAY too early, and the car starts jerking and lunging.

[Scott02]

Originally Posted by cobie56

REF your quote below... I solved that problem by leaving the tranny in S mode when creeping... that pretty much eliminated the problems you are describing.. good luck.

Oh, I do know that switching into S will drastically help the too quick upshift problem, but honestly, I do not think that the programming should be written in a manner that the operator needs to shift it into S, when he/she does not want to be in S mode.

[flyboyike]

Originally Posted by roswelltop

Dear Ford,
Regarding your letter acknowledging the grinding, whining, clicking, clunking and other sounds of metal on metal, it is only fair that copies of this letter be clearly posted on EVERY new Focus with the 6 speed Power Shift Transmission.

I would think that the letter should be affixed next to the manufacturer's "window sticker" so that every potential customer can make an informed decision.

In other words Ford, this is nothing more, nothing less, than drug manufacturers do in posting the possible adverse affects to those who use their drugs right their on the bottle. And in your television advertising, you can run a little banner right there at the bottom of the screen.

What? It might decrease sales? I say poppycock! Despite being told that drugs will make users bleed, choke, cough, wheeze, poop, pee uncontrollably, vomit, forget stuff....and on and on, it makes NO difference. Prescription drug use is at an all time high. Heck, you might even sell more cars.....

Yours very truly,
The Average Joe

You're probably right. After all, our is a society that carries cups of hot coffee in its crotch, burns itself with said coffee, then sues the provider of said coffee for excessive hotness.

[1940150]

Or, what would have been wrong with the focus tranny they had? My 2011 shifts as smooth as cream, I get from 35 to as much as 45 MPG. Why fix what ain't broke????

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by 1940150

Or, what would have been wrong with the focus tranny they had? My 2011 shifts as smooth as cream, I get from 35 to as much as 45 MPG. Why fix what ain't broke????

Because the 4F27E was broken. It's wasn't very smooth or efficient. It had four widely spaced ratios so unless you could keep it in 4th gear with the torque converter locked it got terrible fuel economy, it also tended to shift all over the place with the lightest change of throttle application.

I was not fond of the sloppy transmission behavior of the 2009 and 2011 models I'd driven.

The DCT I owned operated properly and was so much nicer to drive than any MKII automatic.

A 4 speed is less efficient than a 6 speed, the only car in the class still using the old gearbox technology is the Corolla, and although they still sell well it's well behind being the best in class.

I did however end up with an ST because that was what I really wanted in the first place.