DCT / PowerShift Transmission Update TSB Thread

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by Sprint

Given all the evidence, it's clear the 2012 Focuses all have faulty clutches in them...

What is "faulty" about the clutch itself? Are you suggesting that oil contamination is not the primary issue with the clutches?

Originally Posted by Sprint

The tech who did the work on my car indicated on the work order that the original clutches were worn out (my car had 10k km on it when this work was done). Others here have had similar comments noted on their work orders for clutch replacement (a couple have described the original clutches as "shredded") which is demonstrative of what is going on inside the transmission when this grinding noise is heard. It's interesting how many dealerships are convincing some people that this noise is "normal" when anyone with any common sense would know that a car shifting like a manual being piloted by a drivers ED student on the first day out, is a car requiring some serious maintenance.

Do you know exactly what the cause of the "grinding" noise is?

There could be a number of reasons for premature/excessive clutch wear.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by Sprint

As it turns out, this DCT had not been in production prior to 2012 as I had initially thought.

The 6DCT250 was first used in the MY2011 Fiesta.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by Tytanium

...Is there a way I can know if it's been done already?

Originally Posted by Njk570

So when I go to my local dealership, what exactly should i tell them to get this Update done?

Hi Tytanium and Njk570,

Your dealer will be able to tell you if your vehicle has any outstanding service actions that need to be performed on it. I recommend making an appointment so that they can get your concerns addressed.

Originally Posted by mishka

...I've also been hearing heavy grinding from my transmission and what sounds like metal balls or marbles being thrown around.

i'm considering getting the extended warranty...

Should I take it back to the dealership again?...

Hi mishka,

Returning to your dealership is a great idea and the best way to get your concern documented and addressed. Keep me in the loop; if you need any assistance, just let me know.

Crystal

[Sprint]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

What is "faulty" about the clutch itself? Are you suggesting that oil contamination is not the primary issue with the clutches?





Do you know exactly what the cause of the "grinding" noise is?

There could be a number of reasons for premature/excessive clutch wear.

I'm not a mechanic so I'm not going to speculate on exact causes. What we do know is that there are many (I'm sure I've read 100s) of cases reported here where the car grinds when shifting. The descriptions are all very similar - "grinding" is the best word for it. It don't think it really matters to the average owner what the exact cause is - if you've driven one of these cars for any length of time while the "grinding" occurs, you'll know beyond a doubt that it's not normal, and something that if not fixed within warranty will leave you with big repair bill not far down the road.

Given that all these cases are happening to the same model year of car, all have the same general description of what it sounds like, and, all seem to behave and resolve similarly, I can't imagine there being a lot of different causes. But, as I mentioned above, I don't really care much what the cause is specifically - I'm more focused on long term solution - from my experience, upgrading the clutch assembly seems to do the trick nicely (at least it has for me so far).

[Sprint]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

The 6DCT250 was first used in the MY2011 Fiesta.

Ah! Thanks!

[helloimmatthew]

I just dropped off my 2012 at Raceway Ford. They said they won't even be able to have anyone look at my car until Wednesday, which I think is kind of ridiculous, but that's life. He said the car has had the TSB update, so they'll look into the shuddering and grinding. He didn't say anything about the clutches being replaced in the past, so who knows, maybe that'll be the next step! I've come to this dealer for service before with my Expedition and I wasn't so impressed, but they didn't give me a reason to not come back, so we'll see.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by helloimmatthew

I just dropped off my 2012 at Raceway Ford. They said they won't even be able to have anyone look at my car until Wednesday, which I think is kind of ridiculous, but that's life. He said the car has had the TSB update, so they'll look into the shuddering and grinding. He didn't say anything about the clutches being replaced in the past, so who knows, maybe that'll be the next step! I've come to this dealer for service before with my Expedition and I wasn't so impressed, but they didn't give me a reason to not come back, so we'll see.

Let me know how the service appointment goes, helloimmatthew. I'm happy to step in and assist as well; just send me your info via PM (I'll need your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name) and I'll get to work.

Crystal

[Mike Bartlett]

I just bought my 2013 Focus SE this year on 2/10/2013 the build date is 1/2013. I currently have about 1500 miles on it.

This is the first DCT transmission I have had so I understand one can't compare apples to apples to a normal auto trans. I agree with most here it isn't as smooth as the normal AT. With that said it seems to have to same slow rough shifting esspecially when at an incline until I reach about 20-mph. Today I was in stop and go traffic and after slowing to almost a stop the traffic moved forward and when I stepped gently on the gas I thought the front bumper was going to hit the ground it stumbled/jerked very hard.

So my question is since most of this thread seems to be in regards to the 2011/2012 has any changes been made to the 2013 DCT? Would one assume, I know don't assume, the 12B37 TSB would have been completed at the factory in January when it was built or should I take it in for this?

Another question in regards to the "Aux" port. When I connect my iPhone to that port and hit "AUX" on the dash I have to greatly increase the volumn to hear anything. I can use the same phone in my other cars and no column increase is needed. Anyone have this issue?

Thank you,

Mike

[drcordle]

Originally Posted by Mike Bartlett

I just bought my 2013 Focus SE this year on 2/10/2013 the build date is 1/2013. I currently have about 1500 miles on it.

This is the first DCT transmission I have had so I understand one can't compare apples to apples to a normal auto trans. I agree with most here it isn't as smooth as the normal AT. With that said it seems to have to same slow rough shifting esspecially when at an incline until I reach about 20-mph. Today I was in stop and go traffic and after slowing to almost a stop the traffic moved forward and when I stepped gently on the gas I thought the front bumper was going to hit the ground it stumbled/jerked very hard.

So my question is since most of this thread seems to be in regards to the 2011/2012 has any changes been made to the 2013 DCT? Would one assume, I know don't assume, the 12B37 TSB would have been completed at the factory in January when it was built or should I take it in for this?

Another question in regards to the "Aux" port. When I connect my iPhone to that port and hit "AUX" on the dash I have to greatly increase the volumn to hear anything. I can use the same phone in my other cars and no column increase is needed. Anyone have this issue?

Thank you,

Mike

i would also be interested in any information

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by Mike Bartlett

...With that said it seems to have to same slow rough shifting esspecially when at an incline until I reach about 20-mph. Today I was in stop and go traffic and after slowing to almost a stop the traffic moved forward and when I stepped gently on the gas I thought the front bumper was going to hit the ground it stumbled/jerked very hard...

Hi Mike Bartlett,

I recommend making an appointment at your dealership so they can address your concerns. Additionally, I can get your case escalated to your region's customer service manager; just send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name.

Regarding your question about the AUX port and in-vehicle technology, I encourage you to reach out to my colleague, Jaclyn, who helps folks out under the name FordIVTteam.

Crystal