Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

[Blk5dr64]

Left car overnite so they could have it on early morning start-up when the shift/lurch occurs. "Can not duplicate any concerns at this time"

Also the seeming to be stuck in 5th gear.......I was told this is normal, that when I let up on the gas my car is going to coast to a stop and not roll freely. Going downhill in my Charger, let off the gas it actually speeds up because it is coasting. The Focus does not do that, it rolls to a stop. And this is normal. Well shame on me, but I think mpg would be affected by this behavior.

Also, my service rep told me young people do not complain about the DCT. It is only us "old Guys"........

He also said another update is on the way.......

[mjb457]

Ok Im not liking what Im hearing ---taking it back for 2nd time--getting it documented..... If needed 3rd time than on to proffessional help...... I hope thats not needed(I like the features and ride) MJB

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Originally Posted by Blk5dr64

Also, my service rep told me young people do not complain about the DCT. It is only us "old Guys"........

He also said another update is on the way.......

I have recommended that people drive like teenagers.

Don't hover over the pedals: either be on the gas or on the brake. It's going to try to shift up ASAP for fuel economy, and you can't sit in gear not touching the gas or brake waiting for the person in front of you to move off from a light like you might be able to do with that Charger.

Why the DCT doesn't coast in N or 6th is beyond me. Chargers have hydraulic torque converter automatics, so it is acting as it should. TC autos coast like that because if you aren't spinning the motor past the stall speed, then the trans and motor are not completely "hooked" up. I agree that I think it would increase fuel economy. It might be one of those stupid transportation rules- like you're not supposed to coast in N in a manual transmission. I break that law all the time.

[Blk5dr64]

Driving home yesterday afternoon in rush hour traffic I was not able to determine what the trans was doing. This morning with no traffic the car now still does not coast, but now downshifts itself while slowing down. I may not have done enough research, or drive like a teenager, but I think any car that slows itself hurts its mpg.

Thanks to those that have replied, your input is appreciated.

[6769MOPARS]

Originally Posted by Blk5dr64

Driving home yesterday afternoon in rush hour traffic I was not able to determine what the trans was doing. This morning with no traffic the car now still does not coast, but now downshifts itself while slowing down. I may not have done enough research, or drive like a teenager, but I think any car that slows itself hurts its mpg.

Thanks to those that have replied, your input is appreciated.

If I am driving a car w a manual, when I slow down in gear, the car slows down. It does not coast. If I disengage the clutch, the car coasts in neutral. I drove with a guy in LA some years ago and he coasted downhill in neutral and turned off the ignition. It was dangerous.

All cars in gear will slow down, some more so than others depending on their gearing.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by Blk5dr64

Driving home yesterday afternoon in rush hour traffic I was not able to determine what the trans was doing. This morning with no traffic the car now still does not coast, but now downshifts itself while slowing down. I may not have done enough research, or drive like a teenager, but I think any car that slows itself hurts its mpg.

Thanks to those that have replied, your input is appreciated.

The more I read the latest posts I am convinced that many driving the Focus DCT have no idea what they are dealing with. I'm sure most of them have never driven a standard transmission.
I really think Ford has done them a disservice by not explaining the nuances of the DCT prior to purchase. I researched the DCT prior to purchase and it led me to buy a Focus.

[6769MOPARS]

Originally Posted by ElGatto

The more I read the latest posts I am convinced that many driving the Focus DCT have no idea what they are dealing with. I'm sure most of them have never driven a standard transmission.
I really think Ford has done them a disservice by not explaining the nuances of the DCT prior to purchase. I researched the DCT prior to purchase and it led me to buy a Focus.

I agree and did the same. I knew what to expect and was thrilled with my test drive. The DCT is a well designed manual transmission that is controlled by software. I am sure that there will be software updates based on owners' feedback but the DCT will never behave like a torque converter based conventional transmission.

[NCFocus12]

I don't see a problem in the "working-as-designed" behavior of this trans, maybe because I've owned manuals and automatics, and I view this car as a manual sans clutch pedal and shifter (a la MOPAR). If you view it that way, and expect it to behave as an "automated manual," then you level-set your expectations, and your expectations will be met. This is not an "automatic transmission." Sales should do a better job (and be directed from the top-down) to explain it this way, and explain how it increases economy. There is a REASON the "auto" gets better mileage than the standard manual, so it should be sold as the computer-controlled manual, best of both world, automated driving +mpg.

As far as the last few comments and complaints, I simply speed up a few MPH on the downslope, by goosing the throttle, and keep some momentum going when the grade starts again. Accel downhill, lighter throttle uphill.......works fine for me. And I'm currently getting upwards of 40MPG on 55mph 2-lanes over 30-40 miles using this method, and it's not even broken in yet.

[Blk5dr64]

Thanks to all for the feedback. I still have not obtained more then 30 mpg even driving with an "egg on the gas pedal".

As said before, the trans was never, and still has not, discussed at length with me.

[6769MOPARS]

Originally Posted by NCFocus12

I don't see a problem in the "working-as-designed" behavior of this trans, maybe because I've owned manuals and automatics, and I view this car as a manual sans clutch pedal and shifter (a la MOPAR). If you view it that way, and expect it to behave as an "automated manual," then you level-set your expectations, and your expectations will be met. This is not an "automatic transmission." Sales should do a better job (and be directed from the top-down) to explain it this way, and explain how it increases economy. There is a REASON the "auto" gets better mileage than the standard manual, so it should be sold as the computer-controlled manual, best of both world, automated driving +mpg.

As far as the last few comments and complaints, I simply speed up a few MPH on the downslope, by goosing the throttle, and keep some momentum going when the grade starts again. Accel downhill, lighter throttle uphill.......works fine for me. And I'm currently getting upwards of 40MPG on 55mph 2-lanes over 30-40 miles using this method, and it's not even broken in yet.

Precisely the solution which is also what you do with a manual tranny so that the engine does not stall.