Is this normal? when trying to accelerate suddenly...

[k1ngkev1n1]

I noticed when i am in drive and i am on a hill especially if i want to switch lanes and punch it, it like lags and takes a second to get going... seems kind of dangerous especially in SoCal traffic when you want to switch lanes quickly. If i am in sport mode it reacts right away, but if im in normal drive mode it takes a minute to get going. Is this normal? my build date is july 2012, and its 2012 focus SEL sedan. Please let me knwo your thoughts thanks.

[copernicium112]

In my car it hasn't been what I would call "normal" but I have experienced on several occassions. It can get the adrenalin flowing (not really in a good way) when you are on an expressway and trying a timing-based maneuver and it just doesn't react as you are expecting it to.

[jdetzel]

Originally Posted by k1ngkev1n1

I noticed when i am in drive and i am on a hill especially if i want to switch lanes and punch it, it like lags and takes a second to get going... seems kind of dangerous especially in SoCal traffic when you want to switch lanes quickly. If i am in sport mode it reacts right away, but if im in normal drive mode it takes a minute to get going. Is this normal? my build date is july 2012, and its 2012 focus SEL sedan. Please let me knwo your thoughts thanks.

How many miles do you have now? I am at about 3300 and mine was bad about that for the first 1500 or so but it has mostly cleared up now.

[narkotskyb]

Well what you are experiencing is an exact issue I am fighting with Ford right now.

[dan50]

That behavior probably is normal for our cars. Even cars with conventional automatics are sometimes reluctant to downshift, but the Focus may be a touch worse than most. I've found the delay is most pronounced when puttering along at low RPMs and asking for immediate acceleration - i.e. just when you need it most.

[k1ngkev1n1]

I have about 1800 miles on it. Still low mileage should i be driving it any particular way? for the first 800 or so i woudld drive more agressive to get rpms varying now im cruising because gas here in SoCal has sky rocketed!. Overall i love the car and i was hoping maybe i just need some time to break it in more. Hopefully that is the issue.

[Elizabeth]

THis issue is the main reason i hate ALL automatic transmissions.
So I drive a manual, it ALWAYS shifts the exact moment i want it to, since i am the shifting device.

[k1ngkev1n1]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

THis issue is the main reason i hate ALL automatic transmissions.
So I drive a manual, it ALWAYS shifts the exact moment i want it to, since i am the shifting device.

Yea i noticed when i put into sport mode and i do the up shifting reacts right away and get the power i want. I dont know how to drive regular manual though, but sport mode is fun, just lower mpg.

[jdetzel]

If you have it in sport mode you can always hit the down button on the shifter (don't know what the official term is) to catch a lower gear when you need a little more power.

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by k1ngkev1n1

I have about 1800 miles on it. Still low mileage should i be driving it any particular way? for the first 800 or so i woudld drive more agressive to get rpms varying now im cruising because gas here in SoCal has sky rocketed!. Overall i love the car and i was hoping maybe i just need some time to break it in more. Hopefully that is the issue.

The issue you describe is normal for the MK3 Focus. It does get better but never goes away completely. My experience has been that the warmer it is outside the worse the lag, especially when the temps are 90F+.

I've seen the price of gas over in your area on the news, you folks are really getting hosed. We suffered over here when they decided to close all the refinery's for maintenance a couple of months ago...not that they would do that on purpose to increase fuel prices or anything like that.

Personally, I am sick of cars and high gas prices and am seriously considering selling my house, moving closer to work, and just walk, ride a bicycle, or even a scooter. The wife and i could get by with just one car now that the kids are out on their own.