Powershift transmission Sucks!!

[Dylan1970]

I could use the advice of anyone who is currently driving a car with this so-called powershift transmission. How long is the break-in period? My focus has almost 12,000 miles and the rattles, shuddering, and hesitation from a stopped position are getting worse everyday. I have been told that the noises are normal but I can't believe hesitating and shuddering when trying to accelerate from a stopped position is normal.....this damn car is trying to kill me I swear!! If my salesman would've told me about this new transmission design I would've never bought the car, I'm begging for my 2006 focus at this point. I'm about ready to drive this piece of crap off a cliff and go back to riding a bicycle.

[CotyM]

Well... it IS an automated manual transmission, so it will always act like one... Adjusting your driving habits should help allot... Like, do you really need to drive 1/2 mile an hour?

[Texaswiley]

I have a 2013 Focus with 2500 miles and the tranny has been fine from day one except for a stint in Phoenix stop and crawl traffic where it shuddered on take of after 20 or so minutes. It is fine now.
I agree it isn't as smooth as the Tranny in my wife's 2013 Explorer and even at the loss of a couple mpg I'd rather have the Explorer tranny.
I saw a post a month or so ago and there was a Ford rep "FordCustomerService" to help you with problems. I assume he is on FF.
Good luck, don't let them tell you they all do it!!!
Texas Wiley

PS it does seem to work better with a little more throttle on take off.

[fiveofocus]

OK, thank god I have a 2013 Job #2 car with about 1600 miles on it so far and have yet had 1 issue with the trans thank god! but just before I got this I had a new 13 fiesta and hated the trans in that had issues everyday I owned it.

[RonMaiden]

Buy a true manual is the best option;the DCT is underbaked for this price point. I driven other DCTs in higher priced cars and you'd don't have to make excuses for those trannys but I still prefer to shift the car myself.

[redwake]

auto... tragic

didn't they have a factory ecu flash a while back that helped this? had the dealer mentioned it?

[1slofofo]

Find out if you have tsb 123b7. If so, be gentle at low speeds. It jerks for me if I put too much gas. If I lift off moderately, it goes fine and then just give it the necessary gas later.

[RonMaiden]

From a performance standpoint the true manual is quicker especially if the DCT has to be massaged to work right.

[sailor]

FWIW - The MkIII "General" section & the "Archives" over there have threads dating back to the intro of this tranny you can check out for LOTS of history & suggestions.

I'm sure you'll get plenty from your post here, that's just another place to look at prev. poster's comments.

Good Luck!

[Dylan1970]

I've been given so many suggestions it boggles the mind. Problem is I've never driven a true manual so this is all new to me. I've been told to "drive normal" whatever that is anymore, I've been told to punch it on take off.....I have tried everything with no luck. It's bad enough that I have to put up with the banging, rattling, and thumping that supposedly is normal with this tranny I would at least like to have the comfort of knowing that when I pull away from an intersection the car isn't going to buck and hesitate like it's been doing. I do appreciate the advice though, I have an appointment with the dealership tomorrow hopefully something will get done.