Purchased 2012 Focus SEL - Transmission Issues, having to trade it in. Should I pick up another?

[jeriku]

Originally Posted by AZfocus2012

And one more thing is to run premium fuel, preferably Shell V-Power. This will help with low speed drivability and performance all the way around, and it doesn't cost any more, probably less as you should see an increase in MPG's with premium to offset the higher cost. It usually takes a tank or two for the ECU to fully adapt to the better fuel.

This may sound crazy.. but can you simply just run premium fuel? I thought the vehicle had to be "built for that"?

To whomever said drive it more aggressively, that tends to do the trick.

I noticed the "S" on the shifter. What exactly is that? I heard it's "Sport" mode and I also heard it's a manual shift. How exactly do you use it? What is it's purpose?

[AZfocus2012]

Originally Posted by jeriku

This may sound crazy.. but can you simply just run premium fuel? I thought the vehicle had to be "built for that"?

To whomever said drive it more aggressively, that tends to do the trick.

I noticed the "S" on the shifter. What exactly is that? I heard it's "Sport" mode and I also heard it's a manual shift. How exactly do you use it? What is it's purpose?

1. This vehicle is and prefers premium although it is not required. Says so right in the manual.

2. That was me. This car really begs to be thrashed and I oblige. It really doesn't take to hypermiling, although you can.

3. Put it in "S" and then you can use the +/- buttons to change gears. Put it back in D to exit manual mode. S is also the sport auto mode where the shift points are moved up and 6th gear is not utilized.

[jeriku]

Originally Posted by AZfocus2012

3. Put it in "S" and then you can use the +/- buttons to change gears. Put it back in D to exit manual mode. S is also the sport auto mode where the shift points are moved up and 6th gear is not utilized.

So.. D is for standard driving.
S (normal) is for .. going faster? I'm sorry - I just don't understand the concept of it.

I understand the manual shift (with the plus and minus keys).. just not the purpose of the standard S.

[AZfocus2012]

S without touching the +/- button is just a sport shift auto mode. Once you hit the +/- you have entered manual mode until you return to D. The car will downshift on its on in manual mode if you slow too much or stop.

[jeriku]

Originally Posted by AZfocus2012

S without touching the +/- button is just a sport shift auto mode. Once you hit the +/- you have entered manual mode until you return to D. The car will downshift on its on in manual mode if you slow too much or stop.

Sorry to sound so dumb in the matter.. but what exactly is the difference between the Sport Shift and the regular Drive mode?

In what situations is one preferred over the other?

Last question, I promise!

[mac.mogul]

Put it in sport mode when you want to have fun!

[scott7278]

Originally Posted by jeriku

Sorry to sound so dumb in the matter.. but what exactly is the difference between the Sport Shift and the regular Drive mode?

In what situations is one preferred over the other?

Last question, I promise!

Sport Mode features a longer period of time between shifts...I sometimes put it in Sport Mode when I'm in stop-and-go traffic or when I just want to have more spirited driving.

I start toggling the (+) and (-) when I'm bored. It makes traffic tolerable.

Sent from my Android using FF Mobile.

[jeriku]

Originally Posted by scott7278

Sport Mode features a longer period of time between shifts...

Makes perfect sense.

Nothing that would hurt the transmission, correct?

[scott7278]

Originally Posted by jeriku

Makes perfect sense.

Nothing that would hurt the transmission, correct?

Nope...it won't even let you blow up the engine if you're shifting manually...it will automatically shift for you if you're about to do so.

Sent from my Android using FF Mobile.

[GhiaFan]

Re the D and S mode on the Powershift transmission. I always use S mode when in city driving, as I find the transmission to be more responsive (quicker).
Also S mode in town yields much better creep mode in stop and slow traffic, plus eliminates gear searching, so no being in the wrong gear when you need to move quickly.
In D mode I only use when on the highway.