My DCT stalled out while driving today...*MK3*

[Joeywhat]

You can't (or shouldn't be able to) start the engine while the gear selector is in anything but P or N. I tried...

Also, the key is unable to put in the "off" position while in anything but park.

In my car, at least...

[mikebontoft]

that also is something I couldn't figure out. If it's in the off position, the steering wheel could have locked.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Then it's an ignition switch interlock problem. She should still be able to turn the car off while in D, like in a parking lot, and then restart in D- according to the details in her story. I didn't know you couldn't turn a car off while it was in D. I've never tried that before. I figured you could turn it off, but not restart it without being in N.

[Joeywhat]

Originally Posted by whynotthinkwhynot

Then it's an ignition switch interlock problem. She should still be able to turn the car off while in D, like in a parking lot, and then restart in D- according to the details in her story. I didn't know you couldn't turn a car off while it was in D. I've never tried that before. I figured you could turn it off, but not restart it without being in N.

You can kill the engine, but the key will not physically turn all the way to off, and allow you to remove the key. And you certainly can't restart the engine, at least not in mine. It'll kill the electronics as if it were to start (kills headlights, radio, etc.), but it won't actually start (or attempt to start).

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Yeah that's how I thought it should act. The ignition switch is what is causing all the electronics to switch off- it switches everything else is off so the starter can use all the power in the battery to start. It's not starting because of some of the interlocks on the starter relay, if it's like the older Focis. On an AT you'd have PATS, and the neutral safety switch. If that circuit is bypassed by damaged wiring, that could make her car easy-steal.

The key itself should be prevented from turning backwards in the ON position by the ignition lock cylinder. I believe you still have to push the key in slightly before you can turn it back off. I do it so much, I don't even think about it, so I could be wrong. Ford has always had some sort of ignition cylinder lock safety since the oldest Ford I've owned which was an '87. I want to say you can turn it to ACC though, and the engine will shut off, so not being able to turn the engine off while driving would be new. Then again, 100% of all the Fords I have driven regularly have been MTs. I'd have to try something like that on the wifey's Windstar to be fair.

With the MT it's no big deal to cut off in gear and restart, all you have to do is press the clutch, or let off the clutch and turn the key back on in an appropriate gear.

[badazz2010focus]

You can turn the car off in any of the gears doesnt matter what but you cant re start the car in gear it has to be in netural or park I've done it before LOL

[mishka]

hey guys thanks for the response and discussion so far. looks like there is still some confusion/debate as the the problem. I thought i'd share what the dash looked like when the engine turned off. The only difference is it was in D at the time. It's in N in the picture. I haven't tried doing that in D while parked or otherwise yet. Looks like I/another DCT need to try some of your theories and see what works?

dash at time of cut off

key position at time of engine cut off
(rotate the picture clockwise)

I don't really know anything about parts or anything so I just have to go by you guys, a couple friends, and... yeah. So thanks!

PS: I know someone said they think it's an isolated incident, but wouldn't it be a good idea to report this to Ford or a Ford Rep?

[mishka]

@whynotthinkwhynot - I'm a he!

[mishka]

also I was just reading this thread and came upon something:

Originally Posted by fomenter

ford customer service sent this electronic letter... Trailer-hitching feel. Some customers may experience a trailer-hitching feel (or a slight
bumping feel). ... If the vehicle loses electrical power due to the removal of a power or ground battery cable, or the battery discharges, the transmission will perform an initial system status check upon power restore to verify shift motor position. This results in a series of mechanical noises for 10-30 seconds. The transmission will not engage and the vehicle will not move while this is happening. This is normal after an electrical power loss to the transmission.

Is it possible my transmission "lost power"? thx.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

If you can't get the car to shut off while in drive, then you're going to have problems getting a dealer to do anything. They can't fix what can't be re-created.

It could just have been an isolated incident- maybe not happen again. If it is what I thought, something is wrong with the ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch, then you should be able to recreate it.

If the transmission lost power, it would probably just go into N or stay in whatever gear it was in.

Sorry about the gender mix up.