Is this really normal?

[kltye]

I've been lurking these forums since July 2012, which is when my girlfriend and I bought a used (Red Candy) Focus SEL, manufactured in May 2011. Long story short, we soon experienced clutch slipping when taking off from standstill, and going up the slopes in parking garages was downright embarrassing with the loss of power and shuddering, and at times almost felt like the car was going to stall.

We took it in to Golf Mill Ford here in Chicago (am I allowed to mention dealer names?), who proceeded to tell my gf (who drives the car for her work) that it's normal. Four. Different. Times. The last time back in February, I even called them up to talk to the head tech, and liaised with FordCustomerCare here in the forums - we were given conflicting info on whether or not the mechanics had taken a look at the bell housing or the clutch. At the advice on area CS rep, we took it to Arlington Heights Ford, who immediately asked a mechanic to raise the car. He took one look at the bell housing, and beckoned me over. The moment of truth: https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resi...Drkt6dOMhlVsLM

Finally, we had the clutch pack replaced, and they told my gf that the clutches were pretty badly contaminated, and that "there's no reason why the previous dealer wouldn't have caught this". The car now drives like new, feels really responsive, and doesn't slip its way out of first gear.

Also, Golf Mill replaced our wiper blades with 22 and 19" blades, instead of 28" ones, because they had mistaken our car for a 2011 MY. In other words, try taking your cars to other dealers, and ask your area CS rep if they have one they could recommend in the area.

[Sprint]

Originally Posted by kltye

I've been lurking these forums since July 2012, which is when my girlfriend and I bought a used (Red Candy) Focus SEL, manufactured in May 2011. Long story short, we soon experienced clutch slipping when taking off from standstill, and going up the slopes in parking garages was downright embarrassing with the loss of power and shuddering, and at times almost felt like the car was going to stall.

We took it in to Golf Mill Ford here in Chicago (am I allowed to mention dealer names?), who proceeded to tell my gf (who drives the car for her work) that it's normal. Four. Different. Times. The last time back in February, I even called them up to talk to the head tech, and liaised with FordCustomerCare here in the forums - we were given conflicting info on whether or not the mechanics had taken a look at the bell housing or the clutch. At the advice on area CS rep, we took it to Arlington Heights Ford, who immediately asked a mechanic to raise the car. He took one look at the bell housing, and beckoned me over. The moment of truth: https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resi...Drkt6dOMhlVsLM

Finally, we had the clutch pack replaced, and they told my gf that the clutches were pretty badly contaminated, and that "there's no reason why the previous dealer wouldn't have caught this". The car now drives like new, feels really responsive, and doesn't slip it's way out of first gear.

Also, Golf Mill replaced our wiper blades with 22 and 19" blades, instead of 28" ones, because they had mistaken our car for a 2011 MY. In other words, try taking your cars to other dealers, and ask your area CS rep if they have one they could recommend in the area.

Another successful clutch replacement story (mine is similar). For all those still getting the "it's normal" lame response from their dealer, here's more evidence to the contrary. Any dealer still balking on this warranty repair is really pushing the envelope.

[2008 Ford Focus]

Good job kltye! I am glad your gf's car is running right. Persistence pays.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by kltye

... The car now drives like new, feels really responsive, and doesn't slip its way out of first gear...

This is fantastic news, kltye. I'm so happy to hear that you and your girlfriend are enjoying your Focus again!

Crystal

[snow12]

Originally Posted by kltye

I've been lurking these forums since July 2012, which is when my girlfriend and I bought a used (Red Candy) Focus SEL, manufactured in May 2011. Long story short, we soon experienced clutch slipping when taking off from standstill, and going up the slopes in parking garages was downright embarrassing with the loss of power and shuddering, and at times almost felt like the car was going to stall.

We took it in to Golf Mill Ford here in Chicago (am I allowed to mention dealer names?), who proceeded to tell my gf (who drives the car for her work) that it's normal. Four. Different. Times. The last time back in February, I even called them up to talk to the head tech, and liaised with FordCustomerCare here in the forums - we were given conflicting info on whether or not the mechanics had taken a look at the bell housing or the clutch. At the advice on area CS rep, we took it to Arlington Heights Ford, who immediately asked a mechanic to raise the car. He took one look at the bell housing, and beckoned me over. The moment of truth: https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resi...Drkt6dOMhlVsLM

Finally, we had the clutch pack replaced, and they told my gf that the clutches were pretty badly contaminated, and that "there's no reason why the previous dealer wouldn't have caught this". The car now drives like new, feels really responsive, and doesn't slip its way out of first gear.

Also, Golf Mill replaced our wiper blades with 22 and 19" blades, instead of 28" ones, because they had mistaken our car for a 2011 MY. In other words, try taking your cars to other dealers, and ask your area CS rep if they have one they could recommend in the area.

Great job getting it taken care of! There is no reason for these service departments to be so lazy...I mean its their freaking job

[snow12]

UPDATE:

Hello all! I know i've been away for a while but here is a quick update.

The transmission is working much better as I stated earlier. I have also noticed the mileage has went up dramatically. From 24 to 31! The car definitely has that "click" into gear now rather than the "slide" feeling it used to. So much better on that front.

Other things have started to happen though. The first and most annoying one is the MyFord Touch system skipping songs randomly, right in the middle of me jamming and shiz!!! Not cool That thing is always wonky so I guess I will just have to deal with that.

There is also this weird noise coming from the front when I go over bumps; which is apparently a common issue according to the thread on FF

I have some things planned for her now

OEM rear wing, FSWorks Exhaust, Intake and a tune if its ever available. Definitely some new wheels too!

[snow12]

Originally Posted by PratoN

Sounds like I need to find a better service department.

Come visit me and you can go to my dealer

It took like 6 trips for them to even realize there was a problem though. They did change my oil for free and apologized for not getting it fixed for me earlier. So the dealer themselves are not on my shit list now, Ford however well...

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by snow12

UPDATE:

Hello all! I know i've been away for a while but here is a quick update.

The transmission is working much better as I stated earlier. I have also noticed the mileage has went up dramatically. From 24 to 31! The car definitely has that "click" into gear now rather than the "slide" feeling it used to. So much better on that front...

There is also this weird noise coming from the front when I go over bumps...

Great news about your transmission, snow12! I recommend mentioning the noise to your dealer the next time you drop by; they can get it diagnosed and repaired for you.

Regarding MyFord Touch concerns, I suggest contacting my colleague, Jaclyn, who is on these forums under the name FordIVTTeam. She assists with all in-vehicle technology concerns.

Crystal