clutch chatter

[lifespeed]

I just started getting some light clutch chatter in 1st gear while accelerating from a stop. The car is a 2012 Titanium and has only 9K miles on it. I am very concerned. Clutch chatter is typically a wear and/or mechanical problem.

I don't know if I have the "updated" clutch programming in this car. I got it used with 2K miles on it from an Acura dealer, so probably not. I have actually been quite happy with the clutch/transmission behavior up until now. Based on reviews from others with the transmission updates, it wasn't clear to me it was an improvement.

I'm going to make an appointment with the Ford dealer.

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[dan50]

Originally Posted by lifespeed

I just started getting some light clutch chatter in 1st gear while accelerating from a stop. The car is a 2012 Titanium and has only 9K miles on it. I am very concerned. Clutch chatter is typically a wear and/or mechanical problem.

I don't know if I have the "updated" clutch programming in this car. I got it used with 2K miles on it from an Acura dealer, so probably not. I have actually been quite happy with the clutch/transmission behavior up until now. Based on reviews from others with the transmission updates, it wasn't clear to me it was an improvement.

I'm going to make an appointment with the Ford dealer.

The major DCT transmission reprogramming up to now is in Ford's FSA 12b37. While some have reported this caused problems, it eliminated the cluch chatter my car had, so I wouldn't dismiss its value.

If you'd like to be prepared for your service visit, go to etis.ford.com and enter your VIN in the "vehicle" section. It will then show you all kinds of interesting stuff about your car, including any outstanding FSAs (like 12b37).

[lifespeed]

The trans update is not shown as outstanding for my car. Perhaps it already has it.

Reading further on this forum, I see that trans fluid leaks (I assume at the input shafts) are common, can wet the clutches, and would probably cause the symptoms I am seeing.

Given the sudden and dramatic onset of problems in what used to be a perfectly-working DCT I remain very concerned. I will accept no nonsense from Ford on this issue. It is major.

[bigdesignmachine]

My 2013 ST has a small noise that the clutch makes when shifting from 1 - 2 and 2 - 3 Once the car wamrs up it stops making this noise. Other ST owners have said they hear it also in their cars.

[lifespeed]

Originally Posted by bigdesignmachine

My 2013 ST has a small noise that the clutch makes when shifting from 1 - 2 and 2 - 3 Once the car wamrs up it stops making this noise. Other ST owners have said they hear it also in their cars.

I am pretty sure we're not talking about the same problem. In my case, it is very clear the clutch is chattering at takeoff.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by lifespeed

The trans update is not shown as outstanding for my car. Perhaps it already has it.

Reading further on this forum, I see that trans fluid leaks (I assume at the input shafts) are common, can wet the clutches, and would probably cause the symptoms I am seeing.

Given the sudden and dramatic onset of problems in what used to be a perfectly-working DCT I remain very concerned. I will accept no nonsense from Ford on this issue. It is major.

I experienced this for the first couple of months of ownership.
Since then, the clutch engagement is consistently smooth.

Try accelerating a few times from standing start with your foot to the floor.
This often helps.

[lifespeed]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

I experienced this for the first couple of months of ownership.
Since then, the clutch engagement is consistently smooth.

Try accelerating a few times from standing start with your foot to the floor.
This often helps.

The car is one year old and has 9K miles. While your suggestions may have some validity in reference to a brand-new clutch that needs to be broken in, and a computer that needs to learn the parameters of said new clutch, I don't think this describes my situation either.

Just to reiterate; my trans and clutch has worked perfectly for 9K miles, until yesterday when it started chattering.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by lifespeed

The car is one year old and has 9K miles. While your suggestions may have some validity in reference to a brand-new clutch that needs to be broken in, and a computer that needs to learn the parameters of said new clutch, I don't think this describes my situation either.

Just to reiterate; my trans and clutch has worked perfectly for 9K miles, until yesterday when it started chattering.

I read your original post and understood it perfectly.

I made a suggestion based on a number of factors. Of course you can feel free to ignore it and any other suggestions or advice that you receive in this forum.

[lifespeed]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

I read your original post and understood it perfectly.

I made a suggestion based on a number of factors. Of course you can feel free to ignore it and any other suggestions or advice that you receive in this forum.

I am not ignoring suggestions. I am trying to differentiate from the wide spectrum of transmission complaints that seem to run the gamut from "This automated manual isn't as slushbox smooth as my 1969 Cadillac luxo-barge and sometimes makes a slight click when it changes gears" to "the trans didn't engage and allowed my engine to rev to 6,000. I had to get towed home".

Your comment seems to fall in the category of a slight quirk of this kind of trans, as it is new and breaking in. Which I agree with, don't mind, and doesn't describe my problem.

[dan50]

Have you taken a look under the car for leaks? Oil oozing at the engine/tranmission junction is a really good indication of the kind of leak that causes clutches to go wonky. Of course one can still have a leaky seal without anything showing on the outside, but drips should make it an easy call for your dealer.