I definitely experienced the same rattle (Build date: May 24, 2011) before the newest transmission TSB.

I either don't have it anymore or I've stopped caring. I have 17,000 miles. I'll get back to you on this.

 

My noise sounds more like a chirping as the clutch discs touch a spinning flywheel.
I notice most in places like a drive though as you creep ahead. As soon as my foot leaves the brake it's chirp chirp chirp.Leaving a dead stop is the only time I have the noise...other than that, my tranny shifts smoothly..no grinding or sounds of meshing gears etc and no other noises.Its just annoying the hear it at idle speeds. 5 months old and almost 3000 miles now

 

I've noticed a high-frequency rattle only when passing near barricades, high curbs etc. which bounce the under-car noise up into the cabin. Even then it's very hard to hear, just a faint background noise.

 

Hello,

Thank you all 3 for your replies.

kam37 - It is definatly not this type of noise - I can re-create it using the sport mode during the 1,500 to 2,000 rpm range although it is harder / fainter as it is in Drive mode. However the noise is at low rpm / speed only, never over 30 miles per hour or so

PrantoN, Vernl - Your rattles start after the trans. get hot? is that correct ? It does not do them when the trans. is cold?

If it is normal then it is ok.

Did the new / latest TSB (TSB 12-1-4) fix or diminish this noise? Did anybody ever gave you a better explanation to why it is happening ?It may as mentioned : a clutch noise as at that low RPM the trans. may be preparing to switch gear either up or down so gears are getting ready to be engaged (I may be wrong).

Thank you.

 

I've got current DCT programming and I can not hear any gear change noise unless the climate control fan is OFF and background noise is quiet. Then you can sometimes hear a slight meshing of gears during gear change. I would call that normal and all manual transmissions make a little noise during gear selection but it should be very quiet. My other car has a heavy duty 6spd manual and it makes more noise during gear change and it's normal for that transmission. I would suggest you bring it up with your Ford dealer and get the latest programming just to be on the safe side.

 

I am going to chime in and give you my input and contribute to this wonderful, dynamic, and informative thread. [neener]

I have the 12-1-4 transmission programming update TSB and I love the responsiveness of the transmission (especially in "S" mode). It made my car seem peppy and is quite fast for a 160 HP car. My cars build date is 5/16 (or 17)

However, I have mostly grinding noise during my 1-2 upshift and occassionally the 2-3 upshift. I think I am going to wait to see if that goes away. I have 8,500 miles on the car right now.

What I have noticed is that if I anticipate an upshift from 1-2, I will gradually release pressure on the "go" pedal and that quiets the transmission noticeably. There are times when I hear nothing at all using that method.

I think I may drive in "S" mode more in the city!

 

Parallel subject- See this thread:

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280373

 

One quick note: this in NOT a parallel thread.

There may have been instances on other posts where this type of transmission grinds. The grinding and the rattle are two very different things.

There is a video on you-tube of a Fiesta where the grinding can be seen – I think there is a link of it on this forum.

Thank you everybody for all your responses.

 

I posted my above post on the thread vegachigago provided.

 

Update: After the newest Transmission TSB (12-1-4A) and 17,000 miles, I can no longer reproduce the chirping noises while creeping nor the clutch rattling. Good luck my friend!

 

Hello PratoN,

Thank you, I will look in to getting the update then.

 

Mine probably rattles too, but my Sirius is too loud for me to notice. [headbang]

 

At low rpm when its finding gears it rattles. Everyone of the 6 speeds ive been in did the same thing.

Higher rpm it switches gears so much quicker there is little to no noise.

Think of the rattle you hear as like Clutch chatter. Any car with UDP and Light Weight flywheels chatter at idle so im very much used to it.

 

Hello FocusBoy58, thank you for your response,

I have one question: is there a specific reason why is does it after the car is at operating temeperature ? For the first 10 miles or so the transmission is perfectly quiet. only after the transmission (not the engine) gets at operating temperature I hear it.

Thank you.

 

Those of you who have had the TSB, how many miles have you driven since getting it flashed? The total number of miles doesn't matter, the TSB resets your trans and you have a whole new break in time. Personally, I have only had minimal problems when starting from a dead start and to me it is just acting like a MT, which is what the DCT is supposed to do. When I get my first maintenance I might get the TSB, but I'll haven't dealer check to see what I have. Hope everyone's problems work themselves out, this really is a great car and I am having a blast driving mine!


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?nh04q4
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

@Gizmobiaritz The Grinding sound that is being referred to in the other thread is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54_3_qF2xhQ Is this the noise you are hearing? Or a different noise. I've come across FordCustomerService on this forum, and they have been kind enough to start really looking into this widespread issue. If this is not the noise you are referring to, then sorry for interrupting.

 

Hello InfinityCubed thank you for the link,

No that is not the rattle (I think what the video shows is more of a grind, severe grind). The rattle / grind in that Video is very different.

The rattle / grind in the video happens exactly at the gear engaging point and is also very loud.

My rattle happens shortly after the gear engages and the rpm goes down in to the 1,500 range or lower, it is also a lot quieter.

What FocusBoy58 suggested makes sense to me:

At low rpm when its finding gears it rattles. Everyone of the 6 speeds ive been in did the same thing.
Higher rpm it switches gears so much quicker there is little to no noise.
Think of the rattle you hear as like Clutch chatter. Any car with UDP and Light Weight flywheels chatter at idle so im very much used to it.

The only question I have for FocusBoy58 is - is there a specific reason why is does it after the car is at operating temeperature ? For the first 10 miles or so the transmission is perfectly quiet.

Thank you everybody for your help.

 

...I have had a small rattle like the one described by Ford since the car was new, it never intensified and it never went away. It starts after the transmission gets to operating temperature, it does NOT do it while it is cold at all...

My noise sounds more like a chirping as the clutch discs touch a spinning flywheel.I notice most in places like a drive though as you creep ahead. As soon as my foot leaves the brake it's chirp chirp chirp.Leaving a dead stop is the only time I have the noise...

Morning Gizmobiaritz & Vernl,

[welcome] to the forum! It's a pleasure to meet you both.

Have you contacted Ford of Canada Customer Relationship Center to have this concern addressed? If not, give the call at 1.800.565.3673 for assistance.

I've noticed a high-frequency rattle only when passing near barricades, high curbs etc. which bounce the under-car noise up into the cabin. Even then it's very hard to hear, just a faint background noise.

Hey kam327,

I believe I've extended a helping hand to have several concerns addressed by the Customer Service Manager. This may be an area the CSM and the dealer can attempt to resolve. Let me know what direction you desire me to take.

I've got current DCT programming and I can not hear any gear change noise unless the climate control fan is OFF and background noise is quiet...I would suggest you bring it up with your Ford dealer and get the latest programming just to be on the safe side.

Hi foh-kuhs,

Great recommendation!

It never hurts to visit the local Ford dealer. Maintaining a balance of not overreacting over every sound and making sure the "little" things are addressed can become a bit challenging. Even if the Focus is in working order, it's always best to have a dealer check and document the concern.

...I have the 12-1-4 transmission programming update TSB and I love the responsiveness of the transmission (especially in "S" mode). It made my car seem peppy and is quite fast for a 160 HP car. My cars build date is 5/16 (or 17)...I think I may drive in "S" mode more in the city!

Hello again danyall2010,

It's been a while since we have spoken! I hope all is well with you.

I'm glad to learn the Focus is running smoother for you. After a transmission has been re-flashed, it needs some time to "learn” driving habits again. So yeah, it's best to give it some time. In the meantime, let me know if I can be of further assistance.

BTW- Careful with that S mode; it can get you into ticket trouble! lol

Parallel subject- See this thread:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280373

Hi vegachicago,

Thanks for guiding our fellow posters to other threads. It never hurts to become more informative; and this forum, has plenty of info to help new Focus owners. Thanks!

Update: After the newest Transmission TSB (12-1-4A) and 17,000 miles, I can no longer reproduce the chirping noises while creeping nor the clutch rattling. Good luck my friend!

PratoN,

AWESOME TO KNOW!

Enjoy the Focus and let me know if I can be of assistance in the future. Hopefully not! []

Mine probably rattles too, but my Sirius is too loud for me to notice. [headbang]

Hello thelongone13,

Hmmmm...okay! []

Careful there, don't wanna blow your eardrums. You may need them for specific sounds, like...oh I don't know, the police sirens behind ya! lol

... When I get my first maintenance I might get the TSB, but I'll haven't dealer check to see what I have. Hope everyone's problems work themselves out, this really is a great car and I am having a blast driving mine!...

ladytonya,

It is an absolute pleasure having you on this forum! I'm looking forward to may great posts from you.

Asking the dealer about certain programs is always a great idea; just realize, it's best for the vehicle to show specific symptoms stipulated. As the saying goes, "Don't fix it, if it ain't broken." #justsayin

Take care love!

... I've come across FordCustomerService on this forum, and they have been kind enough to start really looking into this widespread issue. If this is not the noise you are referring to, then sorry for interrupting.

Hey InfinityCubed,

Thank you kindly for your kind word! []

It's a pleasure to help Focus owners with their concern and respond to their accolades.

Take care everyone and if I can assist further, let me know.

Noemi

 

Noemi,

I am doing very good! Thank you for following up with me. I will be careful (especially since I did not know a 160HP sedan can be very powerful) and practice restraint!

I will definitely give the transmission a chance and let it run it's course. I had my first oil change at 7,500 miles and will not have another one until my car reaches 15,000 miles and I will monitor it and see how it goes.

Thank you again!

 

Noemi,
I am doing very good! Thank you for following up with me...
Thank you again!

Hey denyall2010,

You're most welcome! [] Just want to make sure things are going well for you and your family member.

Noemi,
Yes, thanks I've seen your helping hands. As I think I indiciated in my last PM, so far the issues just seem to be the quirks inherent to the car that some others have experienced as well...Unless the passenger door rattle drives me insane first...

kam327,

No problem. [] The offer is available; just give me a shout out.

As to the rattle, yeah, that would drive me insane as well. Now, I'm not a tech, but I remember reading someone’s similar experience on another social media medium. When passenger door was pulled apart, the service rep found a socket wrench. That was a #shutthefrontdoor moment!

Major compassion for the passenger and a smh, oy vey!

So, if the rattle continues to annoy, you know the drill - VIN, current mileage, as well as your personal and dealer contact info.

Take care!

Noemi

 

Noemi,

Yes, thanks I've seen your helping hands. As I think I indiciated in my last PM, so far the issues just seem to be the quirks inherent to the car that some others have experienced as well. I'll wait until something is seriously wrong before making a trip to the dealer. Unless the passenger door rattle drives me insane first.....

Thanks.

 

My passenger-side door (rear door?) seems to be making a rattle as well. Not loud, and I'm playing music, but you're not alone. For me, it's not worth going in for, though. All cars have break-in periods where manufactured parts start to settle...

Hello FocusBoy58, thank you for your response,

I have one question: is there a specific reason why is does it after the car is at operating temeperature ? For the first 10 miles or so the transmission is perfectly quiet. only after the transmission (not the engine) gets at operating temperature I hear it.

Thank you.

I get the same thing, too!

Ditto - the transmission problem does seem to be worse after the engine has warmed up (~10+ miles, oddly). Whatever this issue is, it is definitely repeatable. If mentioning the warming up period can help to deduce the solution, of course...

 

Ditto. Same sounds here just sent PM.

 

Hello Noemi,

I have replied to your PM.

Thank you for your help.

 

Hello Noemi,
I have replied to your PM.
Thank you for your help.

Gizmobiaritz,

You're welcome. [] I'll work on your PM as soon as I can.

Thanks,

Noemi

 

Just as an update to my situation, I took it in after consulting with FordCustomerService and the local Ford Customer Service manager for my area, and I took it back in. They called me the next day and said it was ready and just needed the newest TSB. I came and picked it up, and voila! The problem was gone.... until about 250 miles later, when it came back and has still been doing poor upshifts to 2nd, 4th, and 6th gear. When my Service Adviser at my dealership called me yesterday to check up on the issue, I told her it has begun again the same as before. In short, I'll be taking it back in Monday, same issue, 5th time now. My Service Advisor suggested I ride with the Service Manager so he can hear the noise, and I informed her that he rode with me the second time I brought it in, and I have no problem with him riding with me again so he can hear the same noise he heard before; the grinding between gears. So it looks like I'll be back in there Monday so they can poke it with sticks again.

I should mention that the newest TSB did make driving the car a little better. (takes off right when you let off the gas instead of 5 seconds later when you aren't applying the gas) Also now makes the SelectShift shift before redline from 2nd to 3rd for some reason...

I'll be copying this post into a couple of other threads on the issue so that others who aren't subbed to this thread will know that the newest TSB as of 4/14/12 DOES NOT fix this grinding issue, so I apologize if you're subbed to more than one of these threads and you see my post more than once.

 

Thanks for the post and info!

Pity about the grinding issue not being fixed, but that's been a random issue for me... they claim the noise is supposed to be normal and the mechanic wasn't concerned, and while I am worried, I'll leave it be until something dramatic happens. Any issues are too random, or seemingly random, to bring in to confirm. It has been getting somewhat better (less random to be sure), so to be sure my worry is minimal. Time will tell.

Given I didn't qualify for the previous TSB (my car was made in 12/2011 and may have had the 12-1-4 update applied before I bought it), I don't know if they will, or want to, apply this latest one. Granted, it would be nice when removing the foot from the accelerator and that few-second delay would cease... I've experienced it but I've kept my mind more on the gear 1->2 issue more than anything else, since that's the one issue I'm really worried about - I've not noticed any MPG issues (which, for winter blend fuel, are simply phenomenal (27~32) versus the 2009 Focus (24~27)...).

 

I have exactly this noise too. It's embarrassing, as it's really pronounced from outside the car when setting off at lights, etc. I've seen people turning round to find out what the hell the noise is. Really not good.

I've had 6 focus including the St170, gen 2 ST and the gen 1 RS and I've never had any problems like this. Shame as its a great car otherwise. Think this one will be traded in against the ST as soon as its available.

 

The ST probably will have a better or fixed design, but it would be nice if the current model could be fixed.

As with most people, if I had the money, I'd be tempted to upgrade as well... but even a 1-year difference between models is a bit much... not to mention the cost and depreciation on the car being traded in.

IMHO, holding out for a fix might be the better alternative...

 

unfocused1, in addition to that - I also have other theories:

1) I have an early Titanium model with the engine cover and I wonder if that is trapping heat that might be transfered to the transmission causing it to be hot

2) The underside engine cover. Just like the engine cover, I also wonder if it traps heats again transferring it to the transmission.

I have about 9,700 miles on the car and will wait until my 15,000 mile oil change to see what happens. By then, maybe Ford will build better parts for the transmission and if the mechanics can narrow down the problem, then the availability of those improved parts would be all the better.

 

No way i have a base model that came with no engine cover and it also came with the low speed shutter. I added the engine cove myself there was no change. its not the cover just a tranny that ford needs to refine.[strongman]

 

2012 Ford Focus

Well I just got back from the dealer where I had taken my NEW 2012 Focus that I have had for 3 weeks. It has a rattleling noise when it warms up and you accelerate. It does not do this when it is cold. The dealer said that the transmission is learning my driving habits and once it learns that, the rattle should go away. The technician said it usually takes about 1500 miles before that happens. But from posts I have seen from others online, the rattle is here to stay. Other than that rattle, I love the car.[headbang]