Mine does it at times as well, especially in stop and go freeway situations. I haven't had my dealer look at it yet, but I will. As far as the going away with miles, I have 9k miles on mine it's still there.

I don't know whether it's just a quirk of the automated manual transmission or if it's something that can be and should be solved. I often wonder about this issue and the other transmission issues, where some people report them and are bothered, others report them and say it's just normal and others say they don't see them at all. It would be interesting for someone who does experience them and someone who doesn't to take each other's car for short drive and see what they report.

 

Most of it is due to the tuning. In order to get the most MPG's the engine stays at the lowest possible RPM, especially during idle. Thats why you feel it shake due to the inbalance in the engine at low RPM, then the computer will correct itself and rev a little to balance it out. The other problem is with the tuning of the transmission. During stop and go driving, the tranny wants to hurry up and change to a higher gear when you're giving it gas, even when you don't nessasarilly want to change to a higher gear. Then it switchs back down, rather ungracefully, when you slow down or brake. More fine tuning is needed by ford. It needs a dedicated ECO mode in my opinion.

 

More fine tuning is needed by ford.

I completely agree. This would be my only complaint about the transmission.

I also believe that a lot of people are mistaking normal operating quirks of the powershift transmission as indications that something is wrong. It's not a torque convertor based automatic, it doesn't work like one, so it doesn't sound or act like one. This is perfectly normal.

 

Many have posted on this and the concensus is that a higher octane fuel is a possible remedy. Try using 89 octane. Mine shuddered really bad, tried 89 octane and it's run smooth ever since.

 

I do use 89 octane actually. Can you link me to where that discussion was taking place?

When did you get your car? And how many miles were on it when you took delivery?

If it was before July the shuddering will work itself out as you put more miles on the car.

The trans plant (in Brazil) used the wrong break-in compound which is the major source of why the trans seems so quirky.

The reason I asked how many miles were on the car when you took delivery, was that the solution was to have employees drive the car for about 50 miles around the test track to wear the clutches in a little. The 50 mile thing was because Ford can't sell a car as new if it has over 100 miles on it.

Oh, and the wrong break-in compound does not negatively affect the lifecycle of the dual-clutch design. The compound was just a little to "sticky" for that type of design.

I took delivery August 18 and it had 4 miles on it... so mine was probably post-issue on this

I think people are talking about 2 things here.

#1 is the shutter/shake when you take the foot off the brake from a stop and before you press the accelerator. Also slowing down, right before you stop it shutters. This is the point the clutches engage/disengage as the trans goes into neutral at a stop.

#2 is general shift quality of the transmission, more noticable in 1st or 2nd gear, the transmission is jerky or sensitive to dramatic changes in accelerator pedal application, which is inherent in a manual transmission, and is inherent here with an automated manual.

I think that I, like most people are experiencing #1 which Ford says will get better as the car is broken in (clutches wearing in). Some of us have not experienced better operation after 5,000 miles or more, which in my opinion is not normal.

on #2, learning how to drive the car differently (like a manual trans), and giving the "adaptive transmission" strategy time to learn your habits (that Natasha is posting) may alleviate the #2 issue.

My car has always shifted well, but has had the shutter problem at startup.

Thank you... I understand that this isn't a conventional automatic and it will feel different. I have noticed a number of differences in this car's transmission, and that's not what I'm complaining about. I am talking about what you listed as #1. I guess I would say it's a little better than it was on Day 1, but it really shows up in stop-and-go traffic.

If anyone is interested, there is a new TSB (published 9/13/11) that specifically addresses this concern.

I am interested in hearing what this is about... this thread was mostly trying to find out if there was something Ford specifically identified as the problem, and if it made a difference.

 

When did you get your car? And how many miles were on it when you took delivery?

If it was before July the shuddering will work itself out as you put more miles on the car.

The trans plant (in Brazil) used the wrong break-in compound which is the major source of why the trans seems so quirky.

The reason I asked how many miles were on the car when you took delivery, was that the solution was to have employees drive the car for about 50 miles around the test track to wear the clutches in a little. The 50 mile thing was because Ford can't sell a car as new if it has over 100 miles on it.

Oh, and the wrong break-in compound does not negatively affect the lifecycle of the dual-clutch design. The compound was just a little to "sticky" for that type of design.

 

What if it was after July? Have about 950 miles and it still does it.

Also not that I don't believe you but is there any written data to confirm your statement about a break-in compound?

Montana

 

I personally think this is the actual design of the car and normal operation.

But having said that, I noticed it in my car for the first 3 weeks.... I'm at 1300 mi now and I don't even notice it at all.

Either I am used to it that I don't notice it when I drive and it actually still exists... or it is completely gone from my car.

 

Mine has done it since day one... Now at 1800 miles and using higher octane gas it's noticeably better but still there... Before using higher octane fuel it was really bad when I'd have multiple passengers in the car with me... I haven't had three people in the car lately so I'll report back... I must admit it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one with this issue.

Sarg


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=29.760340,-95.362533

 

Mine had some shudder when new but at almost 3000 miles its basicially gone.

 

I think people are talking about 2 things here.

#1 is the shutter/shake when you take the foot off the brake from a stop and before you press the accelerator. Also slowing down, right before you stop it shutters. This is the point the clutches engage/disengage as the trans goes into neutral at a stop.

#2 is general shift quality of the transmission, more noticable in 1st or 2nd gear, the transmission is jerky or sensitive to dramatic changes in accelerator pedal application, which is inherent in a manual transmission, and is inherent here with an automated manual.

I think that I, like most people are experiencing #1 which Ford says will get better as the car is broken in (clutches wearing in). Some of us have not experienced better operation after 5,000 miles or more, which in my opinion is not normal.

on #2, learning how to drive the car differently (like a manual trans), and giving the "adaptive transmission" strategy time to learn your habits (that Natasha is posting) may alleviate the #2 issue.

My car has always shifted well, but has had the shutter problem at startup.

 

...and giving the "adaptive transmission" strategy time to learn your habits.

The Adaptive Learning function of the TCM (Transmission Control Module) doesn't learn anything about the driver, rather it learns about the transmission (specifically the sensors, shift drum, and clutches).

 

My issue is like csvt2060 posted in #1 but happens when you do step on the throttle from a stop, It is worse when there is a grade involved. After the trans shifts from 1st to 2nd I won't feel the shudder until I come to a stop and start back off again. Sitting in stop and go traffic it gets a little tiring to feel that shudder.

I have heard rumor of Ford having a reprogram available but I haven't heard of anyone that actually had it done. Don't know if it would help the shudder issue anyway as the shifting is fine just the engagement sucks.

Montana

 

If some people are so annoyed, they can always get a 4 speed automatic Corolla. [ie Americans want cushy-ness in cars]

 

Hey you must be a proud Ford employee.

Montana

 

I have over 5000 miles now and the only time it shudders is when I am stopping (sometimes) or when starting slow when cold (like when in the early morning). Other than that, it is very smooth! [8D]

 

If anyone is interested, there is a new TSB (published 9/13/11) that specifically addresses this concern.

 

Awesome! I have been waiting for Ford to acknowledge and address this issue. Where can I find this TSB!? Or can you write what it says here?

 

I don't believe the shuddering is normal or a characteristic of the dual clutch design. I have 3500 miles on my car and it has been silky smooth from day one. I have never felt any sort of shudder or shake.

The car idles smoothly and quietly at 600-700 rpm (which is quite typical) at a stop.

If I take my foot off the break on level road the car will start to creep forward like any auto. Step on the gas and the car will pull away smoothly and with little fuss. The only thing that I have noticed is if you pull away with lite throttle then jump on it there can be a fraction of a second hesitation. I believe under light throttle the tranny has already shifted into second and when you jump on it the hesitation is the tranny downshifting back to first.

If you have issues with shuddering I would keep after the dealer because it is not right or normal.

 

Posts like this are why I persist. If people have cars where there is no trace of this problem.... something is wrong.

 

I've resorted to putting the car in "L" gear for stop and go traffic. It helps with the shudder a little bit but I don't think I should have to do this.

I have over 5k on the car now and I would say it has gotten slightly better

Posted via FF Mobile

 

Mines been doing this, but only if I am going slow speed and then take my foot off the gas pedal, it shutters. If I keep it on there and keep going, even slowly, it does not shudder.

Its like I am confusing the car and it shudders because of it. Gonna wait until after 1500 miles to see if the issue goes away.

 

Hey Kabigon, thanks so much for the info:
is it possible for you to post the actual TSB or TSB location or give more detail like the TSB number? my car is at the dealer now and it may help to give them the specific tsb # or complete tsb. thanks again!

 

It is TSB 11-9-5.

 

Hmmm I find it interesting there is a built on or before date for the TSB, What did they change after 08/12 that is different.

Anyway I was on 08/11 so going to give them a call tomorrow and see if I can go by and have them reflash and teach it something.

Montana

 

My dealership told me today that Ford has withdrawn TSB 11-9-5 (presumedly because it didn't actually fix the issue). Can anyone else confirm this? Did anyone actually have the fixes in the TSB applied?

Wes

 

Yes, I can confirm that TSB 11-9-5 has been withdrawn, as I had an appointment last week to have it done and when I dropped off the car in the morning at the dealership, the service manager told me that when they opened up that morning, the TSB was no longer there! Brilliant....another wasted trip to the dealership for nothing. I'm going to start billing FORD for my time, pain and suffering, mental anguish.[?|]

 

Has anyone had the issue fixed yet? With or without the TSB (which apparently has been withdrawn).
My transmission shudders quite a bit, and it has 4.9k miles on it, with no sign of getting better.
I want to take the car to Ford but don't want to waste a trip if they're just going to tell me "tough luck".

 

I see why they pulled the transmission reflash TSB a few weeks ago.....

22051 (AWARENESS) CALIBRATION UPDATE - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE DRIVABILITY IMPROVEMENTS - BUILT ON ON BEFORE 8/12/2011
SOME 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE 8/12/2011 MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE DRIVABILITY CONCERNS. THE VEHICLE MAY ALSO EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) U0422, P00D2, P068A, P0850, P2610, P2832, P286F OR P2877. ATTEMPTING TO REFLASH THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH IDS RELEASE 74.05 OR 75.01 WILL RESULT IN A NO CRANK/NO START CONDITION AND SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED AT THIS TIME. CONTINUE TO MONITOR OASIS FOR UPDATES.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/16/2011

 

Wow... Not sure what else I can say. Now I am glad my dealer was not able to find it in their system.

 

I agree! Good thing I waited 3 days when it was removed from the system...

 

Mine does it too

Mine does both #1 and #2 (LOL..) Built 8/11. Number 1 is most noticeable in stop and go traffic which is 60% of my work commute (35miles total one way). It's almost as if you could drive it 2 foot and give it a little gas before taking your foot off the brake (I might try it once?). It's definately clutch engagement shudder, you can feel it.

Number 2 I think I am overcompensating for because I get a little hesitation, and instantly give more throttle, which makes it worse. I'm trying to retrain my foot, but it's just wierd. Also I can't get my mpg meter to go over 23.1 with 93, 89, or 87, and I really feel like I'm being a baby foot on the throttle.

I've got less than 500 miles on it, and I know it's new tech so I'm trying to just drive it, enjoy the new car and see what happens. Maybe by the time it's ready for it's free oil change, Ford will have a reflash ready. It's just a firmware glitch I'm hoping but too early to say, and I have some faith in the product!

 

While driving my Focus today, I realized that the shudder is beginning to fade away! I have 5.1K miles on mine. It's only really noticeable when BARELY crawling. Have faith (as stated by FLSVT04) and vary the kind of driving as much as possible.

 

As I'm sure you know, new TSB 11-10-2 is out... Last time I went to the dealer for harsh downshifting, he said there was nothing he could do at the time. Do you think they'd be proactive and tell me - or wait until I bring my car in?

TSB 11-10-2
Publication Date: October 2, 2011

Some 2012 Focus vehicles built on or before 8/12/2011 may exhibit the following engine drivability and/or automatic transmission concerns; RPM flare on deceleration coming to a stop, rough idle on deceleration coming to a stop, intermittent engine idle fluctuations at a stop, intermittent vehicle speed control inoperative, intermittent harsh engagement/shift, engine no-start with engine coolant temperature (ECT) open circuit faults and intermittent no-crank/no-start condition after performing normal Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test (PPT) diagnostic procedures. The vehicle may also exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) U0422, P00D2, P068A, P0850, P2610, P2832, P286F or P2877. The vehicle may also exhibit intermittent false initialization to 21 °C (70 °F) on the instrument cluster's ambient temperature display upon engine start up.


The fix is a simple reprogramming of the PCM and TCM.

I've always had harsh downshifting, but yesterday was the first time I heard something similar to grinding gears when accelerating up an incline while being hesitant with the accelerator... is it time to visit the dealer?

EDIT: Just emailed the dealer, but didn't mention my knowledge of the TSB just to see what they say. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

EDIT: Just emailed the dealer, but didn't mention my knowledge of the TSB just to see what they say. I'll keep you guys updated.

Please do! Thanks

 

My dealer never got back to me, so I contacted Ford via their website. Unfortunately, the customer service rep that I emailed contacted my dealer - who in turn told her "That's how these transmissions work."

Well, if that's how they work, why is there a TSB out for cars built on or before 8/12/2011?

Note, this is the same dealer who didn't (and couldn't) calibrate my touch screen. I showed the technician how to do it for future reference. I'll be taking the car to my old dealer near my parents' house to hear what they have to say.

 

Keep us posted!