[trombo]

Two things:

Has anyone else experienced a rough idle? I'm only at 2xx miles, but I can't believe how rough the idle has become. Way, way too much vibration being transmitted throughout the car. A few months ago some others commented on this, but I was curious to get some new feedback. Has it improved with rolling some miles and a little more break-in?

Secondly, has anyone with the manual trans noticed a slight transmission rattle at idle? With the trans in neutral and clutch out, there's no other way to describe it except for a metallic rattle noise. As soon as the clutch is pressed in the noise goes away. Clutch out, faint tingy rattle. Clutch in, nothing.

blah.

To end on a high note, when moving I really love how the car drives. [driving]

 

[CrazyDave]

I've owned Fords, Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Mazdas, a Chevy, a VW, a Mitsubishi, even a Mercedes.

All of them made noises some time. Usually they come and go. Sometimes
its related to temperature. Car is too hot, or not warmed up yet.

I've heard some strange noises in my new Focus too. But, they went away.
All of us are over sensitive when we get a new car. But relax, it's under warranty.
If the noise is serious enough, take it in and let Ford figure it out.

In the meantime, turn the stereo up a little, the noise will go away.

 

[silenthill]

I have a SEL w/ the automatic and my idle is rough sometimes, but I can't figure out any pattern. It can be rough at one red light, and fine at the next.

Just something to add to the list of things to have the dealer check out when it's time for the first oil change.

 

[sterg]

I've had a few rough idle experiences but then I get them in the Silverado. Tranny noise a few times too. I look at it as normal. Grinding second....I hate that noise[facepalm]

 

[Eurofordfan]

That rattle, in neutral, with the clutch pedal out, is called roll-over rattle. It will only happen when the transaxle fluid is hot; it is totally harmless. By comparison, you should hear how rattly a diesel tractor is, with the thirteen or eighteen speed Eaton transmission!

If, by comparison, it makes noise when the clutch pedal is pushed-in, then it may very well be the throwout bearing. That is a cause for concern, 'cause it's so much of a "beach" to get to!

Don't worry about roll-over rattle. And notably do not change transfluid to attempt to quiet it down; trans fluid viscosity is very carefully chosen by the designers, to ensure that lubrication of the needle roller bearings (in the case of the MTX75 transaxle) get lubricated properly! Also, the fluid properties figure big-time into the behavior of the synchronizers.

 

[kingburger]

I wouldn't worry about these mechanical noises.

My Miata has made a ticking sound occasionally on startup until the oil pressure comes up. This freaked me out at first, but 16 years later, it doesn't worry me.

 

[CrazyDave]

I took Focus in for the wiper recall, and asked them to trouble-shoot the transmission rattle issue. Mine rattles in neutral and the clutch out. Like always when stopped waiting for lights to change.

Service guy said he clearly heard the noise. Service tech said he didn't hear anything wrong. Ford had my car for over a week. No fix.

At least the issue is documented in case it turns out to be more serious later.

Still love my 2012 after 12K miles.

 

[skyfocus]

That rattle, in neutral, with the clutch pedal out, is called roll-over rattle. It will only happen when the transaxle fluid is hot; it is totally harmless. By comparison, you should hear how rattly a diesel tractor is, with the thirteen or eighteen speed Eaton transmission!

If, by comparison, it makes noise when the clutch pedal is pushed-in, then it may very well be the throwout bearing. That is a cause for concern, 'cause it's so much of a "beach" to get to!

Don't worry about roll-over rattle. And notably do not change transfluid to attempt to quiet it down; trans fluid viscosity is very carefully chosen by the designers, to ensure that lubrication of the needle roller bearings (in the case of the MTX75 transaxle) get lubricated properly! Also, the fluid properties figure big-time into the behavior of the synchronizers.

Noticed this tonight in my brand new (350 miles, less than a week old) Focus. Definitely goes away when the clutch is in. I had been driving it pretty hard so the fluid could have been quite hot. It's a very definite rhythmic rattle that only happens in neutral with the clutch out.

Does anybody else's 5 speed Focus do this?

 

[gostinger]

Yes so have I it is annoying. I spoke with a mechanic at my dealer casually and he confirmed all is good. I think too that these housings are so lightweight that makes it so noticeable.

Sent from my SGH-T989D using Tapatalk 4

 

[wavsine]

Two things:
Has anyone else experienced a rough idle? I'm only at 2xx miles, but I can't believe how rough the idle has become. Way, way too much vibration being transmitted throughout the car. A few months ago some others commented on this, but I was curious to get some new feedback. Has it improved with rolling some miles and a little more break-in?

What grade gasoline are you running? Try some 93 Octane such as Shell V-Power and tell me if the idle smooths out.

Secondly, has anyone with the manual trans noticed a slight transmission rattle at idle? With the trans in neutral and clutch out, there's no other way to describe it except for a metallic rattle noise. As soon as the clutch is pressed in the noise goes away. Clutch out, faint tingy rattle. Clutch in, nothing.

That is totally normal. That's the gear lash rattle (some are calling it roll over rattle) (NOT the throwout bearing-my Ford dealership tech must have lost it) and it makes a rattling noise when the clutch pedal is not depressed. While we are on the subject, here's a tip. You should only depress the clutch pedal long enough to engage a gear and take off. You should never sit at lights with the clutch depressed. This is especially important when you start your car. Because of the interlock, you must depress the clutch pedal to start the car but you should start the car in neutral and immediately release the clutch pedal until you are ready to drive off. Holding the clutch pedal down on a cold engine increases wear to the thrust bearing.

Edited to correct source of noise.

To end on a high note, when moving I really love how the car drives. [driving]

The 5 speed Focus drives and shifts very smoothly. You will absolutely love it.

 

[CunFFS13]

I haven't notice any of this issues... Just reached 1000km at the odometer

 

[cornettbr]

Ive definitely had the same issue. but dealership said it was nothing of course. only run shell vpower in it.

 

[Userdenied]

I have had the same experience in my MKIII (About to roll 7k miles) I have noticed that it tends to idle rough when the engine is warmer and the ambient temp is higher as well. From what I have read it is normal due to the way Ford has this engine setup for emissions and fuel economy, take that for what you will. I will also add that the snorkel delete and a K&N drop in seems to have helped the issue a lot with my car.

As for the transmission, both mine and my wife's MKI (same transmission) make that clunking sound when the clutch is out and not in gear. Again from what I've gathered here and around the internet this is also normal.

I know that isn't super helpful info, but I know sometimes it's nice to at least know you're not the only one with a given issue/noise

 

[TboneZX3]

The gear rollover noise is common to the MTX75 transmission at idle. My 2001 does it, and my 2012 does it also to a lesser degree. The dual-mass flywheel in the MK3 Focus helps improve it over the older models. As already stated, it is completely normal and of no concern. My 2001 has been doing it since the day I bought it new, and it still shifts perfectly 130,000 miles later.

I also had rough idle when my 2012 was new. It completely went away by 10,000 miles.

 

[focusstu]

Since the rough idle happens at warmer temps with a warm engine, you might want to check this thread: 5 Minute throttle response/DCT solution? The problem might have to do with warm air getting into your inlet.

 

[Kabigon]

That is totally normal. That's the throwout bearing and it makes a rattling noise when the clutch pedal is not depressed.

That's not correct.
Eurofordfan correctly identified the source of the noise.

 

[Kabigon]

I often experienced rough idle when the car was newer.
Now it does it very rarely if at all.

 

[FordService]

Hi everyone,

If you're concerned about something you're experiencing in your Focus, your best course of action is to have your dealership perform an inspection. I'm always happy to do what I can to help as well; send me your information in a PM and I'll research options. I'll need you to include the following in your message: name, daytime phone number, mileage, VIN, and preferred servicing dealership.

Crystal

 

[dldsm7]

with the 5 speed MT, I hear a slight rattle when I have the windows down coming from the passenger side. It is most notable when you drive past objects and the sound bounces back into the car. I haven't noticed it while stopped at lights, but probably because I am not usually at stoplights. I have a 2013 with ~600 miles.

I will be talking to the dealer next time I roll by.

 

[FordService]

...I will be talking to the dealer next time I roll by.

Good idea, dldsm7. Let us know what you hear; if you need any help from me, I'll be here.

Crystal