Ford Focus LW Mk2 (2012-2015) Questions & Answers (page 2 of 2)

Check my review I've had one for 4 years

The Diesel has a different Transmission to the Petrol and doesn't suffer from the shuddering issues. The only thing is that transmission in the Diesel does need to be serviced every 60,000km which is an expensive service. The transmission in the petrol version doesn't need servicing.

Shuddering happens for a few reasons. On the earlier model Fiesta and Focus, the DPS6 had a design flaw with both input shaft seals. These seals would allow transmission fluid to leak out and soak the dry clutch's. Like an manual transmissions, this would cause slippage and clutch failure. This issue is also covered by Ford's extended warranty. In some cases, the point of leak turns out to be the rear main oil seal which leaks engine oil all over the clutch unit.

The other reason for shuddering is because of excessive clutch dust build up. This is the result of normal wear but can also be because of consumers driving the vehicle wrong. Yes, I blame you. Excessive clutch wear is caused by creep. Creep on a manual transmission is when you are, for example, sitting in a drive through or traffic and you allow the car to "creep" forward just by letting off the brake pedal without apply throttle. On the DPS6, once you release the brake pedal, the car will start to release the clutch after a second or two. Just like you would be letting your foot off the clutch pedal.

On an automatic transmission, creep is fine. But on a manual, the only way to keep the engine running is to purposely slip the clutch. Clutch slippage leads to clutch friction material wear, which leads to excessive clutch dust. Owners need to be aware that they need to drive this car as if it was a manual. It is really hard to explain, as many young drivers have never experienced a manual and older drivers have long forgot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa3CR-7-uoo
This video expalians what Ford have done to address the issue

This is the best car we have ever purchased, runs beautifully and is very good on fuel

If it has the powershift gearbox then yes there is. These problems are in the 2011-2014 models. The 2015-2016 models aren't that much better as they still have the shudder

Yes they have a major design fault in the transmission. Stay away from them or you will regret it. Ford will not help you. There is a class action in progress at present in many countries

The 2015-2016 LZ Focus are far better as they don't have the Powershift Transmission rather a conventional torque converting gearbox and in my experience having switched from the 2.0L Petrol LW Sport to an LZ Sport the drive is night and day. Its Smooth and the 1.5L Ecoboost is brilliant! For the LW Mk 2 the diesels have a different transmission with a wet clutch and are your safest bet. However, if you did purchase a Petrol and had issues with the dry clutch Transmission Ford have extended the warranty (limited to the transmission) by 5 years on top of the existing 3 year warranty covering you a 2012 car till 2020.

http://www.expertswrite.net/trans/dps6-common-problems.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa3CR-7-uoo
This video expalians what Ford have done to address the issue

Sh*t car, don't buy.

The (2011 - 2015) Ford Fiesta & Focus LW petrol models have a major design fault with their Powershift 'Dry Clutch' Transmissions. This fault has caused major headaches for Ford 'worldwide' with 3rd party engineers, mechanics, etc. wondering how this vehicle ever reached the showroom floor. Unfortunately, even if they (Ford) agree to swap out your faulty transmission for a new one ( which they are now obligated to do under warranty), which often meaning weeks, if not months - yes months, with an unroadworthy car, you will still get the same type of transmission with the same faults. My advice, stay far, far away !!

Can you read Craig.... What's right with them is more to the point...

For those very few peopke who comment to say they are a great car or they have no problems....

Wait for it.... It will happen... I said that and now i just have a car to look at now

Didnt have that trouble but then didnt have the car verh long. Sorry cant help. Try other forums for clues. Google the ptoblem and sed ehat comes up. Good luck

This is a guess as i am not a motor mechanic.
As the cooling system is pressurised it is more likely for water to contaminate the oil in the sump.
The sump is not pressurised so it seems impossible for un-pressured oil to enter into the coolant system if there is a fault (Cracked head)
My guess would be somehow oil has been added to the coolant system either by mistake or deliberately?
Naturally oil being less dense than water would be on top of the reservoir reserve and would spurt out when released. This also indicates the water reserve has been overfilled by the addition of oil

That seems like there's likely a damaged gasket somewhere. I would recommend to take the car to a Ford Australia workshop or perhaps a reasonable mechanical repairs and servicing workshop may be able to help.
I also found ultratune experts at diagnosis and repairs of faults.

Or it could more of a serious problem - like the other answer declared - it could be a cracked head - if so then I would then recommend buying another engine or walking away from the car and buy a better condition car such as a German manufactured car such a audi or perhaps if you're more interested in a smaller car - a, Volkswagen golf, might suit your needs.

Another reasonable smarll car is a, Nissan pulsar - the older triple s, models

No problem with st or manual or turbo diesel these cars are fantastic.

No problem with st or manual or turbo diesel automatics these cars are fantastic.

I own a lw mk11 2014 Titanium turbo diesel auto and a 2015 lw mk11 sport diesel auto both have the wet clutch system no problems.I hear the early model petrol models not good.
cheers
David

coz I did not find any review regarding 2014 ford focus trend lw mk2 body type 4D sedan.

Hi johnny, just contact your local ford service centre. The staff are now very well versed in which models have the power shift automatic transmission (i.e. the problematic ones) so they can advise you. I was at my local service centre last week and they told me they see upto 3 cars with the clutch issue every day, so they know what's what. Good luck.

all right and I will go to ford service centre and enquire about my concerns.

http://www.expertswrite.net/trans/dps6-common-problems.html

Shuddering happens for a few reasons. On the earlier model Fiesta and Focus, the DPS6 had a design flaw with both input shaft seals. These seals would allow transmission fluid to leak out and soak the dry clutch's. Like an manual transmissions, this would cause slippage and clutch failure. This issue is also covered by Ford's extended warranty. In some cases, the point of leak turns out to be the rear main oil seal which leaks engine oil all over the clutch unit.

The other reason for shuddering is because of excessive clutch dust build up. This is the result of normal wear but can also be because of consumers driving the vehicle wrong. Yes, I blame you. Excessive clutch wear is caused by creep. Creep on a manual transmission is when you are, for example, sitting in a drive through or traffic and you allow the car to "creep" forward just by letting off the brake pedal without apply throttle. On the DPS6, once you release the brake pedal, the car will start to release the clutch after a second or two. Just like you would be letting your foot off the clutch pedal.

On an automatic transmission, creep is fine. But on a manual, the only way to keep the engine running is to purposely slip the clutch. Clutch slippage leads to clutch friction material wear, which leads to excessive clutch dust. Owners need to be aware that they need to drive this car as if it was a manual. It is really hard to explain, as many young drivers have never experienced a manual and older drivers have long forgot.

thanks for your clarificatuon joe

There is nothing wrong with Focus as the quality is good and servicing is affordable. Take one for a test drive and make your on mind up you may like it.

I am on my second Focus (3 years each) and about to order a new one. My sister is recently into her third Focus over a 7 year period. They have all been very reliable with rare trips to the dealer for only minor fixes. I had more frequent and significant issues with BMW's in the past.

I have had a problem with my Ford Focus along with many others. i have had to take it for repairs to a poorly designed hybrid transmission causing shuddering when putting on the brakes. Ford will not replace them will just repeatedly repair the problem. Suggest you look at a FB page Fix Our Ford Focus and Fiestas!!

Do not buy a Ford Focus, you will regret it because it's full of problems and Ford will not help you. Advised by ACCC that I will never get my money back. The new one with the 1.5L turbo engine might be okay as it has gone back to the old transmission but the interior quality is not as good as the previous models

I have had my ford focus back to the dealers repeatedly over the las 3 years there is a manufacturers fault that they cannot fix read the long line if complaints

I'm sorry, I am over sixty and technically challenged, I cannot help you, a trip to the dealer might be in order, the young ones there will sort it out quickly for you.