7 questions from our users
Andrew K.asked
I have just purchased a2018 Focus sport with only 3200kms on the clock 2 days ago. Today i took it for about 1 hours drive today and every time I applied the brakes from about 70kms per hour i could hear a noise coming from either the tyres and or the brakes .Its a hard noise to explain, i suppose it sounds like the brakes are grating with no vibration felt .The noise can even be heard over the sound system. Can someone enlighten me of the problem if possible.
2 answers
Hi Sorry have not ever had this problem. I run my tyres on 32, don't know if that makes a difference. But it begs the question how did you get a 2018 model with only 3200kms? I run my car mostly on 70/80/100 km speed limit roads and have never experienced this in 2 yrs.
Hi Andrew. I understand your situation, as I Once bought a second hand lemon Tarago ( usually reliable) for our growing family. Anyway, my Focus sedan (not a sport hatch like yours) hasn’t displayed your problem over the city or country (up to 110km/h) roads. If you’ve taken it off sealed roads you might have grit in your brakes, but this should disappear. Perhaps extreme braking at high speeds could bind this grit to the discs or pads? If the 3,200 km was extreme driving, the discs and/or brake pads could be worn already. Did you thoroughly check the history of this car before purchase? Could it have been rebuilt from wrecks at a chop shop? Has it had a front end crash, either front on or side on? Have suspension and brake components been built up using incorrect parts? Get your car checked by your RAC in your state (the usual pre-purchase test) if you didn’t do it pre-purchase, as it’s worth the money. Find a reliable front end specialist - it costs nothing for an inspection. A good Ford dealer like my local Etheridge Ford in Ringwood has mechanics that are experts (don’t be shy of a dealer, they know their cars) and could answer the above questions. I think this is actually the place to start, and could save you heaps of money. I hope you get this solved. I’m interested to hear the result.
Glenn H.asked
Is there any issue with the Lz 2015 manual gearbox? Has there been any recalls over this gearbox?
2 answers
Sorry Glenn, I don't know, my Focus is an auto, it's great, quick and responsive.
I have a 2017 focus sport auto LZ
It's a standard torque converter gearbox. No issues what so ever. Previous models with the PowerShift transmission were a problem.
45000klms on the clock. No squeaks or rattles. It's just the same as I drove it off the lot.
Cheers
Brian C.asked
Using a battery charger to trickle charge a battery. Do I connect the negative clamp to the negative battery terminal or to the ground connection point on the vehicle?
The battery charger instructions say the negative terminal.
No answers
David Sasked
We have an lz titanium which was changed over due to our faulty lw with duel clutch problems. Our lz is using 10.6 LT per 100 llama. Andy suggestions why we are using so much fuel?
1 answer
Which octane are you using? While the lz will run on 91 octane, 95 or 98 might help. Worth a try. PK.
bearcat91asked
Are paddle shifters an option for automatic trans? If so, how much? And does anyone out there have them fitted?
Tonyasked
have the Gear Box problems been solved with the new 2017 model of Ford Focus?
4 answers
The Gearbox issues from older versions have been sorted to some extent by not now having a dual clutch system. To be honest I still don't think it is a particularly smooth gearbox and do know of someone having issues with a new Focus Trend Auto. From my personal experience with Ford Australia I will never buy another Ford. My so called economical car not even a year old will still not deliver less than 10.5 L/100Km. It is without doubt the worst car I have ever owned and would not recommend any one else to buy one due to complete lack of support from Ford Australia
I will never buy a Ford again. I have left my 2013 Focus on the side of the road when it began grinding and not taking off
I will never buy a Ford again. I have left my 2013 Focus on the side of the road when it began grinding and not taking off
Linnyasked
For those who have had your ford focus LZ for a few months now, how is the handling? I'm thinking of trading in my ford focus trend 2013 auto DCT (due to continual transmission problems) for the new focus but i'm still very skeptical as i dont know much about cars. TIA
4 answers
Hi Lz
My ford focus is now 3 1/2 years old and is a diesel which apparently has a totally different gearbox than the troublesome one fitted in the petrol model. I could not be happier with its handling and to date the gearbox performs beautiful.
I understand your concern about Ford service and have read that it seems Ford is not addressing this problem and leaving the problem up to the dealers who can do nothing to help its customer if the gearbox has a design fault.
I often wonder what sort of treatment I would get if I had a similar component fault. Does Ford just ignore problems?
I probably would not take a second chance after being once bitten. The only way to get the message through to these companies is to take your business to a company that respects their customers
There is a class action being brought against ford for the transmission problems. I believe they have also had problems with wipers as well. I'm also of the opinion once bitten twice shy. I traded in for a Honda and i LOVE it. Ultimately its your call but tread carefully i say and research research research and ask some mechanics who dont work for Ford. Good luck
The LZ has a more conventional Torque Convertor Transmission not the Duel Clutch Power shift transmission and drivers a lot better with out the Shuddering.
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