Hi all,
I've ran into some shuddering problems in the recent weeks, and after taking my Focus to one mechanic, they mentioned that it is either A.) the TCM or B.) Clutch assembly - which they did not want to touch. Another suggested that I look into any possible recalls or warranty. Ford dealership told me that while its not the TCM, it is instead the dual clutch assembly. They are saying it is close to $2200 in repairs and we just do not want to pay that. They also said that the fuel induction kit needs to be replaced and that is nearly $1400. Nah.
What sucks is the car is in "great condition" other than these two problems. It only has 105,500 miles on it, and it was originally a fleet car from my mother which we bought off of her works auction lot (switched cars). We are now aware that both have had warranty extensions or recalls issued, but we are out by just a year to take advantage. Great work, Ford.
What is the best route to take? In total - with other miscellaneous costs included - we would have to pay $4000 to the dealership. We won't do that, of course.
Could we just purchase a dual clutch kit that matches our particular make & model, take it to a mechanic or take care of it ourselves?
Lastly, we may just want to go with another car. I hear that Corolla, Camry, some Honda Civics and what not are great. KBB States that even in its current condition and mileage, it is worth $3000-4400. Not realistic, but other independent dealers tell us that because of this particular situation, no one will take more than $1000 for it - and that is generous.
Cheers,
There is no fix for it. The transmission is a bad design that Ford knew was bad when they sold it.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27438193/ford-powershift-transmission-problems/
Thanks for your response.
Read the Car & Driver article - that is originally how we read up on this problem. It sucks.
Is there anything we can do? A couple of articles and videos that I have viewed stated that even if you do get a reliable replacement, whether from Ford or elsewhere, there is no guarantee that it will properly shift correctly even after being re-calibrated.
Thanks again,
Unfortunately as far as I know there is nothing you can do except get rid of it. It's a fatally flawed design that Ford knowingly pushed on the public.
That is wild. Nice work, Ford lol.
Do you advise that I report a claim to NHTSA? Or is that only for incidents as a result of a particular issue?
It may just be a classic case of cutting our losses, even if we do not get as much out of the vehicle as we were hoping.
It's a well-known problem that's been around for years. The only possible claim would have been as a result of the class-action lawsuit but the date for that has expired. I wouldn't spend any money chasing a fix that doesn't exist. Cutting your losses is pretty much the only option.
the car is in "great condition"
Put it up for sale or let Carmax evaluate it and see what happens.
Do you advise that I report a claim to NHTSA?
The The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you with reporting safety problems.
Thanks MountainManJoe, InThrustWeTrust and Chuck.
Looks like we will just see what offers we can get on it to sell, and go with another vehicle.
Camry, Corolla, or Honda it is!
Cheers all.