Ford Focus and Fiesta

[1990RangerinSK]

If she really wants one get a manual and teach her how to drive a clutch. My daughter got a new 2014 Fiesta and the automatic transmissions are bad enough that there is a class action lawsuit against Ford about it. Hers hasn't been as bad as some, only back to the dealer twice for reflashing the trans computer and another time to replace the computer. Otherwise a very trouble-free car despite 75,000 miles of girl-type driving and maintenance.

Ford mostly builds great engines but their transmissions are shit.

She can already drive a standard. Actually, she learned on a 3 on the tree. But, the car's not for her, it's for her husband (debatable whether he can drive a standard), and her son may drive it, too (and I'm pretty sure he can't). If I was buying for me, I'd go with a standard for sure, but she specifically asked for an automatic.

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Looks like the 6F15 (the real auto) became available in 2016. As for how to tell which one it has, you just gotta know what you are looking at. Externally the 6F15 is very visually distinct from the DPS6. The only car I have worked on that I know had it also had the 1.0L 3-cyl engine, but from what I've seen I'd rather deal with a DPS6 than a 1.0L.

Thanks. How bad is the DPS6, really? I've heard varying stories about it on here, from "self destructs" to "it just stutters".

It's a manual transmission with two clutches (one for even gears, one for odd?) that is shifted (and the clutch operated) by the computer, right? And the computer programming causes harsh shifts, a stutter when starting from a standing stop, and that's all, right? And flashing the computer fixes that?

 

[adsm08]

Thanks. How bad is the DPS6, really? I've heard varying stories about it on here, from "self destructs" to "it just stutters".

It's a manual transmission with two clutches (one for even gears, one for odd?) that is shifted (and the clutch operated) by the computer, right? And the computer programming causes harsh shifts, a stutter when starting from a standing stop, and that's all, right? And flashing the computer fixes that?

Mostly, yes.

Only once have I ever seen the internals of that trans die, but we replace the control modules frequently. When the TCM goes it can cause a range of issues from poor shifting and check engine lights to a no start. Many times a software update and reset will fix harsh shifting, sometimes it needs a clutch. They are also subject to other normal manual trans issues like throw out bearing failures.

The software can't handle the clutch the same way a person can and that plus expectations cause most of the issues.

 

[G8orFord]

I just had the module replaced on my 2013 Focus at 105k miles. It's covered under an extended warranty agreement up to 150k. Good little car otherwise, but too small for me. I sold it right after the repair. The only other issue I had with it for the time I had it was the BCM connection at the negative battery cable and the A/C pigtail having random connection problems.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think if you drive the dual clutch things like you stole them they do ok, when you drive them normal they slip more going in and out of gear politly and wear out the clutches faster.

I would rather have a hydrostat than one of those POS's.

 

[Dirtman]

I think if you drive the dual clutch things like you stole them they do ok, when you drive them normal they slip more going in and out of gear politly and wear out the clutches faster.

I would rather have a hydrostat than one of those POS's.

Yup, they work awesome in a straight line with your foot to the floor. Fastest shifting things ever created. But get the computer confused by doing stuff like "turning" or "slowing down" and your screwed.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yup, they work awesome in a straight line with your foot to the floor. Fastest shifting things ever created. But get the computer confused by doing stuff like "turning" or "slowing down" and your screwed.

It’s the nature of the beast, dry clutches do not take slipping well.

Done right and ran in oil they would last forever.

 

[Dirtman]

It’s the nature of the beast, dry clutches do not take slipping well.

Done right and ran in oil they would last forever.

Not just the clutch slipping (yes that puts a ton of wear on them) but just the computers control in general sucks. The system just isn't smart enough and often gets confused over what gear to set up next. Gotta remember these things have to anticipate everything your going to do. Mine is almost always wrong so the shifts are slow, or skips to a wrong gear etc.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Not just the clutch slipping (yes that puts a ton of wear on them) but just the computers control in general sucks. The system just isn't smart enough and often gets confused over what gear to set up next. Gotta remember these things have to anticipate everything your going to do. Mine is almost always wrong so the shifts are slow, or skips to a wrong gear etc.

Why couldnt they have just used a normal automatic?

 

[Dirtman]

Dual clutch is technically more efficient than regular manual or automatic... If it works the way it should.

 

[19Walt93]

I originally liked driving them, down hills they hold back like a standard. Some people really had trouble getting used to the way they work, if you touch the brake at all the clutch disengages, once you apply throttle it slowly engages the clutch and you drive away. There is no holding a car in place on a hill by applying a little gas, it engages and drives away. The biggest thing I didn't like was trying to back on in between 2 other new cars in a snow covered lot, without being able to modulate the speed with the brake it was tough to keep from side swiping another car. I was able to cure some chattering clutches by accelerating WOT up the highway ramps and making it shift through the gears a few times.Overly gentle drivers cause the clutches to slip, get glazed, and chatter. Heavy footed drivers had fewer complaints.Another item: Fiesta 1.6's have timing belts and Focus 2.0s are chain drive. Both are interference engines- meaning if the belt brakes the valve will hit the pistons. It's dumb but that's what happens when the Europeans "help" us.

 

[adsm08]

Also, 1.6 water pumps are problematic. They are prone to leaking, and part of it sits behind the timing belt, so it's like a 4.5 hour job to replace the pump.

The 2.0 water pump can be a bastard to get out, but it is out in the open. The O-ring seal just gets stuck and there isn't a lot to grab on to.

 

[sgtsandman]

Dual clutch is technically more efficient than regular manual or automatic... If it works the way it should.

So are CVTs on paper and yet here we are...

Manufacturers can’t seem to make either of them reliable.

 

[8thTon]

doing stuff like "turning" or "slowing down" and your screwed.

Pfft - I make it a point never to do those!

 

[Dirtman]

So are CVTs on paper and yet here we are...

Manufacturers can’t seem to make either of them reliable.

Polaris seems to have their CVT transmissions figured out.