What are the common faults with Ford Powershift?
Ford's Powershift transmission, also known as the DPS6 transmission, has been plagued with a variety of issues since its introduction in 2010. This dual-clutch automatic transmission was designed to provide the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, but it has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints and recalls.
Shuddering and Hesitation
One of the most common problems with the Ford Powershift transmission is a shuddering or hesitation when the vehicle is accelerating or shifting gears. This is often caused by issues with the clutch system, which can wear out prematurely or fail to engage properly. The shuddering can be both uncomfortable for the driver and potentially dangerous, as it can make the vehicle difficult to control.
Delayed Gear Engagement
Another frequent issue with the Powershift transmission is delayed gear engagement, where the vehicle takes an unusually long time to shift into the next gear. This can be caused by problems with the transmission's computer control module or issues with the clutch hydraulics. Delayed gear engagement can make the vehicle feel unresponsive and can be a safety concern, especially when attempting to merge or pass other vehicles.p>
Transmission Failure
In some cases, the Powershift transmission can fail entirely, leaving the vehicle unable to move. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the clutch, the gears, or the transmission's internal components. Transmission failure is a serious problem that can leave drivers stranded and require expensive repairs or even a complete transmission replacement.
Recalls and Lawsuits
Due to the widespread issues with the Powershift transmission, Ford has issued several recalls and faced numerous lawsuits from dissatisfied customers. The company has acknowledged the problems and has attempted to address them through software updates and other repairs, but many owners have reported that the issues persist even after these fixes.
Recommendations for Owners
- Be aware of the common issues with the Powershift transmission and monitor your vehicle for any signs of shuddering, hesitation, or delayed gear engagement.
- If you experience any problems, contact your local Ford dealer or service center immediately to have the transmission inspected and repaired.
- Consider pursuing legal action or a buyback if your vehicle continues to experience issues after multiple attempts at repair.
- When purchasing a used Ford vehicle, be sure to research the history of the Powershift transmission and consider avoiding models with this transmission if possible.
In summary, the Ford Powershift transmission has been plagued with a variety of issues, including shuddering, hesitation, delayed gear engagement, and even complete transmission failure. While Ford has attempted to address these problems, many owners continue to experience ongoing issues with their vehicles. If you own a Ford with a Powershift transmission, it's important to be vigilant and take action if you notice any problems.
What is the difference between Ford automatic and PowerShift?
PowerShift's lightning fast, seamless gear changes make driving smoother while saving fuel and lowering CO2 emissions compared with a normal automatic.
What are the problems with the powershift transmission?
ALL PowerShift transmissions have a design flaw relating to the use of dry clutch packs. The most common problems are shuddering when accelerating from a stop (feels like the transmission is slipping), harsh 1-2 upshift and complete failure.
What is the lifespan of the Ford Powershift?
Some owners have experienced problems with shuddering, slipping, or rough shifting, which can indicate a potential issue with the gearbox. If a PowerShift gearbox is well-maintained and driven under normal conditions, it should last several years and thousands of miles without major problems.
Is the Ford Powershift transmission reliable?
However, there are still people who drive Ford Powershift vehicles and who may find themselves dealing with similar problems. While the Powershift transmission has been adjusted many times, it still tends to be problematic and frequently requires more repairs than you may expect.
What are the symptoms of PowerShift failure?
Symptoms: Juddering, erratic harsh, or flaring shifts, loss of odd gears, loss of even gears, loss of reverse, total loss of drive, in some cases stalling of the engine.
How do I reset my Powershift transmission?
Start the car, shift to neutral, turn off and wait 15 seconds, shift to park, turn on ignition and wait 15 seconds, turn off ignition and back on, shift to neutral while pressing the brake, which should display "Transmission Ready" if successful.
What are the two types of powershift transmission?
With a full power shift transmission you can shift through all gears without clutching. A semi-power shift is a transmission that can be shifted two or more speeds without clutching, although it must still be clutched to shift ranges.
How often should a Ford PowerShift gearbox be serviced?
The service interval for a powershift gearbox varies based on the manufacturer's recommendations, but it typically ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular fluid changes and inspections are essential to maintain the gearbox's performance and reliability.
What is the recall on the Ford PowerShift transmission?
Ford issued the recall to address the TCM defect in Ford Focus 2012-2018 models. The recall might affect any Ford vehicle with a DPS6 clutch or Powershift transmission. The announcement came after many complaints from owners experiencing problems with their cars jerking, stalling, and having trouble shifting gears.
Why did Ford stop using Powershift?
Ford has claimed that the defects were caused by either a faulty throwout bearing or input shaft and rear main seals that leak fluid onto the clutch causing it to slip even while supposedly fully engaged.
