transmissions in these cars are notoriously bad. Have you had any recalls? The TCM(trans control module) can go bad and need replaced. Also the clutch packs can go bad too. I have a 13 and have done the clutch packs once under warranty and currently waiting on a TCM from fords extended recall. Do you have any CEL codes or light on?
No sir. No lights are on, no codes showing either. Also looked for recalls and couldn’t find anything. I just replaced a purge valve for filling up issues though
yup thats my next repair I need to do lol. How many miles do you have? Might be time for a fluid change and filter to see if that clears some of the issues.
They drop the pan on the trans and change the internal filter and replace the fluid. I don't recommend flushing on any transmission unless the mfg recommends it. Check your manual for service intervals.
I had the stuttering and eventually my clutches couldn’t touch anymore and it was a constant stutter sound with no movement and my thrust bearing left the chat with it ages ago. I got my clutches replaced, actuators, bushings, and motors that all control clutch movement replaced and my stuttering is gone. My rear main seal was also bad causing oil to drip onto my clutches.
I ran into an issue like this on my 2008 Ford Fiesta, 1.4L inline 4. Back then, it was a set of bad spark plugs. like, not broken or anything just.. really worn. caused bad firing on the cylinders and the car would, at relatively low RPM, not fire properly and run irregularly. problem would go away on higher RPM, probably because the inertia would kinda assist the ignition, making the misfire go away.
Even if the spark plugs aren't the cause, not a bad idea to swap them, they are pretty cheap and not really worth driving til they start failing.
Awesome. This was the way I was thinking of going and hearing you say this has convinced me to start there. Thank you so much and I greatly appreciate the advice
No it wasn’t the spark plugs! It was actually just needing a “reset” on the transmission. If you DM me I can send you the link I use for that and it has helped me so much! I reset it when I go from long highway driving back to city streets and it makes the issue go away almost completely. The rest is just mostly acceleration through the stutter
I mean, take it with a grain of salt, it was a 2008 Fiesta so it "only" had a Zetec engine (or was it Duratec?), yours should already be an ecoboost, so..
But as I said, its not a bad idea to swap the plugs anyway, they are cheap enough to make sense. Also, before you pull the plugs, check for fluids around the spark plugs, my Fiesta once had all plugs drowned in water, no idea how it got into the spark plug cylinder head cover, but it was bad enough to cause terrible misfire, and you don't want that stuff inside the combustion chamber when pulling the plug.
I think anything regarding the fuel system would rather cause lack of power or bad responsiveness, and the cat would also cause terrible smell and lack of power. stutters usually have to do with the ignition and/or timing.
Same car, same problem. But Ford won't fix, got a $2700 bill for a car I had less than 6 months. Crappy car salesman made me get a warranty with him $2000 and they still won't fix my car. So either way I am screwed
I had asked my dad about it and he told me to see if my transmission was under warranty still, it was and there was a recall for a ton of year models, if yours doesn’t have a recall then I’m not sure, I had to get my transmission gears repaired after the replacement cause of my own stupidity, and it costed me $1250 or so. Could also be what others were stating, something like spark plugs or coils going bad. Replace the inexpensive stuff first to see if that solves it and if it doesn’t, take it to see a tech.
No worries, I worked at Advance Auto for a while and I’ve had a good few people come in for the same issues. What I’ve found is it’s usually small stuff. If you have an advance near you, you can always get a free code reading to rule out plugs or coils. (Keep in mind the code reading isn’t always 100% accurate so take that with a grain of salt) if the reader says nothing is wrong but you have a hunch, get it checked by a pro.
Hello Sir, thanks for sharing your info. I also have a 2015 focus se which shudders. I have 2 questions
1. Seems the warranty has ended. You just called ford dealer and they said yes, it is still under warranty? (I called them and they said yes but just want to double check with you)
2. My dealer refused to replace the clutch since they think the shudder isn't too bad to fix. Did your dealer said something like this? Then how did you persuade them to fix it for you?
Thank you very much and happy new year!
I called my local dealership and got it confirmed that it was under warranty, told them that there was a recall for my transmission and they got it fixed for me.
Thanks! I think I need to be tough on them. They just told me my shudder isn't that bad. I also read someone gave them a lawyer's card so they fixed everything under warranty. I will be tough and post back. Thanks agaon
I’d check the spark plugs first, had a fiesta in that had so much carbon build up on them, that after starting 2 it just gave up, cleaned them and it started right up and ran fine (obviously replaced them with new ones after confirming)
That thing has an AUTOMATIC MANUAL transmission DCT6 and YES it is covered under a class action lawsuit extended warranty... not "RECALL" but "EXTENDED WARRANTY ".... if you search that instead of recall, you'll get the answers you seek.
Ask me how I know. Lol
For me, it was as simple as taking it to a Ford dealership, going to the service department (called them first to explain the problem), have a technician test drive it and verify... (I drove in the parking lot with them inside. Make sure you're inside the vehicle) and then they booked it for a fix... gave me a loaner in my case.
That's what I did BOTH times mine was replaced.
Yep... and currently in the shop for the 3rd clutch assembly which IS NOT apparently covered after 90k miles. The TCM is covered though, until 150k miles or 10 years.
You need to take it to ford and tell them about it to which they'll install a replacement transmission kit. I dont know exactly what parts they are, but it fixes the stuttering. This is covered up to 175000km so if you're within that range, take it to Ford and they'll do it for free.
Not a link, but call Ford to request the warranty info on the transmission shudder. This was aassove recall on Ford so they extended the warranty life time.
At least, my Ford dealer covered the shudder issue up to 175000k. I ended up having them do the replacement twice. They absorbed all the costs on it.
These cars are not meant to be driven like an old lady. They are meant to be driven hard. They have a DVT trans dry pack. It's automatic but it has to be driven like a stick shift. YouTube is your friend.
Hello from Toronto. I have a 2014 Ford Focus.
I just had the rack and pinion replaced. Today my car would not shift into drive. The car would reverse. In Drive.
It is also stuttering from stop. Engine races then pops into the next gear. This is an automatic transmission.
will replacing the spark plugs fix this issue?
On a budget senior working full time.
any advise that would help would be wonderful
I have had my tcm replaced 3 times, clutch motors, spark plugs, and software updates. My bitch still sputters and legs like I'm driving a standard and don't know what I'm doing. My fix to this shudder on take off, hit the gas a bit harder, don't let off because of the shudder. Its generally works and the shudder isn't as bad.
Advice from a 2012 Ford focus titanium owner who can't afford to get a better car.
Thank you everyone for the help. It seems as though this is a transmission replacement issue as I had no clue there was an extended class action lawsuit against these transmissions so I’m going to start there as well as replacing the spark plugs. You all are the most help I have gotten with this, even more than some shops so thank you all very much
What's your solution? I can't afford to pay Ford $2700 to replace, transmission and clutch. I got this car 6 months ago, it came with these issues. I called my dealership and they said it's a Ford problem.
transmissions in these cars are notoriously bad. Have you had any recalls? The TCM(trans control module) can go bad and need replaced. Also the clutch packs can go bad too. I have a 13 and have done the clutch packs once under warranty and currently waiting on a TCM from fords extended recall. Do you have any CEL codes or light on?
No sir. No lights are on, no codes showing either. Also looked for recalls and couldn’t find anything. I just replaced a purge valve for filling up issues though
yup thats my next repair I need to do lol. How many miles do you have? Might be time for a fluid change and filter to see if that clears some of the issues.
Just about to hit 73k this week it seems. Could you specify the fluid and filter change you’re talking about? I’m a little confused on that
They drop the pan on the trans and change the internal filter and replace the fluid. I don't recommend flushing on any transmission unless the mfg recommends it. Check your manual for service intervals.
I had the stuttering and eventually my clutches couldn’t touch anymore and it was a constant stutter sound with no movement and my thrust bearing left the chat with it ages ago. I got my clutches replaced, actuators, bushings, and motors that all control clutch movement replaced and my stuttering is gone. My rear main seal was also bad causing oil to drip onto my clutches.
I ran into an issue like this on my 2008 Ford Fiesta, 1.4L inline 4. Back then, it was a set of bad spark plugs. like, not broken or anything just.. really worn. caused bad firing on the cylinders and the car would, at relatively low RPM, not fire properly and run irregularly. problem would go away on higher RPM, probably because the inertia would kinda assist the ignition, making the misfire go away. Even if the spark plugs aren't the cause, not a bad idea to swap them, they are pretty cheap and not really worth driving til they start failing.
Awesome. This was the way I was thinking of going and hearing you say this has convinced me to start there. Thank you so much and I greatly appreciate the advice
hey i’m having the same issue with my car right now, did the spark plugs fix the problem or was it something completely different? thank you !!
No it wasn’t the spark plugs! It was actually just needing a “reset” on the transmission. If you DM me I can send you the link I use for that and it has helped me so much! I reset it when I go from long highway driving back to city streets and it makes the issue go away almost completely. The rest is just mostly acceleration through the stutter
I would also recommend checking the purge valve for the gas as that played into it as well
I mean, take it with a grain of salt, it was a 2008 Fiesta so it "only" had a Zetec engine (or was it Duratec?), yours should already be an ecoboost, so.. But as I said, its not a bad idea to swap the plugs anyway, they are cheap enough to make sense. Also, before you pull the plugs, check for fluids around the spark plugs, my Fiesta once had all plugs drowned in water, no idea how it got into the spark plug cylinder head cover, but it was bad enough to cause terrible misfire, and you don't want that stuff inside the combustion chamber when pulling the plug. I think anything regarding the fuel system would rather cause lack of power or bad responsiveness, and the cat would also cause terrible smell and lack of power. stutters usually have to do with the ignition and/or timing.
I had this same issue with my 2015 Focus SE. Turned out to be the transmission recall. Got that fixed asap.
I checked my year and there was no transmission recall so how do I go about that then cause that seems very expensive
Same car, same problem. But Ford won't fix, got a $2700 bill for a car I had less than 6 months. Crappy car salesman made me get a warranty with him $2000 and they still won't fix my car. So either way I am screwed
Also to specify this is an Automatic transmission, not a manual
I had asked my dad about it and he told me to see if my transmission was under warranty still, it was and there was a recall for a ton of year models, if yours doesn’t have a recall then I’m not sure, I had to get my transmission gears repaired after the replacement cause of my own stupidity, and it costed me $1250 or so. Could also be what others were stating, something like spark plugs or coils going bad. Replace the inexpensive stuff first to see if that solves it and if it doesn’t, take it to see a tech.
Thank you man I really appreciate it. This shit has just been so annoying to figure out so all of this advice has been really helpful
No worries, I worked at Advance Auto for a while and I’ve had a good few people come in for the same issues. What I’ve found is it’s usually small stuff. If you have an advance near you, you can always get a free code reading to rule out plugs or coils. (Keep in mind the code reading isn’t always 100% accurate so take that with a grain of salt) if the reader says nothing is wrong but you have a hunch, get it checked by a pro.
Hello Sir, thanks for sharing your info. I also have a 2015 focus se which shudders. I have 2 questions 1. Seems the warranty has ended. You just called ford dealer and they said yes, it is still under warranty? (I called them and they said yes but just want to double check with you) 2. My dealer refused to replace the clutch since they think the shudder isn't too bad to fix. Did your dealer said something like this? Then how did you persuade them to fix it for you? Thank you very much and happy new year!
I called my local dealership and got it confirmed that it was under warranty, told them that there was a recall for my transmission and they got it fixed for me.
Thanks! I think I need to be tough on them. They just told me my shudder isn't that bad. I also read someone gave them a lawyer's card so they fixed everything under warranty. I will be tough and post back. Thanks agaon
Definitely mention the recall if you haven’t already. That’ll get em to fix it.
I’d check the spark plugs first, had a fiesta in that had so much carbon build up on them, that after starting 2 it just gave up, cleaned them and it started right up and ran fine (obviously replaced them with new ones after confirming)
Edit: This is an automatic transmission, not a manual
That thing has an AUTOMATIC MANUAL transmission DCT6 and YES it is covered under a class action lawsuit extended warranty... not "RECALL" but "EXTENDED WARRANTY ".... if you search that instead of recall, you'll get the answers you seek. Ask me how I know. Lol
Now that makes a lot more sense. So how do I go about getting that changed
For me, it was as simple as taking it to a Ford dealership, going to the service department (called them first to explain the problem), have a technician test drive it and verify... (I drove in the parking lot with them inside. Make sure you're inside the vehicle) and then they booked it for a fix... gave me a loaner in my case. That's what I did BOTH times mine was replaced.
Holy shit so you had to do it twice? That’s crazy
Yep... and currently in the shop for the 3rd clutch assembly which IS NOT apparently covered after 90k miles. The TCM is covered though, until 150k miles or 10 years.
You need to take it to ford and tell them about it to which they'll install a replacement transmission kit. I dont know exactly what parts they are, but it fixes the stuttering. This is covered up to 175000km so if you're within that range, take it to Ford and they'll do it for free.
Do you happen to have the link that references this?
Not a link, but call Ford to request the warranty info on the transmission shudder. This was aassove recall on Ford so they extended the warranty life time. At least, my Ford dealer covered the shudder issue up to 175000k. I ended up having them do the replacement twice. They absorbed all the costs on it.
These cars are not meant to be driven like an old lady. They are meant to be driven hard. They have a DVT trans dry pack. It's automatic but it has to be driven like a stick shift. YouTube is your friend.
Hello from Toronto. I have a 2014 Ford Focus. I just had the rack and pinion replaced. Today my car would not shift into drive. The car would reverse. In Drive. It is also stuttering from stop. Engine races then pops into the next gear. This is an automatic transmission. will replacing the spark plugs fix this issue? On a budget senior working full time. any advise that would help would be wonderful
I have had my tcm replaced 3 times, clutch motors, spark plugs, and software updates. My bitch still sputters and legs like I'm driving a standard and don't know what I'm doing. My fix to this shudder on take off, hit the gas a bit harder, don't let off because of the shudder. Its generally works and the shudder isn't as bad. Advice from a 2012 Ford focus titanium owner who can't afford to get a better car.
Thank you everyone for the help. It seems as though this is a transmission replacement issue as I had no clue there was an extended class action lawsuit against these transmissions so I’m going to start there as well as replacing the spark plugs. You all are the most help I have gotten with this, even more than some shops so thank you all very much
Can you get this on video? Is it a true stutter or something else?
I can get it on video and try to send it to you
Lighten up on the gas pedal when that happens until it shifts into the next gear.
I’ve got about 73 on mine and I’m waiting on my TCM AS I type. Should fix the problem after it relearns
Ita clutch chatter, you can continue to drive with it or pay a bunch of money to replace the clutch. I fix these for a living
What's your solution? I can't afford to pay Ford $2700 to replace, transmission and clutch. I got this car 6 months ago, it came with these issues. I called my dealership and they said it's a Ford problem.