Ford quietly replacing Fiesta transmissions on owner complaints

[bananatype]

Found this article in Jalopnik regarding the domestic US Fiesta:

http://jalopnik.com/#!5774473

Hope the Thai-built Fiestas are immune to this Powershift problem.

[vivafoxpro]

Found this article in Jalopnik regarding the domestic US Fiesta:

http://jalopnik.com/#!5774473

Hope the Thai-built Fiestas are immune to this Powershift problem.

Thanks for the information. This will surely help those still choosing a brand and if the Fiesta has already been chosen, whether to go with the Powershift or the M/T.

My own decision was to go with the 1.4 M/T for the ff reasons:
1. Full control of gear shifting: For fuel economy, I shift between gears at 1200RPM while those of us having Powershifts are happy with a 2500RPM change in gear. When I need higher acceleration during overtaking, I even go up to 4000RPM before shifting up. I do not rely on the computer's judgment as far as shifting goes.
2. M/T is less complex and there are less things to go wrong.
3. M/T is cheaper both in acquisition cost and repair cost down the line.

As for the silent "recall", Toyota's and Honda's "glitches" already caused some deaths in other countries. This illustrates that no design and production procedure is 100% perfect and no account of Fiesta deaths have been reported.

[Chuckomenda]

My own decision was to go with the 1.4 M/T for the ff reasons:
1. Full control of gear shifting: For fuel economy, I shift between gears at 1200RPM while those of us having Powershifts are happy with a 2500RPM change in gear. When I need higher acceleration during overtaking, I even go up to 4000RPM before shifting up. I do not rely on the computer's judgment as far as shifting goes.
2. M/T is less complex and there are less things to go wrong.
3. M/T is cheaper both in acquisition cost and repair cost down the line.

same on choosing the MT.
less complexity less problem.

[sm2by]

FORD- Fix Or Repair Daily

Just like late model Expeditions, F-150s, Explorers, Rangers and Escapes I've seen that also had problematic auto-transmissions...

Even if it were true that Fiesta units here could be affected it would probably crop up as time passes, the Ford Plant in Thailand (supplies 3rd world Nations) has lowers standards compared to the one in Mexico or Germany (supplies 1st world) because there are no Legal Safety-nets protecting consumers here rather than the ones in the US...

[AG4]

the Ford Plant in Thailand (supplies 3rd world Nations) has lowers standards compared to the one in Mexico or Germany (supplies 1st world) because there are no Legal Safety-nets protecting consumers here rather than the ones in the US...

The manufacturing plants are regional. The plant in Thailand supplies cars to Asia-Pacific markets, this includes Australia and New Zealand. These 2 markets used to get German Fiestas while the plant in Thailand was being built.

[sachiel]

Dual clutch transmissions are difficult to master that's why it's not yet mainstream in the market, just like the issue of CVTs before and there are still issues on CVTs till today. Maybe it will take them 2 more years to perfect the technology.

[kevo888]

FORD- Fix Or Repair Daily

Just like late model Expeditions, F-150s, Explorers, Rangers and Escapes I've seen that also had problematic auto-transmissions...

Even if it were true that Fiesta units here could be affected it would probably crop up as time passes, the Ford Plant in Thailand (supplies 3rd world Nations) has lowers standards compared to the one in Mexico or Germany (supplies 1st world) because there are no Legal Safety-nets protecting consumers here rather than the ones in the US...

Are there any Australians or New Zealanders here?
You had better tell them they live in a Third World Country

[sanmigs]

Thanks for the information. This will surely help those still choosing a brand and if the Fiesta has already been chosen, whether to go with the Powershift or the M/T.

My own decision was to go with the 1.4 M/T for the ff reasons:
1. Full control of gear shifting: For fuel economy, I shift between gears at 1200RPM while those of us having Powershifts are happy with a 2500RPM change in gear. When I need higher acceleration during overtaking, I even go up to 4000RPM before shifting up. I do not rely on the computer's judgment as far as shifting goes.
2. M/T is less complex and there are less things to go wrong.
3. M/T is cheaper both in acquisition cost and repair cost down the line.

As for the silent "recall", Toyota's and Honda's "glitches" already caused some deaths in other countries. This illustrates that no design and production procedure is 100% perfect and no account of Fiesta deaths have been reported.

You shift at 1200 RPM sir? Or do you mean 2200 RPM?

[jetrone]

Found this on fiestafaction

Is this the same as the "reset" you guys have been doing?

TSB 10-19-6

FORD: 2011 Fiesta

ISSUE:

Some 2011 Fiesta vehicles may exhibit a hard start, no start, intermittent start, noise from bellhousing during start and/or various automatic transmission engagement concerns such as no engagement or intermittent no engagement in Drive or Reverse when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, grinding noise during engagement and/or a check engine light with transmission control module (TCM) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06B8 or P0884.

ACTION:

Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove attaching bolts for the G100 battery ground and G106 powertrain control module (PCM) ground. Remove the paint under the ground eyelet mounting locations. Apply Motorcraft® Electrical Grease to the bolts to prevent corrosion and reinstall. Torque bolts to 115 lb-in (13 Nm). (Figure 1)

Using digital volt ohm meter (DVOM), measure battery voltage. Battery voltage must be between 12.5 and 14 volts. If below, charge and retest. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01.

Using DVOM, with key on engine off (KOEO), measure voltage from battery positive terminal to G106 PCM ground bolt. Compare to battery voltage measurement in step 2. Voltage drop must be less than 0.5 volt difference. Refer to WSM, Section 414-00.

Using IDS, verify VPWR and B positive are between 12.5 and 14 volts. If not, refer to WSM for low voltage diagnostics.

Verify vehicle transmission:

Manual Transmission.

Do not continue with this procedure.

Automatic Transmission.

Proceed to Step 6.

Reprogram the TCM by reprogramming the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 69.02 and higher. The PCM and TCM are a matched set. The TCM can only be updated by updating the PCM. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2010.9 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at Buy Motorcraft Parts Online | Official Motorcraft Auto Parts Site | FordParts.com.

Perform all three TCM clutch adaptive learning routines (TRS, Shift Drum and Clutch). Refer to TCM Adaptive Learning in WSM, Section 307-11.

NOTE: IF A DRIVE CYCLE IS NOT COMPLETED, THE CUSTOMER MAY FEEL ERRATIC SHIFTS AND DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS.

[tidus1203]

Found this on fiestafaction

Is this the same as the "reset" you guys have been doing?

The reason we reset is to improve the shift points lower (since most of us are city drivers we prefer shifts at 2000RPM) for fuel economy reasons (prior to reset 2500RPM to 3000RPM is the traditional shift point)... And not because we have a problem with the Powershift DCT...

[jetrone]

The reason we reset is to improve the shift points lower (since most of us are city drivers we prefer shifts at 2000RPM) for fuel economy reasons (prior to reset 2500RPM to 3000RPM is the traditional shift point)... And not because we have a problem with the Powershift DCT...

i see,
so sir Tidus, is there a significant improvement to FC?

[vivafoxpro]

You shift at 1200 RPM sir? Or do you mean 2200 RPM?

Yes, 1200 RPM - this is in the "old man" driving mode where FC is the utmost priority. Gas pedal must be depressed very slowly at this RMP either at level road on incline down. I do not have any info if you drive a M/T Fiesta but it goes forward at first gear even if the gas pedal is not depressed as long as a gentle release of the clutch is used. This is around 850 RPM. From 1st gear, immediately when the car starts to move, 2nd gear is engaged. 30KPH-3rd gear, 40KPH-4th gear, 50KPH - 5th gear. RPM will play around 1200 to 1500. This will be the high FC low performance mode and "real life" driving will be a rainbow of combination ranging to the aggressive road maniac that Jon is, wahehehe, Joke! Kahit sino naman, kung minsan sinasapian din ng demonyo at kaskasero din sa kalye. My point is : In using an M/T, WE have the option of using the RPM we think best rather than a computer making the decision.

[pista_ni_jon]

sir vivafoxpro, dont say bad words... :shhh: nyahahahaha!

hindi mo din talaga matitiis kapag alam mo na maganda mag-perform ang oto mo tapos na sa skyway ka at walang ibang sasakyan na bumabaybay dito.

:rockon:

[sanmigs]

Yes, 1200 RPM - this is in the "old man" driving mode where FC is the utmost priority. Gas pedal must be depressed very slowly at this RMP either at level road on incline down. I do not have any info if you drive a M/T Fiesta but it goes forward at first gear even if the gas pedal is not depressed as long as a gentle release of the clutch is used. This is around 850 RPM. From 1st gear, immediately when the car starts to move, 2nd gear is engaged. 30KPH-3rd gear, 40KPH-4th gear, 50KPH - 5th gear. RPM will play around 1200 to 1500. This will be the high FC low performance mode and "real life" driving will be a rainbow of combination ranging to the aggressive road maniac that Jon is, wahehehe, Joke! Kahit sino naman, kung minsan sinasapian din ng demonyo at kaskasero din sa kalye. My point is : In using an M/T, WE have the option of using the RPM we think best rather than a computer making the decision.

Hehe I always shift at 2000RPM. Grabe pala ang old man driving. It shouldn't be called like that. It should be VERY VERY old man. 30KPH at 3rd gear... hehe. So shifting should be at 1200 to 1500 for optimal FC pala. Thanks again sir viva!

Anyways I'm already OT. I'm manual too so walang problema sakin, but I don't think the "silent" recall should be any cause of concern for the PS Fiesta owners.

[vivafoxpro]

Hehe I always shift at 2000RPM. Grabe pala ang old man driving. It shouldn't be called like that. It should be VERY VERY old man. 30KPH at 3rd gear... hehe. So shifting should be at 1200 to 1500 for optimal FC pala. Thanks again sir viva!
Anyways I'm already OT. I'm manual too so walang problema sakin, but I don't think the "silent" recall should be any cause of concern for the PS Fiesta owners.

Good to hear from a co M/T FoFi chooser. Now indulge me as I rant on the advantages of the Powershift as I understand it.

Back to topic:

The PS changes gear based on the computer's understanding of several driving parameters. "Learning" your way of driving style is an appropriate term to be used. It sends commands to the transmission either to shift higher or lower via solenoids or maybe servos as compared to traditional hydraulic automatic transmission which are physically setup to shift gears at certain RPMs forever. Our power assisted steering works similarly, higher power assist at lower speeds, more firm steering at higher speeds. Older hydraulic power steering just "amplified" your movement and provided more power at higher RPM since they are mere slaves to the engine.

The beauty of the PS concept is the deep understanding for the nature of technology. Computing power doubles every two years (Moore's Law). Now, since the PS is more software and CPU oriented, it has a built-in potential of improving performance every two years.

Compare that to the "old-school" A/T, forever staying the way it was since it left the factory.

Some time ago "Deep Blue" beat Garry Kasparov and recently "Watson" beat the previously undefeated Jeopardy champion. These are computers developed by IBM for artificial intelligence.

Notice the cell phones in your pocket. More and more features and capabilities at lower and lower prices. A certain Iphone app reads Spanish signs and translates them into English for you in real time. Is this fu*#ing amazing or what?

I won't be far when the likes of Deep Blue or Watson will be installed in the likes of our FoFi. All the dealer needs to do is pop out the old CPU and plug in a new one without changing anything else.

Dudugo pwet natin sa presyo pero the potential is already built in. Like that stupid auto lock at certain speed or at brake pedal depress or front fog control. As Sir Tidus mentioned, all it needs is the "unlock" of the program.

Ford's present success stems from the way it embraces the future and the strength to turn its back on outdated tradition.

Ang katagang "matic" ay nagkaroon na ng paibagong kahulugan kung ihahambing sa mga sinaunang kasamahan natin sa mundo ng pagka-kotsero.

Katching!

[AG4]

Found this article in Jalopnik regarding the domestic US Fiesta:

http://jalopnik.com/#!5774473

Hope the Thai-built Fiestas are immune to this Powershift problem.

I remember reading an Australian article that mentions that the Thai-built Fiesta uses the Powershift transmission made in Mexico (same as the USDM model)

[tidus1203]

Importante dito how they (FORD) will respond, mukang very decisive naman ang response ng Ford to these complaints...

[desert fox]

Hoping everything will be ok...