Ford PowerShift transmission

The Ford PowerShift is a six-speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission produced by the Ford Motor Company.[1] The Ford PowerShift gearboxes are built by Getrag Ford Transmissions, a joint-venture with Getrag.[2] PowerShift improves fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent when compared to a conventional automatic transmission.[1]

The operation of a dual clutch transmission is analogous to two traditional manual transmissions, each with its own clutch, operating in parallel and alternating shifts. The Ford unit is a six-speed with one clutch acting on first, third and fifth gear, and the other used for second, fourth and sixth gear. As first gear is engaged, the 2-4-6 clutch is disengaged and the second gear cogs are engaged. At the appropriate time, the 1-3-5 clutch is disengaged and the 2-4-6 clutch is engaged. While in second gear, the other side shifts from first to third. The process is repeated with none of the efficiency loss normally associated with torque converters and, in theory, quick smooth shifts.

The PowerShift gearbox is a joint development between Ford, Getrag and Luk and was first introduced in Europe. Both Volvo and Ford use wet clutches and hydraulic actuation.[3][4] However, the new PowerShift gearbox used in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus uses dry clutches and electric motor/solenoid actuation.[2] Some have criticized the PowerShift's rough starts and lack of smooth shifting, but Ford has continually released (but not publicized) upgrades, also known as under the table fixes, to transmission software and firmware designed to address these failures.[5] These improvements have not resulted in a lasting or permanent remedy for the ongoing, widespread problems associated with the transmission.

Applications

Ford

Volvo cars

Faulty operation

Ford has faced class action lawsuits in the United States,[7] Australia[8] and Canada[9] over the PowerShift gearbox as being defective and potentially dangerous in the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and Ford EcoSport. The lawsuits allege that the PowerShift gearbox "continue to experience the transmission defect, including, but not limited to, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, and delayed acceleration and lurching." U.S. courts tentatively approved a settlement of the U.S. lawsuit on April 25, 2017.[10]

These defects are caused by a faulty throw out bearing, transmission control module, or a leak from either the engine's rear main seal or the transmission input shaft seals. Ford has released fixes of the seals and updated clutch kits but transmissions that have been repaired are still having repeat issues. These transmissions are still equipped into the newer model Focus and Fiesta.

Ford Thailand agreed to buy back about 200 Ford Fiesta and Focus models with faulty PowerShift transmissions.[11]

Ford Brazil extended the warranty of the transmission to 10 years or 240.000km.

Ford USA extended the warranty of the transmission to 7 years or 100,000 miles depending on the model year of the vehicle.

Ford Australia has had a $AU10,000,000 fine imposed on it by the Australian Federal Court for unconscionable conduct relating to the transmission problems and poor handling of customer complaints[12]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Verve, Focus, Kuka featured at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, 2007-09-10.
  2. 1 2 Ford starts production of six-speed dual clutch PowerShift transmission, 2010-03-29
  3. ↑ Volvo's answer to DSG goes by the name PowerShift, 2008-01-11
  4. ↑ Ford officially announces dual clutch PowerShift gearbox for 2010, 2009-01-21
  5. ↑ http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2011/1112_ford_focus_powershift_transmission_is_much_improved/
  6. ↑ Ford Fiesta Fordvehicles.com
  7. ↑ https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/52510-ford-hit-with-class-action-over-fiesta-focus-transmission-defect/
  8. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-18/ford-faces-class-action-over-powershift-automatic-transmission/7425098/
  9. ↑ http://windsorstar.com/business/local-business/local-woman-joins-class-action-suit-against-ford/
  10. ↑ "Consumer Class Action Lawsuit Against Ford | Ford Focus and Fiesta Powershift Transmission Settlement". fordpowershiftlawsuit.com. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
  11. ↑ http://www.chiangraitimes.com/ford-thailand-to-agrees-to-buy-back-faulty-focus-and-fiestas.html
  12. ↑ https://www.theage.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/ford-ordered-to-pay-10-million-fine-for-unconscionable-conduct-20180426-p4zbrc.html
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