[James_McHattie]

Hi - quick post with a resolution in case anyone has the same problem:

Car:

Focus 61 reg (2.0 TDCI 163 Titanium X, 6 speed manual)

Issue:

~ Car at stand still with the clutch up - able to select any rpm desired with the throttle

~ Car rolling with the clutch down - able to select any rpm desired with the throttle

~ Car at stand still with the clutch down - very light throttle causes revs to shoot up to about 1,600, followed by a slow drop back to desired rpm over a couple of seconds.

Issue results in:

~ When pulling away the car moves off and then the revs die back, causing the car to engine-brake unless lots more throttle is used.

~ When nudging forward in traffic, problem occurs many times and people think you can't drive

~ Driver thinks car is rubbish

Fix:

~ Powertrain Control Module software update to latest edition (factory edition was on the car from 2011/2012)

Result:

~ Revs do as they are told at all times and hold where you set them

~ Car is no longer rubbish

Additional advantage:

~ Indicated gear changes are assisted with automatic rev selection. For example - driving in 3rd and 4th is shown on the screen. Clutch down (ready to change into 4th) and the revs hold exactly where they need to be for 4th gear at that vehicle speed. Gear/engine speed is automatically matched provided you change to the gear shown on the screen. Does not work for change downs (as they aren't shown on the screen).

Cost:

~ £80 inc VAT, done at Ford

Expected comments:

~ My mate can do that for less - perhaps, but will it be the latest? I assume not.

~ That car is rubbish, should have bought the 140 - upto you, but I've got Titanium X toys.

~ Thanks for the post, it may help someone sometime - no problem, glad to to help.

 

[Ron240]

I read this with interest....because my car(2015 ST3) exhibits some similar behaviour.

Ive noticed the revs rising on their own to over 1000 when I engage first or reverse gear, which means I can manoeuvre slowly without touching the throttle at all....but if I do touch it the revs rise more than I would like.

Regarding what you say about pulling away.....this is the first thing I noticed because when pulling away slowly with a very light throttle the car starts to move then a slight jerk can be felt unless I give it more gas, so this would seem to be the revs falling back on their own and engine braking occurring. I am aware of this all the time now and am trying to modify my driving technique to compensate for it.

Ive also noticed the revs staying where they are when changing up to aid engagement of the next gear, which seems to be a good thing.

As my car is brand new I cant understand why any software update should be necessary.....but I will monitor this situation and see if others have the same thing.

 

[Jimbbobw1977]

I have the 163 tit X also - I know the type of behaviour you are on about, it can be a bit of a pain in traffic on a hill - I hardly get the described situation but I am aware of it when it does happen as it makes you look like you can control the clutch!!

Apart from that the 2.0tdci 163 is a great engine in the Focus, refined, economical and the quick.

Might consider looking into it at the MOT when it's due.

 

[chriscatt]

I thought it was the anti-stall at work, but maybe not...

 

[RyLee]

I have 2012 2.0 tdci 140 and I have same problem. Seems very sluggish in 1st and 2nd gear and difficult to control clutch in these gears. So I need a software update??? My old 1.8tdci 2008 was much more responsive

 

[Jimbbobw1977]

Had the update done on mine. It's made a positive difference. Power delivery is smoother and more consistent, gear changes are smoother with rev matching to next gear and take off from first less lurchy also noticed the vibration in 5th gear at 2500rom on the motorway has gone and fuel economy has gone up.

Central screen is updated, and the indicator Noise is also changed.

 

[HugaKuga]

For years, when changing up a gear, I always matched the revs for the next gear (think it's something from my Mk2 Escort and Talbot Sunbeam days ,,,) anyway I was driving the Focus the same way, matching the revs to give a smooth gear change, but after reading the above, I realise now that the Focus does hold the engine revs for the next gear itself ... i.e. you drive up to say 3,000 rpm in second and then dip the clutch, the revs drop to about 2,000 and stay there, if you let the clutch out in 3rd it matches ....

what will they think of next ... (gauge sweep please)