Easy lifehacks

Why does my Ford Focus have stiff gears?

Why does my Ford Focus have stiff gears?

The problem is more pronounced when the engine is cold but even after 20 minutes motorway running it is still quite stiff. The cars done 30,000 miles and has been serviced at a Ford dealer at regular intervals.

Is the notchy gearbox a characteristic of a Ford Focus?

A notchy gearbox is definitely a characteristic of this car, our secretary at work used to have a Focus, and she said exactly the same thing. What I did discover myself, however, when I had this problem, was that it’s very important to push the clutch right to the floor when engaging gears, particularly when the engine is cold.

When did the Ford Focus start losing power?

The first case of this came with the Ford Focus vehicles that were manufactured between 1998 and 2004. The complication was identified in models with 1.6 liter engines. The second most notable occasion when such a scenario happened was when the Ford Focus models built between 2012 and 2014 also experienced the same problem.

Is the Ford Focus Zetec a good car?

I own a 2000 Ford Focus Zetec 2.0 ESP. The car runs fine but I’ve noticed that recently it’s getting more and more difficult to engage a gear, particularly 1st and 2nd. The problem is more pronounced when the engine is cold but even after 20 minutes motorway running it is still quite stiff.

The first case of this came with the Ford Focus vehicles that were manufactured between 1998 and 2004. The complication was identified in models with 1.6 liter engines. The second most notable occasion when such a scenario happened was when the Ford Focus models built between 2012 and 2014 also experienced the same problem.

What’s the idle RPM on a Ford Focus?

With the engine warm, stationary idle (car not moving) is 700-750 rpm. If the car is in motion, the rev’s will only drop to 1500 at the lowest, until the vehicle speed is 15 mph or less, which is fine. I still have 1 problem though, and it has to do with the Air Conditioning affecting engine behavior.

When did Ford Focus have a software problem?

If your Ford Focus lies within the two periods that have been mentioned (i.e., 1998 – 2004 and 2012 – 2014) then checking to see if the software problem was addressed during that period is important.

What are the features of a Ford Focus?

The latest Ford Focus models come equipped with a computerized monitoring and management system that can assist you in your investigation. Familiarizing yourself with the various symbols located on the dashboard and their meanings can also help you analyze some issues pertaining to functional problems.

Why do I need to change the oil in my gearbox?

Changing the oil often is a proven method of avoiding corrosion. Wear of the gear teeth is something that is both inevitable and unavoidable. However, ensuring the gears have lots of clean and suitable lubricating oil can greatly decrease the rate of surface wear.

What happens if you break a bearing in a gearbox?

Small pieces of steel from the broken bearing will travel through the transmission and can get caught between gear teeth. Ultimately, this can smash gear teeth and damage the gears. If one of the bearings seizes, it is highly likely that, in turn, it will take the transmission case with it.

The problem is more pronounced when the engine is cold but even after 20 minutes motorway running it is still quite stiff. The cars done 30,000 miles and has been serviced at a Ford dealer at regular intervals.

A notchy gearbox is definitely a characteristic of this car, our secretary at work used to have a Focus, and she said exactly the same thing. What I did discover myself, however, when I had this problem, was that it’s very important to push the clutch right to the floor when engaging gears, particularly when the engine is cold.

How to fix stiff gear selection / change problem?

The problem is due to the bushes on the gear linkage lever drying out and when the engine and gearbox get hot they expend and tighten around the pin/spindle which allows the lever to pivot which gives the stiff problem. Just pop this part off, ream/drill the hole, grease it up and put it back on.

Changing the oil often is a proven method of avoiding corrosion. Wear of the gear teeth is something that is both inevitable and unavoidable. However, ensuring the gears have lots of clean and suitable lubricating oil can greatly decrease the rate of surface wear.

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Ruth Doyle