Ford Focus automatic gearbox specialists
Ford Focus gearbox problems? PowerShift problems, shudder or limp mode on your Focus?
Specialists in Ford Focus automatic gearbox repair, including PowerShift dual-clutch and torque converter models.
- Shudder or judder pulling away on a 1.6 or 2.0 Focus?
- "Transmission fault" or "service now" on the dash?
- Limp mode on a Focus PowerShift?
Do not keep driving a Focus that shudders, slips or shows a transmission fault. Clutch damage escalates fast.
8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Ford Focus automatic gearbox repair for PowerShift and torque converter cars
The Focus is where Ford PowerShift problems show up most, but not every automatic Focus has one.
Third-generation Focus automatics used the PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox: a dry-clutch version on smaller engines and a wet-clutch version on larger ones. The latest Focus has a conventional eight-speed torque converter automatic. Older Focus models used a 4-speed automatic or the Durashift automated manual.
On a PowerShift Focus the usual complaints are shudder or judder pulling away, a transmission fault message, clutch slip, a clunk into gear and limp mode. They are well known, and with the right diagnosis most are repairable.
We repair and rebuild Focus gearboxes with OEM-approved parts, and every repair carries a 12-month parts and labour guarantee. Call 0808 164 0418 with the registration and we will tell you which gearbox your Ford Focus has.
Why use a Ford Focus gearbox specialist
Dual-clutch Focus faults are among the most common on our bench. A Ford gearbox specialist who sees PowerShift units every week recognises the patterns quickly, and can tell clutch wear from a control or actuator fault. Call 0808 164 0418 to speak to a gearbox specialist about your Ford Focus.
- Common gearboxes
Dry and wet-clutch PowerShift, 8-speed automatic - Common faults
Clutch wear, actuator, control module - Guarantee
12 months, parts and labour - Parts
OEM-approved - First step
Free phone diagnosis
Your your Ford Focus is giving you warning signs.
The earlier a gearbox is looked at, the more likely it is that a repair is enough. Call with the registration and we will talk you through it.
Free phone diagnosis. 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Warranty & Compliance Approved
Which gearbox does your Ford Focus have?
The Focus has had a different gearbox in each generation. Give us your registration and we will confirm what yours has.
Having issues with your Ford Focus gearbox?
Not sure what is wrong? Call a specialist for a free phone diagnosis.
Common Ford Focus gearbox problems
Ford Focus gearbox problems cluster around the PowerShift. The symptoms below are the ones we see most.
Ford Focus automatic gearbox slipping
If the Focus revs rise without the speed following, the clutches are slipping. On a dry-clutch PowerShift it is usually clutch wear, and on a wet-clutch car it can follow a pressure fault. Ring 0808 164 0418 as soon as you notice it.
Ford Focus gearbox juddering
Focus gearbox juddering when pulling away is the classic PowerShift symptom. It usually points to clutch wear or clutch actuation and tends to get worse. Describe it to a specialist on 0808 164 0418.
Ford Focus gearbox warning light
A transmission fault or "service now" message on a Focus means a code is stored. It does not say which part has failed, so the codes need reading properly. Call 0808 164 0418 and we will explain what the codes are likely to mean.
Ford Focus limp mode
A Focus in limp mode holds one gear and cuts power to protect the gearbox. It often follows a clutch, actuator or control fault. Call 0808 164 0418 before you drive any further.
Shudder from rest
A vibration through the car as it takes up drive, particularly on hills.
Delay selecting a gear
A noticeable pause after moving the selector.
Clunk on gentle braking
A knock as the gearbox changes down when slowing.
Understanding the Ford Focus PowerShift gearbox
Two versions of the same name behave very differently, so it helps to know which you have.
The smaller-engine PowerShift
The dry-clutch PowerShift runs its two clutches in air, which keeps it light and efficient. It is a good design in the right use, but clutch life depends on how the car is driven.
Stop-start use wears the clutches quickly. Judder from rest is the usual sign.
- Judder from rest
- Burning clutch smell
- Slip on hills
The larger-engine PowerShift
The wet-clutch version runs in oil, which helps cooling, and handles more torque. It relies on clean fluid and a healthy control unit.
Faults include clutch wear, pressure faults and control unit problems.
- Delayed engagement
- Warning messages
- Limp mode
Why choose Service4Service for your Ford Focus
OEM-approved parts
Repairs use OEM-approved parts as standard.
12-month guarantee
Parts and labour are covered for 12 months.
Free phone diagnosis
Talk to a specialist about your symptoms before you commit to anything.
Collection and delivery
Bespoke collection and delivery with all repairs over £1,500.
Warranty claims undertaken
We work with the major warranty providers and handle the claim with you.
Ford transmission specialists
18 years of experience and over 20,000 gearbox rebuilds.
Recognise these symptoms on your Ford Focus?
Slipping, judder, harsh changes and warning lights rarely clear on their own. Call for a free phone diagnosis before the fault gets bigger.
Free phone diagnosis. 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
How a Focus gearbox repair works with us
Dry or wet clutch, we identify it first, then diagnose and repair.
Tell us the symptoms
Registration, engine and when the fault happens.
Diagnostic and road test
Codes, clutch and actuator checks, and a road test.
Repair or rebuild
Clutch, actuator, control unit or full rebuild.
Return with a guarantee
12 months, parts and labour.
Ford Focus gearbox repair: the practical questions
Ford Focus gearbox rebuild: when it is the right answer
A Ford Focus gearbox rebuild is the lasting answer when clutches, actuators and the control unit have all worn. We only recommend it when a smaller repair would not hold. Not sure which applies to your Ford Focus? Call 0808 164 0418 and we will tell you.
How much does Ford Focus gearbox repair cost?
Ford Focus gearbox repair cost depends on whether the car has the dry or wet-clutch PowerShift, which part has failed and the extent of wear. We explain the options after a free phone diagnosis. Call 0808 164 0418 for a free phone diagnosis and a clear answer.
Is it worth repairing a Focus PowerShift gearbox?
Often yes. A repair matched to the fault is usually better value than replacing the car, and it carries a 12-month guarantee. Call 0808 164 0418 for a free phone diagnosis.
Spread the cost of your Ford Focus gearbox repair
Finance options are available subject to status. Ask us about payment options when you enquire.
Finance is subject to status. [Credit broker disclaimer to be confirmed.]
Ford Focus gearbox repair FAQs
Still not sure? Call 0808 164 0418 and speak to a specialist.
In short
Automatic Ford Focus cars use a dry or wet-clutch PowerShift on the third generation and an eight-speed torque converter automatic on the latest. Most PowerShift faults are repairable, and Service4Service diagnoses which clutch your Focus has first.
Questions about your car? Call 0808 164 0418 for a free phone diagnosis.
Slipping on a Focus means the clutches are not holding drive. On a dry-clutch PowerShift it is usually clutch wear, and on a wet-clutch car it can be pressure or control related. A diagnostic confirms which. Call 0808 164 0418 for a free phone diagnosis.
Yes. Most Focus PowerShift faults can be repaired without replacing the gearbox, including clutch, actuator and control faults. Where wear is widespread, a rebuild is the lasting fix. To talk it through with a specialist, call 0808 164 0418.
It has a reputation for clutch and control faults, particularly in stop-start use, but most are repairable. A diagnostic identifies whether the problem is a clutch, actuator or control fault.
Smaller petrol and some diesel engines tend to have the dry-clutch unit, and larger diesels the wet-clutch one. Give us the registration and we will confirm.
A fault code is stored. It might be a clutch, actuator or sensor issue, and it needs reading before any parts are replaced. Ring 0808 164 0418 and we will explain your options.
Usually yes. Clutch, actuator and control faults can be repaired, with a rebuild only where wear is widespread. For advice on your car, call 0808 164 0418, 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
On a PowerShift it is usually clutch wear or actuation. On an automatic it can be torque converter shudder. Call 0808 164 0418 for a free phone diagnosis.
No. The fourth-generation automatic uses a torque converter eight-speed.
We advise against it. Limp mode protects the gearbox, and continued driving can cause more damage. To talk it through with a specialist, call 0808 164 0418.
It has a reputation for clutch and control faults, particularly in stop-start use, but most are repairable. The diagnosis matters.
Larger-engine versions, particularly diesels, tend to have the wet-clutch unit. Give us your registration to confirm.
A code is stored. It might be a sensor, actuator or clutch issue, and it needs reading before any parts are replaced. Ring 0808 164 0418 and we will explain your options.
Yes. Bespoke collection and delivery is available with repairs over £1,500. For advice on your car, call 0808 164 0418, 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Ready to get your Ford Focus sorted?
Book a free phone diagnosis. Recovery and bespoke collection and delivery (on repairs over £1,500) can be arranged, and every repair carries a 12-month guarantee.
Free phone diagnosis. 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Other Ford gearbox repairs
Ford Focus gearbox trouble? Call for a free phone diagnosis.
Speak to a specialist, 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
