DPS6 / 6DCT250
Fitted mainly to petrol Fiesta, Focus and C-Max models. It's the version most associated with judder and clutch-related complaints.
Warranty Claims Undertaken
Vehicle Recovery &
Diagnostics
12 Month Guarantee Across All Vehicles
Ford Powershift Gearbox & Transmission Repairs
Guaranteed protection on your manufacturer's warranty
- Ford Powershift dual-clutch gearboxes
- Clutch replacement, repairs, rebuilds & replacements
- Full diagnostics, TCM reprogramming & recalibration
- Vehicle recovery or collection
- 12 months / 12,000 miles guarantee on parts & labour
Ford Powershift Gearbox Repair Specialists
If your Ford is juddering when you pull away, hesitating between gears or showing a "Transmission Malfunction" warning, you're not alone. Ford's Powershift dual-clutch gearbox is one of the most common automatic transmissions we see, and its faults are well understood. Our technicians diagnose and repair Ford Powershift gearboxes every day. In many cases, the fix is a targeted repair rather than a costly replacement.
- 18 years' experience
- 20,000+ gearbox rebuilds
- 12 months / 12,000 miles guarantee
What Is a Ford Powershift Gearbox?
Powershift is Ford's dual-clutch automatic transmission. It works like two manual gearboxes in one, with a computer controlling the clutches and gear changes. There are two main versions:
MPS6 / 6DCT450
Used on larger and diesel models such as the Mondeo, Kuga, S-Max, Galaxy and diesel Focus and C-Max. Its clutches run in oil, so faults tend to involve clutch packs, solenoids and the control unit.
Knowing which version your car has matters, because the common faults and repairs differ. Our team identifies it as part of every diagnostic.
Common Ford Powershift Gearbox Problems
These are the symptoms drivers most often contact us about:
- Judder or shudder when pulling awayEspecially in slow traffic or on hills. This is the classic dry-clutch Powershift complaint.
- Transmission Malfunction or Transmission Overheating warningsWarning messages appearing on the dashboard.
- Hesitation or delayWhen accelerating, or when selecting Drive or Reverse.
- Slipping, harsh or jerky gear changesOr flaring revs between gears.
- Loss of drive or limp modeThe car won't change gear properly.
- Rattling, clunking or grinding noisesComing from the gearbox.
- Fluid leaksFluid appearing under the car.
If you're noticing any of these, get the gearbox checked early. Powershift faults rarely fix themselves, and driving on a juddering or slipping clutch can turn an affordable repair into a much bigger job.
What Causes Powershift Gearbox Faults?
The most common causes we find include:
- Worn or contaminated clutchesOn dry-clutch gearboxes, oil leaking from worn input shaft seals onto the clutch is a frequent cause of judder.
- Transmission control module (TCM) failureThe TCM is the gearbox's computer, and a faulty unit can cause warnings, limp mode and erratic shifting.
- Clutch actuator or shift fork faultsThese affect how smoothly the clutches engage and gears change.
- Solenoid and sensor faultsFound on wet-clutch versions.
- Old or degraded transmission fluidOr low fluid caused by a leak.
Our Ford Powershift Repair Services
We repair every part of the Powershift system:
Powershift diagnostics
Full computer diagnostics, fault code reading, live shift analysis and fluid checks to pinpoint the real cause.
Powershift clutch replacement
New clutch assemblies for dry and wet-clutch gearboxes, fitted and calibrated.
Input shaft seal replacement
Stopping the oil leaks that contaminate dry clutches and cause judder.
TCM repair and replacement
Fixing the control module behind many warning lights and limp mode faults.
Clutch actuator and shift fork repairs
Restoring smooth engagement and gear selection.
Clutch adaptation and recalibration
Essential after any Powershift repair so the gearbox learns its new clutch positions.
Powershift gearbox rebuilds
A full strip-down, inspection and replacement of worn components to manufacturer tolerances.
Powershift gearbox replacement
A reconditioned or replacement unit, fitted only when repair isn't the right option.
How We Repair Your Powershift Gearbox
Diagnose first
Every job starts with a full diagnostic, so we fix the actual fault rather than guessing. Diagnostic reports are usually ready within 2 to 3 days.
Explain and quote
We explain what we found and give you a confirmed price. No work goes ahead without your approval.
Repair
Our technicians carry out the repair using OEM or manufacturer warranty-approved parts.
Calibrate and test
We recalibrate the clutches and road test the car to make sure it drives smoothly before it's returned.
We always recommend the most cost-effective fix first: repair before rebuild, and rebuild before replacement.
Why Choose Service4Service for Your Ford Powershift Repair?
- Automatic gearbox specialists: 18 years' experience and over 20,000 gearbox rebuilds.
- OEM or warranty-approved parts: your manufacturer's warranty stays protected.
- Warranty claims undertaken: we can liaise with your warranty provider where your policy allows.
- Vehicle collection and recovery: if your car can't be driven, we can arrange collection, subject to availability.
- 12 months or 12,000 miles guarantee on parts and labour.
- No hidden costs: confirmed pricing before any work starts.
Speak to a Powershift technician now
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
- Warranty Claims Undertaken
- Vehicle Recovery & Diagnostics
- 12 Months / 12,000 Miles Guarantee
Collection & Diagnosis
Vehicle Recovery & Gearbox Diagnostics
Gearbox trouble and unable to bring the car to us? Our team can discuss collection or recovery from a convenient location in the UK, subject to availability. A specialist will assess the fault and explain the recommended repair before any additional work goes ahead.
- Tell us the symptomsShare your registration, location and what the gearbox is doing.
- Confirm the arrangementsWe will discuss the booking, collection options and next steps with you.
- Approve the workAfter diagnosis, we will explain any additional repair and seek your authorisation.
From Enquiry to Return
How Our Car Repairs Work
Getting help with a gearbox fault should be straightforward. Here is what to expect from your first enquiry through diagnosis, approval and the return of your vehicle.
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Tell us what has happened
Complete the repair enquiry form and await a call, or phone 0808 164 0418 to speak with an advisor.
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Discuss the likely fault
Based on the symptoms you describe, we can discuss possible causes and an initial cost estimate. The fault and final repair cost can only be confirmed after inspection.
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Arrange collection and diagnosis
We will discuss collection or recovery and arrange for the vehicle to be assessed at a specialist repair centre. Availability and arrangements are confirmed when you book.
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Receive the diagnostic findings
Diagnostic reports are usually available within 2–3 days of collection, depending on the fault and workshop capacity. We will keep you updated if more time is needed.
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Approve the repair
We explain the recommended work and confirmed costs before proceeding. If further work is identified, we will call you first; no additional repair is carried out without your authorisation.
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Get warranty claim help if needed
If you have a relevant vehicle warranty, tell us at the start. We can help liaise with major warranty providers and assist with the claim where the policy and provider allow.
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Arrange payment and return
Once the repair is complete and payment or an agreed finance arrangement is in place, we will arrange to return the vehicle as soon as practical.
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Keep your repair paperwork
You will receive an invoice detailing the work completed and the applicable repair warranty, stated as 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Powershift Gearbox Repair FAQs
Understanding your vehicle's maintenance needs, and addressing issues promptly are key to maintaining your car's performance and reliability. If you have specific questions about your vehicle or a repair issue, don't hesitate to call Service4Service on 0808 164 0418 for guidance.
What is a Ford Powershift gearbox?
A Ford Powershift gearbox is Ford's dual-clutch automatic transmission, developed with Getrag. It uses two clutches, one for odd gears and one for even, so the next gear is pre-selected for fast, smooth changes without a torque converter.
Which cars have a Powershift gearbox?
Ford fitted Powershift dual-clutch gearboxes to models including the Fiesta, Focus, B-MAX, C-MAX, EcoSport, Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. Volvo also used the same Getrag-built dual-clutch design in some models. If your car's automatic gearbox has two clutches and pre-selects gears, it's likely a Powershift.
Is a Powershift gearbox the same as a DSG?
No, but they work in the same way. Both are dual-clutch automatic gearboxes that use two clutches to pre-select gears: DSG is the Volkswagen Group's version, and Powershift is Ford's, built with Getrag. They share many of the same faults and repairs, including clutch replacement, control unit faults and recalibration.
Is the Ford Powershift gearbox reliable?
The Ford Powershift gearbox has a mixed reputation. The dry-clutch versions used in smaller models are the most commonly reported for clutch judder and seal leaks, while the wet-clutch versions in larger models are generally more robust. Most Powershift faults can be fixed at component level, so a fault doesn't automatically mean a new gearbox.
How should I drive a car with a Powershift gearbox?
Drive a Powershift car as you would an automatic, but hold it on the footbrake or handbrake rather than the accelerator when stopped on a hill or in queuing traffic. Holding the car on the throttle slips the clutches and builds heat, which is a common cause of judder and early clutch wear. Pulling away smoothly but decisively also helps the clutches last longer.
What are common Ford Powershift gearbox problems?
Common Ford Powershift gearbox problems include clutch judder when pulling away, jerky or delayed gear changes, hesitation, unusual noises, fluid leaks, a transmission warning message and loss of drive. Typical causes are worn or oil-contaminated clutches, leaking seals, faulty clutch actuators and transmission control module (TCM) faults. If you notice any of these signs, book a diagnostic before the fault gets worse.
Why is my Powershift gearbox juddering or jerking?
Judder or jerking from a Powershift gearbox usually points to worn clutches, clutches contaminated by an oil leak, or clutch settings that need re-adapting after wear. Faulty actuators or TCM software can cause similar symptoms, and some software-related judder can be fixed with a TCM update and clutch recalibration rather than new parts. A diagnostic will show which it is.
Can a Powershift clutch be replaced without replacing the gearbox?
Yes. Powershift clutches wear like any clutch and can be replaced on their own, without replacing the gearbox. Clutch replacement is one of the most common Powershift repairs and is followed by a clutch adaptation so the new clutches engage smoothly. If the clutches have been contaminated by an oil leak, the leaking seal is replaced at the same time.
Can a Powershift gearbox be repaired, rebuilt or reconditioned?
Yes. Many Powershift faults can be fixed with a targeted repair such as a clutch replacement, seal replacement, or TCM repair and reprogramming. Where internal wear is widespread, the gearbox can be rebuilt or reconditioned to factory specification. Service4Service always assesses whether a repair or rebuild will fix the fault before recommending a replacement.
Can I drive with a faulty Powershift gearbox?
It's not advisable. Driving with a faulty Powershift gearbox can overheat the clutches and damage other components, turning a clutch or seal repair into a full rebuild. Some faults also cause a sudden loss of drive. Service4Service can arrange collection or recovery, subject to availability.
How much does a Powershift gearbox repair cost?
The cost of a Powershift gearbox repair depends on the fault, the parts and labour needed, and whether a clutch replacement, component repair, rebuild or replacement gearbox is required. Targeted repairs are usually far cheaper than a replacement gearbox. Service4Service runs a full diagnostic first and gives you a quote to approve before any work begins.
Will a Powershift gearbox repair affect my manufacturer warranty?
Service4Service uses OEM or manufacturer warranty-approved parts, and work is carried out in a way that protects your existing manufacturer's warranty. If you have a warranty or extended warranty policy, tell us at the start and we can help liaise with the provider. Every repair is guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Extra Payment Options for Your Gearbox Repair
Ford Powershift Gearboxes We Repair
- Ford B-MAX Powershift
- Ford C-MAX Powershift
- Ford S-Max Powershift
- Ford Fiesta Powershift
- Ford Focus Powershift
- Ford Galaxy Powershift
- Ford Edge Powershift
- Ford Puma Powershift
- Ford Kuga Powershift
- Ford Mondeo Powershift
- Ford Torneo Powershift
- Ford Ecosport Powershift
Warranty & Compliance Approved
