Ford Focus DCT Ground Mod. Increase Driveability and Reduce Jerkyness
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2019
- Does your Ford Focus jerk from stoplights or while changing gears? The 2012+ Ford Focuses came with the Powershift 6 Speed Transmission, which has caused a ton of trouble
After researching on the forum Focus Fanatics, I discovered a potential fix to the transmission. I have been running the grounding mod for about 4 months; it has really transformed the car. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![Exclusive! น้องลิกก้า&น้องโรร่า มาแล้ว!! [cc] แดนแพทตี้ SS2 | EP.48 |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UmlpJhRekyY/mqdefault.jpg)
Just did this today and had very positive results. I have a 2016 Focus SE with 35,000 miles and it just started getting jerky when taking off from stoplights, and slipped into neutral once. I also removed the air box to do the same to the other 2 grounding points, doing all this with a disconnected battery. Whether this seems to work because of better grounding or because you reset your transmission in the process, or the combo - the end result is a good one. I also drove it through several rev cycles, letting it shift near red line, as was suggested here to remove any clutch plate glazing. Thanks for sharing this!
The ground bolts under the air box are critical to fixing the issue. I actually bought an extension ground cable to also run from the main battery ground to one of the bolts under the breather. Worked great!!!
@@kerrysowards5084Thanks for the tip.
Clean electrical connections on anything electric cannot be overrated.
This can help but there are more grounds on the focus. Under the air box there are two grounds, one for part of the wiring harness and another for the alternator. And you guessed it, they are bolted to painted metal. So when you do the ground up top, do the same for the other two, it'll only take a few more minutes.
Correct!
Yes also below the battery box and each fender ground also have paint. I just did a full swap engine and trans after discovering a front main seal leaking. When I cleaned the engine bay I noticed all of the grounds so I sanded everything down to the bare metal and liberally applied dialectrode grease wiped the excess and rust oleum led over the nuts and all
Ya after I did all 3 my average ecu voltage went up nearly 2 volts average over 2 hour drive
@@codyshowalter7128: Even though this late, I have av FYI for you.
Dielectric grease should not be put on parts before connecting, because it is actually an insulator.
It is to be applied to parts After connecting, to protect the connection, from corrosion, especially on connections of different metals.
Where is the air box?
In electronics we call it ground bounce. When the current spikes from the motors running the ground voltage jumps making the electronics in the module see incorrect logic values among other things. Your fix is correct.
This also helps your battery to charge at the correct voltage. Also eliminates headlights flickering when brake pedal is applied. This did smooth out jerky starts for me.
I am now experiencing this, headlights flickering because of voltage drop when applied the brake pedal, it happens for 1 sec of 12 volts then going back to normal 14.6volts, I wonder what else could be the problem aside from grounding.
When I had a 2013 focus I found that it drove best when I did two things. 1. I treated the gas pedal as if I was shifting a manual transmission, when I wanted the car to downshift. For people that haven't driven a manual, what I mean is quickly lifting my foot off of the gas pedal (or just allowing the gas pedal to come up) when I intend to have the car change gears. 2. I made sure to keep my brake solidly engaged anytime I was on a hill until I was ready to move forward. With that said I was probably pretty lucky with mine I never had any significant issues. I did sell the car specifically because of fears related to the transmission.
you are correct the senser was going in the gears one was broken and was over working it sense did you hear anything break
Hey, if I want it to downshift should I use the brakes? I've noticed on the highway letting off the gas can make it linger on the lower end of the gear which I assume is very bad for the clutch. I've never driven a manual and I'm learning to drive it like one. Really nice feeling car a lot of the time. I have a 2012 titanium 80,000 miles and I just got it for 2500, not sure if it's a moneypit yet. I've also figured it's good to be firm when accelerating and to keep it at a constant speed in general. Got any advice or feedback for me? Thanks!
I bought your focus ass hole transmission is why I’m watching lol
@@lildonbossy 😂😂😂😂
I bought a 2012 new and eventually had the trans. replaced under recall, I drove the car for 7 years racking up almost 300,000 ,miles. I'm driving a 2018 Focus currently
I have a 2012 with no forward movement and skipping in reverse. Cleaned ALL the grounds and got good reverse and some jumping and slipping in forward. Removed Servo and cleaned with Throttle Body cleaner and now it shifts perfectly. THANK YOU SO MUCH, they said $2.5k.
That is so awesome to hear!
Hey man, what do you mean "removed servo"? I have a 2012 Focus too. I cleaned all three grounds and it's MUCH better. But the check engine light still comes on and then off from tie to time What did you clean with the throttle body cleaner? Thanks
@@blakemorgan8777 There are 2 servo motors that act as your feet to engage the clutch, one in the front of the trans and the other on top. The front one controls reverse and the top one controls forward. The servos and the linkage get gummed up with oil and clutch material and stop the servo from going all the way back to full engagement. It is spring loaded to return. I actually ended up changing the Servo just in case and it was only $50. The Throttle Body cleaner cleaned the gunk out while the servo went through self check (every engine startup). Did that about 10 times and it got clean. Do not use lubrication as it is directly OVER the clutch material (oil and clutch is a no-no).
@@user-tc2ud9fz3w Really appreciate the reply. I'll keep that in mind and perhaps down the road check into that. Right now it shifts really well. I'm thinking about adding another ground first and see if that helps. Trying to keep this thing going and avoid shelling out a fortune for a new car. Bro, if it's true that heaven and hell exists - I hope you know Christ Jesus as Savior and make it to heaven. (I hope to make it myself.) ✌️
@@blakemorgan8777 ALL 3 grounds, where are all of them?? Thanks
Seriously it’s really works guys. I just tried yesterday. Almost a week my car was jerking. Now I’m driving peacefully thanks mate 👏🏻👍🏻
updates, please?
@@murillor.965 mine is doing the same thing I’m going to try it out and I’ll keep you posted
thanks Dylan!
Was a Suzuki outboard dealer for years, reminds me of a problem they were having with blowing ECM's. The repair was a separate ground wire specifically from the ECM to the battery ground post. Worked perfectly and was standard on that motor series for years after along with replacing the thumb screws on the battery posts with actual nuts. Forcing the idea of tightening the battery cables with wrenches instead of fingers.
I had to do this on my 2007 Cobalt as well. It wouldn't shift out of 1st, and had no power steering. . A direct ground from the pcm/ecm is a great fix for power fluctuation issues
I have a 2013 ford focus, last night I was leaving work and I couldn't reverse. Woo, something new to add to the list of things wrong with this car. I tried again this morning to see if she just needed to chill out, and still not reverse. She would go in to gear but when I pressed the gas she acted like she was in neutral. I did this and it worked. I started her back up and boom I can reverse. I appreciate you so much for posting this because if not I would have (excuse my language) been fucked. I cannot thank you enough.
Any updates?
@@jeremyscott5038 yeah. It worked for a day, but after that, she's back to her old tricks. Really just keeping her in hopes ford buys her from me after the lawsuit. 🤷♀️🙄
@@JasonDerulo4Life went to a focus forum and I’m seeing about getting a DCT tune (which users are claiming to have fixed the problem)
@@JasonDerulo4Life i'm having the same reverse issue and shifting issues like you, what's funny is that ford replaced the module one week ago and now newer issues are popping up. should i go ahead and try this video, any new updates did it work again? or should i wait until the dealership opens after the weekend and give it to them again?
@@mohammedzeyad1559 I'm convinced the only complete solution is to put a manual transmission in her. And that's not something I want to do. But this helped a little, but after a day or 2 it acted the same. I think it was just undoing the battery that reset it and helped a little. Now I can't even use her to drive 40 mins without her not being able to accelerate. This car is a death trap. And my hope is for ford to buy it from me, but who knows when that will be
Good video and explanation of the problem. On my 2 focus"s I also got a 18 or 24 inch cable from the auto shop. The ground plate on mine are spot welded to the strut tower. Although you cleaned the ground post it still has to travel through the small spot welds to the chassis. I run the extra cable from this ground post to the other ground points UNDER the air box. Remove your air box and there are at least 3 more ground cables attached, on mine one big to the trans/engine block and 2 smaller gauge. Remove sand clean and grease all off them. Attach your extra cable from the strut tower ground to the large chassis/engine ground.bolt. This doubles up and completes the circle. As an added bonus i then run a cable from one of the small ground to a bolt on the throttle body, bolted to a plastic manifold. The throttle body relies on a small wire in the wiring harness for its ground, so any resistance/corrosion can inhibit its response .The throttle body is insulated from the main engine block by the plastic manifold so the extra wire really helps. This is not just for powershift cars but all Focus models. The ground is marginal when new so any corrosion / resistance as the car ages totally stuffs up the electrical magic
. As for powershift models some good videos available. as the shift motor ages(they are just like a wiper motor/winder winder) the carbon brushes wear down causing erratic shifting. A good diy rebuild to clean and put in new brushes. On powershifts if you do lots of stop start city crawling the clutches glaze up. If your in the country, deserted road, motorway on ramp, NAIL that sucker, rev it out and make the gearbox and clutches WORK. 4 or 5 full throttle accelerations from start can really make a big difference to shifting when back to normal driving . 1 Redline a day keeps the mechanic away.
Hey - dude please make a video showing how to add the extra cables!
Ah yes the ol' italian tune up
A few years ago, one day, all the lights came on my dash and stayed on while running. I'm not really a mechanic with papers but I began to wonder what might be the problem. A thought came to me so I got a couple of wrenches and disconnected the ground on the engine block and on the fender. Cleaning them up with sand paper and adding die-electric grease and bolted them back up. Fixed. My 2007 Focus has been working good since. Thank you for this interesting video,Lester
I tried this today on a 2013 ford focus I bought for cheap and fixed the tranny issue my mind is blown thank you again!
Absolutely correct. A corroded neg ground bolt can cause all kinds of problems. I'd add taking the ground cable assembly off and solder the ground wire to the lug instead of just the crimp, also sanding the washer on that ground bolt both sides and wire brushing the threads or buy a new one. This DID cause all kinds of problems with my 2013. A glitched computer can do ANYTHING. But removing the painted surface just below the lug is 100% better than the Ford design.
The power shift transmission is a learning transmission. If you drive it slow, it shifts soft. If you drive it hard, it shifts firmer. With the A/C on, it'll shutter more taking off slow. Drive it hard through the gears on a open road a couple times. And it will stop shuttering. And i use the bottom on the side if the shifter when passing, it shifts it down faster. But you have to remember to push it when done passing.
This makes so much sense now. I have been replacing battery terminals and main fuses like crazy. I’m trying this ASAP. Thank you!
Hey any update on the issue ? Did it work for you ?
Any updates??
Hey ben wells...you tried the fix i guess...did it work for u?
Guessing either it did, and he hasn’t thought about it since, or it didn’t, and he sold the car 🤷♂️
My wife's car has been acting up I just watched ur video an went an done it to hers an it fixed it I really appreciate ur video we called the dealer not long ago an found out her warranty just ran out 3 days before we called an they said there wasn't anything they could do I wad about to have a new transmission put it in but not now that's awesome buddy thanks alot
you are welcome!
How's the focus holding rn?
Just did this to my 2014 Focus with 116K. Jerking shifting, gears not engaging, reverse mostly not reversing and in line for an infamously back-ordered TCM. Figured why not try this mod. Day 1: Amazing. Smoothest shifting I've had (got the car with 70k) and all gears seem to be working. I'll drive around tomorrow and over the weekend and see if it holds up, but honestly, I'm surprised it worked so well! Thanks!
How is your Focus working after the modification?? I know you said you were in line for a back ordered TCM. Has that new TCM arrived? Is it installed?
@@frankloy2701 The modification worked perfect for about two weeks. I also made sure to put in a brand new battery at the time. And then overnight, it went back to not shifting or going in reverse. My Ford dealer has the car and will put in a new TCM when they get one... which they hope will be sometime in October. But no guarantees. I think I'm second in line at the dealership and it's a bigger dealership, so fingers crossed!
@@andyazula thanks for the update! Sorry the modification didn’t work. My car sits at the Ford dealership with no stated arrival date for my TCM. It is a pretty sorry situation indeed.
@@frankloy2701 that’s crazy, I just took my car in yesterday, got told today they have “no idea” when they’ll be able to order one and that they usually take up to 2 months at times.. picked up my rental today while my focus sits at the shop for god knows how long.
@@ke2143 who pays for the rental?
I cleaned paint off 2011 fiesta ground today and car went from undriveable to shifting perfect. This guy is not bullshitting. I actually cleaned 3 ground connections.
I’m just glad this helps!
@@mustangs-marketing Have a 2011 Fiesta SES. Transmission shifts fine. Car has no misfiring at idle or to the floor. Problem. Car when first cranked there is a vibration felt inside the car. At an idle in drive, park, neutral it doesn’t matter. Once it is on the road no vibration can be felt. Stop at a stoplight no vibration. Drive miles no vibration. Come home and park. Crank the next morning it all starts the same process again? Why would there be a vibration (not a misfiring) at a cold crank idle but not 3 miles down the road or 100 miles? But will after setting overnight when first cranked at an idle?
This video was great! Good job! No extra bs! Straight to the point in a very easy learning valid informational way! Thanks for sharing
Taking the paint off at the ground point isn't going to hurt anything.
It might not solve the problem, but it won't cause any additional problems.
But as someone else mentioned; why not also add a ground strap from this chassis point to the engine block?
Electrons ALWAYS take the path of least resistance.
I greatly improved the shifting of my 2015 by going into learning mode. Here's the procedure:
Focus transmission reset into learning mode
1. Run car, shift to Neutral
2. turn to Off, wait 15 seconds
3. Shift to Park
4. Turn ignition on (engine not running), wait 15 seconds
5. Turn off, then back to ignition on (engine not running)
6. Step on brake, shift to Neutral
7. Dash indicator should read 'Transmission ready"
8. Start car and drive normally
Perhaps when you disconnect the battery, it also goes into learning mode. I think that's what the "fix" in this video is. Nothing to do with fixing the ground connection. There are lots bigger intermittent loads than those motors. If you have a bad ground, though, you're going to have other problems.
I like the idea of taking off the bottom pan to cool the TCU. Gonna try that when winter is over. I hate that thing every oil change anyhow.
you sir are 100% correct in your assumption that disconnecting the battery puts the transmission in learning mode, also resets all the the other sensors like CPS and MAP, so they all relearn based on driving habits
@@elmartillo7931 So, if you disconnect the battery for a few minutes, would it fix the hard shifting??
I replaced the transmission and on my 2012 focus and it was fine then I replaced the engine and now is not working properly engine light says is the trans computer and we changed too and still is not working properly
@@adolfovilla3909 if it's hard shifting and slipping it's a clutch if it's jerky and has trouble finding a gear the transmission needs to be in learning mode
@@elmartillo7931 Thanks man
@@adolfovilla3909 no problem my daughter is having the same issues with her 2014 focus Titanium with the dual-clutch, and she is having the clutches replaced next week. The clutches slip less when in select drive mode, so resetting the ECM is one way of finding out if it's the clutch
Worked for me after having missed shifts from stop and check engine light gave p0902 and low battery voltage codes. Light came off shortly after this fix and driving around!! Thank you 🙌
Thank youi, great video, I'm the not so proud owner of the 2014 model, it has had the automatic transmission modules replaced 3x, most of the repair work was done in Florida. Ford kept the car for 3 months at one time and gave me a free rental for the period while I waited patiently I might add. I got mad one time at the dealer I bought the car from and they extended my warranty to 100,000 on the drive train, thank god. Sorry I know I'm being long winded here, but the last time they put a new trans module in [ they updated the software] and bingo it ran like top after that. YAY!!! Now I'm going to try this guys grounding trick. Other than these issues it's not all that bad a car. I get almost 42 mpg on a trip with synthetic oil btw. Anyway I hope this info. I have shared can help someone else!
Glad something finally worked!
This is really true this is probably the third car that I clean the battery ground and the car works better a lot of the electrical components that need ground to operate they got fixed with this
ALL electrical components need ground to operate, dumbass! Another Einstein over here.
great video!
I found a way to fix the DCT's... swap the transmission for a manual, lol... Seriously, I successfully swapped the DPS6 automatic transmission in my 2014 Focus for the MTX75 manual transmission & reprogrammed the PCM, and everything works great as if the car was a manual from the factory (complete video series on my channel.
Cost my about $1,700 for the swap, and totally worth it.
Exactly what I'd do if my wife could drive it! And I don't see why Ford doesn't take this route.
What did it end up costing to do that?
@@richardboyd6756 $1,700. I did everything myself (complete video series on my channel).
th-cam.com/play/PL-QrbLpdwOMBh5Hy0rRQt8uRKrwD9Sj-2.html
@wut something for 1700 is just trade it in and use the 1700 as a down payment on different car
Because it's a money racket with a manual less trade ins less shop repairs less bailout by the government. Remember the government only bails out winners....🤣
I have a 2015 se model and I just did this today and I’m already noticing a difference brought the car in for recall months ago and Ford said it wouldn’t fix the issue and it got worse today I removed the paint and put the ground back on and seems a lot better thank you so much!!!
I’m starting to have high revving and no gear changes on a 2015 Ford Focus se ! 97000 miles
@@oscarsalazar3529 Oh god lol I just got mine it's a 2015 se with 94000 miles, I'm a bit concerned now
2015 se here... same issues.
The flimsy (i.e. cheap) ground that Ford has been using on all of their cars is a known problem that also can cause problems with starter motor operation and ignition misfiring. Cars used to have ground cables attached to the engine and to the body. On my 2012 Focus I added a battery cable from the ground post to the engine. Used a 3 foot cable with lugs at both ends. The head has two unused threaded (metric) holes on the back side - attached the cable lug to the hole nearest the right fender (easiest to access). On the ground post used star washers between the two cable lugs and between lug and body sheet metal (also sanded the body sheet metal). Routed the new cable along the other cables running under the cowl at top rear of engine compartment (3 cable ties). Made a neat installation with plenty of strain relief at each end.
Big question....did it cute the faulty trans???
@@mikesecondo2254 The problem with the weak Ford battery ground can cause various problems when there is high current draw - starting, when head lights are on, etc. FordTechMakuloco has a UTube on this: th-cam.com/video/eh8PIL5E_6M/w-d-xo.html Note that the Focus and other Fords use a stud instead of a bolt for the chassis ground. I also added a battery cable ground directly to the engine (traditional arrangement) to make it bullet proof. This was a preventative fix. My Focus only had clutch chatter on launch which required an occasional clutch scrub to reteach the TCM. Since the TCM software update the trans has been shifting very well with no launch chatter.
Would you be able to send some pictures of your new cable install. I'm thinking about doing this also. rich935@gmail.com if you can. Thanks
thank you for the info the engine light came on my 2014 Ford Focus the diagnostic machine said it was transmission problem I was about to take the car to transmission shop to get it fix watched this video from this wise man did the steps the the car runs very well I do not feel the jerking when you stop and go anymore fell like new CAR thank you very much I thing Ford need to hire you to train their Engineers
Thanks, I just bought a 2015 used Focus for $6.5k with 41k miles. I was real leary about buying it with all the negative news. At this time everything is fine. I think much of the tranny problems are also due to the way people are driving this type car. It is definitely not an automatic transmission and should be driven differently. I'm older and take things a little easier.
Wow u got a great deal on that car, I'm looking at a 2014 used focus with 100k miles on it would u recommend ide go for it? It's one of the best deals I've found so far if the car is reliable.
@@noname-td5jv - Hell no, are you an idiot?!
Why would you even buy it? Do you have a brain in your head?
@@noname-td5jv haha brotha my 2015 with 240k is doing okay, finally starting to look at this videos. Hoping these little tips with help the longevity of my trans. The problems are coming lol... got a trans fluid flush and felt a little better, but 1st and 2nd especially are a little jerky, higher gears I can feel it but less noticeable. Downshifting in 3rd feels a little sticky too.
I don't know how much time this baby has left, but im going to try these tips this week and see if any luck happens. I'm at a point where im not about to waste money on a rebuild for almost/ more than i bought the car for
@@WindEntityColin That 2015 only uses 1.8 L of transmission fluid. There's no torque converter.
Thanks man! Please make “More Ford service videos.” I have 3 and it’s always something. 🎉
Another modification that kinda goes along with this is upgrading the battery cables to something a little bigger. Starting with the ground cables (that is going to make the biggest difference) but it will certainly not hurt to upgrade the positive cable as well. Some people are also installing a secondary drivetrain to body ground and getting rid of the flimsy little strap style grounds that are notorious for oxidizing and turning all green and looking like shit.
Apparently Tom's Tune from Focus Power helps a lot with the transmission issues as well.
Thank you it word and took 5 minutes. WOW Ford is paying out 500 million for paint on the ground !!!!!!!
Explains Found On Road Dead!! I love Ford's so I think I'm gonna shy away from getting this one for my girlfriend!! Anytime you're getting into trans issues not good!! I will make headline news guy drives 2014 Ford Focus though the Ford Dealership!! 😂 Darn I thought it was gonna be a good buy!!
2012 focus titanium. Just did this, and it worked perfectly. It didn't completely eliminate the studder on takeoff, but it's now only noticeable if you're looking for it. Very slight.
My focus does the same thing it always does that when I’m at a stop and accelerating
This worked amazingly for me, my focus drives soo smoothly now! A great and super easy repair! Thanks a bunch!
Any updates?
What year do you have
Great vid .. 8:01 “this is the area we are Focusing on”
Thanks for posting
thank you
He should have taken care of the ENTIRE SERIES GND CIRCUIT instead of HALF the circuit!
code p090c cleared. Worked like a dream. Remember also clean battery posts. Man glad you posted this.
you're welcome!
I can't believe that it worked I cleaned the paint off and up till now the gears are changing ok at 2,000 rpm , see how it goes 🙏
Shifts like a teenager who doesn’t know how to drive a manual. Feels like I’m floating the clutch. I really wish I had a manual instead.
And yet this problem has been well documented for years and all you dumbasses still bought one. Sorry, you get no pity here.
Worked for me!! Thanks a million
Does it still work?
Nice info, my daughter has a 2015 Ford Focus hatch back with the jerky transmission. I'll have to let her know about this and it might help them out on this.
So what I've learned from this, is that if Ford had just not painted these area's where the grounds go, none of this would really be an issue.... Good job maker of cars for over a hundred years
they painted this ground connection for *years*, I just can't understand why.
@@tissuepaper9962 actually old cars its fine since less electronics, less demand on ampheres.... but now that the cars are getting more electronics and technology that is powered by the alternator and battery, the usual painted ground is not enough now.
I'm not sure whether uploader see this command, but this actually works! Idk why dumb ford dealer try to make me pay $2k for this fix. Just did this method, drives totally fine. This is worth give a shot at least, highly recommended! Here's what I paid from walmart
Wrench : $9
Grease : $3 or so
Sandpaper : $2 or so
Less than total 15!!!! Totally take it. If it doesn't work, still 15 bucks are not that much money. So try!
I see them, I'm glad this video helps so much!
2012 Ford Focus, 145K Previously got "Transmission Failure" and no reverse. Also gear changes were very jerky. Did the 3 ground wires, disconnected the battery (also did the wideband oxygen sensor, to remove the CEL). Took it for a spin, revved it thru the gears - its a dream. Starts fine, drives fine, should easily make it to 150K then onto 200K.
I got the sam3 problem and took it to a transmission repair shop and they told it was the cluth
Just did this for my sister-in-laws 2012 Ford Focus, she had trans problems for years and the dealer was useless. Last time in they told her she needed two clutches in the trans. They never even thought to check the grounds. I did the one by the battery and two under the airbox and now it works fine. Be careful other vids mistakenly smear dielectric grease over the cleaned up (to bare metal) grounding areas..don't do that!! use it only a a rust prohibitive after you tighten the nuts back down.
This worked AMAZINGLY for me. Thanks so much man!
Clean electrical connections on anything electric cannot be overrated!
This may help. Like others have said, the dual clutch glazes on these autos. Simply rev through the rev range in the first 3-4 gears multiple times in a row and it should clear up any jerking in the early gears. Ford TSB on this issue states to do this.
When you say to rev through the gears, do you mean just floor it through the first few low gears and that'll help clear it up?
@@SIl_Ae Watch this video by this Ford Tech guy for a good explanation. th-cam.com/video/msA0p87O2y4/w-d-xo.html
@@XJon2011 much appreciated, thanks!
@@SIl_Ae did you ever figure out what they ment by rev shifting?
@@dwjackson903 I apparently did but it's not here lol. I've adopted a habit of trying to keep the pedal down (not necessarily all the way) when shifting through low gears, with the hopes that the transmission/computer adapt to it and minimize slippage. Can't say it's worked too well overall but sometimes it does cure the slippage.
Holy s*** you are a f****** angel sent from heaven you know how long I've been looking for a fix to this issue I've had this car since July 2020 and ever since I got it I've had noticeably jerky shifts and lots of shuttering noises when going from a stop say at a stoplight It is definitely most notable when it shifts from first to second unless I rev it out in first gear to about 3K RPMs and then allow the engine to shift it won't do this but if I am too low RPMs when shifting into second it shutters really badly
you are welcome!
I ve been having the same problem with my car. So did you pretty clean the ground connection?
I have a 2014 Focus that have some weird gear changes while starting to take off up to 30 mph and cannot even use the sport to manually change the gears. So I popped the hood and did your hack... and boom... out I go back on the road with no hesitation at all on any gears. Just want to say... thank so much
What was your car shifting like?
Any update on how it’s running today ?
Any updates?
You forgot that there’s two ground cables mounted on the frame just under the air filter box. They’re small. I cleaned the two ground spaces where they go on frame. Using sandpaper. Transmission/ clutch was working much better. Forgot the main battery ground like you’ve shown in this video. I’m going to get that next. It was shifting very badly a lot of slippage on forward gears. Had it scanned had code P0 -702-00 transmission electrical system. Like I said, it’s shifting super great 👍 better than ever since I owned it. It’s shifting down then into proper gear it’s like a excellent manual driver is driving it.
I did this on my 2012 Focus when it was new and my transmission has been okay. 180,000 miles.
what prompted you to do this when it was new, and presumably not acting up?
@@danielp.8081 I read about the trans issues and some people said the grounding could be improved and it would help and so I just went and did it. Very low cost. BTW now 200,000 miles and trans is still good.
Still got the Ford? If so . Is it holding up well?
@@The-Rebellious-Slave yes, its doing great still
I purchased a pre-lemon 2013 Focus S model in July with only 20,000 miles on it. Added a stage 3 performance chip and a 26" MagnaFlow Red Pack muffler. She's got to be close to ST's hp, but I constantly reset the PCM. Going to try this for sure!!!
How do you reset the PCM? Thanks in advance
@@wilsonzechariah9770 disconnect the negative side of your battery and wrap it with a towel or something to where it doesn't touch any metal. Then take and run a mini jumper cable from the positive clasp to the negative clasp, turn on headlights and let's sit for 10 to 20 minutes. This drains everything from the module and you get a fresh start. th-cam.com/video/YjPuyFE3kxQ/w-d-xo.html
Well if this thing only has one main ground, i wondering if splicing in dedicated grounds to the shift motor will help???
@e s It can't hurt!!
All hell yeah it worked, transmission had a PO 902 error code for a actuator low voltage. After I cleaned and sanded ground thermal on body it took the hard shifting out and now it drive like not new but better. Big thanks.
Hey Ricardo, did the P0902 ever come back or did this fix it for good?
AFTER hearing the disclaimer I said WELL must be a heavy mod, BUT after watching this LOL , I'd think with ANY better grounding then you're much better all around, BUT, I'm very surprised this cause ANY noticeable improvement but I do understand the logic.
I had the same issue in my 2013 focus for over a year, I changed the battery a month ago and the problem disappeared. I agree it is a 100% electrical issue and my advice is to get a new battery even if your car starting normally.
I replaced my battery and car changed color!! Mmmmm!!
@@mikesecondo2254 I am just sharing my experience that might help somebody.
Yes. This car has MANY symptoms of electrical issues. The power assisted steering error and subsequent failure to engage is caused by not enough current. I discovered this before any of the issues when reprogramming it with forscan. Either the alternator isn't able to charge and supply electricity to the system fast enough putting strain in the battery, or the battery isn't powerful enough for this car. PAS error i can reproduce on a dime and fix everytime also. Factually electrical (sorry to those who shelled out the 1700). When in forscan i was getting tons of error codes related to electrical failure/unstable voltage/ under voltage. These don't show up as check engine codes but can be seen with the right hardware or software like forscan. I think the ground mod here only results in the appearance of success due to ecu relearning as the ground ought be sufficient. Grounding rods for houses designed to ground lightning bolts are about bolt sized... i think everyone getting power steering issues or shifting issues ought go upgrade their battery. I'm going to put a charge gauge under the speedometer to keep an eye on it and justify a alternator upgrade. Good luck guys.
@@danielkeery1532 foreskin???wait..what??! !!!
@@mikesecondo2254 yes. Using your [sic] foreskin tool, you can make a whole customized version of your car. Lol. That joke actually works on all levels too.
In case you really are confused, Google forscan. It's a tool for programming the computer on Fords. Program keys, oem features, behavior like seatbelt reminder, door chime, lock behavior, etc, etc.
Just ran into this issue with a friend's car and I'm gonna try this because I wasn't aware of how it was run, this actually makes sense
Did you do it??
Tried it, but the car finally just shit the bed
@@christopherrosas2738 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ did you change the focus?
@@fox3sh she changed to a Hyundai
@@christopherrosas2738 I have a2013 fiesta 1.25L manual transmission I call it baby mustang 😂😎 I love her
It was helpful, I just make this procedure and now look much more better. I feel a bit jerks but I think I should make some learning of the motors with the clutch
Thank you for the video.
I have 2012 ford focus
It seems alot better and smoother now
I have to say it worked for me.
Rwally hope it works for me
@@reptar1098 A side note.
I did change the transmision fluid a few days prior to doing the ground mod.
@@rassy440 that's good. I'm willing to do just about anything that doesn't require me to drop the trans
Hey I’m about to get trans fluid flushed and try this did it work for you? I’ve been seeing people say it’s the gas valve?
@@kristianmopsticc2887 This ground mod worked for me. It drives alot smoother.
Sometimes when Im at a stop sign or light then give it gas to go. There is a slight shudder. But nowhere near like it was. It used to feel like the motor was gonna jump right out of the hood.
Ok here is exactly what I did.
I changed tranny fluid plus I added some Lucas Tranny nonslip. It still was giving me some grief. A few days after that.
I decided to try the ground mod.
Taking the paint off around where my ground bolted to give the area shiney metal to metal contact. I did not have die elctric grease to apply to help with corrosion
But it drives way way better. I will say It definitely worked for my 2012 ford focus se
I changed tranny fluid
This is exactly what ford said to do on their tsb. (Technical service bulletins)
Well I have 2016 focus. And the duel clutch trans does exactly what it supposed too. Act like a manual with out shifting. Next issue!!!! They had a recall for that bolt to replace too by the way.
Yes they did
Well I think someone is going to be really pissed about this video .WHO, Ford dealers. WHY, well they wanted to pull my trans and change a bunch of stuff at a cost of 2500.00 and you just screwed them out of a bunch of money from us old guys and our lovely wives with this video. YEP it worked like a champ for my 2015 focus and the ford motor company knows what this crappy ground is doing and most likely loving the money they make from it selling unnecessary part with labor. OK NOW I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO YOU PERSONALY. THANK YOU AND IF I COULD I WOULD BUY YOU AND YOUR LITTLE GIRL DINNER FOR THIS AWESOME VIDEO. THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH.
I'll try this as soon as I can on my daughter focus, just started doing something like this. Gracias amigo
You're suppose to change the dual clutch transmission fluid every 60k miles. 2 quarts, was $37 a piece at my local dealership. Only use oem fluid
8:02 “focusing in on” unintentional pun 😂
The reason this seems to work is because disconnecting the battery clears the adaptive learning. After awhile the car will learn all your bad habits and start shuddering all over again. I know because I tried it.
How long did it take before it start shuddering again?
That's right it fixes the memory problem
You’re not replying but anyway here goes - did you have it scanned for codes ? I did and had P0-702 -00 transmission electrical system
That's why you change your driving
I have the same problem with my 2012 Ford Focus, shuddering, and jerking when I take off from a full stop. however, it runs smoothly when I drive it in the morning for around 15 minutes, then after that is starts doing the shuddering. besides, it consumes fuel like a 6 cylinders car! (18 - 22 MPG) I think it's related to the transmission issue
Did you do it? Did it help?
Did you resolve it?
Gas valve
@@kristianmopsticc2887 Can you explain more about? You resolved it that way?
I have exactly the same issue with 2011 Ford Mondeo. Cold start, first 10-15mins everything is ok, and then it start to shudder going from full stop.
You could also remove the air box, and clean the 2 grounding points beneath and add a cable with eye loops on each end from the point on the strut tower to the fat cable mounting point beneath the airbox
I’m having a hard time getting a bolt out where you disconnect the hose how did u manage to get it?
Battery ground does make a difference. Also you have 2 small grounds just below Battery between Battery and fire wall. Them 2 grounds go directly to transmission. Same problem, needs paint removed to make working contact. 8mm is all you need
Remember, if a circuit has resistance in it, it will draw more currtto compensate. Hence buring up TCMs.
Why not add a ground wire to the engine block
See I was thinking the same thing!! My girlfriend just came to me with this OMG head over heels with this 2013 focus it has a 100k miles the dealer ONLY wants 9k for it!! Drove it like 1k miles only had to fill up once!! I said hold up let's check into this TITANIUM!! Yet I have never even heard about. Hints why I haven't has a shit electric trans for a Manuel vehicle in it this is a dealer that's about to get his ass handed to him!! It's really not even worth trying to con him out of it because it's over the warranty so once the Electric motors take a shit it's time to get in the transmission!!
@@raw2933 I bought my 2015 from Hertz in 2016 with 41K miles for under $10K. You got robbed.
@@jamesvandamme7786 NO I didn't buy it boss!! I'm not stupid lol!! I have wheels buddy!! Knew the guy was a con. I told him to his face he was a rip off. Trying to sell a turd wrapped in fake gold.
Interesting and palusible theory. I have a Manual SE focus But I do gonna reinforce the ground
Absolutely worth doing. The injectors and all other solenoids will operate better with improved grounding.
Nothing I know. I will be back listening. I'm gonna try this.
Oh you are responsible for my transmission!!!!
Tried on 2014 Focus Titanium Hatchback, tried and it worked like a charm, issue 90% gone, just freaking mind blowing that GM spent billions on recalls.. I tried this for two weeks to see if weather pressure will change anything, nope all good, fuel consumption decreased performance is noticeable better.
Worked ?
It worked. Thats what I wrote right?
@@StAsshole yea but is it still working
hey, have you had any issues since?
I have a 2018 Focus SEL that works absolutely fine. No issues whatsoever
Lucky you
Licky you mine is giving problems of i push it transmission heats up
@@lucyeileen3301 funny you say that. I had to get rid of mine because it started giving me trouble and the ford dealer wouldn’t fix it. So I dumped it and got a 21 civic… much better!
@@alexwallace1707 i cant afford to get or fix right now so imagine... im stuck
Wow that's awesome it worked for me. Thanks 👍
This is absolutely good information. My car was down for almost a month before I saw this video and performed the ground improvement hack.
Everything’s better, shifting, fuel economy the entire way I feel about my car. Thank you sir for making this video!
Thank you it worked in my ford focus 2011 model. Cheers bro!!!
846 Carbon Conductive Grease is good for the terminal to bare metal surfaces as it conducts electricity and helps prevent corrosion. After the connection is made then put on the dielectric grease as the waterproofer and to protect the showing bare metal from rust and corrosion.
Not hijacking the video, just sayin.
you are a genius!!!!!
Better add ground wire to engine and gearbox. I did this to my both MK2/MK3.
Yeah, run a #8 gauge wire from the cowl bolt directly to the TCM case, no need to add gnd wire from engine to transmission, they are already grounded together!
@@TheOzthewiz any video on this
@@kristianmopsticc2887 I am not aware of any video that shows this mod. This was my OWN idea after seeing videos showing bad grounds on Fiestas due to mistakes at the factory. Also, the 'stepper" motors that are used to shift the transmission and clutch pak are VERY high current. So, the lower you make the resistance in this series circuit, the less voltage drop you will have at the transmission resulting in a better functioning unit. By adding the #8 wire in PARALLEL with existing ground , you will be cutting the resistance dramatically! There is a video on 'Ford Tech Macalocuo" channel showing how to 'fix" the bad grounds on the Fiesta. CHEERS!
So should I just have a ground kill switch and reset learning mode before driving every time?
Get a Socket Fuse
Can confirm this works on my 2014 Focus thank you so much!!!!
@Todd votral Votral Also ended up taking my car in for a service to find out there was something wrong with it cost me $700 to fix but completely fixed it atho at first this did help with the taking off etc
The FIRST thing I did on my '13 Focus (DPS6) was to remove the "ground strap" at both ends and THOROUGHLY wire brush the contact areas of the terminals and the transmission case. Then I added an "extra" ground strap , #8 starter cable. Made a WORLD of difference how the tcm performed! Those "servos" pull a LOT of juice, any resistance in the power circuit causes a BIG voltage drop, NOT good for the motors!
How do you do this? Please tell me thanks I need to know I live on my own and my car's shifting horrible
Same one thought
Though and ford can't find the problem
Can you spare some of your knowledge? Dude just spent 10% of the car"s original price to replace the DCT n TCM was under warranty. Scared of the future. Please share...
@@FortniteBoss you take the ground wire coming from the transmission going to the sub-frame (under the air filter box) and clean the area under the bolt just like he did with the cowl bolt. The dude in the video only took care of HALF of the series ground circuit. In MY case, I added a parallel ground wire (#8 gauge with ring terminals) from the cowl bolt DIRECTLY to the bolt on the transmission case, so that ANY resistance in the stock wiring would THEORETICALLY would be cut in half. I YOUR case this mod may have NO effect because of a bad TCM or shift motor! THIS IS NOT A "magic bullet" to fix all the problems!!!
I read the comments and see lots of positive response. I did this too but still tcm, clutch and tranny needed to be changed. So after the change i cleaned the grease , and redo again. New battery CCA 600+. Now so far already done almost 10k miles. Anyone had experienced lasting longer without changing the tcm and clutch?
Theirs 2 more grounding ports underneath the air box filter... I also removed the paint from those👍
I did it but didn’t work how ever…. My battery is bad so I need to replace it. And under the air filter cover and battery covers there 2 more ground cables u need to sand off as well this was something I found out while I was working on my car
It worked! I became a subscriber. I hope that helps you. Thanks for the info
Thats a good idea. I had a bad batery and when I changed it the car ran like new and got better mileage
Hi dear , if you can help me, I have focus 2016 1.5 eachoboost , the car not power full , while kick down or initial moving not that much response like luck of power
Really liked the video gonna try it on my 2013
Did it work?
Did it work?
How is it now?
It made a significant difference and took no time at all
@@earllovejoy6369 after 7 months, is the fix still good?
3 ground wires 1 from the battery 2 on frame under airfilter case remove all paint from all 3 frame part to get correct grounds
Amen to that. I discovered the extra two by accident while doing the main ground. So far, so good with my 2015 DCT Focus with 12,000 mi. I highly suggest a grease called Noalox that electricians use. Can find it at Home Depot or electrical supply places. Dielectric grease actually interferes with electrical flow. Noalox can and does help electrons flow while fighting corrosion. It also is amazing fighting corrosion on battery terminals.
@@ravenfn831 - "Dielectric grease actually interferes with electrical flow" Uhh, no! Who the hell told you that or did you pull that from your very own ass?
@@Fucknuts4u haha! It's true, brother fn.
Did this with a new battery and ALSO found the Aftermarket radio was killing the battery installed a Socket Fuse and switch the radio off and it drives way better took me long enough to find a way to disconnect the radio directly at the source
Interesting!
Idk it's a mystery don't stress about it
I got 160k miles on my powershift. Sometimes it’s jerky but still shifts smooth
Same.. I got 230k on mine. 2014
Thats crazy! It worked for me but I had to do all three cables, battery and 2 under air box. Did just battery cable first but did not work until I did all 3
Was your car having issues with going from 1st to 2nd. Like jerking?
@@20kazper Yes. 1st and 2nd only
i have ford focus 2014 automatic 2.0 since one month sometimes from 1st gear to second i have very bad jerk in m car so i have shown to many garadges and in the end its shown in the computer its a issue with clutch actuator.so i did replaced a new one now there is no issue with the jerk only the thing when i put it drive the car not moving unless i press the accelrator what is this issue
I have a 2014 Ford Focus se automatic and I am having a a jerking problem and sometimes miss shifting and yes I heard of this and it seems to work on almost of people who owns this focuses
Thank you!!! You saved me $2700 so I’m not having to swap the TCM!
I take back what I said.....the fix didn’t work with my 2017 Focus SE Hatchback.
I hate my car now.
Still no go backwards!!
@@BozowolfnHD hey man your car should still be under the TCM fault warranty. You probably need it if no reverse.
@I Am Who I Am the car is out of warranty 80,000+ miles. The car has, as I like to say, good days and bad. I tried ordering a new TCM via Amazon, no luck. The part was a no show on delivery day. My next attempt will be to order a used TCM from EBay if I cannot source one from a junkyard locally.
@@BozowolfnHD There's a 10 year warranty on the TCM
@@amped5234 Focus traded in on another brand of car.
The shudder returns after awhile. Also, this isn't the only spot where the engine is grounded to the frame. Remove the airbox and you'll see 2 more grounded cables....
If you read through the rest of the forums, you would see that it returns, because all you are doing is resetting the ECU
I agree it happeneds to me
Also there is 2 more behind the battery
@@chocolatemilk2076 Did you have any DTC'S or check engine light? If so what were they and were you able to fix it? Forscan maybe?
Needs a stronger battery
Correct I done it did work a while smooth gear shift then back to hard again especially when stop at round about first gear then try to second gear but it stuck which is dangerous don’t know it’s clutch or need transmission oil change
I have same year don't forget 2 other grounds to transmission under airclear on the frame clean them to
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't had issues with mines and love this car
I didn't either but I did it anyway and unlocked a new level of fun