There is no denying that Ford is one of the most well-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. From their commercial van range to their cars, the motor company has established itself a reputation for excellence over the past century.
However, even the most well-respected of vehicle manufacturers run into problems. In this article, we’ll run through a few common faults with the Ford PowerShift transmission.
What Is A Powershift Gearbox?
For readers unfamiliar with the design of a Powershift transmission, we’ll outline the basics. Commonly, cars are fitted with either an automatic or manual transmission. Automatic transmissions use a series of wet clutches to achieve the correct gear ratio, whereas manual transmissions use one dry clutch and a series of metal gears. Essentially, the Powershift uses a combination of the two, known as a dual transmission.
By using a pair of clutches in tandem, the Powershift works provides the efficiency and control of a manual system, with the ease and comfort of an automatic transmission. This style of dual clutch is controlled via the transmission control unit as opposed to a foot pedal.
This type of transmission is incredibly effective when working as it should, allowing for faster gear changes and incredibly smooth driving. However, when they experience faults, they can be a real problem to deal with.
Sensors
When it comes to Powershift faults, the sensors inside the transmission are often to blame. If the magnets that relay information to the sensors become dirty, the readings they pick up can confuse the control module. This can often be fixed by dismantling and cleaning the sensors and changing the oil.
However, if the above remedy does not fix the problem, you may have a fault with the control module itself. Put simply, the control module is the computer brain of the powershift transmission, deciding which gear is most appropriate and when to shift. If this is the cause of fault it will, unfortunately, need replacing.
Shuddering & Jolting
Another common fault in the Powershift transmission can be identified as you begin to drive. If you experience shaking or juddering as the vehicle transitions from still to moving, faulty clutch assembly may be to blame.
Faulty clutch assembly can cause a number of issues, so it will require the expertise of your mechanic to decipher the precise fault. To work out the precise nature of the problem, the transmission will have to be removed. From this point, a clever understanding of the fault can be gained and the cost of repair can be calculated.
Clunky Shifting
The final fault on our list can be identified as the transmission shifts up or down in gear. When driving, the gear changes should feel smooth, seamless and almost unnoticeable. However, if a fault is present, you may experience loud clunking or harsh thudding during shifts.
If this is the case for your vehicle, there is a high chance that the valve body is faulty. This will require an experienced mechanic to dismantle and assess the damage. If the valve body has become worn and broken over time, a whole new control module may be needed.
Talk To The Gearbox Specialists
No matter the cause of your Powershift transmission faults, it is always worth getting an expert opinion. Here at the Gearbox Specialists, we’ve seen it all and are always happy to help.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and book yourself in for an automatic clutch repair.
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