Ford Problems

I would be looking for a vacuum leak. Check all hoses on the engine looking for splits, also check for a split brake booster check valve.

Before you jump to any conclusions I would do an old-fashioned fuel economy check by actually measuring the fuel used over a distance, which would give you a pretty good guide to what your car is really doing. Ford claimed a combined average of 10.1 L/100 km. Now, I wouldn't assume that your car would get the same, as the Ford figure is established in a laboratory and yours would be a real-life number, and they could easily be different. But you should get a figure that is reasonably close to Ford's. If you get more than 14 L/100 km on your test I would suspect something is wrong. When doing your test take the car on a reasonably long run, your short stop-start driving cycle might be the reason for your apparent poor economy.

You're right a new gearbox would fix the problem and you should press Ford to do that. We understand the clutch design has been changed and the new clutches don't appear to have the same problem.

Yes it is. I also observed a shudder similar to what you report when road testing a Focus some time ago. The so-called auto in this case is not a traditional automatic gearbox that we have become used to over many, many years, it's a new technology automated manual gearbox, which in effect means it's a manual gearbox, but with an automated shift mechanism. As part of that mechanism it has two clutch packs that release and engage when it's shifting gears, and these are known problem areas. These gearboxes are not just fitted to Fords, but many other vehicles as well. VW's recent well-publicised difficulties are related to the gearboxes it uses. The shudder is annoying and will potentially get worse, so I would press your case with the dealer and with Ford to have it fixed.

In a word, no. Ford replaced the engine under warranty, so you're not really out of pocket on the deal.

I'd take it to another mechanic, one who is prepared to dig deeper than the Ford dealer was. Check the electronics, not just the computer, but also the various engine sensors that provide the computer with its input. In particular I would be checking the oxygen sensors in the exhaust.

It sounds like it could be the power steering pump. Take it to a mechanic and have it checked.

It's interesting that you have been told that it is within specification. Next time you talk to the dealer ask him to see the specification for shudder. That's trying to get out from under the problem. You should keep the pressure on Ford, through the dealer and directly, and you could also consult the consumer affairs people in your state.

Thanks. I would never have guessed that radio interference could be caused by the accumulation of dirt and dust on high voltage power lines.

To start with keep an accurate record, dates, times, what is said etc., of any conversations to have with the dealer personnel and Ford so you have plenty of ammunition to put to Ford if it comes to a head. Request a meeting with the Ford dealer and take them for a drive so you can demonstrate your concerns about the car, than ask for a Ford representative to assess the car, again preferably with you present. Shuddering is a sign of a clutch problem with the gearbox, erratic movements could also be a clutch issue, but could also be an electronic problem with the gearbox computer.