It’s a rewarding car to drive, this drifty Ford Focus. For years the LW model (2011-2015) has been lauded for its crisp steering, well-sorted chassis and a feel for the road that has the driver smitten even on a daily drive. It’s the car you buy because you love to drive. But for automatic models, that elation can be spoiled by one infamous part: the DPS6 PowerShift automatic transmission.
It starts subtly. Tad rolling on when accelerating away with the lights. A soft tremble under mild acceleration. It can develop into what eventually becomes aggravating and schizzy behavior, and you may begin to wonder just how reliable that car you love so much really is. You’ve probably followed the forums and heard the rumors, and now you’re coming up against the truth of a costly and complicated repair.
This is where know-how rules above all. We’re WA Auto Parts and we are more than just sellers of parts. We are excited to bring you an in-depth case study on our most recent purchase – a 2012 Panther Black Ford Focus LW Hatchback. And, best of all, this particular ride comes with something that I believe lots of Focus owners are on the hunt for: a proven, functional, and tested PowerShift gear box.
As we have more than 15 years of experience working with cars of today’s level of sophistication, aside from this article, in addition we have a guide instructing you on how to make the right choice for your Focus.
Use our experience to your gain. Great Ford AdviceCall our Ford experts for our best advice(08) 9358 1392=row.
An Expert Diagnosis: Understanding the LW Focus and its Transmission
In order to cure a disease, you must first diagnose it. The Ford Focus LW is a fantastic car but the 6-speed PowerShift automatic would notoriously infuriate its owners. Unlike with a conventional automatic, it’s basically an automated manual transmission with two dry clutches. These units, though efficient in design, often result in overheating, wearing premature, and electrical malfunctions within the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
When it does, an owner must choose between three less than ideal options:
The Dealership Overhaul This can entail thousands of dollars for an overhaul or a new transmission or TCM, often more than half the car’s value.
The Independent Rebuild: It’s a roll of the dice, as the term “be at the mercy of” couldn’t apply more than when the fate of your gearbox rests in the palms of a tech who knows this garnish of a gearbox, and it can still end up costing a small fortune.
“Used Part Lottery”: Purchasing an untested used transmission from a private seller or a questionable wrecker is a huge gamble. You might be purchasing a part that is just as defective as your own.
There is, however, a fourth alternative: The expert-authenticated, recycled original part. This is the place where our case study takes place.
The Case Study: Our 2012 Ford Focus LW Donor Vehicle
It all starts with a great source for trustworthy solutions. This vehicle is eligible for use as a donor.
- Model: Ford Focus (LW Mk2 Series), Hatchback, 5-Doors
- Year: 2012
- Colour: Panther Black
- Powertrain: The trusted 2.0L Duratec GDI Petrol engine.
- Transmission: 6-Speed DPS6 PowerShift Automatic.
- Odometer: A reasonable 112,000 kms.
- Damage rating: Statutory write-off – side impact; most important front-end and rear sections undamaged. The engine, and, more significantly, the entire gearbox system was untouched and standing where it had done on the day the Mercedes grinders left the factory.
The WA Auto Parts Protocol: Why You Can Trust Our Transmission
Here is where our case study gets really important. We appreciate how suspicious everyone is with used PowerShift gearboxes. That’s why we don’t merely “check” them; we put them through a deliberate validation protocol.
Our Multi-Point Testing Protocol for this PowerShift Unit was:
Comprehensive Diagnostic Check: PRIOR TO ANY STRIPPING, we plug in our sophisticated diagnostics into the car’s OBD II socket. We retrieve current and old fault codes from the TCM (Transmission Control Module) which would suggest any electronic problems. This unit returned with an all-clear.
Full Road Test: Using a predetermined drive cycle, all on-board monitors are ran to test ALL PowerShift known failure points. ( This includes stop start city testing for shudder, light to medium acceleration for clutch engagement and cruising to check the shifting of all gears. This unit worked exactly as it should have.
Physical Inspection – Transmission does not stay in gear Once removed your transmission is then taken to have a physical inspection this is where the transmission is inspected for real leaks, case dents or other concerning signs:
Only after completing all levels of this protocol is a component such as this certified for sale and is warranted. You’re not buying a lottery ticket, you’re buying a proven solution.
A Catalogue of Solutions from Our Donor Vehicle
This Focus is not anything as pedestrian as a transmission. It’s one-stop shop for all things related to genuine Ford parts to address any number of needs.
The Ultimate Transmission Fix
This is the main event. For any one with shudder, slipping, or complete failure, we offer :
The Full DPS6 Transmission Assembly: The bolt on and go unit!
The Transmission Control Module (TCM): A proven, flaw-less TCM, which is usually the e-brain behind the transmission’s issues. A perfect, cost-effective replacement.
Restoring Reliable Power: The Engine
This engine is the GDI 2.0L powerhouse! Our low KM unit is perfect for replacing your high-mileage or failed engine. We have the entire engine as it sits in the car, and anything around it – including the alternator, starter motor and A/C compressor.
Erasing the Dents and Scrapes: Body Panels
A brush with a panel beater needn’t be the result of a minor mishap. We have:
Panther Black Panels: The bonnet, front bumper and rear tailgate are all in excellent order with great factory pain, possibly saving you thousands if you were looking at respraying from a lesser example.
Doors & Mirrors: Complete set of un-damaged doors, electric side mirrors.
Refreshing Your Interior Experience
Ford SYNC & Audio: Replacement factory head unit with SYNC connection available for failed screen or radio.
Seats & Trim: Complete seats in great condition along with all foam and trim to make your cab feel like new.
The WA Auto Parts Guarantee: 15+ Years of Experience Servicing Perth
The WA Auto Parts Guarantee: 15+ Years of Expertise in Perth
WA Auto Parts has been supplying quality recycled car parts throughout Perth and Western Australia for more than 15 years. Our social currency is the same as that of any community: trust. We’re your one-stop shop for used auto parts, but our knowledge is what sets us apart.
Our group has the vast amount of experience concerning the automotive industry from all over the world, such as Japanese, European, Australian, Korean and American. This extensive background is what allows us to know how to understand and fix the vast array of complex issues in factory tuned vehicles such as the Ford focus. We are not simply wreckers; we are technicians and troubleshooters. We offer an industry standard warranty on every part we sell and a level of personal service that is unlikely to be found with other suppliers.
The Smart Financial Move: Repair vs. Replace Your Focus
When you are strapped for cash and the repair estimate is large, selling your Focus “as-is” may seem like the quick and easy option. But in exchange you’ll typically take a loss of several thousands of dollars on a car that is in perfectly fine shape. Purchasing a quality part that is warrantied and only has 118,000km can solve the biggest problem with your car for a fraction of the cost – re-establishing clock functionality and not destroying resale value! It’s a clever bit of financial planning that keeps a great car on the road.
Your Consultation with Our Ford Specialists
We understand you have questions. That’s why we encourage you to call us for a consultation. Our Staff is devoted to offering you straightforward answers, and expert service.
- The process is simple:
- Call us at (08) 9358 1392.
- Explain the problem with your Focus to our technician.
We will confirm whether the solution is available from this donor car and offer a clear no obligation quotation.
Don’t allow a simple, easily-repaired issue to mar your ownership experience.
Those old, dependable Powershift transmissions are out there, but they are few and far between. Get in touch with WA Auto Parts today for the ultimate on the spot solution for your Ford Focus. Phone: (08) 9358 1392