Hi, I have a 2017 focus 1.5 tdci powershift with 47000km on the clock.

Earlier today when the car got to 1500 rpm is started to vibrate and shudder and wouldn't get past that rpm/speed, this was at around 50-60km/h. I decided to not go home on the motorway as it would be unsafe.

Periodically it would do the same thing at around 1500rpm, the rev needle shaking at that speed. Also while sitting at the lights in neutral it was vibrating and an unusual sound coming from the engine, like it was misfiring.

On the way home it seemed to rectify itself as it was accelerating past 1500 rpm and was driving okay.

Does anyone have any similar experiences or any idea as to what this might be?

Oil and filters all changed at the beginning of the year so unlikely to be related to that. I had to put my foot hard down on the accelerator earlier in the day and as it is a powershift it was scrambling to find a gear, would this have anything to do with it?

Any help is appreciated.

First thing with these, that go wrong, is low power.

They don't like low voltage, ensure your battery is in good condition, if you know the battery is old, change it and see if the issue goes away.

Being at a certain revs does make me think it's more of an engine issue, not a transmission issue, the DCT450 is quite a reliable, strong box.

But......

Has the fluid and filter been changed?

It should be changed at about 36,000 miles so you're about there I think

Thanks for your comment.

The fluid and filter of the power shift gearbox has not been changed , I bought the car at the end of 2020 with only 8000 km on it so doubt anything like that was done.

As for filters, fuel, oil, air and pollen filters and oil change, that was all done last January.

as the car started vibrating and shuddering when it reached certain revs makes me possibly think it’s some sort of clutch slip issue?

2 hours ago, Rob Jay said:

Thanks for your comment.

The fluid and filter of the power shift gearbox has not been changed , I bought the car at the end of 2020 with only 8000 km on it so doubt anything like that was done.

As for filters, fuel, oil, air and pollen filters and oil change, that was all done last January.

as the car started vibrating and shuddering when it reached certain revs makes me possibly think it’s some sort of clutch slip issue?

As mentioned, check battery condition first, then change the transmission fluid and filter before you start tearing the box apart

Okay thanks for your help.

Turns out it may have just been some bad fuel as the issue has gone away, it will be monitored though.

Gearbox oil and filter change is necessary at every 37500 miles.