I recently purchased a used 2017 Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line (Petrol, Semi-Automatic) with 47,300 miles on the clock. I've noticed a noticeable delay when shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, though the rest of the gears seem to perform fine. Additionally, there's a whining noise that occurs specifically during hard acceleration from a standstill.

I've recorded the noise, and I'm confident it's not coming from the engine.

Is this normal for this gearbox, or should I be concerned? If it’s an issue, any idea how much it might cost to fix?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Whine from gearbox: 

Engine: 

 

The engine sounds normal

I had a 2017 1.0 auto and 2nd gear used to hang really bad

It is common with this box but some are worse than others

I wonder if you've bought mine? DG17 UFV? As it was for sale again recently

Thanks for the advice, DaveT70! No worries, it's definitely not your car—mine’s a GM17 😁.

Do you think this is a common issue that can be resolved, or is the whining just a characteristic of these gearboxes that I’ll have to get used to? I’ve also noticed it struggles at low speeds, like when I’m manoeuvring out of a tight parking space. Even at around 3000 RPM, the car barely moves and I still hear the whining noise during this too.

I should mention the car sat for about two years before I bought it. I’m considering taking it to Ford for a check-up. Do you think a gearbox oil change and a TCM diagnostic might help improve things?

Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

The PCM & TCM is combined on these so the best idea would be to get the PCM updated first.

I would recommend checking the fluid level first, then maybe change it if it's looking a bit dark

After a bit of research, I found the 2nd gear issue to be caused by a rework in the solenoid body (drilling a part hole) if they drill to far you loose 2nd gear .

But the shift flare is designed in (stupidly) some are worse than others

I’ve booked a time with Ford to get it checked, and I’ll ask them to check the fluid level inspected as well as get the PCM and TCM updated.

I’m not entirely sure what work has been done on the car previously, but I haven’t completely lost 2nd gear – there’s just a slight delay when selecting it compared to the other gears. I’ll ask Ford to look into if there's any rework done in the solenoid body while they’re at it.

Always appreciate your input!

59 minutes ago, Thil said:

I’ve booked a time with Ford to get it checked, and I’ll ask them to check the fluid level inspected as well as get the PCM and TCM updated.

Ok, Just PCM there's no TCM

 

1 hour ago, Thil said:

there’s just a slight delay when selecting it compared to the other gears. I’ll ask Ford to look into if there's any rework done in the solenoid body while they’re at it.

Try and put a video up, if you can, because the slight delay is designed in.

First & Second gear are torque converter slip right up to the end of the 2nd gear cycle, then the TC engages.

TC fast engagement happens in 3-4-5-6-5-4-3-2 then slip again in 1

It takes some getting used to.

You should experience pull away, a bit of delay (holding the revs) as you engage 2nd gear then, finally, a rev drop just before it engages 3rd gear, then smooth changes.

That's normal on 6F15 & 6F35 I'm afraid

1 hour ago, Thil said:

I’ll ask Ford to look into if there's any rework done in the solenoid body while they’re at it.

They won't be able to access that information, it's done during the manufacturing process of the solenoid body, that was the issue I was having

Hi DaveT70,

Apologies for the late reply!

I've created the video as you requested, and I hope it helps clarify what's happening. My main concern is the gear whine, rather than the delay in shifting to 2nd gear. As you mentioned, the delay might just be something I need to get used to.

In the video, you can clearly hear the whine between the 20-23 second mark, and again from 32-37 seconds while it's holding 2nd gear. It's much more noticeable if you listen with headphones.

Let me know your thoughts!

 

I noticed some oil on the floor, so I decided to check under the bonnet. It appears the issue might be due to the gearbox being low on oil. You can see the oil dripping in the picture below the gearbox.

 

Well that sounds completely normal to me given the engine and gearbox combination.

That transmission is working fine.

Much, much better than mine did.

There's a little bit of flare, but not much.

Looks like the solenoid body gasket is leaking, you may want to get that fixed or pinch the bolts up to see if they've come loose.

As you are at 47,000 miles I would consider changing the fluid now, MERCON LV or DEXRON VI (Same thing) but definetely check the level and get it topped up.

To check level:

The car/transmission needs to be warm

Leave engine on and transmission in "N"

Park on level ground

Measure the height of the passenger sill at normal height

Jack up passenger front and remove front wheel

Lower the jack back to the measured ride height

Remove the HEX key from the transmission, through the wheel arch and let excess run out or add fluid at top of transmission (you have to remove the breather hose/hook) and pour in fresh fluid until it runs from the level hole.

Thank you for the helpful advice. I’ll proceed with the oil change and update the PCM as recommended. Just to confirm, is the whine I’m hearing in the lower gears considered normal?

2 hours ago, Thil said:

Just to confirm, is the whine I’m hearing in the lower gears considered normal?

Yes, normal(ish) you may be slightly low on fluid

Are you getting any clunks or bangs when selecting "D" or "R" or when pulling away?

Thank you for the clarification. I’ll go ahead with the transmission oil change and see if the whine persists. I was concerned that running the vehicle like this might cause harm to the gearbox, so I appreciate your reassurance.

As for your question, I haven’t noticed any clunks or bangs when selecting 'D' or 'R' or when pulling away

@DaveT70 

I have repaired the oil leaks from the solenoid body and the passenger-side drive shaft by replacing the seals, and I’ve refilled the gearbox with transmission fluid. However, there’s still a whining noise in the lower gears until the gearbox warms up. I’m wondering if this could be caused by a blocked breather valve.

I’ve purchased two parts, but neither seems to include a valve. Part 7A246A is a hollow tube, and part 7034B is a hollow, vent assembly component. Are you aware of any breather valve in this gearbox (6F15) apart from these?