Hi all,

2023 focus estate (125ps mild hybrid one). 25k on the clock and recent dealer service. 
 

2nd gear has just started getting a bit crunchy - needing a bit more convincing to go in but doesn’t jump out. Does grind a little bit but think it’s manageable if I change slowly and make sure clutch is fully down (seems ok overall then). 
 

Problem is we leave for a holiday in the Highlands this weekend, with some particularly challenging routes in the western side. 
 

I see this is a common thing to do with synchromesh or something like that. Does anyone know if I’m likely to kill my gearbox somewhere in the mountains, or is it likely to be just a carefully managed mild annoyance until I can get it looked at properly? I’ve called several places and all have said even if they diagnose it there won’t be time to fix it ahead of holiday. 
 

Thoughts appreciated, thank you!

Well, you're still in warranty, I'd get it booked in

Warranty definitely won't fix it before they go away.  It probably will break completely on a mountain, unless you can rev match perfectly for each change, but none of us can predict exactly when it will fail.  Better off skipping 2nd and just using 1st & 3rd instead.  That will put extra wear on those synchros, but reduces the risk of the 2nd gear synchro failing so badly that you can't use the car at all. 

3 hours ago, Joonyer said:

Problem is we leave for a holiday in the Highlands this weekend, with some particularly challenging routes in the western side.

I do hope you have good recovery membership, something like the AA Relay service.

Is your car still covered by the Ford recovery ?

50 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Warranty definitely won't fix it before they go away.  It probably will break completely on a mountain, unless you can rev match perfectly for each change, but none of us can predict exactly when it will fail.  Better off skipping 2nd and just using 1st & 3rd instead.  That will put extra wear on those synchros, but reduces the risk of the 2nd gear synchro failing so badly that you can't use the car at all. 

Probably best if it fails anyway.

That's the only way Ford will accept there's something wrong with it

27 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Probably best if it fails anyway.

That's the only way Ford will accept there's something wrong with it

True but only once they get home, not stuck half way up a mountain on holiday.

Crikey, really easy to see the guys that are 'half full', and 'half empty'. 🤣 Go and enjoy your holiday. If the worst happens, you can get recovered. I'm a half glass full, so don't give it a second thought. If it does go t*ts up, think of the stories/memories you'll have to recall for time to come! If you're going to lose sleep, bite the bullet, rent a car, and get it sorted on return...

I got the nephew to take out the aa his gearbox went in his kuga at Edinburgh airport parking 

Here's a link for the aa

 

 

1 hour ago, StephenFord said:

If you're going to lose sleep, bite the bullet, rent a car, and get it sorted on return...

They'd probably end up with another Mk4 Focus!  

Thanks gents - I should have noted I have great breakdown cover with my insurance, but I don’t have “I f***ing told you so” cover with my wife (a natural panicker). Might be better to take the Puma even if it is powered by a hair dryer by comparison. 
 

I gave the focus a test run today and 2nd seems fine you just have to give it a bit more of a convincing shove to go in (we’ve all been there…). But if I’m on some crazy steep windy bits needing lots of gear changes it does worry me a bit. 
 

Still under warranty yes but unsure how many garages can fix it if it dies in the back end of beyond! 
 

I don’t like the puma for longer distance but my rare sensible side is telling me that’s the way to go. 
 

thanks all - much appreciated. 

Which engine is in the Puma?  Thought they were minimum 125ps?

43 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Which engine is in the Puma?  Thought they were minimum 125ps?

Oh I am a tool. Mine is the 150ps and hers is the 123. Honestly I’m not a car guy as you can tell!  Cheers again buddy