Buying: MC Mondeo Ecoboost Auto, any known problems?

Ken Oath · 22-03-2018, 08:10 AM

Hey guys, I'm looking at a MC Mondeo Ecoboost Auto today and was wondering if there is any inherent problems with the gearbox?

I'm a previous owner of a Focus auto and within 30,000 kays had 2 clutches fitted and many visits to the dealership. So I'm concerned about the Ford DCT auto.

I know that the gearbox is a wet clutch type and the problematic Focus was a dry clutch. So I'm hoping it would be reliable.

The car I'm looking at has 66,000 kays so it's relatively low mileage.

Any advice on the gearbox or any other issues that the car may have would be appreciated.

rondeo · 22-03-2018, 02:51 PM

Reliability and service information is privy to Ford,
actual data is not publicly available, poor buggers, they must be struggling.

My experience is positive,
The bad reputation of powershift works in favour of 2nd hand buyers,
since the wet clutch gearboxes are pretty good, I believe.

Mondaveo · 22-03-2018, 04:57 PM

We only have anecdotal evidence to work with.

The earliest Powershift-equipped MB-MC Mondeos (2010-2011 build) seem to have a defect where an input shaft speed sensor can go bad. It causes the computer to become confused and produce an irregular balking or hesitation in low-speed acceleration (like it spontaneously selects neutral), then often a jolt when it picks back up, and sometimes rough shifts. If you have an OBDII scanner you might see a P0715 "sensor value out of range or implausible" trouble code being recorded in the TCM. Repair can cost from $2,000 to $3,000 and requires complete removal and disassembly of the transmission to replace the part.

It seems to be a not-so-uncommon problem, but as said we only have anecdotes. We've seen several posters on these forums reporting this trouble, including users bundybear, manchu and myself going through it throughout 2015 & 16.

Reportedly there was a manufacturing changeover around 2012 where Ford started using a redesigned sensor that doesn't go bad. I don't think we've seen anyone report it in 2012-on built vehicles, or had a recurrence in a fixed one.

Other than we haven't really heard of too many problems. The transmission fluid is super important and needs to be changed on schedule, if it's not done correctly that will affect gear shifts and drivability, and possibly cause damage. We have one user (ac17) who is currently posting about low-speed shudder and exploring the possibility of clutch failure, but that seems to be an isolated case.

They seem to be a pretty strong transmission generally speaking, but expensive to repair if they go wrong. This link I found earlier today that gives a summary reference might be relevant here:
https://axleaddict.com/cars/Powershi...mission-Faults

If you have concerns going into a purchase, get it checked out and get some kind of mechanical warranty to cover you for the first few months while you get familiar (if you don't have the statutory warranty from buying from a dealer).

**DFB FGXR6** · 22-03-2018, 06:03 PM

From memory Ford revised the gearbox oil change interval to 60,000km or thereabouts. In which case make sure that has been done or use it as a bargaining tool.

We had an EcoBoost Titanium and had no problems with it. The main thing, as I'm sure you are aware having had a Focus, is that they need to be driven slightly different to regular auto's and CVT's. They don't respond well to heavy, sudden throttle applications from stand still and generally resent on-off-on type throttle usually associated with stop start city driving.

cyclone1410 · 22-03-2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

From memory Ford revised the gearbox oil change interval to 60,000km or thereabouts. In which case make sure that has been done or use it as a bargaining tool.

We had an EcoBoost Titanium and had no problems with it. The main thing, as I'm sure you are aware having had a Focus, is that they need to be driven slightly different to regular auto's and CVT's. They don't respond well to heavy, sudden throttle applications from stand still and generally resent on-off-on type throttle usually associated with stop start city driving.

Can only with everything said earlier. No trouble with ours after 4 years and lots of stop start city driving. As long as you drive it according to the advice above it is fine.

sailaway · 24-03-2018, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclone1410

Can only with everything said earlier. No trouble with ours after 4 years and lots of stop start city driving. As long as you drive it according to the advice above it is fine.

Ditto with my MC.

Laughed today when running late for an appointment and found myself in the left hand lane at the front at a set of lights. Noticed I did not have far to travel after the lights before needing to change lanes.

So when the lights changed I took off a bit harder than necessary to beat the car next to me when I heard the squeal of wheel spin. Thought what a hoon it was next to me at the lights. Oops the hoon was me I realised as I changed lanes a mile in front of the other car.

Not the nicest driving I know but pleased that my old Mondy (240klms+) still had it in her to respond.

kevino · 24-03-2018, 09:14 AM

Make sure it had the correct servicing at 60000kms.
The powershift needs a big service at 60000kms.

JustBill · 28-08-2024, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondaveo

We only have anecdotal evidence to work with.

The earliest Powershift-equipped MB-MC Mondeos (2010-2011 build) seem to have a defect where an input shaft speed sensor can go bad. It causes the computer to become confused and produce an irregular balking or hesitation in low-speed acceleration (like it spontaneously selects neutral), then often a jolt when it picks back up, and sometimes rough shifts. If you have an OBDII scanner you might see a P0715 "sensor value out of range or implausible" trouble code being recorded in the TCM. Repair can cost from $2,000 to $3,000 and requires complete removal and disassembly of the transmission to replace the part.

Huge bump Mondaveo hope you are still around.

I have a 2011 turbo Diesel mondeo. What you described the jolt when car picks up at low speeds usually when turning into a street or entering a round about when i don't need to do a full stop (like it spontaneously selects neutral) happens to my car. Though i never get a code. Also one other symptom, jolt down to second or third gear (can't remember which gear) on down shit. around 35-40km speed feels as if it down shifts to early. All other gear changes are fine.

Now if it is my input shaft speed sensor..... what is the major part of the huge cost you mention ($2000 - $3000) is it parts or the trouble pulling the transmission out from the car?

Why i ask, i'm about to get another engine put into my car as the current engine has had it. I'm looking around $2000 - $2500 for a second hand engine and labor to remove my current one and place this other second hand one with very low km. Before i commit..... i need to know,

A) if this sensor issue would be my issue or something else since no codes come up (according to 1 mechanic its my engine mounts causing that jolt at low speed take offs) though i do feel that momentary neutral before the jolt so i'm taking your word as making more sense.

B) since the transmission is coming out anyway with the current engine, the labor cost wouldn't be included in this 2-3k estimation and all i need is the cost of this sensor and i suppose opening up the transmission while its already out.

PS: Googling A faulty transmission speed sensor can cause a multitude of problems

Faulty cruise control
Sluggish shifting
Difficult shifting
Malfunctioning speedometer
Check engine light

None of these apply to me.

Mondaveo · 19-12-2024, 12:26 AM

Hey JustBill, thanks for the shout and sorry I haven't posted up a response before now. I'm still around and receive notifications on these forums so I did see your post here and intended to reply earlier, but unfortunately it just got lost in the busyness of life.

I saw in your other thread that the engine swap has already taken place, but just to close the loop for any who may come after:

I had two quotes, $3,427 from the Ford dealer and $2,429 from an independent transmission specialist. Parts and consumables from the dealer were $1,689 and from the specialist was $977, and the rest was labour ($1,740 vs $1,452). The dealer quote included a lot of extra parts that the specialist didn't call for - probably a case of employing extra caution in case the issue is unexpectedly something else.
The speed sensor itself was about $550 of the parts total, and transmission fluid was charged at around $250-$300 for a complete fill.

I had it all documented in my thread over here. Note these are all 2016 prices, which may or may not bear any semblance to current reality.