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"I can't believe it's not butter." Certainly not butter now. Shift Clunks, and Vibrates, and Jumps.

Messages
277
Likes
105
Location
Miami Gardens, FL, USA
#1
2015 Ford Fiesta ST - The butter melted, I guess.


Brought "new" from Pompano Ford with 125 miles on it on 8/19/2015. Yes, those much miles on it and nobody brought it. Must have been the stripes and the tighter seats. Almost turned away as we all know what happens on test drives (!125 miles!), but as I did not want to order a 16 and as it was one of the last ones in the Southeast with Recaros and a paint color other than Tux Black or Molten Orange, here I am now.

Had it trucked in an enclosed trailer to my garage.

125 mi - ~2500 mi :
Completely stock. From the get-go it had that slight 1-2 clunk no matter if you were at 1500 rpm or 3500 rpm. First I panicked, but after a search online, no worries. Disregarded it due to similar complaints, so it just must be the nature of the beast. Other than that, 2-3 was like spreading butter on a lightly toasted slice of bread. 3-4 was like floating through soft clouds of joy.
4-5 was just...[:I]
5-6

Smooth, crisp, light and direct. I could flick the shift lever with my index with minimal effort, turn to my passenger with a glowing grin and just chuckle. Then turn back to the road, and laugh and giggle.

Drove probably 60% rural traffic (45-50 mph in 6th gear, stop n' go about every 10 min, shifting at 2000), 10% city (bumper-bumper, lots of 1-2-3 bursts to close gaps to make lights), 20% highway (short-shift as to not go into boost and lug engine, sloooww launches, row up to 6th at then just cruise at like 70-80 mph), 10% twisties (1-2-3-4 shifting anywhere from 2500-4000, sport mode).

Not my daily yet.

~2500 mi (mid-October):
Installed Boomba BOV adaptor. Still butter soft.

Still at the same percentage for driving.

Still not my daily.

3500mi (mid of December):
The cold sets in here in NE Florida. The FiST is garaged of course, but when it is out and about it is exposed to the elements. I've always warmed up for just enough time for me to adjust seat/wheel, connect phone, pick a song, look up the traffic on my phone and lay out a route, but now I make sure the bar on the temp gauge is right in the middle. Shifting now requires slightly more effort, can't just flick and go. The lightness and crispness is
gone, feels slightly mechanical. No problem it is cold, my truck felt the same way, but it did get parked outside.

Still at the same percentage of driving.

On break from work/school. Only use the FiST for church on Sundays and to go out to eat.

3600ish (New Years)
Shifting is still slightly mechanical but I've gotten used to it. 1-2 clunk is even more pronounced that even passengers are like "what the fudge, dude, can you even drive?". Then I row 2-3-4-5-6, the car pssshs, and they shut up. Considered buying a RMM. But my fear was that since I live down a rutted dirt road where I am forced to move along at 5-10 mph otherwise my bones shatter, a stiffer RMM might not allow some flex to occur otherwise it translate into throwing stuff off thier tolerance. And Ford is probaly smarter than me. Maybe the RMM is like this for some reason unbeknownst to us. Didn't do much research into it. Just went nice and slow.

Barely drove it.

4250 mi
I'm commuting 50mi round trip for work. 30% dense rural traffic, stop n' go every 10 min but now usually going like 40 tops, 42 if you're lucky. 70% highway at 60-80 mph. No time for twisties:( The shift feel is ever more mechanical. Start to really second-guess not getting an RMM instead of the Boomba. Put it up on a lift. Everything looks good. Looked at that linkage. Sounds more like that satisfying clunk sound from before 3500 than the clunk sound now.

Officially my daily. Because I do not have full winter gear for my bike and the windchill of 10 degrees at 65 mph. I tried it in regular leather motorcycle gloves, had to thaw my fingers on the tailpipe.

4494 mi
It's sitting in the garage. This morning the cold was back. The garage was about 55-60 degrees (it can get to 100 plus in the summer). After a few minutes of driving the outside temp reads at 40. The shifting is not longer butter. It is no longer crisp. No longer light. Not a hint of smooth. The butter has melted, the crispiness has staled and crumbled, it has gained considerable pounds since before the holiday season, and it has become as smooth a a Jr. High Dance.
I first noticed that reverse was as difficult as heck to engage/disengage, as I have to back out of the garage. This brought back panicked feelings.
1-2 still has that clunk. But it's certainly even more pronounced and now it also has this sensation of almost jumping between itself that I have to be careful to correct.
2-3 and 4-5 have a slight clunk and this hesitation that requires me to concentrate to make sure it also doesn't jump around. At times I swear I placed it in the wrong gear, just by indication of feel but the noise and rpm indicates otherwise.
3-4 and 5-6 also has the slight clunk, and it definitely requires more effort than before.
Downshifting it has the same issues but much less pronounced on the clunking as I believe stress on the engine is lessened but it still has that hesitation that requires me to really guide the lever in.
All the gears now have this vibration when placed in gear, something I've felt ever before.

Upshifting onto onto tight curving on/off ramps at 2500 rpm it seems like everything sort of becomes slightly more buttery that there is a noticeable difference in feel. Maybe it's just the euphoria of hitting a bend.

I actually went to a Ford dealer today before I drove home and test drove another FiST (12 mi on it) and it had that butter-soft and light, direct feel to it that brought back some great memories. After that test-drive the clunks, hesitations was all I could feel. Then on the way home while downshifting/upshifting I started to get a feel similar to a geared bike under stress where you have to let up pressure while still concentrating on guiding it correctly. Changing shift points didn't do much. At a lower rpm (1500) the clunk was even much more of a clunk. At higher rpms (4500) I could almost feel the gears just jumping about through the lever.

Upon arriving at my dirt road I could really feel everything jumping around under me and after having slowed down to 1 for my driveway entry then up to 2 when I slotted it in and was backing off the clutch, adding gas, I get this jump in the lever itself when that I had to depress the clutch to cut power off as to make sure it wouldn't grind. I got going again slowly. My garage entrance has this slope and a lip to it where the FiST actually stopped and felt like rolling back even with me on the gas in second gear. I double clutched to first to let it roll and then made it up. The clutch is still a beauty, hasn't changed feel at all. Having driven many types of manuals, the feel of the clutch in the FiST is something expected of a much more expensive car. Now that shift-feel...

This is not my first manual car. I learned to drive in a 5 speed truck. I hate automatics, feels like somethings missing. I ride ATVs and dailyed a motorcycle for much of the past 2 years. I know how to drive the FiST, I'd wager to say it's easy. I've never raced/autox/dragged the Fist. Haven't wheel-hopped or had the engine hit the firewall. I've flat-foot shifted a couple times in the first few months, to get a feel for it. I probably redline only once every month with trying catch a light, merge or just show off, and even then it's really quick, row through and then cool off and just cruise. Haven't done this in a while though since I started my commutes in tight traffic and long highway.

I'm aware that all trannies make noise, my truck used to make alot of noise as well but it still felt smooth. Heck, even at 200 mi the FiST made noise in the trans but it was satisfying clunk, more of a signal that everything is in place, not one where it was all choppy, uncertain, and weak. I hate that the shift feel has changed so quickly and to detriment to the enjoyment of the car. And don't get me wrong, it is still massive fun, but why did the butter-smooth shift just go away in less than 1000 miles of mostly highway driving. I was sold the car with the smooth light butter, why is it gone now. Is it supposed to shift rough and have this jumpy feel. Why can't I just point and slot the lever. Why must I jostle and guide it now. Is this your true form, Fiesta ST?

Sorry for the long post, made sure to provide as much details as possible. I thought I'd post this separate from other threads as maybe someone had a similar experience or can provide some insight into this. I'll be taking a look under the car tomorrow morning again to see if something has changed. I'm due for an oil/filter change, air filter change at 5000 which I'll be doing myself. I was going to go to the shop for a tire rotation and a check on alignment (those dirt roads and stiff suspensions don't mix) around then but if I can't find anything obvious tomorrow I'll probably have to bring it into the shop sometime this week. I bet that the RMM has flexed and is slightly warped (from what, I don't know). Maybe a transmission mount of sorts is out of whack. Either way I'll be ordering a RMM soon. Hopefully it's nothing major and most importantly the issue gets resolved.
 


OP
T
Messages
277
Likes
105
Location
Miami Gardens, FL, USA
Thread Starter #3
Dealers are last resort for me even under warranty. Family members have had bad experiences with trying to get things resolved as well. Posted this up first as to see if anyone had any insight on it. Also my schedule is very tight and the dealer is 30 min away, so it would be a major inconvenience.
But because I have a long commute coming up soon, I decided to drive it out there today as they were open (didn't know this until a few hours ago). But the tech who looks into this sort of stuff was not there so I had to bite the bullet and schedule an appointment. The SA was kind enough to be able to fit me in asap on Monday when I leave work.

Another detail is the jumping feel is really noticeable after about 5 mi. Which is weird because in my experience as a car is driven more it should shift smoother, especially on colder mornings. Not the other way around.
 


twolf

Active member
Messages
607
Likes
266
Location
Canton
#4
o.o

you're really fetishizing that shifting feel....

I can't say I have had similar problems. I drive my car every day, it gets red-lined every single time I drive it, I've taken it to the drag strip multiple times...

It's a machine--if it's "feeling" different then when you bought it, something needs to be replaced or adjusted. IMO it sounds like the linkage isn't adjusted well...

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/...-Vehicles-With-6-Speed-Manual-Transmission-B6

Might be worth a try, dunno if by "looking at the linkage" you mean you've already done so...
 


OP
T
Messages
277
Likes
105
Location
Miami Gardens, FL, USA
Thread Starter #5
o.o

you're really fetishizing that shifting feel....

I can't say I have had similar problems. I drive my car every day, it gets red-lined every single time I drive it, I've taken it to the drag strip multiple times...

It's a machine--if it's "feeling" different then when you bought it, something needs to be replaced or adjusted. IMO it sounds like the linkage isn't adjusted well...

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/...-Vehicles-With-6-Speed-Manual-Transmission-B6

Might be worth a try, dunno if by "looking at the linkage" you mean you've already done so...
Don't we all...

But seriously, yeah it feels extremely strange and troubling. I've looked at the linkage when it first started to act weird, didn't find anything obvious. I'll be pointing this out to the tech tomorrow.
 


twolf

Active member
Messages
607
Likes
266
Location
Canton
#6
Don't we all...

But seriously, yeah it feels extremely strange and troubling. I've looked at the linkage when it first started to act weird, didn't find anything obvious. I'll be pointing this out to the tech tomorrow.
:)

Good luck, please update us when you get any news--good or bad, I definitely want to know what the resolution is.
 


OP
T
Messages
277
Likes
105
Location
Miami Gardens, FL, USA
Thread Starter #7
Took it in yesterday. Told it was going to take until tomorrow morning for the tech to look at it. No problem. Tech looked at it this morning. I called around noon, was told it was ready. They had checked for codes, and the tech took a short drive. Just by comparing mileage, 4569 to 4571, the tech only took a 3 mile drive, even when I had told them that it had started the issue my longer commutes of 50-60 mi per day. Told me to bring it in when it replicates the issue, the tech would drive with me. No problem here as well. Everything still feels the same except I'm not getting any jumping and it hesitated when trying to slot it in gear some several times vs. the everytime last week The notchy feel is still there and the slight clunks are still there.
I do believe it has something to do with driving the car in the cold vs heat. When I had this first had this issue it was dipping below freezing. Today it's 80. But I don't see how that could affect it this much. Told them that others had similar problems that were resolved aftermarket, they said they couldn't find any reported bulletins on my specific issue, and not to go aftermarket as it would void my warranty.
I just hope the jumping, crunching, hesitation of the gears doesn't come back as I really need this car for long commutes, and I can live with a notchy shifter (even though it has a much different feel than at 125mi-3500mi), but if it does come back I need it resolved.
 


Messages
259
Likes
59
Location
SoCal
#8
Sounds rough [hihi]

On a more serious note, My transmission experienced a noticeable change right at 10K miles. It went from buttery smooth in every gear to notchy all over. It took more effort to put into gear, ect. I tried changing out to Motul oil, I changed bushings, nothing helped. Dealer told me it felt "normal". I knew it did not.

Ultimately, I just have to accept it. This is a $20K car... it still works wonderfully and I enjoy every drive.

As the saying goes, nothing gold can stay :-(

On a side note I have noticed a increasing number of transmission related posts on this forum. I think it might be one of the weak points in the car. Perhaps it will be a recall one day... but you are not alone, but go read up on the guys who have a loud whine when in 4/5/6 and then feel better that you and I just have to deal with a bit of notchiness.
 


OP
T
Messages
277
Likes
105
Location
Miami Gardens, FL, USA
Thread Starter #9
Sounds rough [hihi]

On a more serious note, My transmission experienced a noticeable change right at 10K miles. It went from buttery smooth in every gear to notchy all over. It took more effort to put into gear, ect. I tried changing out to Motul oil, I changed bushings, nothing helped. Dealer told me it felt "normal". I knew it did not.

Ultimately, I just have to accept it. This is a $20K car... it still works wonderfully and I enjoy every drive.

As the saying goes, nothing gold can stay :-(

On a side note I have noticed a increasing number of transmission related posts on this forum. I think it might be one of the weak points in the car. Perhaps it will be a recall one day... but you are not alone, but go read up on the guys who have a loud whine when in 4/5/6 and then feel better that you and I just have to deal with a bit of notchiness.
Yeah I can deal with a notchy shifter feel, many manual cars have this (Subaru especially), but then some of the best have that smooth feel that really conveys quality. I just hope that the jumping and hesitation doesn't come back, because that made me worry, even with the warranty. But yeah on the upside, other than the changing feel, the car is still performing awesome, wouldn't have brought anything else for under 50,000.
 


Messages
38
Likes
2
Location
Daphne
#10
Yeah I can deal with a notchy shifter feel, many manual cars have this (Subaru especially), but then some of the best have that smooth feel that really conveys quality. I just hope that the jumping and hesitation doesn't come back, because that made me worry, even with the warranty. But yeah on the upside, other than the changing feel, the car is still performing awesome, wouldn't have brought anything else for under 50,000.
Yeah my 16 feels a little notchy every now and again. I notice it's mostly when you are driving slowly and shifting before 3k rpm. I just drive a little more aggressively and it shifts great.
 


Messages
322
Likes
49
Location
Grand Rapids
#11
as smooth a a Jr. High Dance.
Bwahhhhahhhahhhaaa! Great metaphor.

I hope you achieve resolution. I agree... a little clunkier in the cold. Some vagueness that didn't exist before creeping in. I just accept and move on.
 


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