ford dual clutch problem

In the first question, you state that once one of the clutches was replaced in a dual-clutch Ford Focus, the engine runs roughly, trembles and shakes. You also say there’s no check engine light or DTC.

There are several possible causes of this issue. First and foremost, I’d take the parts out again, noting the order in which everything comes out. Then, I’d check the service manual to see if there might be a part that was inserted incorrectly or which might be missing.

It is very simple, given the complexity of the clutch assemblies, to insert a part on the wrong side or a part that might just be enough out of true to cause the engine to tremble. I’d also check closely to see if there might be a part that is missing. If the clutch isn’t taking up correctly and slipping, for example, then the engine would jitter and judder when the Focus was in gear.

And, no there might not be a check engine light because, you noted everything seemed to go together smoothly. In this instance, it is possible that the Engine Control Module (ECM) or the computer that catches all the codes is not catching any codes from the clutch assembly and therefore there is not check engine light.

My suggestion — yes I know I suggested pulling the new assembly and reinserting it — however, the real fix for this is try another clutch assembly, carefully inserting it following every step and rechecking every step. (What you are really talking about here is the clutch actuator, a small motor that ensures that this particular half of the dual-clutch assembly works. I think once you have replaced the actuator assembly, you will be on your way, so to speak).

Onto the other issue — both are related — the first code, P090c, indicates there is low voltage from the B actuator. Since there are two actuators or actuator motors, more correctly, if one of the pair is showing a low voltage, then it means that the particular actuator isn’t working correctly and should be replaced. In this case, it is the B actuator that is showing the low voltage. This is the P090c.

The p2837 code has also been thrown to the ECM because the B actuator is bad. As noted, there are two electric motors that are used today to shift the gears. The work with the solenoids to ensure that the gearshift works correctly. One of the actuators controls gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other activates Reverse, 2, 4, and 6. Gear shifting occurs when one of the pair of shift drums, connected to the shift motor pinion by two ideal gears is activated as it is called on to shift to a specific gear. Though the motors are, in a sense, integrated within the transmission, they are only connected at the electronic level as they are integrated in the Transmission Control Module (TCM). However, they work independently (which makes sense as they choose different gears at different times to keep things working correctly).

The actual error reads as an error in the shift fork B position circuit range or performance. The check engine light will illuminate.

In any event, the B “shift fork” or actuator must be replaced if you receive this error code. Once it is replaced, your Focus should be fine. Given the position of the actuator/shift fork, this repair, with parts and labor, will cost between $1,400 and $1,800.