Ford Focus: PowerShift DPS6 transmission control module failure - sudden loss of drive or no-start
PowerShift DPS6 transmission control module failure - sudden loss of drive or no-start is a common transmission fault on the Ford Focus on the 2011–2016 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 37 documented faults on the Ford Focus.
- Vehicle
- Ford Focus
- Years
- 2011–2016
- Fuel
- petrol
- Gearbox
- dct
- System
- Transmission
What you are looking at
No photograph available
What goes wrong
Separate from the well-known PowerShift clutch shudder, the DPS6's transmission control module (TCM) develops solder cracks that cause intermittent loss of drive while moving, refusal to start, and a flashing gear indicator, with codes U0100/U0101/P0606. Ford ran Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 (TSBs 15-0121/16-0129) and extended TCM warranty to 10 years or 240,000 km in some markets - coverage that has now expired for most cars. Australian owners reported the same failures, and 'sudden loss of power' was among the complaint patterns in the ACCC's Federal Court case against Ford over PowerShift handling. Losing drive in traffic is the dangerous version of a PowerShift problem, and the fix is a new TCM plus programming.
What you would notice
- Momentary loss of drive while moving, then normal again
- Intermittent no-start with the gear indicator (PRNDL) flashing
- 'Hill start assist not available' or transmission warning messages
How to check it
Where to look. Transmission control module mounted on the PowerShift gearbox, front of the car
Start the car several times during the viewing, not once - cold at arrival, again after the test drive.
Watch the gear display for flashing and the dash for transmission or hill-start-assist messages.
On the drive, include stop-start traffic conditions and note any moment where the engine revs but drive disappears.
Ask for service history showing whether the TCM was ever replaced under Ford's extended coverage - a replaced TCM is a point in the car's favour.
This row is about electronic loss of drive; judder on light throttle is the separate clutch problem, and a car can have both.
What it costs to put right
$1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
Ask the seller
- “Has the TCM ever been replaced? Is there dealer paperwork?”
- “Has the car ever failed to start or lost drive while moving?”
- “Was the car part of Ford's PowerShift complaint or review programs?”
Now check the Ford Focus you are actually looking at
Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 / TSB 15-0121 (superseded by 16-0129)
- AustralianCar.Reviews 'Recalls & faults: Ford Mk.3 Focus (2011-18)'
- ACCC v Ford Federal Court proceedings 2017-2018 ($10m penalty)
Ford Focus buyer questions
Is powershift dps6 transmission control module failure - sudden loss of drive or no-start serious on a Ford Focus?
We rate it major and common on the Ford Focus. Separate from the well-known PowerShift clutch shudder, the DPS6's transmission control module (TCM) develops solder cracks that cause intermittent loss of drive while moving, refusal to start, and a flashing gear indicator, with codes U0100/U0101/P0606. Ford ran Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 (TSBs 15-0121/16-0129) and extended TCM warranty to 10 years or 240,000 km in some markets - coverage that has now expired for most cars. Australian owners reported the same failures, and 'sudden loss of power' was among the complaint patterns in the ACCC's Federal Court case against Ford over PowerShift handling. Losing drive in traffic is the dangerous version of a PowerShift problem, and the fix is a new TCM plus programming.
How much does it cost to fix on a Ford Focus?
$1,200 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.
Which Ford Focus years are affected?
Our research records this fault on the 2011–2016 Ford Focus. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.
How do I check for it before I buy?
Start the car several times during the viewing, not once - cold at arrival, again after the test drive. Watch the gear display for flashing and the dash for transmission or hill-start-assist messages. On the drive, include stop-start traffic conditions and note any moment where the engine revs but drive disappears. Ask for service history showing whether the TCM was ever replaced under Ford's extended coverage - a replaced TCM is a point in the car's favour. This row is about electronic loss of drive; judder on light throttle is the separate clutch problem, and a car can have both. Look here: Transmission control module mounted on the PowerShift gearbox, front of the car