Okay thanks for the information. Less aggressive and smoother throttle response. I can imagine a more CVT-like acceleration with the new clutch and TCM software tuning.

Not too sure if the perceived reduced acceleration power is due to the smoother transmission(acceleration is still powerful but the smoother/jerkless acceleration gave the feeling of less power), or the acceleration of the car has *really* taken a downturn and become worse.

With the new clutch and TCM software, hopefully the Focus does not register more than 10.0s in a 0-100km/h sprint. Otherwise, that would really be confirmed drop in performance.

Has anybody got a message on your display "Key Battery Low, Replace Soon"? I got this message this morning, so I changed to the spare remote. Surprisingly, the spare remote also showed the same message when I started the engine. Coincidentally both remotes are low in battery, which is weird.

Will need to check with the service centre later. I presume we can only change the battery of the remote at the service centre and reset the electronics?

Mind to share what's the size of the battery for this Focus remote?

The Titanium + is in my consideration list but having the concern of after sales support from SDAC and the PowerShift transmission issue.

Investigation finds hundreds of complaints about Ford transmissions

Can anyone share the experience on the after-sales support and the PowerShift experience?

Thanks

is it true that the new tcm update will result in reduced accelerating power?

Touch wood, no "Engine Malfunction, Service Now" warning message so far after more than 3 years of ownership.

The only warning messages I got so far are as follows:-

1. Transmission Overheating, Stop For 7 Minutes (something like that)
2. Battery Remote Low, Replace Battery

I still get the warning messages of battery remote low every time I switch on the engine. Even when the battery was already replaced, the warning message still comes up. Will need to get it sorted out during my next visit to the service centre. Has anybody experienced the same "battery remote low" warning message every time the car's engine is started?

Hey all, new guy here and I'm keen on replacing my 8 year old Latio 1.6 hatch with the MK3 Focus. I'm currently aiming towards Focus S+ on the 2nd hand market as they're within my fresh grad price range, I've surveyed other models but I would prefer an upgrade over a japanese car.. Looking at them on the 2nd hand market, the MK3 Focus cost a range between RM50,000 to RM60,000, with that price I'd say its a steal for such a stellar car.

After surveying around forums and news I've had a few questions and concerns regarding the Focus,

1. Does the 3+2 Warranty comes as standard for all Focus? If no, is it possible to request (or pay extra at the SDAC) to have the warranty extend for a 2nd hand Focus?
2. Does the 10year warranty cover the PowerShift DCT transmission for all Focus models? Or only specific year models?
3. Whats the cost for a regular service for the Focus? ie, engine oil change, oil filter;total cost inclusive of labour.
4. Seeing that this will be my only car (once I've sold off the Latio); I'm quite concern on the DCT transmission issue on the Focus, assuming the previous owner had taken good care of the car, would you consider the transmission to be reliable for daily use? (factor in jam and highway cruise).
Cost of repair for the transmission?

5. What other issues/common issues I should be aware of while looking for a 2nd hand Mk3 Focus?

Don't scare potential buyers with your marked up price of the parts. Where did you get all these prices from? You paid these prices yourself? For the battery, can get similar spec for RM300+ and similarly for the brake pads can get cheaper and higher quality ones outside.

And don't always assume that everyone will consume bread and plain water for the maintenance of 2nd hand Fords. You would never know that they already have Porches and Ferraris parked in their car porch and the Focus is meant to be used for running errands going to the wet market or pasar malam.

May I know what's your mileage like? Mine is 100K mileage but so far claimed battery, steering rack and clutch only. 

Your brake pads and engine mounting wear off so fast?  How about your air Cond?

Yesterday , I just changed  engine flywheel seal because oil leakage. It cost me RM 600++ for parts and labour. My Fofo is now 3 years 6 months old.

Do you mean there are folks with the Mk3 who have had issues with TCM failure? What has exactly failed with the TCM since you mentioned you have made a claim for the TCM?

It is quite amazing you have claimed so many stuff. What is the mileage of your car? I have not changed anything on the car other than the clutch which was replaced under warranty. What are the "etc." other than the steering rack, brake pads, TCM and engine mounting?

It's free. The cost is borne by Ford Sime Darby. Not sure if the warranty for the clutch is 5 years or 10 years though. There was a letter previously issued by Sime Darby which indicates the 10-year warranty for the Transmission Control Module(TCM), and i"m not sure if the clutch is part of this TCM.

By the way, GTI mentioned he changed a part at Bengkel Excellent Auto at RM680. Not sure if it's the oxygen sensor but it's not too far off from RM750 if that's the part.

Certainly not cheap if "something" fails on the Ford Focus. Just last year, replaced the air-cond compressor at RM1,600 or 1,700 at Bengkel Excellent Auto. A bit cheaper than the price at the service centre is RM2,100. All my previous cars do not have issues with the air-cond compressor, even when driven more than 10 years. The one on the Ford Focus already failed when it's slightly more than 3 years old.

For my case, the previous clutch pack replacement lasted for more than 2 years before it showed stronger jerks. The most recent replacement was about 3 or 4 months ago so I have no idea how long it will last. Personally I think the clutch can last for 2 years or more, or perhaps up to 3 years. I am not sure about others or the seriousness of this clutch pack issue but in my mind, the car can still be driven even though the clutch pack starts to show jerking. It's only the severity of the jerks or the level of acceptance of the driver with the jerkiness that may be the issue here. The car may show mild jerks after a while after the clutch pack replacement and it may be normal for the transmission or clutch to behave that way. It's only when the jerkiness starts to be more severe then it gets problematic.

For my case, the most serious jerks I have experienced with the car was when it was about 1 year old from new. At that time the jerks were really serious as it the car was defective so a change in clutch pack is a must. After the replacement, about 2 years later it starts to show jerks again but they were not as bad as the earlier jerks (before 1st replacement) but upon checking at the service centre they automatically arranged for the clutch pack replacement. Since it was under warranty I just went for it. It is quite a hassle to go for this clutch pack replacement exercise although it is free under warranty because you would need to leave the car at the service centre for 1 week on average. It is inconvenient to be without a car and to have someone send you there to leave the car there and to go to the service centre to pick it up again 1 week later. You would have to borrow a car from a relative or close friend if you do not have an extra car.

Back to the topic, due to my experience above, I think the car can last for more than 2 years with the clutch pack replacement as you don't need to change the clutch pack every year as you have suggested. That's because even if the car starts to show jerking, it can still be driven on the road. It's not like you can't drive it anymore and it's a danger or hazard thing for one to continue to drive the car if it starts to show jerks. IT is only when the car starts to show severe jerks or a level that cannot be accepted to the driver, then only it's time to warrant a change. IF the car is out of warranty, you wouldn't want to change the clutch pack too often if you are paying for it already, especially when there would be mild jerks with the car after a short while the clutch is replaced which are acceptable or a norm.

Is this your 1st or 2nd clutch pack replacement? My loan will be completed next month though I think I will keep it for 1 or 2 more years before I decide whether to sell it for another car. The current 2nd hand price is low and since the mileage of my car is also low (below 60,000 km for a 5-year old car) it's better for me to use it for a little longer before I decide to change to a new car.