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Ford Escape Manual Transmission issues

23K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  Mauer 
#1 ·
I am new to this Forum, so Hi all!!

I have a 2006 escape manual transmission. At about 25000 miles the 2nd gear became difficult to engage, and when it did it was with a terrible shadder especially in the morning when it is cold. When warmed up for 5-7 minutes it engages normally without the shadder. The Ford dealer replaced the clutch ($1300, because the cluth is not covered by the warranty), but that didn't help. Now at 44 000 miles I have the same problem and I now hear the same shadder at the end of engaging the third gear. This is bothering me. My question is does anyone have access to the technical service bulletin nr. 17657?. Although this TBS is for Escape 2004, its title appears to tell me my Escape has the same problem. I have been to motorcraft TBSs, it is not there. OR if anyone has had this problem and they have solved it somehow could they share how they got around solving it?

Regards to all
 
#4 ·
That's not a valid TSB number as they always start with a 03, 04, 06, 09, etc. I just looked at '04-'06 TSBs, none for manual transmission issues.
I actually got that number from Edmunds.com. Later, I found out that it is not a valid TSB number. The title under that number is POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION - CLUTCH CHATTER WHEN COLD. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10007421 ). Thanks for the help.
 
#3 ·
I'm kinda confused about the time line. Not sure what good this will do...

So, the clutch was replaced at around 25k miles?
You say it didn't help, but then you say "Now at 44 000 miles I have the same problem and I now hear the same shadder at the end of engaging the third gear." Kinda confusing.

Does the vehicle shudder or are you hearing a chattering sound (shadder isn't a word).
Whichever it is, maybe someone else can shed some light on the subject.

Do you live in a hilly area? Are you proficient in the use of a manual transmission? At what rpms do you begin engaging the clutch to move the vehicle? At what speeds or engine rpms do you change gears? Just kinda wondering if you're wearing out the clutch.
 
#5 ·
Hurk
I am sorry to have confused you and I apologise for abusing the English language (It is not my native language). The noise I hear is a hard sound, such as you would hear when you drop a heavy object to the ground. It is certainly not a chattering sound. Concerning the other confusion, I first discovered this problem during winter of 2008 (it was cold), in between we've had warm weather and the problem somehow disappeared. "Now at 44K" it is cold again, and the problem is back. I hope you understand now.
Regarding the proficiency of using a manual transmisson, I am sure I am, if 25 years of driving German manual transmission vehicles helps (... but those have cultured manual transmissions).
Putting that aside, I have been talking to Ford specialists who have ruled out the problem of the clutch and do not know what that can be. They suggested taking the whole transmisson apart to troubleshoot. Ofcourse at my expense since the vehicle is no longer on warranty. I have not decided yet.

Since I like this vehicle alot, I am planning on shipping it back home to Europe with me. My next question is, does anyone know how I can change the odometer units from miles to kilometers? The vehicle manual does not say how, but mentions both kilometers and miles. Is this possible?

Regards
 
#6 ·
Try changing the fluid to a synthetic fluid like Red Line, Royal purple, etc. What fluid does the transmission call for? Some call for ATF, some call for a XW-90 GL-4 oil. I'm assuming that the fluid is the original fluid as there is usually no service interval for manual transmissions. Since the problem appears to be temperature dependant, it may be fluid related.
 
#7 ·
The OEM fluid used is 75W-90 GL-4.

The service interval is every 60k miles however the factory stuff is not synthetic and breaks down quickly IMO. I would have though this was changed when they did your clutch but it is possible they did not.

When I had a 2006 AWD w/manual, I did find when cold there was some "stiction" in the 1-2 shift...which would make the synchros clash/grind when going into 2nd gear if you tried to shift too fast.

I had the OEM fluid changed out with Redline MT-90. Much better shifting!

The 2005+ has a different gearbox than the pre-2005 models so any TSBs would not apply.

Replacing the clutch was a good idea if there was defect or issue that was causing "clutch drag", this would allow some torque to remain on the gearsets which could cause the gears to stick and grind. However the clutch should not have been worn at that mileage!

Have you had a brake/clutch fluid exchange done yet? The brakes and clutch master/slave cylinders should be bled, you might have air bubbles in the line that are causing poor clutch action. They could also inspect the shift cables for misadjustment.

Beyond that they'll need to open it up and look for worn/bent components.

I did find the gearbox was happiest with somewhat "slow" shift timing.
 
#8 ·
The OEM fluid used is 75W-90 GL-4.

The service interval is every 60k miles however the factory stuff is not synthetic and breaks down quickly IMO. I would have though this was changed when they did your clutch but it is possible they did not.

When I had a 2006 AWD w/manual, I did find when cold there was some "stiction" in the 1-2 shift...which would make the synchros clash/grind when going into 2nd gear if you tried to shift too fast.

I had the OEM fluid changed out with Redline MT-90. Much better shifting!

The 2005+ has a different gearbox than the pre-2005 models so any TSBs would not apply.

Replacing the clutch was a good idea if there was defect or issue that was causing "clutch drag", this would allow some torque to remain on the gearsets which could cause the gears to stick and grind. However the clutch should not have been worn at that mileage!

Have you had a brake/clutch fluid exchange done yet? The brakes and clutch master/slave cylinders should be bled, you might have air bubbles in the line that are causing poor clutch action. They could also inspect the shift cables for misadjustment.

Beyond that they'll need to open it up and look for worn/bent components.

I did find the gearbox was happiest with somewhat "slow" shift timing.
This is an ancient post now but greatly appreciated!!
My '07 Escape 4cyl 2WD has had the same problem for years. It's getting to the point where I will just skip 2nd in winter, when I can. Doesn't work on an uphill ; ). It crunches into 4th as well unless the rpms / shift is perfectly timed.
I thought about going synthetic but Ford dealer said, "Nah, just drive it 'til it breaks." Of course. Really looking forward to switching out the gear oil and replacing the shift cable!
Thanks Zoom_Ute!
 
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