Ford Dual Clutch Transaxle (DCT) DPS6

Unlike regular manual transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions are manual transmissions that are controlled by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) computer. To the driver of the vehicle, these transmissions operate like an automatic transmission.
Dual-clutch transmissions use two clutch disks, two pressure plates, two release/apply bearings, two clutch forks, and two input shafts. One input shaft feeds power to the odd-numbered gears, the other input shaft feeds power to the even-numbered gears.
Other vehicle manufacturers (BMW, VW, Volvo, Renault, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Fiat, Chrysler, etc.) use DCTs in some of their cars; some are used in high-performance applications due to the very quick-shifting speed and lightweight.
Questions for Teachers:
1. List the major components of the Ford DPS6 DCT transaxle
2. What is the purpose of the solid input shaft?
3. What is the purpose of the hollow input shaft?
4. What is unique about the Transmission Control Module (TCM)?
5. What is the purpose of the shift drums?
6. Describe How this transmission shifts gears
7. What are some advantages of a DCT?
8. What are some disadvantages of a DCT?
9. What is the difference between a Dual Clutch Transmission (Ford Focus, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc.) and a Twin Clutch Transmission (Dodge Hellcat, Corvette, Camaro, etc.)?
10. Tell me one thing you learned or found interesting in this video.
ABOUT US:
Weber State University (WSU) - Automotive Technology Department - Transmission Lab. You asked for it, here it is! This episode covers the Ford DPS6 Dual-Clutch Transaxle (DCT) which is used in the 2012-2014 Ford Focus as well as other Ford and Renault vehicles. This is an amazing piece of technology. This transaxle is made by Getrag and is the model 6DCT250.
We teach current vehicle technologies to our automotive students at Weber State University and online. For more information visit: www.weber.edu/automotive
This video was created and edited by John D. Kelly at WSU. For a full biography, see www.weber.edu/automotive/J_Kel...
Visit my other youtube channel / vibratesoftware to see the amazing NVH app for vibration diagnosis!
DONATE TO OUR DEPARTMENT
Please consider a donation to the Department of Automotive Technology at Weber State University here: advancement.weber.edu/Automotive

[@dsbohra]

Nothing can be done better than this. Thanks a lot for your time and efforts to explain this gearbox is such a detailed manner.

[@massltca]

I researched these transmissions when I was looking to buy a 2015 Focus. I wasn't willing to gamble on one so I got a 5 speed manual instead. Much better transmission in my opinion.

[@WeberAuto]

+massltca Thanks for your feedback!

[@peteryates9153]

These transmissions are absolute shit. We bought our 2015 focus new and had nothing but problems with shuddering. It's been back to two different ford dealers and they say it has "acceptable" shuddering which is a cop out. They should have been recalled. Stay well clear of them

[@trcs3079]

​@@peteryates9153they were recalled because customers won the law suite. However, because the manufacturers of these transmissions coincidentally went bankdrupt, the best ford could do was give you a certificate for a discount on their new cars if you were to purchase from them.

[@mechrojo]

Thank you for your detailed explanation. I'm in Australia and 2015/16 models are in the spotlight at the moment. I really appreciate your work and your special effort in all your videos. Thanks again.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@mickblock]

The observations about the assembly grease on the release bearing, missing snap rings, and preload consideration on the differential bearing was interesting. I mean the operation that I understood (mostly) was also appreciated. Thanks for making this very valuable video!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@markharding8762]

I have a 2013 Automatic Focus. I am experiencing clutch judder on pulling away. This video was invaluable in understanding the problem and more importantly the correct remedy. Thanks Mark H UK

[@WeberAuto]

+Mark Harding Thank you!

[@av8bvma513]

36:15 They are called Shift Drums. The design has been used on Motorcycle gearboxes for many decades, although most are single clutch, using a single drum with Three grooves.

[@WittyUserName00]

Very informative. Thanks for taking the time to demo the actual changes from one gear to another.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@DoriFord]

Those selector gears (electric motor driven ones) are pretty much the same as in sequential racing transmissions, which you usually move manually, so there's nothing that much new, but a new combination of old things. Nice to see it apart, thank you for your work!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@jamyspradlin8504]

Thank you John. Great explanation of assembly and operation of this transmission.

[@johnsousa4980]

I'm from Brazil, and I really enjoy all of your teachings!! Keep up with the good work!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@guydesrochers7699]

Awesome demonstration on how this transaxle shifts. I've wondered how this thing works and now I know. Thanks

[@WeberAuto]

+Guy Desrochers Thank you!

[@patricknesbitt4003]

Unfortunately now more people get to see how it DOESN"T shift!

[@marthagoodall7329]

I'm really impressed by the way you explain the what is what. My step dad was a shade tree mechanic. So I kinda understand the process of the repair. My dad was a great mechanic!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

John, Excellent demonstration of this dct product. Your videos are very educational and are very much appreciated. Thanks.

[@WeberAuto]

+Mario Dalla Riva Thank you very much!

[@setSCEtoAUX]

Thank you! Very happy to see so much detail. I have one of these cursed things in my 2013 Focus. It shifts exactly like I did when I got my first manual car (terribly), but unlike me, it never gets any better at it. Love the technology; hate the implementation. There have been several TSBs and revisions to the input shaft seals to keep oil from escaping, running down the shafts, and dripping on the clutch discs. There have also been at least five clutch plate revisions. Ford no longer makes their TSBs public, so I don't know what's happened over the past year. Mine had bad seals and had a clutch replaced under warranty. It no longer has the aggressive shudder it had when the clutches were contaminated, but it still shifts horribly. The TCM "learns" as you drive it, but seems to actually get worse at feathering the clutches. It's worst when accelerating from a stop or shifting from 1->2. Possibly amplified by the shortness of the first two gears. Lastly, something inside the box makes a horrible grinding sound, especially when under acceleration and turning left. Ford repeatedly told me this awful, embarrassing noise is "normal". It sounds just like I'm dragging a six-foot steel rod behind the car. I haven't heard a clear explanation as to what's causing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if the box was slowly eating itself. Glad I'll be free of this thing (and Ford's incompetence) after only one more summer.

[@WeberAuto]

James Wagner Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully the newest version of the clutch and/or TCM software will improve the driving experience. I would check with your Ford dealer to see what updates are available. Thanks for watching.

[@dbsimms63]

@@WeberAuto yeah and the customer will have to pay for that instead of having it done for free like it should be since the customer isn't responsible for this poor design.

[@eig1979]

I think I bought your hunk of junk... lol

[@charlesschluessler546]

Yep feels just like a teenager just learning to drive a manual. Mine is especially bad first to second....really "feathers" the clutch between gears. Inspires a lot of confidence when pulling into traffic.

[@Gusomilkprod]

Thanks for the wonderful explanation on the inner workings of the DPS6 Transmission. Really nice design, but be execution love the low miles of the car, I can deal with the shudders, but mine just went out, and luckily I'm covered by some coverage extension. Hopefully the next ford I get won't give me this much trouble, and again thank you so much.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@olafito18]

Very very nice work explaining this. I really enjoyed this lesson. Thank you for unveil the mysteries of this transmission.

[@WeberAuto]

+olafito18 Thank you!

[@herberdariogarciazambrano5883]

Thank you for your video, I am a user of one Ford and it is very useful and now I know how it Works.Again Thank you and congratulations from Colombia.

[@VictorDunkle]

Great video! I have learned that ford has updated their software for the tcm so that it delivers better shifting capabilities as well as better responsiveness. I just purchased a 2017 focus in February and it rides and shifts great(so far lol). It was a big change since I traded an 05 focus for this new one. I plan on taking it on a road trip in a few years from now. Again great video! This is the only way I can learn from these hands on easy to understand videos

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@paulgareis5788]

Great video. Excellent camera work. Super detail and explanation of a complicated engineering design. Too bad this Ford Product has so many problems. I am now trying to fix a 2018 Ford Focus with Trans/Clutch issues. Thanks to a bunch of KZbin videos and this one I have learned a lot about trans/clutch issues for this vehicle.

[@s2k672]

Excellent demonstration as well as presentation of DCT. Thanks

[@rogercooper5192]

Great video thanks. Really helped me understand what's going on in my transmission.

[@arahtson1]

Thank you very much for the effort to demonstrate how that transaxle works before to watch the video, I was lost :) I have not idea how it works. now I know cause I have a 2014 Fiat 500L with a Dual Dry clutch that I need to work on it.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for watching!

[@adamkudla]

You're doing awesome job with making this videos. This is super relaxing video on Saturday morning and even better food for thought.

[@WeberAuto]

+Adam Kudła Thank you for watching!

[@BroadcastBuddy]

Excellent and thorough review! I researched the Focus when looking for a car in 2012 and this transmission had me look at the Chevy Cruze. The Focus is a nice car, but the transmission seems very costly to fix and maintain. Thank you

[@festusofoegbu9490]

I am amazed at your in depth knowledge. I appreciate your research work and your teaching skill. I wish to be like you. Thanks for the work.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you very much

[@regdor8187]

Very informative, thank you!....Overly complicated for it's mission.....Does not appear very robust.....

[@md.jahangiralam1509]

Hello Sir.I' m from Bangladesh and l' m a headteacher, Jahangir. Your classes attract me a lot,l' m growing resourceful observing your classes, Thank you sir.

[@williamlopez45]

Great to see how DCT actually works. Very cool.

[@WeberAuto]

+William Lopez Thanks for watching!

[@johnm3269]

Thanks for a fascinating description of how it works. I tested a Focus with Power Shift to-day (25th April 16) and I was very impressed by it. From comments below I am somewhat worried by its long term reliability so I still have to make a final decision

[@WeberAuto]

+John M Thank you!

[@nguyenhk80]

Thank you John. Very nice demonstration and presentation.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@neneautorepairs1602]

Most educational, clearly explained. Thank you.

[@CC-ul3qo]

Very well Explained with much detail, thank you.👍

[@chekelley6861]

Every time I start thinking I'm smart.....I see something like this! Great job!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you, I thought the same thing the first time I took this transaxle apart.

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

Che Kelley yeah the more you learn the more you realize you don't know. i wish i was seventeen again thats when i knew everything

[@marianoszklanny6580]

Excellent demonstration, thank you

[@WeberAuto]

+Mariano Szklanny Thank you!

[@user-zr2ct5gm7k]

أفضل فيديو شاهدته على الإطلاق عن شرح ناقل الحركة

[@hippyron]

Thank you for displaying this.

[@channaduminda5072]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for explenation.

[@WeberAuto]

+Channa Duminda Thank you!

[@rodschaffter]

A very interesting lesson! Thank you for sharing it. 🙂

[@srdporter]

Awesome video as always. I greatly appreciate the time you took to present this. I find it fascinating to witness something broken down into digestible chunks. It's also amazing to discover the workings are actually pretty straightforward! I have absolutely no idea how somebody would give this a thumbs down!!! Ignoramus!

[@WeberAuto]

Andrew Porter Thank you very much! it is fun to figure out how these new transmissions work.

[@zResetify]

I have been waiting for this for so long.... THANK YOU MR.WEBER

[@WeberAuto]

Chris Spencer Thank you for watching!

[@noelconroy3647]

Thanks Sir for your professional update on this clutch assembly and emfrmation best of luck my friend 🍀

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@carlospiezzi4030]

Excellent sir, impeccable as always, thank you.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks again!

[@randalcalvert270]

Fantastic work 👌 thank you for making this video!!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you Randal!

[@nasmitty5261]

Great video Weber. Great understanding how that double clutch works in my car now. Got my car out today and it was exactly as you explained, clutch foul from lubricant. The new seals are brown now instead of black. Ford really did me right on this one. All the recalls, and additions from the dealer I can't explain and a detail. I knew I was buying some new, really un-tested crap but I bought it anyway. I haven't had allot of problems with the car to be honest, I just figured it to be quarks but after all the work and the trans controller, it really drives nice now. Keep in mind I took the car in for door latch recall.

[@nasmitty5261]

My friend has a 2014 as opposed to my 2013 and just complains all the time but never takes it in. Also has a Master cylinder check valve leak which screws everything up. Maybe 2014 wasn't a good year.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you! I am glad to hear you got yours fixed and operating properly. Thanks for the feedback.

[@alanjm1234]

@@nasmitty5261 if your friend never takes the car in to be fixed, how does he expect it to get better?

[@drdremd]

Thanks for posting. I had one in a 2013 focus, unfortunately it was complete crap car wouldn't move under its own power at 100 miles. I've got a dual clutch in a VW now, works a treat.

[@WeberAuto]

+Andre juneau Thanks for the feedback!

[@CliffKe]

this is quite useful information for a normal non engineer people who own the car, thanks lots

[@WeberAuto]

+Cliff Ke Thank you!

[@joeclarke9782]

Great video on Ford powershift 2 clutch auto

[@sergiobayardo5127]

love your video on how this transmissions work, i really appreciate it, and im gonna ask you if you ever come accross a vw dgs, and do something similar, i will be great, and thank you again for your good work,

[@pulodogato3888]

congratulations, I really enjoyed this class. very well explained! I'll follow, I'm from Brazil🇧🇷

[@pacorrorasing378]

Very good video Thanks !!!!!👍👍👍

[@bobdadruma]

Thank you for your great video. I just bought a 2017 Tucson and Just knowing how it works makes me feel competent to operate the vehicle in the proper way so as not to prematurely wear the dual clutch.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@evdemiguel]

Congratulations, you are very didactic, Thanks a lot for share this great explanation, The DCT is wonderful , I am focus 2014 owner and it work great.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@GammaCruxis]

Wonderful wonderful. I was secretly hoping you'd get your hands on one of the DSG (DCT) transmissions from either VW or Ford. Nice clear explanation - I've learned much. Thank you!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@guigui78340]

i felt high on knowledge, the best drug in the world. thank you.

[@WeberAuto]

+sugar glider Thank you!

[@mangjuan12000]

Thank you for the excellent video.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@jasonpaulhobbs]

Excellent tutorial as well sir!

[@pfweeks]

John, that was an excellent presentation!

[@WeberAuto]

+pfweeks Thank you!

[@jameskuberski9621]

I have one of these, and never changed the clutches but had the TCM replaced once. 213k miles. It does buck a little when getting the shafts to the same speed from a stop, but I've changed how i drive to better suit it and it drives pretty well. I give it what i know it expects with throttle position to better its shifting and it does just fine for me. A seal on the CV let it leak and now it makes some noise from being low on fluid, but its topped off again and running strong- that was 40k miles ago. Lots of interstate driving is about all it sees. Probably wouldn't of made it past 60k in the city.

[@ovidiolibreros9323]

Awesome video learning every day greetings from tulua Colombia

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@ltd4517]

That is amazing, I was wondering what that lurch was between 1st and 2nd, turns out it was the engagement of one of the two clutches as the transmission switched input shafts.

[@ricardogoncalves2704]

Amazing teaching! Congrats.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@upkarbath]

Very well explained. Thank you

[@johnstone610]

This is great! I would love to see the NIssan GR6 unit analysis like this

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you! I would like to get my hands on one.

[@wcvp]

12:00, my car unfortunately has one of these (2014 focus) and in practice it is does not act like a traditional automatic transmission lol Thanks for making this video though, I love to see how the internals of something I own work, especially explained by someone that knows what they're talking about.

[@WeberAuto]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching

[@karthiku6495]

Thank you, your videos are always very informative. Its always interesting to see how DCTs and ECVTs are competing with regards to fuel economy. Hondas fit (with i-DCD) is quite interesting architecture as it also has a planetary gear.

[@WeberAuto]

Thanks for watching!

[@lasithrajamanthri5992]

Thank you very much, Greate explanation

[@Reaglesracing44_]

very interesting video! Thanks for uploading!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@Reaglesracing44_]

my first video that i watched of yours was the Manuel transmission operation. may i ask why do you use a wheel chair??

[@WeberAuto]

06CHEVYDURAMAX Muscular dystrophy is getting worse. Thanks for watching.

[@khaniftikhar9225]

William sir very good. Very informative video .thanks alot

[@nicolassachs7484]

You make Great videos. Thanks

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@hd221813]

In my opinion, it would be very interesting to see a video describing the single dry clutch Magneti Marelli "Selespeed" automated manual transmission, used for example on the Ram ProMaster (Fiat Ducato) 3.0 EcoDiesel.

[@tonypierce5661]

Great video thanks

[@vasiavisilievic1873]

you are a very good teacher

[@6speedguy845]

One advantage of a DCT is that it can pre-select the next gear. Say you're in first, the transmission will have second pre-selected, and all the transmission has to do is engage the clutch that drives second to shift from first to second, and with most DCT systems you can shift without lifting off the gas. If you don't let off the gas in a regular manual transmission, you can reduce the life span of your clutch and transmission.

[@alanjm1234]

The DCT actually lifts off the gas for you. And rev matches on down shifts too. The TCM "talks" to the PCM and operates the throttle. When it's working well it's excellent. Unfortunately some, like the wet clutch 6DCT450 are far too sensitive to dirty oil, and dry clutch versions can overheat their clutches.

[@michaelallen2501]

My mother's Focus uses this transaxle. Feels like a manual the way the clutches apply. Spins the tires on accident, often. And you can't brake torque it. It defaults to neutral so it revs like you have the clutch pedal depressed in a manual. Even in drive, as long as your stopped with the brake depressed. It's been in under warranty once to have a clutch motor replaced and a reflash. Certainly better than the CVT alternative, and gets remarkably good mileage, thanks to the lack of slippage.

[@WeberAuto]

+Michael Allen Thanks for the feedback!

[@yooyyoeliphaz7767]

Thanks for this information

[@red_and_black_UA]

Thanks a lot for this video!!!!

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@robertstone2051]

Great informative video man

[@THEDIESELCHANNEL]

Great video about a p.o.s. transmission. Well done on the detail. 5/5

[@PaulCTownsend]

Great job

[@geojor]

thanks for sharing...

[@pcuser80]

Excellent learning video thanks

[@WeberAuto]

+pcuser80 Thank you!

[@cesarsanchez5880]

Gracias por la información, le agradezco y lo saludo muy actualizada de gran ayuda.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@hugoabreu5580]

Muito boa explanação.

[@erasmopalma721]

Excelentisimo video ,se agradece y asi logramos aprender todos y que aceite especial llevan este tipo de caja .

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I've been driving a 2012 Focus with the DCT for 80,000kms now, the Trans control module failed recently, causing it to pop out of gear, we're getting a new TCM now, but as I've done trans work on other cars I was curious to see how it works, just 4 electric motors really do the automation, I find the car is quite conservative with its clutch slippage, probably to prolong the life of the unit, it still has pretty fast upshifts and puts the power down nicely, good stuff!

[@WeberAuto]

+Kingsoupturbo Thanks for watching!

[@charakawickramasinghe5710]

Nice work well explained

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@oscarochoa5897]

excellent video

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@Prudentefilme]

Very nice, thaks a lot.

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you!

[@sukeshford2013]

really i like this video i overhauled clutch assembly i did not open gearbox

[@WeberAuto]

sukesh punathil Thank you!

[@dankollars4501]

great video, thx. i would love to see you take that dual clutch apart and let us know how it works.

[@starview1]

Excellent

[@MMWA-DAVE]

Thanks for sharing! I believe this is the same transmission as in my 2014 turbo diesel ford mondeo. I spend a lot of time driving it in manual mode as the engine is so ridiculously noisy I prefer to upshift early rather than listen to it. It also takes some getting used to, in that it does not creep forward like a traditional auto when in drive and on heavy acceleration combined with the turbo lag there is a full second of nothingness on every takeoff followed by uncontrolled wheel spin.

[@WeberAuto]

Hi, the Mondeo does use a Getrag DCT, but it is a different model that is little stronger to handle the diesel's torque. The model number is 6DCT450/6DCT451. Thank you for the feedback about the operation of the engine/transaxle combination in your car, that second of nothingness would be annoying. Thank you for watching.

[@erik_dk842]

Sounds more like error 18

[@geojor]

well done...

[@jasonjoncas5998]

Hey John my daughter bought a 2012 Focus with this transmission had to have the two common repairs done input seals and tcm module. The problem with this transmission is the application its for supercars ripping the track all or nothing. Not for your daily commuters stop and go or the worse for the clutch creep. Let your foot off the brake you creep the clutch is slipping give it a throttle input now fully engaged. When you brake it disengages the clutch so dont creep told my daughter that and at 250,000 k this thing still going. Still think a pos put in the wrong application but still interesting the engineering it took to make this.

[@WeberAuto]

I am sorry to hear of the troubles with that car. Best wishes

[@geojor]

good one, thanks...

[@jahrain1693]

Like dis video very much because is very informative

[@alexvasko2501]

Very fascinating

[@WeberAuto]

Thank you

[@rohithamahamalage3050]

Great presentation, no body shows how really I DCD work. Thank you sir. If possible show how EV mode connect to ..

[@sainath8710]

Hi, nice and informative video. What grade oil used for this transmission?

[@jaymoney4265]

Great video! I'm just confused as to how the tcm knows what position the shift forks are at, upon initial start up? Does the tcm just automatically shift the fork to 1st gear everytime the vehicle is started? How does it know if it's already there, IE battery disconnected in first gear, and vehicle shut off, or is there a sensor that transmits data from each input shaft, or shift fork, to the tcm?