We are one of the largest suppliers of both reconditioned Ford C-Max Gearboxes in the UK, we are specialising in gearboxes for cars, vans and light commercials. Many people look for totally reconditioned Ford C-Max Gearboxes but can supply new, second hand and even low mileage parts with a 100% warranty and free postage.
The new Ford C-Max Highlights
The Ford C-Max Powershift gearbox is an advanced 6 speed automatic dual clutch gearboxes, which is available with the 2 litre diesel engine. It cleverly combines the benefits of an automatic gearbox with those of a manual, so you can shift gears smoothly without interrupting the drive.
A dual clutch gearbox can almost be thought of as two traditional manual gearboxes, each with its own clutch operating in parallel and alternating shifts. The Ford unit is a six-speed with one clutch acting on gears 1,3 and 5 and the other used for 2, 4 and 6. As first gear is engaged, the 2-4-6 clutch is disengaged and the second gear cogs are engaged. At the appropriate time, the 1-3-5 clutch is disengaged the other is engaged. While in second gear, the other side moves from first to third, the process is repeated with quick smooth shifts and none of the of the efficiency loss normally associated with torque converters.
How Does a Powershift Gearbox Work for the C-Max?
A Powershift gearbox is a new type of manual gearbox developed by Volvo to allow for safer power shifting. Power shifting is a process by which a driver can get more power out of their engine by keeping the accelerator pedal depressed while engaging the clutch pedal and shifting gears. There is a significant downside to this process. It causes excessive wear to both the entire clutch assembly as well as the gearbox. The Powershift gearbox is specifically designed to allow for power shifting without damaging the vehicle.
Structure
The Powershift gearbox looks much like a normal gearbox from the outside. It connects the engine to the driveshaft, which connects to the vehicle’s drive axle. Inside is a camshaft which, depending on the position of the stick shifter set between the passenger and driver side floor, aligns a different set of gears to allow for different gear ratios. It’s these gear ratios which translate the generally constant rate of power coming from the engine into various turning speeds for the vehicle’s wheels. Unlike a traditional manual gearbox, the Powershift gearbox has two camshafts and two separate sets of gears. One camshaft is nestled inside the other, controlling the odd numbered gears, while the other controls the even numbered gear settings.
Function
The Powershift gearbox starts in first gear with one specific set of gears turning against the camshaft. Unlike traditional gearboxes, the other camshaft is already set and hovering over the gears which would be used when the vehicle up shifts. This way the accelerator need not be released when shifting to avoid the gears binding and damaging one another. When the clutch pedal is depressed, and the stick shift manipulated to up shift, the next gear setting is already in place and waiting. All up shifting does is cause the first camshaft to leap frog to the next gear in sequence. Thus, when the clutch pedal is released, the second camshaft engages in the second gear set, this time with the original camshaft waiting over the third gear setting. The process continues until the vehicle is at the highest gear setting, and repeats once it’s returned to first gear.
C-Max Fuel Economy
The government is getting more and stricter on vehicle fuel economy and it expects the major automakers to new regulations across their entire vehicle range. As fuel economy standards become more strict, the automakers are looking to new technologies to help improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance that drivers expect from their machines.
Ford has already announced that one of the ways that it will seek to improve fuel economy is by moving to 6 speed gearbox across its entire fleet in the coming years. A perfect example of how Ford is using a 6 speed automatic gearbox to improve fuel economy is the 2011 Ford C-Max. The automatic 6 speed provides better fuel economy that the manual gearbox.
The 1.6 is primarily aimed at customers with an eye on fuel economy, and will return a very creditable 57.6mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 127 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometre travelled. Despite the focus on frugality, it’ll still zip to 60mph in 11 seconds and run on to a top speed of 116mph. Torque is delivered from very low in the rev range and this makes the C-Max TDCi 1.6 agreeably quick off the mark when you need to accelerate out of a T-junction into flowing traffic. The 1.8 TDCi develops 113bhp, is fractionally quicker to 60mph and has a 125mph top speed. Choose this option and you can expect 52mpg fuel economy.
If you really want to take advantage of the Focus C-Max’s excellent dynamics, the punchy 134bhp 2.0 TDCi makes a capable partner. Backed up by a 6 speed gearshift, this unit develops more torque than a Porsche Boxster S. This means that as long as you keep the needle in the sweet spot around 2,000rpm, you’ll have plenty of acceleration in reserve whether it’s just you at the wheel or even if the car is fully stacked. It gets to 60mph in 9.3 seconds and will hit 125mph where conditions permit. Despite this muscle at the command of your right foot, the 2 model still manages an average of just under 49mpg and emits 154g/km of CO2.
When the C-Max gearbox goes wrong
There are a few words in the language of auto repair that make car owners want to crawl back into bed, and “gearbox” is at the top of the list. There’s something about that mysterious box underneath your car that incites fear. Unfortunately, most repair shops know this, and will take advantage of the situation by reaching deep into your pocket.
Your gearbox is a remarkable contraption. Somehow it can shift your car from gear to gear, knowing how fast you need to go and how quickly you need to get there. What goes on inside is a mystery to most. Unless your thirst for automotive knowledge borders on compulsive, you can leave it a mystery.
Gearbox problems fall into two very similar categories :
- Won’t go.
- Won’t go smoothly
Most gearbox problems can’t be fixed by the average do-it-yourself. There are just too many specialized tools and pieces of equipment you’ll need, and buying this expensive gear just to screw up your first three tries at fixing the thing just doesn’t make too much sense. When your C-Max gearbox gets tired, you’ll have to buy another and we can supply that need.
Watch for leaks or stains under the car: – If there is a persistent red oil leak that you are sure is coming from your car, you should have your shop check to see if it is coming from your gearbox or possibly from your power steering system (most power steering systems also use gearbox fluid and leaks can appear on the ground in roughly the same areas as gearbox leaks.) If all you see is a few drops on the ground, you may be able to postpone repairs as long as you check your fluid level often (but check with your technician to be sure.) If gearbox fluid levels go down below minimum levels serious gearbox damage can occur (the same advice goes for power steering leaks as well.)
Check fluid for colour and odour: – Most manufacturers require that you check gearbox fluid levels when the vehicle is running and on level ground. Pull the gearbox dipstick out and check the fluid for colour and odour. Volante gearbox fluid is transparent red oil that looks something like cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is cloudy or muddy, or it has a burned odour, you should have it checked by your technician who will most likely advise you to drain your gearbox and refill or gearbox tune-up.
Be sensitive to new noises, vibrations and shift behaviour: – A modern gearbox should shift smoothly and quietly under light acceleration. Heavier acceleration should produce firmer shifts at higher speeds. If shift points are erratic or you hear noises when shifting, you should have it checked out immediately. Whining noises coming from the floorboard are also a cause for concern. If caught early, many problems can be resolved without costly gearbox overhauls. Even if you feel that you can’t afford repairs at this time, you should at least have it checked. The technician may be able to give you some hints on what to do and not do to prolong the gearbox life until you can afford the repair.
If your car Ford C-Max Gearbox is worn out or won’t go smoothly then you may need to replace it, find car gearboxes or call telephone support line on 0905 232 0099 for your gearbox part or check it out on our simple ‘Quick Find’.
