Ford S-Max auto-box
Hi. We currently have a Ford S-Max 2.0 litre diesel manual box car (12 plate). I would like to change it for another S-Max (the greatest family cars ever? 
) only this time I am thinking of going for an auto-box - I think Ford call it Powershift.
I've never owned an auto-box vehicle before, so:
1) what is the auto-box like for towing?
2) how bullet proof/robust is the Ford auto-box?
Thoughts/experiences please.
Thanks
Comments
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Towing with a 'proper' torque converter auto is THE way to go. Ford's Powershift auto is not without its problems .... it's a manual gearbox with auto controls (and is often called something else quite similar
)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OSDw-uyP98&t=258s
Take note at 8min 40secs
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You need to establish what sort of auto box it is as opposed to Ford's fancy name. If it’s a torque converter it will be very bulletproof and perform well when towing. Others such as dual clutch boxes, automated manuals or continually variable transmission systems may or may not perform as well. If it’s a dual clutch box, ensure it is the wet type rather than the dry which is more prone to problems. Unfortunately, most car salesmen won’t know the difference.
Word on the grapevine is that the Ford auto box is not good.
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MollysMummy - wow! He doesn't pull any punches on the Ford Powershi* (9mins 25s)
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The latest Powershift are TC boxes. Not quite sure when introduced (2016 i think). Somehow Ford just didn't get their version of DSG sorted and finally ditched them (i think across the board). As stated above generally wet plate DSG are fine IF they are properly serviced, but then again TC boxes need a fluid change even if allegedly sealed for life.
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I tow with a Ford Edge which has the 6 speed auto. Having retired and using the van (Unicorn Cartagena about 1650kg) almost all the time due having a house built we have been touring for about 15 months!
No issues with the gear box and never need to put it in sport for manual control. I may be wrong but I think the diesel cars have the wet clutch?
Mine is a 2017 model.
Cheers
V70Ranger
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Latest generation auto gearboxes require a change in driving style especially when towing. Slow driving, say less than 5mph is to be avoided.
I stopped reversing the caravan years ago because of damaged this caused to a dual mass flywheel, have a mover so I use it. Reversing a caravan is an absolute no no in my dsg book.
As far as standard cars go, above a certain torque you get a wet clutch.
You must have the gearbox oil changed, no getting round it. Mine is at 38k miles. But because I tow around 3k a year mine is being changed at 30k miles or third service which ever is sooner. I highly recommend if you go auto you do the same.
Last week I picked up my now exactly 1 year old new to me car. I dont care about its towing abilities, it was bought purely to put some sparkle back into driving, its petrol too, so that confirms it.
Dsg and towing? Last weekend, 1500kg caravan, 400 miles spread over 2 days, into Cornwall, hills and all, what caravan? Superb. (190bhp engine)
I'll never go back to manual, DSG is that good. Having said that, Michelle has an A3 Cabriolet, manual diesel, she wont go auto, so it depends on the individual.
Test drive one.
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As you've said it, we can agree that it's a great "step in" car with loads of space and options and does everything we want from carrying 7 to washing machines to towing with plenty of space for everything and then some! ;-) )
We have 11 plate 163 S-Max Powershift (wet clutches) with 80 000 miles. Only lower power Focus etc used the very troublesome dry clutches?)
Only real problem so far has been DPF vapouriser plug.
No problems with gearbox so far but we have had 2 dealer oil changes at £200 each. The Ford oil is expensive but have found compatible oil and filter set for £70 and it does need to be done carefully but it ain't rocket science.
I'm changing it at 2 1/2 yrs and may change every 2 years in future.
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We tow with a 65 plate Kuga (180ps) with the powershift autobox.
No problems, a joy to drive, pulls our Swift 580 without issue 32mpg on the motorway.
The only thing in the Kuga`s favour (for towing) is the AWD system
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