Problem engaging reverse on WS Fiesta

[Festy]

So, just had my WS Fiesta in for its 15000km service. When I left it, I mentioned an issue with reverse not engaging properly sometimes when the engine is cold.

Goes like this....
Engage reverse, release clutch and listen to cogs grinding against each other. Depress clutch and pull gear lever back slightly more (probably no more than a cm), release clutch and all is good. No big issue as it doesn't happen that often but thought I'd mention it to them anyway.

Here's the exact response as written on the Service Report.

"This model requires the clutch pedal to be pumped 2 or 3 times to build pressure"

Thought I bought a 21st Century WS Fiesta...not a Model T.

Has anyone else been told (or heard of) something like this???

[fiestars]

i have the same problem in my WQ i jus gotten used to it, happens every now and then

[Liri]

Everyone I talk to with a WQ or WS says the same thing, and mine does it too.

[fiestaz]

my WP does it too... i work around it now, learnt how to feel when its not in gear properly... (often does it when i am needing reverse quickly -.- )

[generalstraw]

I have the same problem in my new WS :(

would the problem go away if i change to a short shifter?

[Franco Cozzo]

Mine has a problem where if i don't hold my foot on the clutch for 5 seconds, it bangs in and the car jerks.

[InnerDevil]

mine has it to

must be a fiesta trait, learnt to live with it

[GoesLikeAZetec]

i've found if i push the clutch all the way in and take it fairly slow to slot it into reverse, it goes in 9 times out of 10 for me...

you definitely cant do it fast thats for sure

[golden]

I wouldn't be pumping a hydraulic clutch, you could damage the clutch splines because the clutch bearing could be ultimately pushed in too far. was this a machanic who told you this, if so my car would be going back there.
Cheers

[dannyhilton]

Call me an idiot, but putting in my short throw shifter has really helped my car and it's reverse. I've never had a major issue with my WS, my WP was horrible to get into reverse however, but the short throw shifter seems to make this issue a once a month occurrence! Sorry to hear yourj getting blunt service too fella...

[understated]

It happens in all the front wheel drive cars that I have ever driven - I can feel when it's in reverse and when it's not. If it doesn't select properly I just select a forward gear before I select reverse. I don't blame the dealer for telling you it's not an issue.

[dannyhilton]

I don't think that's the issue. You're right mate, it's generic for Fiesta to have this, but not all FWD have it, it's actually just the Fiesta gearbox and gearboxes that are similar, but to be told to repeatedly press the clutch to fix it is ridiculous. If the Ford dealer knew the car, it says in the handbook how to correctly depress the clutch. This is typical 'Ford Dealer Expert Advice' that's based on nothing more than them trying to get away from you.

Pump the clutch? Why don't you just get your starter handle and start the vehicle by winding it over. I'd expect a Ford dealer to give an educated response, but I'm not surprised. Don't get me wrong, I love my Fiesta and I'm a huge Fan fan-boy, but their dealers suck *****.

[Festy]

OK, so it seems the "reversing" issue is known (and apparently mostly accepted). While I understand the engagement of an additional cog presents increased difficulties, my previous 97 Hyundai Excel had a gear change like stirring pudding (if you've driven one you'll know what I mean) but never had an issue engaging reverse.
However, the real issue I had was with the statement on the Service Record regarding the "pumping of the clutch". reminded me of my old 57 Holden which required the choke to be pulled and the accelerator pumped three times before it would start.
Oh well...least it doesn't happen often enough to be a real headache.