08 Feb.
Gearboxes

Preventing and treating transmission faults on the Ford S-Max

With its sporty lines, the S-Max is particularly popular with large families, and is the second Ford vehicle to offer the Vignale signature as an option, a quality distinction reserved by the brand for its prestige finishes.

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Is the gearbox on your Ford S-Max faulty? Don't worry, EDEN BOITES takes care of everything!

What makes the Ford S-Max so special?

Unlike other Ford models on the road since the 1980s, the first-generation S-Max appeared in 2006. The various versions of the vehicle were mostly powered by a Duratorq diesel engine, but two petrol engines were added to the catalog in 2010: the EcoBoost SCTi 1.6 L with six-speed manual transmission and its 2.0 L counterpart, using Ford PowerShift technology.

Early models of the Ford S-Max offer a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option, but you have to wait until the second generation for a wider choice.

Initially presented at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the Ford S-Max II is now in its second phase. The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel in 190 hp version offers an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It is also possible to equip the 150 hp version, or to use a Ford S-Max 2.0 cdi manual gearbox (six speeds).

The 2.5 Duratec gasoline/electric hybrid engine, with a maximum output of 190 hp, is equipped with an eCVT continuously variable transmission.

How to care for the Ford S-Max gearbox?

Gasoline-electric hybrid engine: the eCVT gearbox

A CVT gearbox, for Continuously Variable Transmission, works as its name suggests, with continuous transmission. Like an automatic gearbox, the car has no clutch pedal.

The two main advantages of such a gearbox when driving are that gear ratios are not limited, and vehicle jerks are neutralized, since engine speeds are always correctly regulated.

A CVT is inexpensive to buy and maintain. On the other hand, one of its shortcomings is how it feels when you're driving: because of the stepless regulation, the engine sometimes seems to lack power.

If this loss of engine power seems to last too long, or the car starts to jerk when accelerating or starting, your CVT is probably damaged.

Manual or automatic gearboxes

If your Ford S-Max doesn't have a hybrid engine, it's equipped with a manual or automatic gearbox. The frequency of servicing differs between these two types of gearbox, particularly when it comes to changing the transmission oil.

In the case of an automatic, the gearbox needs to be changed every 60,000 kilometers on average, or every two to four years if you don't use your car much. In the case of a manual gearbox, oil changes are not as regular, and are only recommended in special cases (such as a leak, for example).

When shifting gears, the signals of a faulty gearbox (whether manual or automatic) that should alert you are as follows:

  • Vibrations in the cabin ;
  • Unusual noises, such as creaking ;
  • Gear lever resistance ;
  • A speed that "jumps".

You should make an appointment with your garage immediately, as a gearbox problem can cause lasting damage to your vehicle, or even bring it to a standstill in the most serious cases.

Change your gearbox with EDEN BOITES

Thanks to EDEN BOITES, changing your Ford S-Max gearbox has never been easier! Our catalog lists all the products available for standard exchange.

The standard exchange guarantees the best price without compromising on quality: the boxes are scrupulously dismantled, inspected, replaced and tested. You'll benefit from a part that's comparable to a factory replacement, but at a reduced price.

Our stock is renewed daily, but if you can't find the gearbox you need, EDEN BOITES has the solution: we can recondition your existing manual gearbox. The gearbox is examined by our experts according to the same rigorous standards as standard exchange gearboxes, and then reassembled in your vehicle. No more availability problems, and great savings!

It's easy to get started: just enter your registration number and request a quote online. A EDEN BOITES advisor will get back to you as soon as possible.

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