Ford Mondeo Diesel Problems

It sounds as though the transmission itself has encountered an internal failure for that level of mayhem. Diesel versions of this model Mondeo were fitted with a six-speed double-clutch transmission otherwise known as the Powershift transmission. With a wet-clutch design, this gearbox was a lot more durable than the dry-clutch design used in many other Fords including the Focus and Fiesta, and the latter was a complete disaster with premature failures earning Ford Australia a caning at the hands of the ACCC.

But even the wet-clutch Powershift must be considered a liability to some extent, and failures like yours are absolutely possible. This won’t, however, be a cheap fix and you can expect the repairs to be a good chunk (if not more than) the retained value of the car. At which point, you have to make some very pragmatic decisions.

If you’re lucky, a transmission specialist might be able to determine that the problem is a simple one and fix it cheaply, so that’s worth a shot in the first instance. But don’t be surprised if the diagnosis is a lot less rosy than that.

For a start, diesel engines need a specific type of oil which often has a higher detergent content to keep the insides of the engine free of the soot for which diesel engines are notorious. The second thing to consider is what viscosity or grade of oil you need. Most oil manufacturers have a strict recommendation for the turbo-diesel in your Mondeo, and that’s a 0W30 oil. Straying from this viscosity could be asking for trouble as that’s the oil the engine was designed to use.

And don’t be tempted by a cheap, supermarket-branded oil. Always buy an established brand. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for more information.

The Mondeo is generally reliable, but the dual-clutch automatic transmission has been troublesome and I wouldn’t buy one myself. Manual no problem, but not the auto. If, as you say, it is under warranty take it back to where you bought it and have them investigate the noise you hear.

To have a transmission fail after just 100,000 km is not acceptable, particularly when it hasn't been used for towing. I assume it's a dual-clutch automatic, which has been troublesome in many Fords around that time. Ford should be showing some interest in fixing it for you; at the very least they should be offering you part compensation for a replacement transmission. If you can't get any help from Ford's customer service people, go to the Victorian government's consumer affairs department, or think about going to VCAT.

Seems we got it right.

Blocked particulate filters are usually the result of doing only short trips at low speeds when there’s no opportunity for the filter to go through the regeneration process. In those cases the dealer can usually do the regeneration. Alternatively check the Internet to see what a filter would cost to import from overseas.

Exactly. A turbo diesel in a classy mid-sized car is surprisingly capable and a good alternative for those who instantly turn to a Toyota LandCruiser for towing.

It's unlikely that exhaust fumes are being sucked back that far up the car, so it's more likely to be fumes blowing back from the engine and probably coming in through the air vents in the dash. Next time you drive with the sunroof open close the vents and see if that stops the flow of the fumes. The dealer is the only person who can fix it for you, so persist with him, and perhaps ask for a meeting with the service manager so you can explain your frustration to him and urge him to solve the problem.