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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

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Messages Page 12 of 70

#103 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [aokrongly] by FireChiefM

Feb 06, 2009 (3:18 am)

Replying to: aokrongly (Jul 26, 2008 12:06 pm)
Thanks so much to Aokrongly (#76) for the help!! I have a 2002 Ford Focus wagon (96K) and had the same problems getting into 3rd gear. I searched the internet and found your posting. I followed your instructions (#76) and the 3rd gear problem was fixed. The only thing to add is that I decided to replace the filter. I purchased it from AutoZone for $20 and to my surprise it came with a pan gasket. By using the gasket instead of the gray RTV I was able to avoid the RTV curing time, which was important to me using a borrowed stall.

#104 of 689 Re: Some Help for Us [JiltedFordGrrl] by dno36

Feb 12, 2009 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: JiltedFordGrrl (Dec 31, 2008 2:33 pm)
Jilted,
How has your Trans Issue gone??
Read your post and feel your pain.
I too am mid-tranny pissed off. Slipping, erratic, possessed, transmission that may kill someone who has too much faith in its ability to get someone out of harms way.
I hope you have at least emotionally recovered from your ordeal. I am still tweaked by the experience.
At least my Chrysler mini-van had a "limp-in" mode where it worked in second gear until you could get to saftey.
Ford ignores me like I am a bad penny.
The dealers, both I went to, are a rude as rude can be. I guess if I had an Expedition they might give me the "time of day".
I have done a bunch of research and, while being quite handy, I don't want to "practice" fixing this rolling depreciation. So...
I am going to try 2 things:
#1 - A solid advisor suggested trying to do a reverse flush:
 a. change the fluid and filter. Do not power-flush.
 b. double secure block the rear wheels and set parking brake in a safe location.
 c. Start car in park and allow to warm up to normal temperature.
 d. Put car in reverse and allow to idle at least 30 minutes with car in reverse gear at idle.
 e. Make sure your car is safely secured and will not move in the slightest. The cooling fan should kick on when the temp goes up, this is necessary to aide in cleaning.
 f. After 30 mins, let cool, drain fluid and change filter again.
 g. He call this a reverse flush and says it should be done every 36 mos or 36K miles. It is supposed to clean the debris and sludge that can accumulate in the precision valves and passages.
 
If this does not work, then I will try #76's route and take it to AutoZone to get codes and see if it is a solenoid that needs replacing.
 
Jilted, your post inspired me. I will not quit 'til i am satisfied.
 
Keep the faith,
 
Dean.

#105 of 689 Re: Mobile 1 vs Motorcraft [josh5m] by dno36

Feb 12, 2009 (9:12 pm)

Replying to: josh5m (Feb 05, 2009 3:04 pm)
Mobile1 should be a superior product, no matter what the dealer will tell you.
 
As long as it grades to Mercon-V, you should be fine. Mobile1 will "under-grade" their product to help protect themselves legally, which should be a benefit to you.
 
 
 
Dean.

#106 of 689 Re: i need help....blah!! [bird54] by bojel

Feb 15, 2009 (8:59 am)

Replying to: bird54 (Feb 05, 2009 2:25 pm)
I am having the same problem you described. I have a 2003 Focus (bought it in July 2003) and it had only 47500 miles. Three days ago "check engine" light came out and over 25 miles per hour, when I hit the gas, it is like I put it in neutral gear. I took it to a mechanic and they said the transmission code came out. They are still checking. Initially I planned to take it tomorrow to the Ford dealer where I bought it but now I changed my mind because what you experience with them.
Since 1993 I am with Ford but now I am having a second thought for my next car.
 
I wonder if we should forward all these mails to congress which just bailed out the three bigs. They should know that if these companies continue to make these faulty products, they will be out of business. Why Ford does not extend its powertrain warranty to match Haundai instead just 5 years knowing that their Focus has a known ill designed transmission.

#107 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [aokrongly] by eekhrom

Feb 15, 2009 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: aokrongly (Jul 26, 2008 12:06 pm)
03 Focus, ZX3, automatic transaxel slipping out of gear going into 3rd. Check engine light and orange flashing o/d light. Pulled codes and showed shift solenoid A and tourque converter ckt error. Followed aokrongly's directions, post #76 (used new fluid though). Also, bought transmission filter kit (comes with gasket) at Autozone ($20-). Cleared both codes. Runs like a champ. Thank you, aokrongly, was kinda broke, you saved the day!

#108 of 689 Re: i need help....blah!! [bojel] by bird54

Feb 17, 2009 (3:38 pm)

Replying to: bojel (Feb 15, 2009 8:59 am)
I would not take a blender to a Ford dealer to get fixed. It is funny how they always seem to find hundreds of dollars worth of repairs on your vehicle. Whatever you do DO NOT LET THEM FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION!. Good luck in getting Ford to stand behind their poorly made cheap pieces of dung autos. Ford knows that there is a problem with the 2003 transmissions-it just to costly of a recall repair for them to concern themselves with. I doubt very much if Congress cares about us little people with a few thousand dollars in repairs. I may be one small speck on this planet-but I will tell anyone and everyone-DO NOT BUY A FORD. I am proud to say that my Dad who is 79 and has ALWAYS driven a Ford-is going to buy a Honda after the lack of Ford standing behind there product. Good luck with your car repair and I hope it is not as costly as mine was. I can't wait to unload this Focus and buy a Civic, Matrix-I am done with FORD.

#109 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [aokrongly] by ed33935

Feb 20, 2009 (8:55 am)

Replying to: aokrongly (Jul 26, 2008 12:06 pm)
Hello
 
I have had the same problem/experience with my 2003 Focus. I have check the codes at autozone and they are right on as to what you have posted. Next I have ordered the part from Ford and will get it on Monday. I am getting ready to do this procedure, so is there any tips/suggestions to make this go easier? It seems very easy/straight forward. I am not a mechanic but a little ability. Again, any suggestions?
 
Thanks in advance

#110 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [ed33935] by dno36

Feb 21, 2009 (9:54 am)

Replying to: ed33935 (Feb 20, 2009 8:55 am)
Greetings Ed,
 
It seems as if we are on parallel lines here.
Our 2003 Focus 99K has been possessed by the tranny-gremlins.
I did a reverse flush to the trans system on Tuesday, and while it shifted better, the neutral-gear appearances are still there.
After taking it to AutoZone, it threw out the "0750" solenoid A code again so I went to Ford and spent the $48/with tax on the new solenoid.
I picked up a "AA" solenoid yesterday and installed it last night.
You will need in addition to the solenoid:
1. Oil drain pan. To catch the fluid you will pull.
2. A 5/16 socket. I used my work cordless driver-drill with a small extension-adapter. Makes super-fast work of the many bolts holding on the pan. Use a regular socket wrench if necessary.
3. A new trans filter kit.
4. A small amount of oil resistant sealer silicone.
5. 3 quarts of new trans fluid, for just dropping the pan fluid.
6. A 1-2" scraper for getting the old silicone off the pan.
7. A roll of paper towels & or clean rags.
 
It took more time to put the 3 qts of fluid back in the tranny than it did to change the solenoid. Does anyone else have the same fluid filling issues??
 
You should put a new filter in as well. The filter at A-Z is $20 and pick up 3 quarts of new fluid too, this is how much I had to replace when I did it. The new filter comes with a nice rubber gasket to help the fluid sealing.
The toughest part of getting the job done is the removal of the pan.
The factory used a grey silicone and it is pretty hard to break the seal. You need to be careful here because of the aluminum case is easily scored into, and that may lead to a future leak if you are not careful. See below.
How to:
1. Jack and double secure the drivers side front to allow enough working room. Care here is mandatory!!
2. Remove all of the trans bolts from the pan EXCEPT for 4 bolts at the corners.
3. Put the oil-catch pan under the corner you desire.
4. Back out the bolt, at the corner that you want to drain to, about 75%.
5. Back out the bolt at the opposite corner about 2 turns only.
6. Back out the 2 other bolts about 1/2 way.
7. Leaving the 4 bolts in use a pry-bar or large screwdriver to pry down the pan. It is usually quite stuck on, so you may need patience and maybe a tap or two with a hammer as well.
8. Once you have started to break the seal, the fluid will be draining, work your way around the pan until it rests on the partially backed out bolts, and give the fluid a minute to run.
9. Remove the lowest corner bolt 1st, then back out the remaining 3 bolts draining the fluid carefully into your pan. Be careful not to let the weight of the pan hang on the last bolt or you may bend the lip of the pan.
10. Remove the pan and take to cleaning area. The bottom of the pan will be full of fine particulate from the trans, most of it like a metal-based paste that adheres to the bottom of the pan especially around the magnet area. This car has a whopper magnet that works nicely. Large chucks of shiny metal are not common but a couple are usually found.
11. Pop out the magnet and wipe it clean (no chemicals) along with the entire inside of the pan. Do a good job here.
12. Scrape off most all of the old silicone off the pan using your scraper.
13. When the pan is clean and dry, put a thin even coat of silicone on the top edge of the pan, being careful not to get silicone on the inside edge of the pan.
14. Align the new gasket to the hole pattern and place the gasket on the pan. Warming the gasket a bit in the house may help here.
15. Put a thin coat of the silicone on the top side of the gasket with same care.
16. Scrape transmission gasket contact surface as you did the pan. If you find you may have scored the surface when removing the pan, sand it smooth before replacing the pan.
17. Remove the old filter by 1st pulling the (fluid level sensor??) the thing with the wire attached. It comes straight down and is held in by a plastic pin. I did not replace this as mine looked fine to reuse.
18. Remove the old filter by wiggling straight down, It is held in with an O-Ring and pops right out.
19. Install is true reverse of process.
20. Remove the "A" Solenoid. It is the one with the white wire and located on the passenger side of the trans and is the middle of the three on that side.
21. Slide off the wire clip, it just pulls straight back.
22. Unbolt the retainer using the same 5/16" socket and wiggle out the old solenoid.
23. Install the new solenoid is reverse.
24. Carefully hold the pan up to the bolt pattern on the trans and finger start at least 3 bolts across the trans. While holding the pan in place lightly run up the 3 bolts just to keep the pan from shifting, and gasket from resetting.
25. Make sure all of the holes line up and finger start all the remaining bolts.
26. Working around the pan, lightly tighten all of the bolts and circle the pan tightening a bit more as you work around until you reach proper tightness(3-4 times around should do). I don't use a torque wrench personally, I make the bolts pretty tight.
27. Lower car and install 3 qts new fluid with car running in park.
You just saved at least $300!!!
Make a point of doing the filter at least every 30K.
Now take a shower and put another notch in that belt!!!
 
GL
 
Dno

#111 of 689 Re; Focus Tranny by keifer56

Feb 27, 2009 (10:11 am)

Replying to: bojel (Feb 15, 2009 8:59 am)
hi bojel , my son has an '01 ZX3 w/the same problem ,, replaced the "A" solenoid ,but it didn't help ,, would like 2 know how u fixed your tranny & what was done 2 it ,,thanks ,,keith ,,

#112 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [dno36] by ed33935

Feb 27, 2009 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: dno36 (Feb 21, 2009 9:54 am)
Hello Dno36
 
Thanks for your response. I did the procedure today (Friday), the only difference is that I didnt replace the trans filter. I probably would have done it if I had seen this part listed in the original post. I got all my stuff together during the week and did it today on my day off.
 
The results: I had the code/light cleared at autozone but the problem persists. It still is reluctant to shift up and does so when I accellerate slowly. The exclamation light is still on which indicates some transmission/transaxle issues.
 
I wonder if the change of the filter is the problem or it could be a sensor or something else.
 
I feel good about the repair, just wish it had solved the problem I will probably change the filter on my next day off just to cover all bases.
 
Any thoughts anyone?
 
Thanks in advance.

Messages Page 12 of 70

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