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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

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Messages Page 12 of 69

#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.

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

Feb 28, 2009 (8:46 pm)

Replying to: ed33935 (Feb 27, 2009 2:19 pm)
Hey Ed,
 
Sorry to hear your issue still exists.
Yes I would definitely do a new filter. $20 is good insurance, and even before we changed the solenoid the trans shifted better.
Did you take it and get it scanned?? If so did it throw a code 0750 back?? 0750 is for the "A" solenoid.
If it did not throw the 0750 code, which one did it show??
 
Ours is fine now. The engine light actually went off without resetting it with a OBD2 reader/tool.

#114 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [dno36] by keifer56

Mar 01, 2009 (5:28 am)

Replying to: dno36 (Feb 28, 2009 8:46 pm)
hi, changed the filter & fluid when i replaced the "A " solen. then got a P0761 Code ,, "C" Solen. ,,replaced it ,but still won't shift right ,, & no O/D ,,then i got a P0766 Code ,, so i cleared the Codes , drove it 30-40 mi. & re-cked it , no 0766 code came up , only 0732 ,, Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio ,,, not sure what 2 do know ,,since the 0766 never came back up ,,thinking it either needs a rebuild ('2-4' shift bands) , or might b the a bad PCM or TCM ,,,anyways thanks 4 replying ,,keith ,,

#115 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [aokrongly] by smokifl

Mar 02, 2009 (8:55 am)

Replying to: aokrongly (Jul 26, 2008 12:06 pm)
Hello,
Thanks for the great information in post #76. I have a 2003 focus with fault code P0750 "A" solenoid. The car runs from a stop okay, then when it gets to 30 or 35 and the tac goes up with no power.
A transmission shop doesn't think it's the solenoid and is quoting BIG $$$$ to remove the transmission and inspect. I'm thinking I'll try the procedure and see what happens. It's worth the $80 in parts and fluid. And if it fixes it great.
 
Does any one have a picture or illustration of the transmission from the bottom with the pan off showing the filter and then with the filter off showing the solenoid?
 
Thanks again, I plan to do the work tomorrow.
Brian

#116 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [smokifl] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Mar 02, 2009 (9:55 am)

Replying to: smokifl (Mar 02, 2009 8:55 am)
That code should mean that you have no 4th gear and no reverse.
 
This code also indicates a circuit fault, not necessarily a solenoid. Could be wiring, too or a PCM fault.
 
I think there is a resistance test one can do for the solenoid.
 
If you want to tackle this on your own, you should probably subscribe to www.alldatadiy.com. I think it's about $27 for a whole year, for one car. pretty good resource but you have to be technically minded.

#117 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [Mr_Shiftright] by smokifl

Mar 02, 2009 (11:08 am)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Mar 02, 2009 9:55 am)
Perfect, I was able to get the figures thanks, Thanks for the reply.
 
I was reviewing some of the other posts and it seems that the procedure helped others with code P0750 tripped with the same symptoms. It just seems like the shop is giving me the run around and they want to jump right to transmission removal for big money.
 
Any other comments would be appreciated.
Brian

#118 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [smokifl] by smokifl

Mar 02, 2009 (11:24 am)

Replying to: smokifl (Mar 02, 2009 11:08 am)
By the way it still has reverse.

#119 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [smokifl] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Mar 02, 2009 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: smokifl (Mar 02, 2009 11:08 am)
Well don't forget the "jiggle test", and wiggle all the wiring couplers and connectors. You could get lucky here.

Messages Page 12 of 69

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