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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

689 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2013 at 10:22 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus SVT, Ford Focus, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

    
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Messages Page 16 of 70

#142 of 689 Transmission problems? by posfordowner03

Mar 26, 2009 (12:17 am)

We bought our car in July of 08. 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 at 55,000 miles and now in March we have about 68,000 (southern cali, all highway). Anyways in the past month we noticed the car was running different and then recently it got worse. In the morning's when it was really cold and we would not let it warm up once it got to 2nd it kicked and the orange o/d light turned on. I would have to pull over and wait for it to warm up to drive it again and the check engine light would be on. The poof in 3-4 days it would be off. Took it to a friend and plugged it in when the check engine light was on and poof it would go off.
 
We took it to a Ford dealership (they had to replace the overfill tank too) with the check engine light on. They got two codes P0720 AND P0722. Told us we could replace the "output shaft speed sensor" or replace the transmission. They told us when they pulled the pin they found metal debris in the transmission. After being quoted to replace the transmission at .... $3900 we decided to take it elsewhere. Why would we put a new transmission in an 03 Ford?
 
The new place we took it to FINALLY got the car to kick and see the problem. Now they are saying there is an internal transmission problem and an external electrical problem. Its been almost two weeks and no answers and nothing fixed. Plus this place is soooo NOT great at calling us back and I have no where else to turn.
 
I have been reading this site for the past two weeks and I am hoping someone can provide some input.

#143 of 689 Re: Transmission problems? [posfordowner03] by dno36

Mar 27, 2009 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: posfordowner03 (Mar 26, 2009 12:17 am)
Hey POSOwner.....LOL.
 
Just my 2-cents here.
 
Pretty good description on the symptoms here, that helps a bunch!
 
1. Almost anytime you open a transmission that has been driven awhile, and I would consider 68K miles awhile, you will find metal of some sort in the "pan"(I am assuming that's what you meant). Do not let that scare you.
 
2. If it were me, with the trouble light going on-and-off, I would look to some kind of loose connection along the output sensor system.
 
3. As far as the 1st transmission shop..$3,900.00........did that include the fully functioning car that it came out of?? There is not a maximum profit law that I know of, so a shop can charge about anything they feel, or, maybe they just can't do it efficiently, and need to charge accordingly.
 
4. 2nd trans shop, external electrical sounds about right, and maybe the internal as well. If it were me, I would see how much the external electrical issue would cost to fix, maybe fix that 1st, and go from there. That may be the sole irritant to the trans operation. Even if not, it seems to be the most cost efficient way to go.
 
GL
 
D.

#144 of 689 looking for stage 1 focus svt clutch kit by focusonthis1

Mar 29, 2009 (7:28 pm)

i am having a hard time finding a stage 1 clutch kit without a flywheel included. i bought a kit from summit racing,and it turned out to be the wrong one, but i didnt realize it untill after i bought a flywheel. all the kits that im finding have the flywheel included. anyone know where i can just get a clutch kit?

#145 of 689 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On by bones81

Apr 23, 2009 (7:04 am)

I have a Ford Focus ZTS and the "OD is off" indicator light is on. It will not shift when trying to go +50. This is the only sympton. What could be causing this?
 
Thanks

#146 of 689 Re: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On [bones81] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Apr 23, 2009 (7:50 am)

Replying to: bones81 (Apr 23, 2009 7:04 am)
Number of things. If the light is on, in the dash, it is telling you that 4th gear is being locked out by the computer (PCM). It might be a bad temperature sensor, which would refuse 4th gear if the trans were not hot enough.
 
This is an electronically controlled transmission and you'll have to have the codes read to figure out what has failed. I don't think it is the OD switch itself.

#147 of 689 Re: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On [bones81] by dno36

Apr 23, 2009 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: bones81 (Apr 23, 2009 7:04 am)
Ditto to MSR post #146. Pull the codes.
 
D.

#148 of 689 Re: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On [dno36] by fokusco

Apr 26, 2009 (11:30 pm)

Replying to: dno36 (Apr 23, 2009 3:54 pm)
I am having slipping probs that everyone is talking about except for the check engine light.... No lights but the tranny still slips... hmmm Prob not a solenoid eh?

#149 of 689 Re: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On [fokusco] by dno36

Apr 27, 2009 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: fokusco (Apr 26, 2009 11:30 pm)
Have you checked the fluid level??
 
If it's OK, then get the computer scanned free at one of your local major auto parts dealers.
 
GL
 
Dean.

#150 of 689 Re: 2003 Ford Focus ZTS Over Drive Indicator On [dno36] by fokusco

Apr 27, 2009 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: dno36 (Apr 27, 2009 5:27 pm)
Yeah, fluid is fine. It has been doing it since about 60k and it has 85k now. Took it in and had it looked at when I first noticed it and was told that "all is well."
 
Was wondering if EVERYONE with the slip problems has the check engine light accompanying their troubles.
 
I'll have computer scanned tomorrow..
 
Thanks, I'll post with results soon as I get them.

#151 of 689 Re: 2002 Ford Focus Transmission Repair Instructions [mrkings66] by mrkings66

Apr 28, 2009 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: mrkings66 (Dec 28, 2008 8:56 pm)
The no reverse problem fixed by itself. One day I went to an open space and put the car in reverse and stepped on the gas, there was a big jolt and the car started going on reverse. After that, every time I tried to go on reverse I had to step on the brake pedal, wait for the sudden jolt and then release the brake pedal. I wasn’t happy, but at least it was going on reverse, and I was afraid that this new situation will end up breaking the transmission big time. So I gave up, and was waiting for it to happen, instead in a couple of weeks the sudden jolt started to become less noticeable until it was gone completely. Right now the transmission is working great.

Messages Page 16 of 70

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