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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

670 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2013 at 10:56 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 36 of 68

#349 of 670 Re: 2004 Ford Focus Transmission Problems [nsk2] by dno36

Sep 21, 2010 (8:36 am)

Replying to: nsk2 (Sep 20, 2010 8:51 pm)
This does have the 'earmarks' of an electrical issue. The entire car systems are all electrically driven. Tim's response #348 is similar to your plight, however as he does not have a resolution...
Personally, I would call around and find a parts or repair shop that will hook up your car to an engine reader for free. They are out there, you will need to make calls. Be straight with them.
 
Outside of that, the 1st thing I would check the battery (non-running voltage should be 12.3 - 12.6 volts, and running 14 or so volts) and all of the grounds should be checked as well.
 
Blowing a taillight sounds like a shorting (positive contacting ground) issue somewhere. If the voltage regulator is going out, I would think it would effect all of the lights not just 1 of them.
 
I am not a Ford mechanic, just someone who shares your pain.
 
GL & Keep us informed.

#350 of 670 Re: 2004 Ford Focus Transmission Problems [Timdrivesaford] by nsk2

Sep 21, 2010 (8:50 am)

Replying to: Timdrivesaford (Sep 21, 2010 3:45 am)
Looks like I'm in for a rough ride. Would get rid of the car if I could! Unfortunately I also have a "96 Ford Explorer with some issues that I was planning to replace first. Think I could trade them both and get one reliable car?
 
Anybody know any good repair shops in the Allentown, PA area?
 
Keep me posted on your issues. I feel your pain!

#351 of 670 Re: 2004 Ford Focus Transmission Problems [dno36] by nsk2

Sep 22, 2010 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: dno36 (Sep 21, 2010 8:36 am)
Just bailed my car out from the Ford Dealership. Amazingly made it home without any issues and no lights. Charged me $109.95 for a new battery and $24.00 to put it in! That better be a good battery! Charged $40. to see that no codes showed up. New service manager said "It's drive able but I don't know for how long"
 
Did run in to old service manager told him my story. Said he would make some phone calls and get back to me. I'm not holding my breath about it, but do appreciate his efforts.
 
By the way the exact mileage is 24,253 and it's a Focus ZTS with a 2.3L. It also needs front brake pads and rotors to pass inspection. I'll see who is having a special and have it done there and replace the brake light bulb myself.
 
I'll update you on any new developments. No news is good news!

#352 of 670 Re: 2004 Ford Focus Transmission Problems [nsk2] by bitchincrisp

Oct 23, 2010 (4:33 am)

Replying to: nsk2 (Sep 16, 2010 10:12 pm)
I wouldn't replace the transmission without a proper diagnosis. "Probably" and "smells like" is not a proper diagnosis.
 
For example there is a transmission diagnostic test that can be done -- it's kind of like a 'stress test' for the transmission. I had this done on my car. I was told they would run the transmission on a lift or place it on a device to watch how the automatic transmission shifts, speed etc. It's been a while but I think it had something to do with testing the TCM [Transmission Control Module] or testing while hooked to the TCM. The test proved the transmission was fine.
 
But if you opt for testing the transmission I would recommend rechecking for engine codes first. Something might be there. Long shot, but might be worth to look before spending to have trans tested. Sometimes the check engine light will not be on but a code may still have been stored. You can buy a scan tool or go to an auto parts store that offers free scanning of trouble codes.
 
About the warranty: I was told by Ford (in my case) that if my Manufacturer’s Warranty had expired and if the transmission was found to be broken or 'defective' or it 'failed prematurely', Ford might still replace it.
 
Quote from website:
 
"As a starting point, if a transmission repair is needed, the first thing your mechanic should do is hook up a scan tool and test the ECM, TCM and every input, sensor, module, controller, etc. on the car. So many times it turns out that the problem does not require you to replace the engine or transmission, or if replacement is needed, the ECM or TCM transmission control module may be the culprit. So, in essence, you can put a replacement transmission in your car and still have a problem."
 
"...Ask the technician at the repair shop checking out your car if the electrical system has been scanned or is going to be. If the answer is anything less than “right now”, take your business to another shop."
 
Source: http://www.gottransmissions.com/blog/transmission-control-modules-tcm/transmissi- on-repairs-check-engine-control-moduleecm

#353 of 670 2001 Focus torque converter lock up clutch by duncanfocus

Oct 26, 2010 (2:16 pm)

I have a 2001 Focus Wagon SE, SPI engine. The car has around 215,000 Km (140,000 mi.) on it. The automatic transmission has worked well, but recently has shown some funny behavior when the transmission lockup clutch engages in 4th gear. With light engine load there is a jerky, shuddering feel. This goes away with more load, or if the wheels are pushing the engine.
 
I have read some info on this forum and in other forums. The problem could be a worn lockup clutch or solenoid issues. I don't think there are other issues, because I have figured out how to defeat engagement of the lockup clutch. When I do that, the car runs smoothly under all conditions. There are no scan codes being set by this problem.
 
How did I defeat engagement of the lockup clutch? I added a resistor in series with the thermistor that measures the ATX fluid temperature. With a 70 K ohm resistor in series, the engine control unit thinks the fluid is cool, and doesn't let the lockup clutch engage. The line pressure seems higher as well, so the shifts are firmer.
 
However, I don't want to permanently defeat the lockup clutch and give up good gas mileage. So I am wondering if anyone has advice on how I could further analyze this problem. I have read on the forum that solenoid B controls the lockup clutch, but that solenoid C also plays a role. I thought that solenoid B would be either on or off and could not therefore cause the jerky feel. But it is hard to know. I have not been able to find a good technical explanation of how the engine control unit controls these solenoids for lockup clutch control. I have a DVD of the "factory" manual, but even it is not clear. Throttle position, MAF, temperature, etc. all seem to play a role.
 
If I thought that changing some solenoids would fix the problem, I would do that. I am not so sure about getting a new torque converter or re-built transmission installed. That would be expensive, probably more than the car is worth.
 
DuncanFocus

#354 of 670 Odd transmission problem... by cfarrell

Oct 26, 2010 (9:46 pm)

I have a 2000 Focus that will buck when I'm going up a slight incline at about 45 mph & about 1500 rpm. It only does this when it's in overdrive. The engine doen't rev & it's the only transmission issue I have, but I'm concerned that it may become worse.
 
The check engine light has not lit up. I replaced the "A" solenoid tonight & that did not solve the problem. Does the car have to driven more than about 10 miles for the new solenoid to make a difference?
 
The car has 145,000 & also has a couple of other other issues (bad rear bearing & it needs front brakes & needs new tires). I'm thinking that it may be time to get rid of the car, but other than these problems it's really in great shape. I had the A/C, the timing belt & the rear brakes\cylinders\drums\lines replaced this summer. That wasn't cheap, but I was planning to keep the car for awhile longer. Now, heading into winter, I'm not so sure I wantr to keep it given the issue w\the transmission.
 
Does anyone have any insight inot the transmission issue I'm having? Can I fix it myself (cheaply), will if get worse if I don't fix it? How long will it last with this problem?
 
Thank you for reading & I look forward any replies!

#355 of 670 Transmission hesitates by krimanda

Oct 30, 2010 (1:35 pm)

I have a 2003 Ford Focus SE . When I am driving the car 'HESITATES' when it tries to go into 1st gear then again 2nd. The motor revs to 3.5 -4 rpm's when it is trying to switch gears. My husbabd changed the transmission fluid and filter and the problem still exists. I am wondering if this is the clutch plate going bad? Anyone who has an idea it would be greatly apprecieated!!! HELLLP! :

#356 of 670 Re: Odd transmission problem... [cfarrell] by cfarrell

Nov 02, 2010 (8:19 am)

Replying to: cfarrell (Oct 26, 2010 9:46 pm)
Problem solved!! I took the car to the dealer & explained the problem to them. I also told them what I had done to date & that I did not want them to take the tranny apart to look at the problem. I let them know that I felt that it was an electrical problem, but that the Check Engine light never came on. They said they could do a "deeper" check of the codes.
 
They found that one of my engine cylinders was only firing about 73% of the time. They suggested replacing the spark plug wires & the coil (for about $470), which I had them do. The car no longer bucks! And it has a lot more pep!
 
I hope this helps anyone else having this issue.

#357 of 670 Solenoid replaced.... will keep updating... by longfrance

Nov 30, 2010 (3:32 pm)

Had typical A-Solenoid problem as many people here. Have 127,500 miles on the car and just spent the $150 for the fix ($50 solenoid, $100 for filter/gasket/oil & labor to install).
 
I didn't see too many follow-ups indicating how the fix worked and how long it has lasted. Hoping this fix works!!!
 
By the way, other car is '05 Scion xB with 138,000 miles and NO major problems whatsoever... FYI.

#358 of 670 Re: Solenoid replaced.... will keep updating... [longfrance] by dno36

Nov 30, 2010 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: longfrance (Nov 30, 2010 3:32 pm)
18 + months into the repair, 23K miles, no additional trans issues here.
Other issues yes, but not trans related.
Dean

Messages Page 36 of 68

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