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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

672 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2013 at 12:25 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 11 of 68

#96 of 672 2003 Ford Focus SE crappy transmission by bird54

Jan 30, 2009 (11:13 am)

I own a 2003 Focus with 50,474 unabused miles on it and the transmission failed on 1/26/09. It was like I knocked it into neutral when I tried to go above 25 miles per hour. I managed to drive it to Dewey Ford in Ankeny, Iowa where they took it for a test drive-which confirmed what I had experienced and hooked it up to the computer-and it showed no "codes". The service "adviser" said something about a valve cover they could replace for> $800.00, plus $300.00 for taking the "pan" down. They really could not tell what was wrong but he thought it was electrical not mechanical. Not trusting in the dealerships opinion-I had it towed to a reliable trustworthy Transmission garage. They took it a part and basically the "drum" broke due to a weakness in the part-let me cut to the case and I quote "a crappy cheap product that was defective from the factory". Second and 4th gear were gone. This was not something that resulted in poor driving but poorly made parts. I contacted the Ford customer service number 800-392-3673 and of course there is nothing that Ford can do since my car is out of warranty-how predictable. The customer service person asked why I did not get my car fixed at the dealership. First of all they wanted >$3200 for a transmission and second why would I trust Ford to put in another poorly made transmission. I realize that I am one small speck of a person in this vast world and who cares if I will never buy another Ford. There are plenty of other suckers that will invest their hard earned money in a Ford vehicle. Is it any wonder that the automakers are needing a bailout-they make crappy cars that won't stand the test of time. It use to that a Ford stood for something. Now you are lucky if the vehicle keeps running a little past when the warranties are up-without still owing anything on it. Ford has to know that there is a problem with the transmissions-they just won't take responsibilty for them.

#97 of 672 Re: Transmission or Electrical problem? [dlhjr1970] by Lance529

Feb 01, 2009 (3:11 am)

Replying to: dlhjr1970 (Dec 21, 2008 8:49 am)
I read your post and thought I could offer a possible solution to your problem. I own a 2005 Focus SE, auto/ trans with mileage just north of 63K. My "O/D" (overdrive) switch - located on the shifter - seemed not to work at all. No matter how many times I pressed the button the dash light indicating that the overdrive was off remained lit. I started to trace the problem from the switch to the transmission by first removing the plastic shifter housing between the two front seats. To my surprise when I wiggled the connector, found just behind the gear shifter, the "O / D OFF" dash light would go on and off with the ignition in the "on" or "run" position (without starting the car). There was an intermittent electrical connection being made in the connector. When I separated the male end of the connector from the female end, I found the telltale evidence of liquid infiltration. Apparently, soda, coffee or some other foreign liquid had gotten into the connector and caused the trouble. Note: Before I removed the center console in order to start my troubleshooting expedition, I noticed that every once in a while I could get the "O /D" light to toggle off and on when I cycled the ignition on and off again and again. This might explain the intermittent nature of your problem. My fix involved very, very carefully taking the female connector apart using jeweler's flat-blade screwdrivers and cleaning the affected individual connector, first with soapy water using a slightly dampened cotton swab , then spraying with electrical contact cleaner. I then did the same thing on the "male" end of the connector. Hope this helps.

#98 of 672 Re: Transmission or Electrical problem? [Lance529] by bird54

Feb 02, 2009 (7:22 am)

Replying to: Lance529 (Feb 01, 2009 3:11 am)
Thank-you so much for your insite. Unfortunately my car is repaired-the drum on the transmission was cracked. So now I've forked over >$1700.00 in repairs.
Good luck with your car-

#99 of 672 i need help....blah!! by josh5m

Feb 05, 2009 (2:12 pm)

I have a 2005 Ford Focus SE Auto... Nothing is "wrong" I just need to change my tranny fluid/filter.
 
I am looking for a step-by-step guide on how to do it so I do not make any mess-ups.
 
Is doing a full change okay or would it be better for me to pay the damned $200 ford wants to flush it out for me?
 
Thanks!

#100 of 672 Re: i need help....blah!! [josh5m] by bird54

Feb 05, 2009 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: josh5m (Feb 05, 2009 2:12 pm)
According to the transmission garage where I took my car to be repaired DO NOT EVER get a transmission flush-which I did back in May 2008. You can't change the filter without taking out the "pan"?? Ford will flush then do a backwash and add chemicals to clean out the tranny. I find it strange that my transmission failed so soon after this FLUSH. My "servo" failed and then the drum broke. DON'T LET FORD TOUCH YOUR CAR!! They are not to be trusted.

#101 of 672 lovely ford... by josh5m

Feb 05, 2009 (3:03 pm)

So I found this site that has a walk through let me know if you think its legit and if its a good one to follow.
 
eHow ATF Change
 
Also, Do you think its okay to change the filter too?

#102 of 672 Mobile 1 vs Motorcraft by josh5m

Feb 05, 2009 (3:04 pm)

Can I use Mobile 1 full synthetic ATF or should i use motorcraft's brand? Both are mercon v

#103 of 672 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 672 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 672 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.

Messages Page 11 of 68

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