2002 Ford Focus Tranny Trouble

[mtb1bkr]

My 02 Focus will not drive when overdrive is enabled. When it's enabled, there is no power to the wheels, it's like the car is in neutral. When I turn off the overdrive it runs as normal. It started when my wife was driving home earlier. She said the car thumped and then wouldn't accelerate. I think it drives if I put it in 1st or 2nd gear as well. The car has about 92K miles on it.

Thanks!

Bill

 

[scooter123]

Automatic transmissions use a series of friction clutches to engage each gear, either plate type clutches or bands. From what your describing, I suspect that you're looking at a complete rebuild of the transmission.

BTW, been there done that, however it wasn't with a Ford Focus. If your real lucky, it's a simple valve body issue. However, in my entire life I've never been that lucky, only heard about it happening.

In your case, I would suggest a trip to a Ford Dealer. Having a tranny fail at only 92K is uncommon, especially in a low power 4 banger. There may be a warranty still in place or it's possible there is a "hidden" recall in effect. If so, it'll be fixed on Ford's dime and not yours. Just remember, it's the squeaky hinge that gets to oil, so make sure to squeak. In addition, if the dealer gives to a flat out NO at first request, insist on having the Factory Rep pay a vist to the dealer and talk to him personally.

BTW, all the automakers I've delt with have Factory Zone Reps visiting all the dealers on a regular basis. They insure compliance with dealers meeting standards for service and also address warranty claims that the dealer cannot sign off on. This means they can sign off on warranty claims that the dealer can't. With the mileage on your focus, you'll probably have to arainge to meet with the Zone Rep. While it's a bit of a pain, it's well worth the expense of repairing your tranny to take a few hours off from work.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I thought most if not all new vehicles came with a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. As your attorney I advise you to get rid of it and buy a new TRUCK preferably a F250

 

[mtb1bkr]

Scooter,
Thanks for the suggestions, never heard of factory reps coming around. I just checked the warranty, 3 years/36K miles all around, so no hope for regular factory warranty. This is the first problem we've had with this car, so I hope it's not a major one.

Caj,
uumm, I think I'll try to stick with something a little smaller.

Bill

 

[sureshotbob]

Bill I hope this helps. I just called my buddy who is a class A Ford mechanic he said it's a common thing and the tranny won't need to be pulled that it's most likely the B or D solenoid on the side of the tranny. The part is about $50.00 from Ford the job might cost $200.00 -$250.00 he thinks . He also said a good tranny shop may be the cheapest way to go.

 

[mtb1bkr]

SSB,
That's good news, i really hope that's what it is!! The car is already at the Ford Dealer in the area, they will diagnose on Monday and let me know what it wrong, I'll be on edge until I get the call.

Bill

 

[windjammer]

My Crown Vic was giving me problems. I had the oil and filter changed and it fixed it. It should be changed at 50,000 miles.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Well, the Mrs. has a Volvo stationwagon...
I do all the work on it myself.

Here just a while back, everyone started reporting problems with the transmissions- always after a tranny fluid change!
Hmmm...

Some quick thinking feller figured out that the shops were filling the transmission through a bolt on top that held a band on the transmission in place! Once the bolt was taken out, there was no hope of repairing the transmission without a full disassembly. I bought one of the little tags that that says "Caution:Not a fill plug! $3500 accident!" and placed on the bolt.

I know this isn't the cause in your situation, but I'm glad I do all the work on my own car- I know to use the dipstick tube.