The 2014 Ford Focus is a unique vehicle considering it is offered with two different automatic transmissions. The most common problems are the powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), and transmission fluid temperature sensor.
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Transmission issues appear to be one of the more widely reported ones, especially on models equipped with the dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission called Powershift.
The transmission of a Ford Focus is the main component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. If there are any problems with your transmission, it can be very costly to fix.
The article will give you all you need to know about how much it will cost for repairs for different types of repairs and what symptoms may indicate that you have a problem with your car's transmission.
Ford Focus: History & Background
The Ford Focus is a compact car designed and produced by the Ford Motor Company. The first generation of the Focus started production in 1998 as a replacement for the Escort model.
Ford Focus: 2014 Model In Detail
The current generation of the Ford Focus has been around since 2012 and is built on the global C2 platform. The 2014 model was facelifted in the U.S. in 2015, which means that there are no major changes that have been made to it as of 2015.
What are the different transmission options in the 2014 Ford Focus?
As mentioned earlier, the most common problems are reported to be with the powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), and transmission fluid temperature sensor. Here are the different types of transmissions available in 2014 Ford Focus models:
- 6 speed manual
- 6 speed Powershift semi-automatic dual-clutch transmission
- 6 speed dual-clutch transmission
Transmission Problem With 2014 Ford Focus: Troubleshoot, Repairs & Costs
While the 2014 Ford Focus comes with many incredible features, the problem lies with the transmission itself.
Let's take a closer look at the 10 Transmission Problem With 2014 Ford Focus:
#1: Fluid Leaks
Symptoms: Signs that you might have a transmission fluid leak include, but are not limited to: – Significant changes in the level of transmission fluid – Transmission fluid leaking from underneath your vehicle
Possible Causes: The possible causes could be one or more of the following: – Loose bolt or damaged transmission pan – Transaxle seal leaking – Rubber gasket is damaged or missing
Price Estimate: $104.18 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $157.02
Fix: The transmission fluid leak can be fixed by one of the following methods, depending on where it's leaking from: – Tighten bolts and check transmission pan gasket for damage – Replace transaxle seal – Replace the rubber gasket
#2: Transmission Slipping
Symptoms: Some of the symptoms that you might have a slipping transmission include, but are not limited to: – Difficulty engaging gears – Delayed gear change – Loud clunking noise during a gear change
Possible Causes: There can be many different things that could be causing the transmission to slip, and this includes one or more of the following: – Incorrect transmission fluid level – Poor quality transmission fluid – Transmission has high mileage (over 100,000 miles) – Faulty transmissions control module (TCM) or powertrain control module (PCM)
Price Estimate: $104.18 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $157.02
Fix: The transmission slipping problem can be fixed by doing one of the following tasks based on what is causing it in your case: – Check and refill with the correct type of transmission fluid if necessary – Replace old transmission fluid with new high-quality fluid – Clean or replace dirty transmission fluid filter – Replace faulty TCM or PCM
#3: Transmission Not Shifting Correctly
Symptoms: If your transmission is not shifting correctly, you will probably notice one of the following symptoms: – A decline in fuel economy – Loud banging noise during a gear change or harsh shifting from one gear to another – Abrupt downshift as you slow down and coming to a stop
Possible Causes: The problem with your transmission not shifting properly can be caused either by one of these problems: – Faulty automatic transmission range sensor (ATRS) – Faulty output speed sensor (OSS) – Clutch wear and hydraulic fluid leaks on clutch packs and bands
Price Estimate: $270.00 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $322.84
Fix: The problem with your transmission not shifting properly can be fixed by one of the following methods, depending on what is causing it in your case: – Replace faulty ATRS, OSS, or both – Perform hydraulic fluid flush and change on clutch packs and bands if necessary.
#4: Transmission Grinding Or Noisy When Shifting Gears
Symptoms: Some of the signs that you might have a noisy transmission while shifting gears include, but are not limited to: – Grinding noise when shifting gears – Harsh gear engagement during upshift or downshifts
Possible Causes: The most common cause of this problem would be one of the following: – Loose bolts on transmission bell housing – Transmission fluid leak affecting clutch packs
Price Estimate: $104.18 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $157.02
Fix The problem with your noisy transmission while shifting gears can be fixed by tightening all loose bolts on the transmission bell housing, replacing any leaking gaskets or seals, and refilling the fluid as necessary.
#5: Transmission Overheating Problems
Symptoms: Some of the warning signs that you might have overheated transmission include, but are not limited to: – Fluid leaks underneath your vehicle – A decline in fuel economy during hot weather conditions – Transaxle overheats after driving at hwy speeds for a few minutes
Possible Causes: This problem is commonly caused by one of the following conditions: – Faulty radiator fan – Clogged transmission fluid cooling fins and dirty transmission fluid affecting heat transfer – Transmission overheats due to an engine cooling system problem such as low coolant level, bad thermostat or even a faulty cooling fan
Price Estimate: $35.73 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $88.57
Fix: The problem with your overheated transmission can be fixed by doing one of the following tasks depending on what is causing it in your case: – Check and refill with the correct type of transmission fluid if necessary – Clean or replace dirty transmission fluid filter if necessary – Replace faulty radiator fan or thermostat.
#6: Transmission Fluid Is Dark Or Black
Symptoms: A dark or black transmission fluid signifies that your car's automatic transmission has consumed all of the fluid in its reservoir and needs to be replenished with new fluid. You probably noticed that your car does not shift gears correctly, or it takes longer to shift from one gear to another due to the lack of effective lubrication because the old, dirty fluid can no longer do its job properly.
Possible Causes: The most common cause for this problem would be one of the following conditions: – Your vehicle is consuming more than its share of transmission fluid because you have been driving under many different types of driving conditions that are known to cause the transmission to overheat and need more fluid – You have driven your vehicle for too many miles without changing the fluid.
Price Estimate: $40.00 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $92.84
Fix: The problem with your dark or black transmission fluid can be fixed by doing one of the following tasks depending on what is causing it in your case: – Check, add or change transmission fluid as necessary.
#7: Transmission Fluid Leaking
Symptoms: A transmission fluid leak clearly shows that you need to add more transmission fluid to your tank soon. Other signs of a leaking transmission include, but are not limited to: – Fluid stains underneath your vehicle – Transaxle overheats after driving for a few minutes without stopping.
Possible Causes: The most common cause for this problem would be one of the following conditions: – Faulty O-rings on the hydraulic control valve body inside the transmission reservoir – Loose bolts on any part of the torque converter flange assembly or bell housing
Price Estimate: $83.97 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $13681
Fix: The problem with your leaking transmission can be fixed by replacing any faulty O-rings on the hydraulic control valve body inside the transmission reservoir, tightening all loose bolts on the torque converter flange assembly, or bell housing refilling the fluid as necessary.
#8: Transmission Fluid Is Black Or Dark Brown
Symptoms: A dark fluid in your transmission signs that you need to change soon. Other signs of low transmission fluid include, but are not limited to: – Fluid stains underneath your vehicle – Transmission slips or shows signs of overheating after driving for a few minutes without stopping.
Possible Causes: The most common cause for this problem would be one of the following conditions: – Your vehicle is consuming more than its share of transmission fluid because you have been driving under many different types of driving conditions that are known to cause the transmission to overheat and need more fluid – You have driven your vehicle for too many miles without changing the fluid.
Price Estimate: No estimate available. Contact a mechanic or local service center for an exact quote.
Fix: The problem with your dirty transmission fluid can be fixed by doing one of these tasks depending on what is causing it in your case: – Check, add or change transmission fluid as necessary.
#9: Transmission Is Slipping Or Hesitating When Shifting Gears
Symptoms: Transmission slipping and hesitating while shifting gears is one of the most common problems for this year's Ford Focus. A car with a transmission that is slipping or hesitating will usually not accelerate properly when it should, and this condition can be very hard to control; you may experience it as shuddering during acceleration, jerking, bucking, chugging, or a lack of acceleration until the tranny catches up with the engine RPM.
Possible Causes: A transmission that slips or skips gears due to internal damage is usually caused by these conditions: – Multiple gears slipping or skipping in all forward gears – Multiple gears failing to engage in any reverse gear
Price Estimate: $77.00 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $129.84
Fix: The problem with your transmission slipping or hesitating when shifting gears can be fixed by doing one of these tasks depending on what is causing it in your case: – Check, add or change transmission fluid as necessary – Replace faulty solenoids if they are dirty or one of them malfunctions
#10: Erratic Shifting
Symptoms: Erratic shifting from one gear to another is a sign that you should have your transmission serviced as soon as possible. Other signs of a faulty transmission include, but are not limited to: – Strange shifting patterns where your car suddenly accelerates when you should be going at a lower speed – Transmission slips or skips gears
Possible Causes: The most common cause for this problem would be one of the following conditions: – Internal damage that results from fluid overheating and requiring more fluid than normal. – Faulty solenoids that need to be replaced
Price Estimate: $77.00 for parts + $52.84 for labor = $129.84
Fix: The problem with your transmission shifting erratically can be fixed by doing one of these tasks depending on what is causing it in your case: – Check, add or change transmission fluid as necessary – Replace faulty solenoids if they are dirty or one of them malfunctions.
Are there any transmission-related recalls in the 2014 Ford Focus?
Yes, there is one important recall for the 2014 Ford Focus:
Recall 2015 – Transmission Control Module Reprogramming Description: On certain vehicles, the powertrain control module (PCM) software calibration may allow drivability issues such as delayed accelerator response and transmission shift concerns. This may be accompanied by various Check Engine Light illumination codes related to the vehicle's transmission. Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge to resolve the concern(s).
How to prevent transmission problems in the 2014 Ford Focus?
Check transmission fluid level at least once a month. Add more fluid if necessary. Also, make sure to use the proper type of transmission fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
More specifically, consider these tips to prevent premature transmission damages in your 2014 Ford Focus: –
- Keep vehicle's transmission fluid clean and topped up
- Avoid driving with an excessively low or dirty transmission fluid level
- Have your automatic transmission fluid flushed every 30,000 miles to remove any metallic sediments that can clog the valves and valve seats inside the transmission
Conclusion
Ford has recalled the 2014 Ford Focus for transmission problems. Whether you're experiencing this specific issue or not, it's important to be aware of how to prevent premature transmission damages in your car. Consider these tips and remember that if all else fails, consult a professional mechanic who can troubleshoot any problem more quickly than you can on your own!