Ford Focus is a very attractive car, taking over the reign of Ford Escort. People enjoy this vehicle for various reasons, including its reliable performance, low-cost maintenance, and the quality of its interior.
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However, no matter what kind of vehicle you have, there will always be problems that creep up, so one must know if your Ford Focus has transmission Problems in Ford Focus. Whether it's a faulty sensor or a need for a new clutch, you can learn more about these common problems here.
Transmission problems in Ford Focus can be very problematic and annoying for car owners who wish to keep their vehicles in good condition.
If you're experiencing Transmission Problems in your Ford Focus, don't despair. This article provides you with all the information you need to troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed. Read on for repair options and costs.
Ford Focus: History
The Ford Focus is a small-sized vehicle that the Ford Motor Company has manufactured since 1998. It was originally intended to replace the internationally popular Escort series of vehicles. However, the current model was released in 2012, and it comes with an impressive choice of petrol engines, EcoBoost & Flexifuel engines for optimum performance.
Some of the unique features of the Ford Focus include an efficient four-wheel-drive system, a revolutionary anti-lock braking system, and the Sync media and communications system. The Ford Focus comes with many standard safety features such as:
Traction Control System (TCS) Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Driver side airbags Front Passenger Airbags Curtain Airbags Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Brake assist.
What are the different types of transmissions in the Ford Focus?
The Ford Focus is available with three different transmission types:
#1 Manual Transmissions
The Focus is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. In addition, it comes with the option of five forward speeds and one reverse gear.
#2 PowerShift Transmissions
The Ford Focus is also available with six-speed PowerShift gearboxes. Like a manual transmission, it uses gears, but it's clutch-less.
#3 A5S310R Transmissions
The Ford Focus is available with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, it comes with five forward gears and one reverse gear.
10 Transmission Problems in Ford Focus: Repairs & Costs
Although the Ford Focus is a very reliable car, it is not free from some problems requiring repairs. These are some of the most common transmission problems you're likely to come across in your Ford Focus:
1. Check Engine Light
There are many reasons why the check engine light comes on, but if your vehicle's check engine light is on and your transmission isn't engaging properly, it's most likely because there is a problem with the transmission.
Troubleshoot: The first thing you should do is have your car's computer read, and this will tell you whether it's an electronic transmission problem or something else.
Repairs: If it turns out that the trouble lies with your transmission, a certified mechanic can check the lines, hoses, and other parts for leaks. The mechanic can also check the transmission fluid level, diagnose the source of the leak and replace any damaged parts. This type of repair can be costly, but you might need to get it done in some cases.
Repair costs: If your Ford Focus transmission is damaged beyond repair or you hadn't had it serviced before the problem began, then you will need to get a new/rebuilt transmission. This can be costly, but in some cases, depending on where you live, it might be cheaper than having an old one repaired.
2. Transmission Fluid low or empty
When you notice that the transmission fluid is low or has run out, this could be because there is a leak somewhere in your car. This means that your transmission fluid needs to be topped up now and then.
Troubleshoot: When you top up your transmission fluid, it's advisable to take note of the recommended levels for your Ford Focus and check them.
Repairs: If you notice a problem with one or more parts, such as the transmission lines or hoses, then it's time to take your car to a mechanic for repairs. This will need to be done quickly because an empty transmission can damage other vehicle parts.
Repair costs: The cost of repairing a transmission leak depends on the size and location of the leak. For example, if the ‘O' ring is worn out, it can be easily replaced, which will cost much less than replacing a complete transmission line.
3. Transmission Fluid looks dark or burnt
If you notice that your transmission fluid has turned brown and smells burnt, it means that something is probably wrong with the transmission. This problem usually occurs when the transmission has been overheated, and it could end up causing more problems if left untreated.
Troubleshoot: After replacing or topping up your transmission fluid, you need to get a mechanic to check your car by having the system read. This will tell you whether it's time for some repairs.
Repairs: If there is a problem with one or more of your car's parts, such as the lines or hoses, then you should have them repaired before they get worse and do more damage to other vehicle parts and system components.
Repair costs: Repairing burnt transmission fluid depends on the size of the leak and where it is located. Generally speaking, this kind of repair can be expensive, but in some cases, depending on where you live, it might be cheaper than getting a new transmission.
4. Transmission Slips or Skips Gears
When there is something wrong with your car's transmission, this will affect how smoothly your Focus shifts gears, and if the check engine light comes on, then it could also mean that there is a problem with the transmission fluid level or that there is a leak somewhere in the system.
Troubleshoot: If this happens when you're driving, then you should stop as soon as possible to avoid damaging other vehicle components and have your car towed to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: Your mechanic will carry out diagnostic tests to determine what needs repairing or replacing before doing any repairs. If they make the wrong decision, you could end up paying for parts that don't solve the problem.
Repair costs: If it's found, for example, that your drive belt is worn out or broken, then this might be an easy fix, but if there are problems with other parts in the transmission system, then this can get expensive because you will have to replace the whole system.
5. Transmission Grinds When Shifting Gears
Suppose your car grinds when shifting gears. This means that something is wrong with the transmission. This problem usually occurs when you take your Ford Focus over rough roads at high speeds or keep driving even though one of your vehicle components has failed and needs repair or replacing.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: If it's found that one or more parts such as the drive belt or transmission system need repairing, then this is likely to be expensive because you're going to have to replace all of these components and any damaged parts.
Repair costs: This depends on the size and location of the problem, but when you add in the cost of replacing the damaged parts, this can get very expensive, so it's best to avoid damaging other vehicle components when driving.
6. Noisy Transmission
Similarly, if your Ford Focus sounds noisy while shifting gears, this means that there is an issue with how smoothly it shifts gears, and there might also be a problem with the transmission fluid.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: The problem needs diagnosing so that any damaged parts can be replaced before repairing other components such as the drive belt or the transmission system if they need repairs too.
Repair costs: Repairs and possible replacement of other parts could get very expensive depending on how severe the damage is and whether there are problems with other vehicle components. If it's found, for example, that you need new spark plugs, then these won't cost much, but if your Ford Focus has bent piston rings, then this could be very expensive to repair.
7. Transmission Slips When Driving
If your car slips when driving, this means that there is something wrong with the transmission. This kind of problem usually occurs because you're driving over rough roads at high speeds or when there is a system failure, and you keep going instead of stopping somewhere safe to have it towed to a mechanic's garage.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: This type of issue also needs diagnosing so that damaged parts can be replaced before any other components such as the drive belt or the transmission system if these need repairing too.
Repair costs: Repairs and replacing any damaged parts could be very expensive depending on how severe the damage is and whether there are problems with other vehicle components. If it's found, for example, that you need new spark plugs, then these won't cost much, but if your Ford Focus has bent piston rings, then this could be very expensive to repair.
8. Loss of Power When Trying To Accelerate
Suppose your Ford Focus loses power when trying to accelerate or struggles to do this even though you're pushing down hard on the accelerator pedal. In that case, this typically means that there is a problem with how smoothly it shifts gears. It can also result from neglecting a faulty transmission system that has been damaged by bad fluid levels or a malfunctioning electronic control unit that regulates how smoothly the gears shift.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: This type of issue also needs diagnosing so that damaged parts can be replaced before repairing other components such as the drive belt or the transmission system if these need repairing too.
Repair costs: Repairs and replacing any damaged parts could be very expensive depending on how severe the damage is and whether there are problems with other vehicle components. If it's found, for example, that you need new spark plugs, then these won't cost much, but if your Ford Focus has bent piston rings, then this could be very expensive to repair.
9. Grinding Noise When Shifting Gears
If you hear grinding noise when shifting gears, then it means that your car's transmission system needs to be repaired.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: This type of issue also needs diagnosing so that replaced parts, such as the drive belt or the transmission system, if these need repairing too, can be done before further damage is caused.
Repair costs: Repairs and replacing any damaged parts could be very expensive depending on how severe the damage is and whether there are problems with other vehicle components. If it's found, for example, that you need new spark plugs, then these won't cost much, but if your Ford Focus has bent piston rings, then this could be very expensive to repair.
10. Noise When Shifting Gears
If you hear a knocking or banging noise when shifting gears, then it means that there is a problem with your car's transmission system, and it needs repairing.
Troubleshoot: You should stop somewhere safe and call for a tow truck that will take your car to your nearest mechanic's garage.
Repairs: This type of issue also needs diagnosing so that replaced parts, such as the drive belt or the transmission system, if these need repairing too, can be done before further damage is caused.
Repair costs: Repairs and replacing any damaged parts could be very expensive depending on how severe the damage is and whether there are problems with other vehicle components.
Average costs for fixing Ford Focus transmission problems:
The final cost will depend on your car's make and model, the type of problem you're experiencing, and how severe it is. However, you can expect to pay up to $300 for a transmission flush and around $1,000 if faulty components such as the flywheel or the torque converter need repairing or replacing.
Repairs can take a few hours to a couple of days depending on the car's make and model, how severe the problem is, and what needs repairing.
Conclusion
Transmission Problems in Ford Focus can be costly to repair. Suppose you are experiencing any of the problems listed above. In that case, it is best to take your car into a mechanic's garage as soon as possible for diagnosis and repairs before more damage occurs.