When a Ford Focus Slams into Gear
How To Fix a Ford 2003 Focus with Automatic Transmission Problems
Your auto repair questions answered about a 2003 Ford Focus by car repair expert Vince Ciulla.
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 2003 Ford Focus that shifts hard and hunts for gears.
Question: 2003 Ford Focus Slamming Into Gear
I just bought a 2003 Ford Focus with an automatic transmission and only 80,000 miles on it. My problem is, about every other time I get in it and drive, the transmission seems to act up. By this I mean it sometimes hesitates going from first to second gear and when down shifting from third-second it feels like it's "slamming" really hard into gear. The fluid looks a little brownish so I was wondering if doing the fluid and filter would help or fix this? Also, the transmission sometimes seems "confused" as to what gear to go into. Like it can't decide which one to choose. But I heard electronic transmissions do this sometimes? Are these common issues with the Ford Focus? Any help would be great.
Thanks.
Answer:
The 4F27E Automatic Transaxle has been a very good transmission. It is well built and has had few reported problems.
It is possible the transmission filter is getting clogged up. What you should try is dropping the transmission pan and removing the transmission filter. Install a new filter and transmission pan gasket. Put the transmission pan back on and refill with new transmission fluid.
Before you drop the pan you can disconnect the lower transmission line at the transmission fluid cooler and put it into a suitable container. Start the engine and let it idle until you pump out three to three and a half quarts of automatic transmission fluid. Reconnect the line and then drop the transmission pan.
Now do not get a transmission flush. A transmission flush at this mileage would be a dangerous thing to do. Read some of the other Q&As here to see what could happen.
If you do a lot of stop and go or city driving, you should service the transmission every 30,000 miles or two years. If it stays hot and humid most of the time then I would cut that in half. Also if you do mostly city driving you should keep the transmission out of overdrive. A transmission in overdrive during city driving causes the transmission to run hot and will wear out quicker. Keeping it out of overdrive will pump the transmission fluid through the transmission cooler quicker and help keep the transmission cool.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topicsand other resources. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
