Ford Focus & Transmission Flushing
A 2005 Ford's Broken Mirror & Trannie Flush Questions and Answers
In this article, your questions are answered about a 2005 Ford Focus with a broken side mirror and transmission flushing and servicing.
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 2005 Ford Focus with a broken side mirror and a general question about transmission flushing.
Question: 2005 Ford Focus
Help! I've knocked my passenger side view mirror off and I've "quick-fixed" it a few times with different super glues and epoxy, but it's finally come off for good. It looks like all the electrical wires are still intact and came off very cleanly. Is it difficult to re-attach the mirror? or should I just get a brand new mirror? I believe the plastic connection pieces are broken completely off the mirror and the plate that is still attached to the car so I would need a new plate definitely.
I just can't figure out the inside plastic part and how to get it off. My car is a 2005 Ford Focus X4, 4-door. The sedan, not the hatchback. And do you know if they make a mirror for this car that folds in?
Thanks so much for your time.
Sincerely,
Nicole Giles
Answer:
Oh Nicole, this is a fine mess you've gotten yourself into. (Have you tried duct tape? That will attach anything to anything).
Okay, seriously now... by now you've discovered 'quick fix' doesn't work for very long. The best thing to do is to replace the whole mirror.
Actual mirror costs vary, but the labor is only .6 hours to replace. An easy job. If you want to try and replace it yourself, send us an e-mail, along with a 12-ounce New York Strip steak, and we'll send you complete instructions. (Hey! A guy's got to eat, doesn't he?)
Question: Transmission Flushing
Hi there, I've seen your articles about transmission flushing at suite101.com, and I am very impressed with your knowledge.
You often mention about a regular transmission service. Do you mind if I ask what it is?
Is it just a transmission fluid replaced? Do you think Aamco is a good place for transmission service?
Thanks so much for your time.
Answer:
A transmission service is dropping the transmission pan and draining the transmission fluid. Some transmission torque converters have a drain plug so you can drain the ATF from the torque converter. Once the pan is down and the fluid drained, you can remove and replace (R&R) the transmission filter. Some transmissions don't have a replaceable filter so all you can do is drain the fluid. If the linkage is adjustable then it is adjusted at this time.
Then you put in a new filter, clean the pan and using a new gasket or sealer, bolt the pan back up. Fill the transmission with new ATF for your vehicle. The best place to get the ATF is a dealership The right ATF does make a difference and the only way to be sure to get the right ATF is from the dealer. It is optimal to do this every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Do Not Ever Get A Transmission Flush!
Aamco is a good place to have a transmission service done, although it is a basic service that almost any independent repair shop can do.
That’s all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics.
