[Firdy]

I'm sorry for not introducing myself as of yet but we have an issue that causes me to ask for help.
We have a 2008 Focus with 80K miles on it.
Within the last month or so we had been experiencing a "bumping" feeling while driving over 40 then at 50+ it disappeared. The bumping actually to me ..felt like the transmission was bumping in and out of gear quickly, jolting slightly. We set an appt to have it looked at for this coming saturday.
Then..Yesterday while driving .. 3rd gear seemed to go out.
At a stop I went slowly forward and when 3rd gear was supposed to engage..from shift.. it acted like it went into neutral. Actually it just went back into 1st gear as the rev produced high rpm traction like 4500 rpms but still moving. I stopped started forward again and same thing 2-3 drops 3rd gear.
I pulled into a filling station and looked at the trans dipstick and it appeared normal. No smell no odd colors no low level etc. I limped home 30 miles at 20 mph. This morning I went out and tried to drive it again and same thing except I had to get on it a little for cars coming and this time..moving quicker it grabs 3rd but then lets go of 4th and into 1st it seems.
So going slow no 3rd and going faster no 4th.
I tried this several times same results.
I live 10 miles from the nearest code test and that will be at 20 mph.
Has this happened to anyone else here?
As I said before I am sorry for not introducing myself but im in a fix as if i cant get it going within a few days.. my job is at stake.
Thank you for any help.

I forgot the mention ..the wrench light comes on after driving for a few then goes off.. taking it in and out of OD doesn't seems to make a difference.

 

[Firdy]

Okay, I got the thing in for a code reading, They got P0733 and P0734
Gear 3 and Gear 4 incorrect ratio both.

Plus i was wrong. It never makes it into 3rd gear at all..

Called guy at the dealership for little insight and he didn't have a clue either..

 

[Marde]

Hi. Some people have fixed similar symptoms by replacing one or all 6 trans solenoids. It is something to consider, and can be done at home. Please check out these two threads.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485585

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167830&highlight=p0750

Also, here is a video->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l36SjcB0FuQ

Parts? Yep, right here or at other places too->
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-4F27E-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd493997e&vxp=mtr

Also, quote below is from an old 2008 thread. This might apply in your situation.
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174484

The next time this happens, talk to your service manager about TSB 08-5-8.

2008 Focus

ISSUE
Some 2008 Focus vehicles equipped with 4F27E automatic transaxle and built on or before 1/29/2008 may experience no 3rd or 4th gear. Possible diagnostic troubles codes (DTCs) P0733 and/or P0734. The cause may be a direct clutch snap ring out of position caused by the reverse clutch wave spring.

I’m not sure if this is your problem but your car was built at the right time for this to apply.

I had a similar problem at around 7,000 miles and then again at 8,000 miles. Since my transmission was not affected by the TSB they called the Ford hotline and replaced the Main Control Valve Body. I’m at around 11,000 miles now and I haven’t had the issue return (yet).

The first time It happened it jumped in and out of first and second when it should have been in 3rd or 4th. That time I turned off the car and the problem cleared. The next morning it wouldn’t go into reverse. The lever moved but no gear, just like being neutral. They couldn’t find anything wrong that time. The last time it happened I decided to drive around for a few minutes so it could store a code and set the CEL. It set a P0733 code which is improper gear ratio for 3rd gear. I also drove it (slowly) to the dealer without 3rd or 4th gear with the CEL lit.

 

[Firdy]

Thanks for the info and links.
I tried a reset by removing battery and resetting and it still happens.

The closest trans shop is pretty far at under 40mph in heavy traffic.. Always heavy here..

Hi. Some people have fixed similar symptoms by replacing one or all 6 trans solenoids. It is something to consider, and can be done at home. Please check out these two threads.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485585

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167830&highlight=p0750

Also, here is a video->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l36SjcB0FuQ

Parts? Yep, right here or at other places too->
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-4F27E-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd493997e&vxp=mtr

Also, quote below is from an old 2008 thread. This might apply in your situation.
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174484

 

[Firdy]

I found a TSB here: This is my issue no 3rd or 4th gear.
I don't suppose these help me ($$$) fix the thing?


http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b232315/

 

[Marde]

Go to http://www.etis.ford.com/home.do
Then click on Vehicle tab.
Then enter your VIN.
Then find your car build date.
Was your car built on or before 1/29/2008? If yes, you want to contact a Ford dealer and ask about TSB 08-5-8

 

[Firdy]

I found a TSB here: This is my issue no 3rd or 4th gear.
I don't suppose these help me ($$$) fix the thing?


http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b232315/

Thanks for the link.
I created the account, installed flash and get a "action failed" every time when checking on service bulletins.
It was built 10/0/2007 so it's on the list. Also I think maybe if this was the same cause that the tsb was issued for It would maybe just cost less as they may not have to dig for the cause as long with a handy TSB to read.

 

[Firdy]

Just an update..
We found that a rebuild or replacement was in order and we opted for a replacement.
Got a rebuilt 2010 and had it installed.
Here is where it gets rough.
We went to drive it home and immediately found that the first right hand corner we turned caused a grinding noise (very loud) left turn same thing.
I turned around and pulled it back in.
Any idea what could cause a grinding like that after a swap? This is not a cv thumping sound but a full on grinding like the splines aren't lined up or the gears are messed up in the transmission.
They are supposedly looking at it now.
another point. Our axle was screwed up when it was being removed and had to be replaced as it was unusable afterwards.

 

[Marde]

So someone convinced you that (1) the TSB (PCM firmware) does not apply or would not help and (2) your old trans did not have any suspect bad solenoids.

Was the old trans given to them for free or did they credit your account? An old transmission with "issues" still has some value.

Assuming a reliable and professional shop did your trans replacement; they should get your car fixed for little or zero additional costs to you. Please post back with what they say the problem is now, and what they did to get your car fixed.

Good luck!

 

[amc49]

If noise only on turning corners then differential in trans is damaged.