Ford Focus Transmission

My 2003 Focus ZX3 (65K miles) has had an automatic transmission issue practically from the beginning. It shifts very hard, especially from first to second gear. Every time the dealer works on it, it's better for a while but the problem always reappears. I was once told there was a TSB on this, involving the reprogramming of something, which was supposedly done. The valve body was also replaced under warranty some months later.

I know there's no recall for this, but what about one of those "secret warranties" you read about? There are lots and lots of these cars around and I can't believe I'm the only one with the problem.

 

I don't know of any "secret warranties". If your powertrain warranty is up, then you are out of luck.

I would recommend bringing the vehicle to a tranny specialist. Get the diagnosis from them, and see if the Ford dealer will cover some of the repair since you have had problems from the get-go.

 

Thanks. My dealer hasn't exactly been uncooperative with this. The valve body was replaced well after the 50K warranty was up. He agreed it was an ongoing issue that had been reported, worked on, and not solved while the warranty was still in effect. I'm not sure how much farther his cooperation will extend, however.

 

You might try going up the chain of command. The dealer will have a regional service manager (or some similar title)whose job is supposed to be (among other things) helping resolve issues that stump the local guys. I would not give up on it if you have documentation that you have had the problem since before the warranty ran out. Possibility exists that your local guy is hoping you'll give up and take it somewhere else that won't cost him any more time & money. If it was me I would be all over them to fix it right and it's really only good business for them. At this point would you buy another Ford from that dealer?

 

Thanks, that's something to consider. In further checking, I note there are at least three TSBs dealing with this issue so at least I'm not the only one who has it.