Ford Focus is one of the most popular compact cars that has been in the market for decades. With its sleek design, high-tech features, and excellent performance, it is no surprise that it has become a favorite among car enthusiasts.
However, like any other car, the Ford Focus can develop problems, and one of the most common issues is a transmission fault.
Transmission faults are a significant concern for any vehicle owner, and they can cause severe damage to the car if left unresolved.
In this blog post, we will discuss the transmission fault in Ford Focus and what you can do to fix it.
What Does Transmission Fault in Ford Focus Mean?
This fault message in ford focus is a warning message that informs you that there is an issue with the transmission control module (TCM). It usually appears on your vehicle’s dashboard.
This warning also comes up if there is a problem with the gearbox, but that is not always the case; a malfunctioning sensor, a bad battery, and other issues can all cause this error message to display on your car.
Causes of Transmission Fault in Ford Focus
1. Low Transmission Fluid
This warning message may appear on your dashboard as a result of low fluid. Your control module needs fluid to function well. This fluid provides the hydraulic properties necessary for the system to function smoothly while lubricating all of its moving parts.
Also, it aids in removing heat from the transmission to prevent over. If it runs low, it can cause problems in your TCM.
Additionally, your gearbox may not be able to lubricate and cool itself sufficiently if the transmission fluid is not enough.
Therefore, if you notice that your car is leaking fluid, it is crucial to have it checked and repaired immediately.
2. Faulty Clutch
A worn clutch can quickly result in transmission failure. It indicates that the engine and transmission are no longer properly connected. This puts stress on every component of the transmission.
If the clutch fails, it can cause problems with the transmission resulting in “transmission fault”, including slipping, grinding, and engine overheating, slipping, or grinding, as well as transmission damage and failure if shifts are forced.
3. Faulty Transmission System
A faulty transmission can cause a range of issues for your vehicle. When your transmission is damaged, you may be unable to shift gears well.
This can cause your car to hesitate or jerk when you try to move, or it may get stuck in one gear and not shift at all. You may also notice your engine revving higher than usual or your car losing power when this happens.
4. Dead Battery
A low or dead battery can cause a range of issues for your vehicle, including triggering this warning transmission fault ford focus message.
This is because the transmission control module relies on a stable power supply to operate properly. If the voltage drops below a certain level, it can cause the transmission to malfunction.
If you suspect that your battery is low or faulty, it’s important to have it checked as soon as possible.
You can perform a battery test to determine if the battery needs to be replaced or if there are other issues with your vehicle’s electrical system.
Also, regular maintenance and testing of your vehicle’s battery can help prevent problems and ensure that your car operates effectively.
5. Malfunctioning Sensors
Modern transmissions rely on a complex network of sensors to monitor and control their operation. If any of these sensors malfunction, it can cause the TCM to create the “Transmission Fault” message.
The transmission speed sensor monitors the speed of the input and output shafts of the transmission. If this sensor malfunctions, it can cause the TCM to calculate the gear ratios and shift points incorrectly, leading to transmission problems.
Whenever you experience you see this warning message, it’s important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.
They can use specialized diagnostic tools to determine which sensor is causing the issue and replace or repair it as needed.
Symptoms of Transmission Fault in Ford Focus
1. Transmission Slipping
This indicates that the transmission cannot properly engage with the engine which will subsequently lose power and eventually cease to function.
Lack of maintenance and problems with computer control are the usual causes of transmission slipping.
2. Check Engine Light Illuminates
If the transmission fault is severe, you may notice a dashboard warning light. This light is usually yellow or orange, and it shows that there is a problem with the transmission.
3. Grinding Noise
A grinding sound when shifting gears is another sign of a transmission issue in the Ford Focus. This noise, which usually comes with a car vibration, denotes transmission damage.
Transmission noises happen when the mechanical components have lost lubrication or have fractured under stress. It will start to “grind” with or against other transmission components.
4. Overheating
This is another common issue associated with a faulty transmission. When a transmission fails, it can cause the engine to overheat, damaging various engine components, including the transmission system, cylinder head, pistons, and bearings.
How to Fix Transmission Fault in Ford Focus
1. Check the Transmission Fluid
If low transmission fluid causes the problem, adding more fluid can help. However, if you discover the fluid is leaking, then it is crucial to repair the leak before adding more.
2. Examine the Car Battery
Test your battery with a multimeter. If it is low, you can charge it, but after charging you discover there is still no power. It simply means you need to replace it.
3. Replace the Clutch
If the clutch is causing the problem, replacing it can help. However, it is essential to ensure that the replacement is done correctly to avoid causing more problems.
4. Repair Electrical Problems
If you discover it’s an electrical issue, then it’s important to have them diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic.
The mechanic may inspect the wiring harnesses to ensure that there are no loose connections, damaged wires, or other issues that could be causing the electrical problem.
5. Replace the Transmission System
You may need to replace the system if is severely damaged. This is a costly repair, but it may be necessary to ensure the car’s continued performance.
6. Reset the TCM
A malfunctioning transmission control module is another probable source of the “Transmission Fault Service Now” warning. The TCM controls the transmission, and if it malfunctions, the transmission may not work correctly.
How To Reset The Ford Transmission Control Module
- Insert your key into the ignition or press the starting button.
- Make sure the gearbox is placed in the neutral position (displayed as an N)
- Wait around 20 seconds after turning off the car.
- Put your car in park mode (P on the gearbox).
- Restart your car, but do not let it run completely. Wait 20 seconds more.
- Turn the car off and then rapidly restart it.
- Change the gear to the Sport (S) or Drive position (D)
- When the TCM reset procedure is complete, an alert should sound. You should now be able to drive your car normally, or you can retrain the transmission.
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Conclusion
Transmission faults in Ford Focus can be frustrating and costly to repair. However, with proper maintenance and timely repairs, you can avoid severe damage to your car.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to have your car checked immediately to avoid more significant problems down the road.
Repairing a damaged transmission can be costly. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire system rather than trying to repair it.
However, a mechanic can help you determine the best course of action based on the specific issues with your transmission. Finally, always ensure that you have your car serviced regularly to prevent faults.