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2002 Ford Focus SE transmission slipping


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weirdal1968
New User

Jan 31, 2011, 7:05 PM

Post #1 of 2 (5015 views)
2002 Ford Focus SE transmission slipping Sign In

2002 Ford Focus Wagon SE Zetec w/145k on the odometer. Its does a lot of interstate driving during the summer carrying stuff to flea markets so I've been careful to change the transmission fluid at the proper intervals. Oil changes @3k too.

Back in the spring of 2010, I received a coupon for a free oil change at a shop I had never been to. They tried to sell me on lots of stuff including a transmission fluid change which I didn't need for another 15k. They told me the transmission fluid had a strange smell but my regular shop said everything was normal so I blew off the first shop's suggestions. Later I discovered the free oil change shop barely added any oil after they drained it.

For the last few months it would start fine but the car would run rough for the first 10-15 minutes. The whole car would rumble like a subwoofer until things warmed up then it would run as smooth as my mom's 2004 wagon. At first I thought it was an engine issue but plugs and wires are new and the plug coil harness looks perfect. The check engine light has never lit nor has any other light.

Last month it sprung a transmission fluid leak by the cooler and that was repaired at a local Car-X. Now the transmission is slipping (a momentary lag) during city driving (probably from 1st->2nd). Disabling overdrive didn't affect the roughness issue or the slipping. When it slips there aren't any nasty sounds (yet) and I haven't noticed any unusual smells during or after a drive.

I had it in for an oil change a week ago and the trans fluid wasn't low.

Should I hit Autozone for a code scan even though the idiot lights haven't come on? From what I've read, the symptoms don't seem to point at a transmission solenoid failure.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 31, 2011, 7:21 PM

Post #2 of 2 (5012 views)
Re: 2002 Ford Focus SE transmission slipping Sign In

My advice would be to get an opinion from a reputable transmission repair shop and not some Internet forum. We can't tell you what is going on without seeing the car. We can tell you if what he tells you sounds feasible or his prices are too high but someone experienced needs to examine it.



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