Automatic trans question

JOB

Member
I bought this 07 focus 4 or 5 years ago and my daughter drove it. She lived 300 miles away. The engine revs when the transmission shifts into third gear.
But just the first shift into 3rd gear, after that the transmission shifts fine. I googled the problem and got reply's saying that the 3rd gear solenoid
is bad. If the solenoid was bad I would think the engine would rev at every 3rd gear transmission shift. I checked the fluid level and it looks like the
fluid is a little over full. Would being over full be the problem, or is it the solenoid, orrrrr is it a bigger problem? Thanks for any suggestions on
this.
 
There are a number of possibilities. A bad solenoid is like you say, most likely would cause the problem every time. However, if the computer senses a shift error, it may actually ne bypassing the shift into 3rd and going directly into 4th. This will be indicated by a flashing O/D OFF light.
But, there are also other possibilities. A slipping clutch pack internally can also cause that type of problem. But, being a bit overfilled will not cause that type of problem. Overfilling at the worst case will cause foaming of the oil, which can also cause erratic shifting. Probably not the case in this instance.
My best suggestion is to scan for codes. A bad solenoid will set a trouble code pointing to it. A sticking shift valve would similarly cause a code. Condition of the oil also tells a story. Does it have a smell to it? It might smell burned or varnish like. Oil should be pinkish or nearly clear in color. Today's synthetic transmission oils do have a strange smell to them, but you still should be able to tell if it smells burned.
 
I took the car out for a little drive, and after the first shift into 3rd the car no longer revs at 3rd. I could feel the car shift into 4th every time also. Checking the transmission fluid it is pinkish in color and it did not smell burnt, just has a oil smell to it. Can O'Rileys scan for transmission codes or do you take it to a dealer?
 
Some scanners can scan for ALL error codes, but there are some that cannot. Usually, the ones that they use at the AutoZone and O'Reilly are only for engine codes. Sometimes, the transmission codes will show up with the engine scan. The better scanners can read codes for most of the systems that have on board diagnostics.

The normal causes of codes to be set is a recurring error. For example, if the computer sees over-revving going into 3rd gear several times, it will set an error code for 3rd gear (something like wrong ratio). There are input and output sensors on the transmission that the computer reads, and by comparing them, it know what gear the trans is SUPPOSED to be in. So, revving into 3rd should set a code. There is also circuitry that senses the load on a solenoid circuit. If the shift solenoid is failing electrically, it will also cause an error code. Another possibility is that if the valve that the solenoid operates is sticking, it will also cause the condition you are getting. Perhaps the valve sticks, and it revs until it comes loose and moves into the proper position. After that, now that the valve is freed up, it will continue to work correctly.
In many cases, it has to get worse before it can get better. In your case, it is more of an annoyance at this point than a critical problem. It warrants some diagnosis and light repair (like possibly changing a solenoid or cleaning the valve body) but does not warrant a transmission overhaul. That being the case, it might continue the way it is for a long time - especially if you "nurse" it a bit by backing off on the throttle to minimize the revving and allowing it to drop into 3rd on that first shift.
While I have been repairing automatic transmissions most of my life, the one in your car is one that I haven't had any experience with so far. I did check with a friend that has a transmission shop, and he told me that the transmission in your car is one of the better ones on the market these days.
 
Thanks jimg for the suggestions. My daughter said this has been going on for some time now. Any time she has left the car with me I never noticed the 3rd gear shift problem until now. The car has 141,000 miles now and I had thought about changing the fluid and putting in a new filter. That doesn't sound like the fix though. The solenoid change is simple but not sure that is the cause, the valve body sounds like a job for a transmission guy.

Not sure how my daughter drove the car but the engine does not rev way up when I drive it, I don't have my foot heavy on the throttle either. Looks like I might need to talk to a local shop unless I hear of a better idea. Thanks again
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top