Issues with the transmission while accelerating at low speeds

ANSWER : Hello. It is possible that the first gear in your transmission is slipping. There could be other transmission parts that are slipping as well. Additionally, the car’s turbo or turbo components could be faulty. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and inspect your transmission and turbo system in order to pinpoint the source of your problem.

ANSWER : The intake variable runner control may be stuck in the wrong position and would need to be checked to see if it is able to move. The control valve for this or the solenoid for the variable valve timing may be stuck or have open circuit. Have systems tested for operation and scanned. I’d recommend getting some help from a professional mechanic who can diagnose your acceleration issue. Once this is done, an accurate repair can be followed through.

ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. The transmission control module would need to be scanned to see if the codes stored may indicate the shifting problem you are having. You may have an internal shift solenoid problem causing the shift problem. A speed sensor for the transmission may also cause the transmission not to go past second gear. I recommend having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your shifting issue and high RPM problem in person in order to have the correct repairs made.

ANSWER : Hi there. Typically when you hear a grinding noise when you move forward or in reverse it’s usually an indication of a gear fault either in the transmission or another driveline component. If this occurs only when in reverse, it’s likely a damaged reverse gear. It is also possible that it’s a hydraulic fluid issue not supplying enough lubrication or pressure inside the lines to fully open the gear. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to shift inspection, so they can diagnose the source of your issue and recommend repairs that should resolve this problem.

ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible, the fuel pump and/or fuel filter is responsible for the lack of power at freeway speeds. It could also be, the exhaust system is restricted ie; restricted/plugged catalytic converter. The lack of acceleration at low speed and high speed may be a faulty MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor incorrectly calculating engine vacuum. There are more possibilities and proper diagnoses should be performed. Replacing components without diagnoses, can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. I recommend having your vehicle’s slow to accelerate at 70mph be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a common problem associated with fuel/air delivery which is very commonly related to what is called a mass airflow sensor. This monitors the flow of air intake into the throttle body as it is mixed with fuel to deliver the right air/fuel mixture into the motor. When this is not working properly, this will cause this kind of hesitation or surging when trying to accelerate. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home or office to confirm a diagnosis on the issue and make or suggest the necessary repairs or replacements.

ANSWER : Hi there:

Diagnosing ’noises’ remotely is one of the more difficult things to do for any mechanic. However, there are a few things which could cause this noise, ranging from loose motor mounts, loose serpentine or drive belt, pulley’s or even wheel or front end suspension issues. The best way to diagnose any problem is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection; so they can ride with you to attempt and replicate the noise; which will help them pinpoint the source of the noise and recommend the right repairs be completed.