Transmission in and out of overdrive

ANSWER : Hi there. If the transmission is coming out of overdrive and back into overdrive, either the downshift solenoid has an internal leak or there is an internal issue with the transmission overdrive clutch. Check the downshift solenoid and see if it’s functioning. To do this, slow down the vehicle and see if the rpm’s slightly raise up as the vehicle descends to a stop. If the rpm’s are not raising up as the vehicle is slowing down, then I recommend replacing the downshift solenoid. If the rpm’s raise up, then there is an internal part failure in the transmission. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission.

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 : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

ANSWER : Hi There,
This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM’s, which the TCM then uses to determine when to direct the transmission to shift. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.

ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.

Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.

ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.

ANSWER : The noise is coming from the internal transmission bearing or overriding clutches. Not all of these parts may have been replaced when the transmission was overhauled.

I can only recommend having a qualified transmission mechanic come and listen to the grinding noises and other problems you are having. Just the fact that you disabled the overdrive for the transmission could have caused undue stress to the transmission and should be fixed also.

ANSWER : Adding an additive to the transmission to try and fix a problem will not work in most instances and should only be used as a last resort before getting a transmission overhaul.