Ford Fiesta/Focus Auto Transmission Problems

[tpthai2]

Something very interesting happened today with our Fiesta.

My wife came across a Thai YouTube video addressing auto-transmission

problems on the Fiesta and Focus. Further investigation shows a recent

software update for the 2011/2015 Fiesta and 2012/2015 Focus in most cases

solving the Ford transmission problem.

There is a component called the (Transmission control module) essentially a

small computer directed component. This video is technical but addresses the problem.

This problem is often caused by a low battery or the battery ground terminal not making full

contact with the chassis. (remove and scrape away the paint where the cable meets the chassis

then tighten down.)

So....We just now replaced the old battery with the best battery we could find.(4,500bt.)

The Fiesta was taken into Ford for its 70,000km service. I believe that Ford must have updated the

software at that time. Maybe, no mention of doing it from Ford.

The Thai YouTube video shows a procedure to check this before you drive.

1...place the key in the ignition and turn on (do not start)

2..Place your foot on the break pedal.

3..Place the shift in Neutral.

4..Wait about 15 seconds or so and you will see " Transmission Ready"

on your dash cluster window.

I drove the car today and the transmission was like new.

No problems whatsoever.

Driving around with air-con, short trips etc. fails to fully charge the battery.

The battery controls everything including the "transmission control module"

This coupled with the battery ground often not making proper contact with

the chassis and the software update may solve the transmission problem.

This is out 3rd. transmission in this car. We were expecting to shortly make an

appointment for a 4th. as it was starting to act up again.

Now, today, after a new battery, securing the battery ground, following the procedure

outlined in the Thai YouTube video and the software update. The Fiesta operates

perfectly.

All of this leads you to believe that the problem may not be internal but electrical.

If the problem was internal (mechanical) then it would remain. It is gone now.

Worth trying....

[JaseTheBass]

Something very interesting happened today with our Fiesta.

My wife came across a Thai YouTube video addressing auto-transmission

problems on the Fiesta and Focus. Further investigation shows a recent

software update for the 2011/2015 Fiesta and 2012/2015 Focus in most cases

solving the Ford transmission problem.

There is a component called the (Transmission control module) essentially a

small computer directed component. This video is technical but addresses the problem.

This problem is often caused by a low battery or the battery ground terminal not making full

contact with the chassis. (remove and scrape away the paint where the cable meets the chassis

then tighten down.)

So....We just now replaced the old battery with the best battery we could find.(4,500bt.)

The Fiesta was taken into Ford for its 70,000km service. I believe that Ford must have updated the

software at that time. Maybe, no mention of doing it from Ford.

The Thai YouTube video shows a procedure to check this before you drive.

1...place the key in the ignition and turn on (do not start)

2..Place your foot on the break pedal.

3..Place the shift in Neutral.

4..Wait about 15 seconds or so and you will see " Transmission Ready"

on your dash cluster window.

I drove the car today and the transmission was like new.

No problems whatsoever.

Driving around with air-con, short trips etc. fails to fully charge the battery.

The battery controls everything including the "transmission control module"

This coupled with the battery ground often not making proper contact with

the chassis and the software update may solve the transmission problem.

This is out 3rd. transmission in this car. We were expecting to shortly make an

appointment for a 4th. as it was starting to act up again.

Now, today, after a new battery, securing the battery ground, following the procedure

outlined in the Thai YouTube video and the software update. The Fiesta operates

perfectly.

All of this leads you to believe that the problem may not be internal but electrical.

If the problem was internal (mechanical) then it would remain. It is gone now.

Worth trying....

It's a shame the geniuses at Ford couldn't work it out.

[tpthai2]

Follow up:

3rd. transmission was acting up again similar to the last two transmissions.

Just returned from a 7 hour mountain trip and after two weeks of driving

the transmission is flawless after following the procedures suggested in

my previous post.

1...New Battery 4,500bt. The best I could find.

2...Check battery cable ground, scrape paint at contact point.

3...1...place the key in the ignition and turn on (do not start)

2..Place your foot on the break pedal.

3..Place the shift in Neutral.

4..Wait about 15 seconds or so and you will see " Transmission Ready"
on your dash cluster window.

Hope this works for you if you have the same problem.

[NanLaew]

My mate had issues with his Focus AT last year and I sent him a link to the Ford recall notice but not sure if he followed up. His missus does most of the car driving and he prefers his scooter so probably not done. A few months ago, the battery died on the Focus so I helped him get a replacement. Next time I see him, I'll ask if he still has AT issues and point him towards the OP's links if he has.

Thanks!