2013 Ford Focus Transmission Problems [5 Common Issues]
In this post, we’ll look at common problems with the 2013 Ford focus transmission system and how to go about the issues.
2013 Ford Focus Transmission Problems
1. Transmission Slipping with No Reverse
If you notice that your 2013 Ford Focus transmission is slipping and no longer engages when you shift to reverse, it is time to visit your mechanic for a checkup.
This transmission problem arises when the reverse air bleed capsule leaks. This is another issue that a deformed check ball within the valve body can cause.
Your mechanic will need to replace the deformed check ball to stop the reverse air bleed capsule from leaking while carrying out other checks to ensure your 2013 Ford Focus transmission is in order.
2. Solenoid Failure
Another common transmission problem the 2013 Ford Focus has is solenoid failure. Solenoids are plunger-like devices vehicle computers use to route pressurized transmission fluid in order to change gears.
The computer transmits an electric charge via a coil of wire wrapped around the plunger mechanism. But when this fails to occur, changing gears becomes difficult or impossible. This can also cause several transmission problems that affect the overall functionality of your 2013 Ford Focus.
Check the functionality of your Ford Focus by hooking an ohmmeter to the 2 wires coming off the plunger-like devices.
Regular reading should be 20 to 30 ohms. But if you get a reading below or above these numbers, your solenoid has failed and will require replacement.
3. Delay in Forward Gear Engagement
If you experience a noticeable delay in forward gear engagement when shifting to ‘Drive’ or have a premature forward clutch failure, something is wrong with your 2013 Ford Focus transmission.
This issue arises due to the rough finish inside the forward clutch drum. This can severely damage the forward clutch bonded piston seal.
As a result, the transmission may fail, especially if you allow the issue to linger.
Your mechanic will have to check out the forward clutch drum and fix this issue.
4. Shuddering of the Clutch During Light Acceleration
To understand this problem, it is essential to highlight a few things about the 2013 Ford Focus transmission.
The 2013 Ford Focus is one of Ford’s vehicles equipped with the Powershift transmission.
The Powershift transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch, semi-automatic gear system that behaves like a manual but is run by the vehicle’s computer. It does not come with a torque converter. This helps in better fuel efficiency because the engine no longer needs to work very hard.
This dual-clutch transmission works in similar ways to 2 conventional manual gearboxes. The Powershift transmission from the Ford Motor Company has 2 clutches that function in alternating and parallel shifts.
Since this transmission has a 6-speed shifting mechanism, one clutch engages the first, third, and fifth gears, while the other acts only on the second, fourth, and sixth gears.
Powershift transmission uses the dry clutch instead of the wet clutch. This means the oil doesn’t flow into the transmission’s shifting mechanism. In addition, wet clutch units make use of hydraulic actuation, while dry clutch transmissions rely on solenoid/electric motor actuation.
Now on the transmission problem, reportedly, during light acceleration, you may notice that your 2013 Ford Focus shudders. Unfortunately, the shuddering may be so extreme that your vehicle loses traction as you try to drive off from a standstill.
You may also experience a lack of consistency in acceleration during some gear shifts. But, again, this is a transmission problem that you should take seriously.
The vibration of your vehicle during light acceleration could be due to the contamination of the clutch with the fluid leaking through your transmission input shaft seals. If this oil leakage continues for an extended period, the shift quality will degrade.
Quick fixes for this transmission problem generally include replacing the gearbox. But it doesn’t work in every case. If it works for you, great! But if it doesn’t, your mechanic may need to check to see if there is extreme heat buildup within the clutch friction material.
If there is, the clutch material may require replacement in order to boost the shift quality and minimize friction.
A cracked chip within the TCM (transmission control module) may also be responsible for the jerky shifting of your Ford Focus. Replace the cracked chip with a new one, and your 2013 Ford Focus will be as good as new.
5. Losing Speed or Losing Power When Trying to Shift Between Gears
If you have tried shifting between gears and noticed your Ford Focus losing speed or power, it indicates a problem with the transmission.
This transmission problem may occur because of incorrect calibration of your vehicle’s transmission control module. This could also affect transmission engagement, such as shifting into neutral when you’re about to drive off, etc.
Sometimes, it may display the ‘transmission problem service’ message, but you shouldn’t always count on it. You may also hear abnormal sounds coming from your transmission while driving.
Take your Ford Focus to a service center for proper diagnosis and re-calibration or replacement of the transmission control module.
Can You Drive a Ford Focus with A Bad Transmission?
Most people can still drive their 2013 Ford Focus despite having a bad transmission. As a result, they put off fixing this problem until they have time to repair it.
But this is never a good idea. A transmission has several expensive moving components inside it. If something is not right with any of these components and you continue driving your 2013 Ford Focus, other severe damages will occur.
The damages will require more of your hard-earned money to fix. Therefore, driving your 2013 Ford Focus with a bad transmission is not a good idea.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace A 2013 Ford Focus Transmission?
According to GetJerry.com, the average cost of replacing a 2013 Ford Focus transmission ranges from $3,500 to $5,000, excluding labor costs and related repairs.
Moreover, taxes and fees have not been factored in, including your location, which determines the actual cost of replacing your Ford Focus transmission.
Tips to Make Your 2013 Ford Focus Transmission Last Longer
According to research, the 2013 Ford Focus transmission may start developing several issues once it clocks 250,000 miles. But you can make it last a little longer by following these tips:
- Change the transmission fluid regularly. Ford recommends a full transmission service before or at approximately 150,000 miles for your 2013 Ford Focus. Your mechanic is in the best position to recommend whether the transmission service has to be done sooner, as this depends on the gear mechanism’s overall condition.
- Regularly flush the cooling system. The job of your engine coolant is to prevent the internal components of your 2013 Ford Focus’s engines from running hot and corroding. Therefore, ensure they are flushed at approximately 100,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles after the initial exercise.
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Wrapping Up
The 2013 Ford Focus offers smooth rides, and its comfortable handling makes it a darling to most owners. However, it is plagued with several problems, and transmission issues are the most notable among them.
Some of the transmission problems with the 2013 Ford Focus have been outlined in this article, including suggestions for fixing these problems.
Unfortunately, these suggestions may not always work, so you should listen and adhere to the advice of your mechanic.