Ford Fusion Transmission Problems [3 Common Issues]
If the transmission in your Ford Fusion is malfunctioning, this post is for you.
In this post, I’ve covered the common problems with Ford Fusion transmission and how to go about the issues.
Ford Fusion Transmission Problems
1. Transmission slams when Drive or Reverse gear is engaged
If your transmission often slams into the Reverse or Drive gears when you engage them, the system is faulty.
After you’ve shifted to the Drive or Reverse gear, the transmission may get stuck in the next gear. The check engine light usually comes on whenever this problem occurs.
If you scan this check engine light with an OBD-II scanner, a P0657 code should appear.
The most likely culprit behind a P0657 ECU code is a broken transmission actuator supply voltage circuit. The Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission control module (TCM) in your Ford Fusion monitor the actuator by studying values provided by the actuator supply voltage circuit.
If these modules discover an abnormal value in the supply voltage circuit, they will display the check engine light.
When the actuator voltage supply unit displays wrong values, it’s often because of bent pins or chafed wires on the circuit. These bad wires can affect the supply of power to the actuator, thus causing its voltage circuit to display incorrect values.
Once the P0657 code appears on your OBD-II scanner, inspect your actuator supply voltage circuit for exposed wires. You should also check the circuit for bent pins. If you find any bad wires or pins, you’ll need to repair them.
However, if the circuit seems to be in good shape, the P0657 code might be pointing to another fault in your transmission.
Damage to the ECM (Engine Control Module) or TCM (Transmission Control Module) can result in a P0657 code. Sometimes, water gets trapped in these systems and causes them to corrode. A rusty ECM or TCM might wrongly calculate the values from the actuator supply voltage circuit.
If you don’t find any issues with your actuator supply voltage circuit, you should examine your ECM and TCM for damage. If you find green powder on your ECM or TCM, replace them.
A P0657 code on a Ford Fusion could also mean that the solenoid circuits in the transmission are faulty.
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) manages the operation of the transmission solenoid circuits. It sends power to the transmission solenoid through these circuits.
The PCM also confirms that the solenoids receive voltage from the circuits in the correct amount by checking the individual solenoid wires.
If none of the solenoids receives power from their respective circuits in the correct quantity, the PCM will display the P0657 code.
Check the transmission solenoid circuits for open wires. If you find any bad wire, solder them. But if you don’t see anything wrong with your transmission solenoid circuits, your PCM might be broken.
A faulty PCM may detect a fault in the transmission solenoid circuits, even when they are all working properly.
If you suspect an issue with your Powertrain Control Module, you’ll need to replace it.
Troubleshooting a P0657 code can be risky if you don’t know much about cars. So, it’s best to hire a mechanic to inspect and repair your transmission instead of doing it yourself.
2. Transmission won’t shift to the 5th gear
Another common sign of a bad transmission in a Ford Fusion is when the transmission remains stuck in 4th gear. This problem is usually caused by a faulty TCM (Transmission Control Module).
When you change your speed, the input travels through a group of systems and sensors to the TCM. The TCM then uses this information to make the transmission switch to the next gear.
So, if all the parts of your engine work properly, but the TCM is faulty, your transmission will misbehave frequently.
The only way to resolve this issue is to replace your Transmission Control Module (TCM). Search for your TCM at the back of your transmission casing.
3. Shift flare when changing from 2nd to 3rd gear
You can tell that your transmission is faulty if the system delays upshifting from the 2nd to 3rd gear. While facing this problem, you may notice that your RPM revs high, but your speed won’t increase. The transmission might also shudder frequently.
While some Ford Fusion drivers say they experience shift flares in cold weather, they can also occur in warm weather.
Shift flares are most common in 2011 Ford Fusion cars, and they often indicate a transmission fluid leak. A broken seal on the left side of the driveshaft causes this leak.
You can resolve this problem by fixing the broken seal on the joint that connects your driveshaft to your transmission. But first, you should confirm that your transmission fluid is actually leaking. This is because your shift flare may be caused by other factors.
Follow these steps to check for a fluid leak in your Ford Fusion:
- Drive your car until the engine gets warm.
- Then drive the vehicle for another 5-10 minutes.
- Leave the engine running and shift your gear to Park.
- Next, open your hood and remove the dipstick.
- Wipe the tube before re-inserting it into its container.
- Remove the dipstick again and check where the fluid is marked on the indicator.
- If the fluid is on the ‘Low’ sign, you have a fluid leak.
Once you’ve confirmed that your transmission fluid is leaking, you’ll need to check your left-side driveshaft joint for the broken seal. Repair the seal with a brake sealant.
However, if you don’t have a fluid leak, but you keep getting shift flares, your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) software may have calibration issues. As such, you’ll need to recalibrate your PCM software.
Ask your dealer to recalibrate your PCM.
Ford Fusion Models with the Most Transmission Problems
Here are the Ford Fusion models with the most transmission problems:
- 2010 Ford Fusion
- 2012 Ford Fusion
- 2013 Ford Fusion
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2013 Ford Fusion has the highest number of transmission problems. This model had 46 transmission issues, as reported by users of the vehicle.
Forty-three complaints make the 2010 Ford Fusion the second worst model for transmission issues. Following closely behind the 2010 model is the 2012 Ford Fusion, which garnered 35 negative reports about its transmission.
You might also want to check the common transmission problems of the 2013 Ford Focus.
Ford Fusion Models with the Least Transmission Problems
The following Ford Fusion models have the fewest transmission problems:
- 2018 Ford Fusion
- 2019 Ford Fusion
Data from carcomplaints.com shows that the 2018 and 2019 Ford Fusion models have never received complaints about transmission problems from their users.
You may also like to read about Ford Explorer transmission problems.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Ford Fusion Transmission Problems?
It costs between $150-$3500 to fix transmission problems in a Ford Fusion car.
Tips to Prevent Ford Fusion Transmission Problems
- Warm up your car before driving.
- Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
- Service your transmission regularly.
- Always remember to shift to Park when parking your car.
- Never overload your car.
Wrapping Up
The tips in this post should help you tackle transmission issues in your Ford Fusion.
Do not hesitate to take your car to a mechanic if you’re not sure how to handle any of the DIY fixes.
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