Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault

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Wed 22 Jun 2011 18:55
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

Hi All. I have just had a vehicle come into stock which appears to have a gearbox fault. It is a 2002 Focus 1.6 LX Automatic. 86k miles. It will not pull away in first gear, only second gear. Even if you move the selector to '1', it still pulls away in second. Also, the 2-3 change is a bit harsh and it doesnt seem to find a fourth gear. I've only taken it for a short (4 mile) test drive so far. Any pointers much welcomed. Is it likely to be a solenoid issue, a control (ECU) issue or the 'box itself? And is it best to fit a known good replacement unit or have this one repaired?? Many thanks......

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Thu 23 Jun 2011 18:13
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

No ideas anybody?

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Thu 23 Jun 2011 20:40
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - RT

Sounds like it's running in "limp mode". The transmission ECU may well have stored fault codes - so get a diagnosis test done properly and don't simply guess.

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Fri 24 Jun 2011 15:56
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

Yes i'll get a diagnostic done to see if its got logged faults. I did think that if there was a fault the EML would come on. However, i've just been and switched the ignition on and the EML doesn't illuminate. Me thinks someone may have removed the bulb!!!

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Fri 24 Jun 2011 17:12
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - RT

I don't know about Fords but other makes have several ECUs for different things and only the engine ECU puts the EML light on for a fault.

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Fri 24 Jun 2011 17:21
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

I've just had a read of the owners manual. Theres an EML plus another 'Transmission/Coolant' combined warning light. Both should illuminate briefly when the ignition is switched on, but neither of them are, so definitely looks like a cover up job has been done on it. That'll teach me to buy unseen i guess!!

Getting a diagnostic done in next couple of days, will post results on here.....

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Mon 27 Jun 2011 16:32
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

Right, i have had the fault codes read and they are: -

Shift solenoid B malfunction

Shift solenoid D malfunction

Shift solenoid E malfunction

Now, my first thought is that it seems unlikely that all three solenoids would pack up at the same time, so should i turn my attention to replacing the gearbox ECU with a known good replacement? Or replace the 3 solenoids and hope that does the trick?

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Mon 27 Jun 2011 16:35
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - RT

I've always held that the first rule of autobox problem solving is to drain the fluid and refill, ensuring it's the right specification. I'd do that before changing solenoids.

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Mon 27 Jun 2011 16:55
Ford Focus 2002 - 1.6 Automatic gearbox fault - match_vehicles

Just to confirm, the codes are P0755, P0765 & P0770. These all refer to solenoid circuit failure, rather than 'malfunction'. Getting more convinced it could be ECU or external wiring. Anyone else experienced these codes??

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