Posted: 4/24/2008 2:53:59 AM EDT
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My son has an '04 Focus, and now that the weather is warmer, he says the transaxle cooler light comes on and it starts shifting funny. He said it drives fine in the winter, but warm weather is when the problem starts. It's got around 60K on it. It's hard for me to diagnose because he's 350 miles away and I can't get up there for the next few weeks. I had him check the trans fluid, he said it's red with a brownish tint, and doesn't smell burnt. I told him to get underneath and check the cooler (if it is external -- not sure) and lines. No leaks reported though. I'm thinking a new filter and fluid might be a starting point. Is there something else we should be looking at? |
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The 04 Focus does not have a trans cooler warning light. Are you referring to the symbol on the dash that looks like a gear? This would powertrain warning indicator. That light coming on would indicate that the trans temp has exceeded what the spec is. When that light comes on it should set a code in the system that will lead you in a diagnostic direction. The 03-04 Focus had issues with the servo piston rubber coming apart which would cause the 2 / 4 band to not apply properly and cause a 2nd and 4th gear concern. This may be described as a slipping between these gears or failure to shift into these gears. There is a SSM for this concern for replacing the servo piston and inspecting the valve body as the rubber that breaks away from the piston will be caught in the debris screens in the valve body and cause issues as well. Have him road test the vehicle and pay attention to the shift or lack of into both 2nd and 4th gears. If there is a shop or an auto parts store that could scan it for codes that would be helpful info as well. Let me know what happens and I will try to help from there. |