My Transmission Control Module was replaced, but my issues remain. Shuttering, jerking, no acceleration when I push the gas, etc.
My Transmission Control Module was replaced, but my issues remain. Shuttering, jerking, no acceleration when I push the gas, etc. I'm being told by Ford it's my actuators and not my clutch. I'm skeptical of this diagnosis. I feel as if they don't want to use the labor to break down the transmission to check the clutch. My clutch is under warranty, my actuators are not. Is it realistic that a faulty actuator can cause the issues I described above?
My car has 167000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. In most cases I would agree with you to be skeptical, especially with Ford Focus transmissions as they are notorious for having major problems. However, in most cases, the symptoms you’re describing are caused by faulty actuators (on these transmissions specifically). In some cases, internal transmission problems can cause the similar symptoms, but it’s always best to complete the less labor intensive problem first as opposed to cracking open a transmission, only to find out that the external components were faulty all along. Start with this repair and see if it resolves the problem. I wish there was better advice to offer, but that’s really all that can be done.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Many possible faults can cause your 2013 Ford Focus to vibrate upon acceleration. From your description, it sounds like you are describing an engine misfire. Misfires can be caused by many issues, but the most common are spark plugs, coil, fuel pump, fuel injectors, MAF sensor, vacuum leaks, or a wiring harness fault.
There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering when you accelerate. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
An indication that a vehicle is not receiving the right mixture of air and fuel is if the vehicle jerks or surges forward at high speed. Several components of the fuel or air intake system could cause this jerking or surging sensation to happen. Issues within these systems can also cause fuel economy to worsen.
The most likely cause of the shuddering most often happens in the vicinity of your car`s rims and tires. They plant your car to the road, and if anything is broken, will feel it. On a serious note, it may be a broken transmission mount or a broken caliper.
Common Causes of a Transmission Shudder
However, the primary cause of a shuddering transmission is simply contaminated transmission fluid. When the fluid in a transmission becomes dirty and contaminated, the particles in the fluid prevent it from building up enough pressure in the transmission lines.
One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle`s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine`s fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
Clogged Fuel Injectors
If you hear your car engine stuttering, then the injectors may not be providing an adequate amount of fuel. To fix this, you should clean the injectors on a regular basis. Using a fuel injector cleaning solution might eliminate the issue of the car jerking.
This problem is caused by a software issue with the 2014 Focus`s powertrain module. The transmission control module and the engine control unit is receiving the wrong inputs, so it causes the transmission to stall and jerk.
Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable? Unfortunately, no. It`s prone to transmission and fuel system problems, and multiple factory recalls have been issued for this model.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
There are a few reasons your car may shake when accelerating but not coasting. The most common reason is that the engine is misfiring. When the engine misfires, it doesn`t run as smoothly as it should and can cause the car to shake. Another possible reason is that the spark plugs or ignition coils are dirty or damaged.
One common cause of shaking while idling can be loose engine mounts. Engine mounts are the connections between your engine and your car — they keep your motor safely attached while dampening vibrations produced by your engine. When those connections wear out, you`re more likely to feel the vibrations.
Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable? Unfortunately, no. It`s prone to transmission and fuel system problems, and multiple factory recalls have been issued for this model.
Some Ford Focus vehicles may exhibit an excessive engine vibration when idle. The vibration is most noticeable when the transmission is engaged in reverse. This condition may be caused by small stones, road debris, ice or snow packed/lodged in the rear engine roll restrictor.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My Transmission Control Module was replaced, but my issues remain. Shuttering, jerking, no acceleration when I push the gas, etc.
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases I would agree with you to be skeptical, especially with Ford Focus transmissions as they are notorious for having major problems. However, in most cases, the symptoms you’re describing are caused by faulty actuators (on these transmissions specifically). In some cases, internal transmission problems can cause the similar symptoms, but it’s always best to complete the less labor intensive problem first as opposed to cracking open a transmission, only to find out that the external components were faulty all along. Start with this repair and see if it resolves the problem. I wish there was better advice to offer, but that’s really all that can be done.
transmission control module failing. We just replaced the computer module (pcm) 4 days ago?
ANSWER : The P0700 trouble code is a code for transmission control module (TCM) failure. Without knowing the other codes, it will not be possible to give you an accurate answer; it all depends on the other codes:
If you get a P0755 code, you may have a transmission solenoid pack issue.
P0725 indicates a likely crank position sensor issue.
I would suggest having your Check Engine Light diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.
2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.
Car jerks when accelerating in reverse & makes grinding noise. Is this a transmission or computer issue?
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically when you hear a grinding noise when you move forward or in reverse it’s usually an indication of a gear fault either in the transmission or another driveline component. If this occurs only when in reverse, it’s likely a damaged reverse gear. It is also possible that it’s a hydraulic fluid issue not supplying enough lubrication or pressure inside the lines to fully open the gear. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to shift inspection, so they can diagnose the source of your issue and recommend repairs that should resolve this problem.
Having problems accelerating at high speeds causing jerking feeling…this happens when slightly pushing gas pedal
ANSWER : This problem of a slight jerk feel is what is known as a lean tip in surge. The cause can be an indication that the engine is running lean and may be caused by dirty injectors, throttle body, air filter, mass air sensor, ignition system service or O2 sensors. A test will need to be done to check all these areas and see if normal maintenance is needed or more thorough testing is needed to isolate the cause. If you need help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home or office to inspect the acceleration issue and determine what repairs are necessary.
Car is accelerating without pushing gas, full rev when placed in park, should I drive it home from work? 28 miles away, oceanside
ANSWER : Hi there. This issue is typically caused by a malfunction of the cruise control system or throttle control. However it can also be caused by something as simple as the carpet or floor mats pressing down on the accelerator accidentally. If you start your car and the throttle continues to accelerate, I would highly recommend not driving the vehicle home; as it’s unsafe to drive. I would double check the floor mat to make sure that’s not the problem and start the car to see if the issue continues. If it does not, drive home careful and get the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
What should i check before replacing the ABS module
ANSWER : Hello There,
It sounds like you may have some faulty wheel speed sensors that may be causing the ABS light to come on. Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car’s ECU. When the ECU senses an abnormal speed given specific conditions, it engages the ABS or traction control as needed to control the vehicle properly and safely. Occasionally, these sensors can fail or become faulty working intermittently sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. The ABS or traction control system may be inadvertently activated by these false or inaccurate signals. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose your ABS and traction control system.
It sounds like you may have some faulty wheel speed sensors that may be causing the ABS light to come on. Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car’s ECU. When the ECU senses an abnormal speed given specific conditions, it engages the ABS or traction control as needed to control the vehicle properly and safely. Occasionally, these sensors can fail or become faulty working intermittently sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. The ABS or traction control system may be inadvertently activated by these false or inaccurate signals. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose your ABS and traction control system.
The engine of the car runs, but when I push the gas pedal it does not accelerate, and the engine does not rev.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you may have an issue with your throttle position sensor. This sensor sends a reference voltage to your power-train control module, which uses that to determine ignition timing and fuel trims. If the power-train control module is not detecting the proper signal from the throttle position sensor, the engine may not accelerate properly. It’s probably a good idea for you to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is causing this issue to occur and they will recommend the right repairs be completed.
