Ford Focus Service Manual: Preliminary Inspection

The following items must be checked prior to beginning the diagnostic procedures:

Know and Understand the Concern

In order to correctly diagnose a concern, first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be necessary in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions as to when the concern occurs, for example:

• Hot or cold vehicle temperature
• Hot or cold ambient temperature
• Vehicle driving conditions
• Vehicle loaded/unloaded

After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to verify the concern.

Verification of Condition

This section provides information that must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and executing the appropriate procedures.

The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the engine.

Determine Customer Concern

NOTE:

Some transaxle conditions can cause engine concerns. The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) not disengaging will stall the engine.

Determine customer concerns relative to vehicle use and dependent driving conditions, paying attention to the following items:

• Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature
• Hot or cold ambient temperatures
• Type of terrain
• Vehicle loaded/unloaded
• City/highway driving
• Upshift
• Downshift
• Coasting
• Engagement
• Noise/vibration — check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent or temperature dependent.

Transmission Fluid Level Check

NOTICE: The vehicle should not be driven if the transmission fluid level is below the bottom line on the transmission fluid level indicator and the ambient temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

NOTE:

Transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate transmission fluid level check, drive the vehicle until normal operating temperature is reached, approximately 32 km (20 mi).

NOTE:

If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned OFF for approximately 30 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to cool before checking.

NOTE:

Incorrect level may affect the transaxle operation and could result in transaxle damage.

Under normal conditions, there is no requirement to check the transmission fluid level. However, if the transaxle is not functioning correctly, the transaxle may slip, shift slowly or there may be some sign of transmission fluid leakage, the transmission fluid level should be checked.

1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (19 mi) or until the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

1. With foot on the brake, start the engine and move the selector lever through all the gear ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.

1. Place the selector lever in PARK and leave the engine running.

1. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.

1. Install the transmission fluid level indicator, making sure that it is fully seated in the filler tube.

1. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. The transmission fluid should be within the designated areas.

High Transmission Fluid Level

A transmission fluid level that is too high may cause the transmission fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of transmission fluid from the vent tube and possible transaxle damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, adjust the transmission fluid to correct level.

Low Transmission Fluid Level

A low transmission fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.

Adding Transmission Fluid

NOTICE: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in transaxle damage.

If transmission fluid needs to be added, add transmission fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pt) increments through the transmission filler tube. Do not overfill the transmission fluid. For transmission fluid type, refer to specification in this section.

Transmission Fluid Condition Check

1. Check the transmission fluid level.

1. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be a dark red color, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.

1. Hold the transmission fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the transmission fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.

1. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.

1. If transmission fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned and clean the transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler.

1. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section.

1. If the transaxle is to be overhauled or if installing a new transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler must be backflushed. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning in this section.

Water in Transmission Fluid

To correctly repair an automatic transmission or transaxle that has had water or coolant introduced into the system, completely disassemble, clean and replace the following parts:

• All internal and external seals
• All friction material; clutches and bands
• Torque converter
• All parts with bonded seals
• All solenoids
• All transmission fluid filters

Prior to installing the transmission or transaxle, the transmission fluid cooler(s), transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid cooler hoses need to be flushed and cleaned.