Difficult to shift (automatic transmission)

Asked by meowmers Jul 14, 2011 at 02:28 PM about the 2005 Ford Focus

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently went on a long road trip (2,000+ miles round trip).  At some point on the returning leg it became very difficult to shift into park.  Once I got it into park I sat there and just rapidly shifted around for a while on the advice of my friend.  It became easier to shift around, but still felt weird -- harder than usual, and sort of dry?  This problem only happened on the trip and since then shifting has felt normal.

What happened, and do I need to get something fixed?  I'm planning to take another trip of similar distance soon and I don't know if I should get a special check-up for my Focus.  And what's the best way to deal with this if it happens again?

2 Answers

papa answered 12 years ago

you should have it looked at,if it shifts fine,tranny is ok,could be as simple as a dry shift cable,or it is wearing out,cable that is.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Paulette answered 12 years ago

Good luck ! I have a 2003 ford focus wagon 153000 kms. on it ... at first the code came up as faulty silenoid so got it checked furthur at a local transmition shop that my warranty people approved... Ends up the transmition was shot! there was broken pieces in the transmition pan when they took it appart had to wait for them to ship and replace the entire transmition..

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Difficult to shift (automatic transmission) 2 Answers

    I recently went on a long road trip (2,000+ miles round trip). At some point on the returning leg it became very difficult to shift into park. Once I got it into park I sat there and just rapidly sh...

    2005 Ford Focus

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2013 Ford Focus Automatic - Transmission Filter 1 Answer

    Hello I need to change the transmission fluid for my 2013 Focus. It is automatic. I already found the drain and fill plugs but I am not finding the pan like the older models used to have. I saw anot...

    2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Is the shift actuator part of the transmission control module? 45 Answers

    4 months after having the TCM (transmission control module) replaced our car is having the same issues (shuddering, no start, stuck in gear, slipping while in gear, high revving, etc)... We are bein...

    2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 03 Ford Focus transmission wont shift into overdrive. 5 Answers

    Transmission wont shift into overdrive and it slips.

    2003 Ford Focus

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2009 Ford Focus mnual transmission will not shift into reverse or 1st when cold 6 Answers

    We have a 2009 Ford Focus (manual transmission) that will not shift into reverse or 1st when the temps are below 50 degrees. Shifting is fine in warmer temps. In cold temps, the car must be warmed 10 ...

    2009 Ford Focus S

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Ford Focus Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,580
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,380
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fusion
14 Great Deals out of 414 listings starting at $1,451
Used Honda Civic
182 Great Deals out of 4,014 listings starting at $2,877
Used Ford Fiesta
5 Great Deals out of 161 listings starting at $4,222
Used Toyota Corolla
154 Great Deals out of 2,252 listings starting at $3,495
Used Ford Mustang
39 Great Deals out of 1,634 listings starting at $7,999
Used Ford Escape
147 Great Deals out of 4,233 listings starting at $2,999
Used Honda Accord
47 Great Deals out of 997 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
57 Great Deals out of 1,093 listings starting at $2,500
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,342 listings starting at $2,995
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
26 Great Deals out of 493 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford F-150
305 Great Deals out of 13,568 listings starting at $3,888
Used Hyundai Elantra
167 Great Deals out of 3,080 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Sentra
62 Great Deals out of 1,962 listings starting at $1,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.