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.

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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..

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