Problems with Ford Focus transmission solenoid.

Asked by Meghan Nov 03, 2012 at 01:11 PM about the 2008 Ford Focus

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I don't know anything about cars, but I have a 2008 Ford Focus that my husband and I bought in
September 2011. It's the worst car I've ever had, and it's a complete nightmare to own, because in
the little time we've had it, it's been in the shop 7-8 times for the same thing. . .the transmission
solenoid. The dealership replaces it, we get the car back, it breaks again, we take it back, they
replace it again, it breaks again, etc. Since it's under warranty, the dealership says it has to call Ford
Headquarters to see what they'll do with it?? Each time it turns out they replace the part and not the
transmission, though the transmission was rebuilt or partly rebuilt the first time it went into the shop?
Now there's about 2,000 miles left on the warranty, or it expires next August anyway, but my
husband's and my patience doesn't seem to have that much time left. Is there a way to fix the
problem, permanently? Right now we're looking into just buying another car and refuse to ever buy a
Ford again, and it's a shame because we liked the car otherwise. The main symptom my car shows, is
the transmission light comes on, and/or there's a hard jerk every now and then, especially when
changing shifts (into reverse, or into drive from reverse after backing out of my driveway or a parking
lot). The first time my car had these problems was the worst. The engine sounded like it was revving,
but the car slowed down while driving. While driving that time, the car would jerk often and pretty
hard, even while driving a steady speed of 45-50mph. At that time it was happening so often (every
few minutes) that I had to pull over because it felt dangerous. . .and that problem happened suddenly.
My car hasn't since been THAT severe, but I still get the jerks at times and the transmission light
comes on. My husband and I are suspicious that Ford is only putting a bandaid on the problem until
the warranty runs out, and then slap us with the big bill of a new transmission that we'd have to
cover.

16 Answers

270

did you ever find the solution to this? i'm going through the exact same thing with my 2008 focus

27 people found this helpful.
350

Yes the glow plugs seized and I had to have a full engine rebuild by fords it cost me £2000 your best bet is sell your focus and never buy a ford again

9 people found this helpful.
340

ford focus intermediate/overdrive band don't shift in to 2/4 gear hard shifting chk that first

22 people found this helpful.
150

They might be fixing the wrong solenoid. This happened to me and I replaced solenoid A because my computer said it was stuck but it was actually C which was causing A to malfunction.

15 people found this helpful.
350

My ford focus jerks really bad while driving and my transmission comes on and off now an again, any ideas wots the problem and how much it's gunna cost

26 people found this helpful.
130

The problem may be wrong design transmission. I see they repair no 4th gear by change internal transmission part some pieces from old version. But in this case for erratic shift may be electrical fault. It may be some sensor is bad, some wires not properly ground, the computer module or TCM is bad. This is not easy fix, there are many variable to analyze. First we must identify what is the problem...electrical or mechanical...I believe it may take more time to find out.

4 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2007 focus wagon, I was told a flap on the engine is sticking which is holding it in 3RD. It's an automatic, when in park it just stays revved &gets worse if you push the break.. does anyone know what this could be?

3 people found this helpful.
130

Turned out a car got replaced car ECU and problem solve after many repairs on mechanical. Actually ECU make transmission to be destroyed.

6 people found this helpful.
130

when put in reverse 2008 Ford Focus will not move. it also sometimes take a minute to increase speed after stopping. Took it to shop and they want $1500 dollars to rebuilt the transmission. Please advise.

13 people found this helpful.
40

My car is currently doing this. What did you end up doing?

4 people found this helpful.
20

I'm having the SAME! issue with my 2008 Ford Focus! To a T! everyrhing you mentioned is happening with mine EXACTLY!

1 people found this helpful.
130

ECM that has Transmission Control buit in is bad. Changing new may solve the problems. But if the mechanical parts inside were damaged too, you must repair it also after changing new ECU.

3 people found this helpful.
120

I have a 2010 ford focus se and the transmission wont shift from 2nd to 3rd and i have replace all the solenoids from the transsmission and still have the same issue any idea what it is?

12 people found this helpful.
10

I've got an 1.6 automatic 2008, it took me 20 attempts to get it to start today. Engine malfunction and transmission malfunction came on the display and then after 10 minutes of driving it said reduced acceleration but I didnt notice a change. Guess I better book it in and start crying at the bill lol

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Focus

Looking for a Used Focus in your area?

CarGurus has 5,314 nationwide Focus listings starting at $900.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2008 Ford Focus

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,290
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,650
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,400
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fusion
643 Great Deals out of 8,721 listings starting at $100
Used Ford Fiesta
105 Great Deals out of 1,873 listings starting at $1,200
Used Honda Civic
1,351 Great Deals out of 25,173 listings starting at $1,299
Used Ford Escape
1,912 Great Deals out of 57,498 listings starting at $300
Used Toyota Corolla
1,401 Great Deals out of 26,208 listings starting at $1,350
Used Honda Accord
1,499 Great Deals out of 29,232 listings starting at $1,200
Used Ford Mustang
987 Great Deals out of 19,719 listings starting at $2,950
Used Ford F-150
6,440 Great Deals out of 163,202 listings starting at $993
Used Toyota Camry
2,038 Great Deals out of 40,768 listings starting at $1,100
Used Hyundai Elantra
831 Great Deals out of 29,566 listings starting at $1,995
Used Mazda MAZDA3
439 Great Deals out of 12,783 listings starting at $1,800
Used Nissan Altima
1,495 Great Deals out of 34,923 listings starting at $400

Used Cars for Sale

2018 Ford Focus For Sale
62 Great Deals out of 746 listings starting at $4,990
2017 Ford Focus For Sale
53 Great Deals out of 731 listings starting at $2,899
2016 Ford Focus For Sale
40 Great Deals out of 701 listings starting at $3,500
2015 Ford Focus For Sale
43 Great Deals out of 583 listings starting at $2,299
2014 Ford Focus For Sale
46 Great Deals out of 956 listings starting at $1,995

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.