A 2014 Ford Focus transmission shudder fix is easy to figure out once you know the reason behind the problem. A sudden jerk during transmission mostly indicates a technical issue that constantly needs urgent fixing. If your Ford Focus has such an issue, it is no cause for alarm as long as you can quickly figure out the problem.
In this complete guide, we will discuss the various causes of this transmission’s tremor and how you can fix them.
Contents
What Causes 2014 Ford Focus Transmission Shudder Issues?
The causes of 2014 Ford Focus transmission shudder issues include a worn or damaged torque converter, low transmission fluid, worn or damaged transmission gears, worn engine mounts, a faulty transmission control module, clogged transmission filters, or a bad solenoid valve.
The reason your 2014 Ford Focus car gives off a jerking or shuddering vibration is mostly due to transmission issues, and this can occur in different forms. Here are some of the most well-known reasons why your Ford Focus’s transmission gives off a shuddering sound.
– Worn Or Damaged Torque Converter
One of the most common causes of a Ford Focus’s transmission problem is simply having a worn or damaged torque converter. Otherwise called torque converter or hydraulic system, this component transmits torque from a car’s engine to a rotating driven load.
When your torque converter works well, moving or shifting gears is very easy, especially in an automatic transmission. Hence, if you notice that your car gives off a weird jerking sensation when you start the engine, it indicates a bad torque converter.
Aside from long-term use, your torque converter can get worn or damaged when it functions on dirty transmission oil. A clogged transmission filter is another possible reason why it can get worse. You can easily detect the signs of a torque converter, one of which is losing acceleration often. You may also notice that your car won’t move on transmission, and your gears will start to slip.
– Low Transmission Fluid
Every vehicle depends on transmission oil to function properly. As an essential part of any transmission system, transmission oil helps to lubricate the engine and other moving parts of a car. It also provides the right amount of friction and even hydraulic pressure to ensure optimum performance. However, you can have low transmission oil either due to long-term use or fluid leaks.
When your transmission oil becomes insufficient, it is almost certain you’ll experience a glitch without transmission. An unstable or unsafe transmission is one of those issues since your gears aren’t well-oiled. Some telltale signs of low transmission oil include damage to your power steering system.
You may also notice a burning/sulphuric smell whenever your start your engine. In addition, shifting gears becomes more difficult, and sometimes your car stalls for no reason. These are coupled with unpleasant sounds that surely spell trouble for your car’s engine.
– Worn or Damaged Transmission Gears
Another common reason why your 2014 Focus model is developing transmission glitches may be because of worn or damaged transmission gears. Gears transmit power from the crankshaft to the driveshaft, which powers the wheels. The Ford Focus model uses a PowerShift transmission system, which means gears are automatically engaged even before a shift is made, making it very easy to shift gears.
When this transmission gear system fails, it can cause Focus transmission problems. This is because they cannot transmit the required power for your wheels to run smoothly. This results in a shuddering effect on transmission, usually followed by slow gear engagement.
Another common sign of a worn or damaged transmission gear is transmission clutch failure. That is, your clutch takes a longer time to disengage when you press the clutch pedal. You may also notice that your fluid leaks more, and your check engine light, a warning light, would come on.
– Worn Engine Mounts
You’d likely experience a vibrating transmission when you start your 2014 Ford Focus due to worn engine mounts. As its name indicates, engine mounts work by holding the engine in place. This serves a very important function, especially as the transmission system and engine are often bolted together. An engine mount prevents them from moving too loosely; hence, a worn mount will surely cause problems to your engine and transmission.
Aside from a very unpleasant shuddering or lurching sound, another sign of a worn engine mount is a humming or vibrating sound present every time you drive. You may also notice that your rides are less smooth and much bumpier due to the excessive jerking. Since driving with a faulty engine mount is very unsafe, this issue will need urgent attention.
– Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Also known as a gearbox control unit, the TCM collects data from the transmission and other components to aid gear engagement. It transmits signals from the throttle position sensor, the speed sensor, and other internal parts, which aids in shifting gears. When the TCM becomes faulty, it’ll cause your car to jerk unexpectedly when on transmission.
Aside from this unpleasant jerking, it’s easy to tell when your GCU is bad, as the first sign of trouble starts with your gears. You may notice your gears slipping or shifting without your consent. In addition, you may find that you get stuck in gear more frequently and your fuel economy becomes compromised. Finally, if your check engine light comes on, it is also a sign of a bad TCM.
– Clogged Transmission Filters
Transmission filters prevent dirt, residual matter, and contaminants from causing damage to your transmission system. As expected, long-term use will surely result in these filters being worn or clogged with dirt, especially if not maintained regularly. When this happens, the necessary supply of automobile oil to the engine and other car parts becomes difficult.
When your gears and engine are not well-oiled, it can lead your car to make jerking movements when started. You may also detect a weird whining noise coming from the engine, and if left unchecked, your vehicle may fail to start.
– Bad Solenoid Valve
The solenoid valve is largely responsible for controlling and distributing fluid in the vehicle. A bad solenoid valve may be a possible reason your Ford car is experiencing transmission jerks due to a compromised system. The solenoid valve can be bad due to wear or rust, an incorrect amount of current, clogging, or power failure.
The most common symptoms of a faulty solenoid valve include the engine refusing to start, and even when it starts, it takes time to crank. Another sign is that you may not hear the distinctive clicking sound when you start your engine.
What Are the Best Solutions for Ford Focus Shuddering Transmission?
The best solutions for Ford Focus shuddering transmission include repairing or replacing your car’s torque converter, engine mounts, solenoid valve, and transmission filter. Other 2014 Ford transmission glitches besides low or dirty transmission liquid include bad gears, a faulty torque converter, and a clogged transmission filter.
A bad solenoid valve, a worn engine mount, and a defective module unit may also cause these glitches. Having explored the possible causes, here are the best solutions to your Ford Focus car jerking on transmission.
– Replace the Torque Converter
A bad hydraulic system will surely affect the performance of your car since the gears lack enough torque to run smoothly. If diagnosed as the cause of transmission tremors, you should immediately replace your hydraulic system with a new one. As tempting as it is to continue using a bad torque converter, doing so will not only cause transmission issues but also damage your engine.
Replacing a torque converter isn’t a simple task, so trying to do this yourself can be very technical. Instead, we recommend reaching out to an authorized mechanic who can efficiently carry out this service.
– Flush the Transmission Fluid
Transmission oils are essential for the optimum running of your car. A step in the right direction would be carrying out routine checkups to note the fluid levels. If your oil is worn or filled with dirt and particles, flushing the old transmission liquid and replacing it with a new one will eliminate the shuddering sound your car makes. Similarly, you should top off your transmission oil if it appears too low.
When dealing with car oils, ensure you use only high-quality oil from recognized brands. High quality will not only improve transmission performance but will also last longer and save you money. Finally, after replacing and topping off the transmission oil, carry out a checkup to ensure that there are no leaks, and if there are, you should fix them immediately. Change your pan gasket if it’s worn or broken to avoid leaks that can cause jerking.
The fastest 2014 Ford transmission jerking solution is to replace or top off your transmission oil quickly. If it has been used for a long time, flush it out and put in a new one. Also, ensure that you top off the oil so that they can move to all areas where they’re needed to work.
– Replace Engine Mounts
Regardless of its high quality, engine mounts will give way to wear and tear. If these aren’t replaced after long-term use, they can cause damage to your engine and make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous. If you’ve been using your engine mounts for a long time, it probably needs changing, especially if it is starting to affect the car’s performance.
Quick replacement of this engine mount will stop and prevent car jerking, engine overheating, bumpy rides, and constant noise. You need the assistance of an experienced mechanic to replace your engine mounts before they cause damage to other parts of your car.
– Replace the TCM
Once you’re certain that your old or damaged module unit is why your Ford Focus gives off a tremulous vibration when on transmittal, you shouldn’t hesitate to repair or fix it. Doing this will eliminate the tremor your car is experiencing and improve its performance.
A good TCM will also prevent unpredictable gear shifting, increased RPM, and the issue of gear stalling. To fix or replace a module unit, you’ll need to go to the nearest automobile repair store for assistance.
– Replacing the Transmission Filter
Having a clogged or dirty transmission filter makes it hard for transmission oil to flow properly to the parts where it’s needed. Since the transmission filter is located in the transmission, trying to replace this yourself isn’t recommended. It isn’t easy to replace a transmission filter because it involves taking out the transmission pan before locating the filter.
To avoid causing damage to other internal components during replacement, it is best to contact a professional mechanic to help with the replacement. If your transmission filter isn’t bad, you can clean it with a clean rag and car cleaner liquid.
– Fix or Replace Solenoid Valve
If your solenoid valve is why your car quivers on transmittal, you must resolve the issue on time. Once you can fix or replace a faulty solenoid valve, you automatically eliminate the problem of fluid leaks and insufficient oil. We advise you to get a professional technician to help reset or replace your solenoid valve.
Once fixed or repaired, you can play your part by ensuring it is maintained for longevity. Carry out routine checks on its wire connections and fuses and ensure it gets the right voltage. Also, pay attention to the coils to avoid damage that can render the valve inefficient.
– Regularly Visit a Service Center
You can prevent your 2014 Focus model from having transmission glitches by servicing your transmission regularly. First, check the fluid levels as often as possible and ensure they are within the required amount.
Next, fix and replace all faulty components as soon as possible and ensure that you don’t drive too fast or shift gears too aggressively. Finally, carry out routine checks on your car’s engine to ensure it is getting enough current, air, and fuel to combust and function optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Ford Focus Models Usually Have Bad Transmissions?
The Ford Focus models that usually have bad transmissions include the 2013 and 2014 Ford Focus SE, which have been reported to have the most transmission-related problems. Many of these models using the Powershift transmission technology have been known to be prone to transmission and fuel issues.
In fact, many users also report low fuel economy and quivering or shaking sounds during transmittal.
2. What Is the Cost of Fixing a Shuddering Ford Transmission?
The cost of fixing a shuddering Ford transmission tremor depends on how badly your transmission has been damaged and which parts need to be fixed. On average, you should be prepared to spend between $300 and $1,500 fixing your transmission issue.
Fixing a transmission issue isn’t cheap, especially if you need to replace damaged parts with high-quality components.
Is It Safe To Drive With a Shuddering Ford Transmission?
No, it is not safe to drive with a shuddering Ford transmission system that is making a quivering or shaking sound. Doing this could pose a great hazard to both the car operator and the vehicle’s internal components and battery.
Still, if you need to drive with a quivering transmission, you can go slowly and use lower gears to avoid too much strain on your engine.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best fixes for the 2014 Focus shudder problems, you no longer have to deal with unnecessary tremors and quivering. Here are the key points we discussed in this article:
- Your 2014 Ford model is experiencing quivering transmission because your transmission oil is dirty or low.
- A bad torque converter or hydraulic system can also cause this quivering, coupled with a worn engine mount and a faulty solenoid body.
- 2014 Ford Focus Transmission Shudder Fix includes topping off or replacing automobile oil and bad torque converter and module units.
- It would also help if you immediately cleaned or replaced your transmission filters and your solenoid valve.
- If, after doing these, the transmission tremor still occurs, you should then visit an authorized car repair shop.
With your newfound knowledge of troubleshooting transmission tremors in your 2014 Ford model, you no longer have to panic and can start solving the problem immediately!
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