Ford Focus Transmission Problems & Cost | 4F27E

The Ford Focus was equipped with the 4F27E transmission. Does something seem wrong with your Ford Focus transmission? Let’s look at some of the most common problems, and see what you can do to get your car back on the road.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Ford Focus Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

These are the most current prices for a remanufactured replacement Ford Focus 4F27E Series transmission.

Replacement 4F27E Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
4F27E1856

Ford Focus Diagnostic Trouble Codes | DTC

Trouble CodeDescription
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0714Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715
P0715Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0718Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0741Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P0742Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0743Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0744Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0752Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On
P0753Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0756Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off
P0757Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On
P0758Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical
P0817Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Reverse with Drive Ratio
P0817Starter Disable Circuit
P0840Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “A”
P0960Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit/Open
P0961Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit Range/Performance
P0962Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit Low
P0963Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit High
P0977Shift Solenoid “B” Control Circuit High
P0979Shift Solenoid “C” Control Circuit Low
P0980Shift Solenoid “C” Control Circuit High
P0982Shift Solenoid “D” Control Circuit Low
P0983Shift Solenoid “D” Control Circuit High
P0985Shift Solenoid “E” Control Circuit Low
P0986Shift Solenoid “E” Control Circuit High

Ford Focus Recalls

Recall ID – NHTSA: 02V117000 – 2002 Ford Focus

Summary
On 534 2002 Ford Focus models equipped with a manual transmission, the speed/cruise control cable could become entangled with the throttle body bracket during high or wide open throttle application. If this happens, the throttle would be prevented from returning to the closed position once the accelerator pedal is released.

Consequence
If the throttle becomes stuck open, the driver would have to depress both the clutch and the brake pedals in order to bring the car to a stop.

Remedy
On April 25, 2002, Ford instructed dealers to replace the throttle body assembly on affected cars. Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to the Focus recall 04V176000).

Ford Focus Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 14-0002 – 2-3 or 2-4 upshift flare, lack of third and/or fourth gear, along with multiple DTC’s – 4F27E Transmission
2008 – 2011 Ford Focus
Problem – The Ford Focus 4F27E transmission problems associated with this technical service bulletin include a 2-3 or 2-4 upshift flare, the lack of third and/or fourth gear, and the following transmission diagnostic trouble codes: P0733, P0734, P0751, and/or P0972
Solution – Install a direct clutch repair kit, which will include all the parts necessary to cure these problems

2012-2015 Focus – TSB 14-0197-15-0043 / 10057872

Problem:
2012-2015 Focus’ that were equipped with the dual-clutch Ford DPS6 automatic transmission, can experience a pronounced transmission clutch shudder during light acceleration, and/or fluid leaks around the clutch housing. This can occur because faulty input shaft seals can allow fluid to seep in and contaminate the surface of the clutch.

Solution:
Both input shaft seals will need to be replaced. And depending on the severity of the damage, a new clutch assembly may be required. However, it might be possible to clean and reinstall the clutch.

2014-2015 Focus – TSB 44852 / 10057815

Problem:
With regard to the TSB listed above, if the clutch contamination repair isn’t performed correctly, the problem could re-occur because the new input shaft seals could swell and rupture.

Solution:
The accepted procedure is to use brake cleaner to clean the bell housing and clutch assembly. However, if ample time isn’t allowed for the parts to dry before installing them, the new input shaft seals could swell and rupture if they come in contact with the cleaning solvent.

2014-2015 Focus – TSB 383123 / 10057861

Problem:
After replacing the dual clutch assembly on a DPS6 transmission, it’s not uncommon to experience a light shudder during shifts, because the clutch friction material requires a 1,000 mile break in period.

Solution:
Unless there is a fluid leak, the clutch assembly will not need to be replaced. Instead, the technician should run the IDS Service Routine Transmission Adaptive Learning program to reset the clutch travel.

2012-2013 Focus – TSB 32331 / 10053657

Problem:
This was a service tip to diagnose the following problems: no crank, no start, hard start, unusual noise during start, delayed or intermittent gear engagement, and numerous diagnostic trouble codes.

Solution:
Prior to performing normal diagnostics, it’s recommended to first check the G-104 ground for good body to ground contact. If the eyelet is loose, torque the fastener to 12 Nm. If no problem is found, resume normal diagnostic procedures.

Common Ford Focus Transmission Problems

Slipping and no reverse
4F27E Transmission
Problem – It’s not uncommon for the Ford Focus 4F27E to experience severe slipping and/or no reverse.
Solution – This problem may be caused by a leaking reverse air bleed capsule, which is caused by a deformed check ball inside of the valve body

Noticeable delay in forward gear engagement
4F27E Transmission
Problem – The Ford Focus 4F27E may experience a noticeable delay forward gear engagement when you place the shifter in Drive. It may also experience premature forward clutch failure.
Solution – This problem may be caused by a rough finish inside of the forward clutch drum, which can in-turn damage the forward clutch bonded piston seal.

Solenoid Failure
One of the most common Ford Focus transmission problems is a failed solenoid. These little plunger like devices are used by the computer to route pressurized transmission fluid and change gears. To activate one of the solenoids, the computer sends an electrical charge though a coil of wire that wraps around the plunger mechanism. Heat and vibration can cause these wires to short out, which will lead to all sorts of transmission problems.

If you want to check the functionality of your solenoids, simply hook an ohmmeter to the two wires coming off of the solenoid. The reading should be somewhere between 20-30 ohms. If you get a reading above or below that number, it’s a safe bet that solenoid won’t function properly.

Can I drive with a Ford Focus transmission problem?

If your Ford Focus can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Ford Focus transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Ford Focus transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Focus transmission last for between 80,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Ford Focus transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Focus transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Ford Focus transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Ford Focus transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Ford Focus transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Focus transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Ford Focus Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Focus Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Focus Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Focus Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Related Forum Discussions

What Problem Does Your Focus Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Kami
2 years ago

My 2015 Ford Focus se has problems going into reverse. while it’s driving the car jerks like if I have a standard car. The car takes a minute or so to go into the next gear and the car jerks then it goes to the next gear.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kami
Cathy
2 years ago

Bucks and doesn’t shift properly gets hot

Leo Lynch
2 years ago

I have a 2010 Ford Focus with an automatic transmission. Last fall I had an issue coming home all of a sudden like the transmission was slipping ( at 60-70 mph) . I took it to my mechanic because the wrench light came on . The mechanic informed me that I would have to have Ford hook my car up to their computer to diagnose it. I let my car pretty much sit for months before I could afford the high price the dealership charges. I drove it a couple of times and my son reset the TCM ? The car doesn’t seem to “slip” anymore, but sometimes it shifts hard between gears ( forward gears going down the road) and when I first start it up most days it will not go into reverse without having the shift lever between gears, or driving it forward several feet and then attempt to put the car in reverse. The car then works properly in reverse all day until I restart it in the morning and attempt to back up. I’ve been told that the AB solenoid could cause most of my issues, but I just read within the last hour that the E solenoid is why reverse is not working. Anyone know which one controls reverse? Or should I replace both? Or just change out all the solenoids

Boyce Chapman
2 years ago

DPS6 2015 Ford Focus trans drops out of drive dealer says not TCM

Trish
2 years ago

I have a 2016 Ford Focus and the codes are PO805 and PO809 I have transmission fluid changed and he replaced a power clutch sensor thing yet I’m still getting code _po805 and po809 my car stalled out and nearly caused an accident because it felt like it was shifting gears and the car behind me nearly rear ended me

Troy
2 years ago

My daughter bought a 2014 focusit started jerking. had a accuator codeP0902. well I replaced accurators now I’ve got a low voltage code in transmission harness. I replaced harness. I had to take out input shaft sensor to get connector off inspected the sensor and the end of sensor was worn down exposing metal so ordered and replaced it. I was shredded it again in under 2 minutes but why did this happen it seems like the tolerance is off what’s up with that

Stephanie
2 years ago

Not starting, alert saying it’s heating up, not shifting into gear, won’t accelerate in traffic; occurs randomly and not all of the time. Taken to 2 different dealerships, paid $400 for a shift motor at one and had same problem. Took it to another dealership and they said it was the clutch. My scanner at home originally told me it was the module and computer of the car. I’m receiving different diagnostics and getting lied to.

Shannon detillion
2 years ago

It is 2008 focus se 2 door 2.0liter

Shannon detillion
2 years ago

Shifts into last gear sometimes and throws a code po710 did the ecm erase on it and drives fine for couple hrs and the goes back to not shifting proper. 60 to 65 mph it is at 3 and half grand rpms. Should be at 2 to 2 and half.

Paul
2 years ago

Code P0902

Justine Blackburn a Yahoo mail of go
3 years ago

2005 Ford focus needs transmission replacement

Anonymous
3 years ago

Put a used trans in and now it will start you can start it from the relay just not the push button..?

Last edited 3 years ago by Anonymous
Lacey Wilson
3 years ago

I have a 2005 ford focus zx4 with an automatic transmission. I was driving down the road and all the sudden it was still in drive but it sounded like it was in neutral and it was revving. And then the next day I turned it on there was no revving in any of the gears and we could do the gear shifter but the gears didn’t move so I don’t know what to do or what to look for please help me. Also when I headed up to the machine AutoZone it just had the code for my thermostat on there and that’s it.

Last edited 3 years ago by Lacey Wilson
Robert
3 years ago

Have a 2012 ford focus . One day came out of work and car would not start. No crank no start. Started to try and diagnose the issue. Checked mass air flow sensor , throttle body sensor, replaced purge valve, air filter and spark plugs. Still had issues starting. Even replaced the crankshaft sensor. Still cranks but no start.

Mary Mason
3 years ago

Recently drove through a rain storm and my clutch started slipping and trans failure message came across screen have been complaining to dealer sice I bought the car just out of extended warranty. They always seem to blow of my complaints and truly diagnosing. All I hear is its out of warranty. Anyhow all but 2 codes came up for some sort of electrical failure or Miss communication. But no one can tell me why my clutch is now slipping all of a sudden in 1,3 and 5 the gear. They want 3000 to replace clutch pack and forks but can’t guarantee. At a cost of $3000. I have the original sticker when car was first sold and it clearing states cost of transmission $1095. A complete trans. They want over $3000 just for new trans itself. No labor. Wtf? I’ve only owned this car for 18 months and it’s been in shop 4 times. As of today it’s parked in my front yard while I still make payments to pay it off. I’m devastated. This isn’t caused by a bad trans but the communication in electrical system . It gets jammed up fixing the trans to shift funny, erratic, at wrong time and not correctly when down shifting. There is a permanent code in my self onboard diagnostics that can never be cleared. A miss communication code. And I can get no help from Ford except to not charge me for the last diag and reprogramming on my last visit. They are willing to cover that but not fix what should have been recalled. Thanx Ford for nothing. Without my car I cannot go to work. I have to drive 30 miles one way to take care of a special needs child whom I adore. I’m devistated

Marc Fraley
4 years ago

My 2018 Ford Focus recently went into a body shop for a door repair. I was called the following day after drop off saying I needed a new battery. My car did have some intermittent start issues, but usually coincided with running my car through a car wash. In any event, the body shop changed the battery. A week later, I get another call and I am asked if I ever had problems getting my car to go into reverse. I said no, as I have not had any transmission issues. The body shop said they would have to take it to a local Ford dealer for diagnosis. So a few days later, the Ford service department says I have a bad transmission control module and it will cost $785 to replace it since my car is out of factory warranty (mileage). I can’t believe what I am hearing! The body shop is saying it’s nothing they did, and yet I had no issues before dropping it off. So I am scrambling to come up with the funds to repair my car, and Ford miraculously finds warranty to cover the repairs. However, the TCM doesn’t fix the issue. Now that they can “communicate” with the TCM, they say I have a “shift drum” out of alignment which is preventing the car from going into reverse. In fact it’s so far out of alignment, that they suspect it’s broken, but can’t confirm without tearing the transmission apart. This time I am quoted a $2500.00 costs! Again, how did this happen? So, I am getting a second opinion at this point. I can’t even find anything called a “shift drum” in my research. There isn’t even a trouble code for that as far as I know!

Deci'sa
3 years ago
Reply to  Marc Fraley

I would take them to court if they didn’t fix the problem that they caused.

Karla
4 years ago

I got a “transmission Failure service now” message on My 2012 ford focus ugh what can it be. Plus I got a letter from Ford saying there is a recall that the correct software for the PCM was not installed properly and something with the CPV. Would this cause that?

Gabe
3 years ago
Reply to  Karla

I’ve been having the same problems- seems like it pops up every 5,000 miles, horribly annoying and more than a little unsafe.

BackWoods Annie
4 years ago

Oh my gosh, I just about bought a 2015 Ford Focus and the salesman was pushing hard for me to sign the contract but something told me not to go through with it and I also was wondering why was there so many used ones on the lot and at other car lots. Thank God I didn’t buy one especially after reading about how much trouble people are having with these cars. Thanks to everyone who left a comment on here, it’s really helped me to know that I had made the right decision to not sign the contract!!!!! I’ll be looking for a different car and it’s probably not going to be a Ford.

Ron
4 years ago

My 2012 Ford Focus engine needs to be placed did the transitmission cause this problem with only 62,000 miles on the car. They won’t 1300.00 to check what wrong with car.

Mary Brice
4 years ago

Just purchase a 2014 ford focus se haven’t had a month and it heavyshudder when driving was told it needs clutch, barriers,and seals the price is 1764.07 will that fix the problem.

mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Mary Brice

yes but it is covered under an extended warranty

Patricia
4 years ago

I have a 2015 Ford Focus. Bought new Aug.2014
I now have 37,000 miles on it and have just had the fourth clutch installed!
I am so upset because I had no idea when I bought car that it would have transmission trouble due to faulty clutches.

William Stevens
4 years ago
Reply to  Patricia

@Patricia… so did Ford cover any repairs on warranty?

Mike D
4 years ago
Reply to  Patricia

There are serious problems with Ford transmissions esp 2012 to 2015 or 2016.. I’m on transmission #2 with only 53k on my focus. Ford has fully paid. There is an attorney in CA named Stern handling ALL CASES against ford.

Mike D
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike D

The dealer in my town is playing dumb. ALL DEALERS know the problems with fords D6 or whatever transmissions. I’ve heard some folks are on transmission # 4 and 5. Def some serious problems with this transmission.

Julie
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike D

How did you get Ford to pay for your tranny? I have the 2008 with only 59,000 miles and it very nice shape. Transmission is now not wanting to go from 2nd to 3rd. I cNt afford a transmission replacement.

Carol Burns
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike D

What’s the attorney’s number & name?

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