This absurdly works! My 2014 focus was becoming dangerous if you wanted to merge into traffic at highway speeds. The RPMs would rev way high but the car acted like it was in neutral. My local repair shop wanted more than $6700 to replace the transmission, so I decided to try this first and I'm delighted to tell you it works!!
I gotta say thanks! My reverse gear wasn’t working at all and some of my forward gears were getting skipped. I don’t have a scanner so I couldn’t check the codes but removed the paint from the ground point, added some of that grease, put it back on and then bam got all my gears back and transmission feels good as new. Can’t thank you enough!
I have the 2014 Focus. Had the transmission rebuilt under warranty about 3 years ago. For the last month the car has been stuttering badly from a start. Thought the transmission was going to die on me. Seen this video 2 days ago. Cleaned the ground points that were mentioned in the video. Took it for a ride today and no more stuttering. Thanks for the video!
Oh my gosh I have the 2014 too, it's been stuttering recently. I got more spark plugs just in case since I'm around that point, but I may do this as well just to be safe.
I was quoted $4,900 by Ford to remove and replace the transmission on my 2014. I spent $12 on a pack of grinding wheels and it has fixed the problem. I can't thank you enough. If you ever come to Australia look me up.
@@ZaVic12 it ran for about 2 months afterwards but eventually crapped out. If caught before trans issues arise, im sure itd be a more permanent fix, at my stage, it turned out to just be a bandaid.
@@lukewarmmedia3056 what did you end up doing? Mine was shifting fine. Then next time I started it up and drove away it didn't want to shift like it should. When it shifts. It's a hard shift with a jerk. And. Sometimes the rpm dropped to 1000.while driving it home. First time it's happened. Has 73k on it. 2015 model
I can't thank you enough for this video. It solved a huge problem with such a simple fix. And cost nothing! The automatic transmission Focus had become undrivable. Wouldn't shift out off 2nd gear. Was blocking traffic driving going super slow. The obd error codes pointed to very expensive transmission repair and major transmission part replacements. Local repair shop estimates varied in the thousands of $. After grinding the paint from body frame under the ground wire contacts, problem was solved. No gear shift probs any more. Automatic gear shift are smooth. It is amazing that something this simple could sneak into modern day products. But I'm glad for the fix. @Grampzquad Thank you again!
@@grampzquad I've got a 2013 cord focus and the tranny fault bell rings when I start the car ! I cleaned the ground spot on the fire wall the obvious one , didn't know about the two under the air filter box but can you show the correct procedure to clear the check engine reminder so as to see if it fixes the problem ? I have watched a couple different videos on TH-cam and texted one witch by the way fixed a problem with my key fob but didn't clear the tranny reminder on the dash ! I did read in the comments on one video where the guy said NOT to disconnect the POS. Battery cable ,ie. (In the comments was opposite of what the guy in the video said to do ) but to disconnect the negitive cable and run a wire from the connected battery cable to the dis connected negative cable and wait ten minutes to drain the memory and reset the codes , I hope this makes since to you seeing as though it is confusing me and I'm writing this ! So I did disconnect the POS. Cable and ran a wire from the negitive cable to the pos.cable (disconnected from the positive battery post ! But it didn't drain the memory from the car because the radio still had the stations programed in ! Again I apologise if this is to long and confusing thanks for any information you can provide me ✌🏻
We did exactly what was detailed in the video and fixed my granddaughter's 2012 Ford Focus this evening. Sooo happy I found this tutorial and it worked!!! Thank you for the information and saving us a ton of money!!!
Ya I drive mine hard and it still did it. After I started driving it normal for a while the car got used to it. It’s a lot better when you don’t let it roll. Give yourself extra space
Thank you so much! This worked amazingly, car drives and shifts like never before, at least since when we had the parts replaced. You are a saviour, thank you man, god bless you. Your pillows always deserve to be the right temperature you always want them to be at night.
Holy cow! My daughter hS a 2014 Ford Focus that shuttle from 1st to 2nd gear, like all of them. I saw your video and thought what the heck, easy to do and cost nothing but my time. It FIXED it!! Can’t believe it. Somebody needs to tell Ford!!
@@richd3688 you may have to clean the actuators, there are videos of people doing it. Dirt and grime and dust can get stuck inside of them in people have been using brake cleaner in WD-40 to move the actuator around wetting it, which moves the grime from inside in a drips out eventually
I have 2013 ford focus. I did this to fix the transmission slipping. I do not think it made a difference in my case. But then in another video someone suggested changing the clutch actuators. I changed those and reseted the transmission. For the first couple of hundreds of miles it was horrible. It was skipping gears. But after sometime it got super smooth because transmission learned the way I drive. So far after six months it is very good. Thank you all for sharing knowledge! Just an edit I take it easy with acceleration and I drive like an old man. I get 33 MPG in the city.
My friend has a 2014 focus with 11k Miles on it that slips in first when car is worked up. Kinder a shudder. You think maybe run it in manual a few times hard may help restore it. Maybe replace actuator may also help
@@glengarbera7367 I have 2015 focus with 60k miles. I've had the whole clutch apparently replaced at the dealership , or whatever they say they do to fix it. Problem was back in less than a year just not as bad yet. These cars are lemons
@@EvilKane333 same...exactly the same as my 2015 focus..they did the new clutch as it was a class action lawsuit but it was closed in 2022 and they pushed me off for 18 months after when I wanted them to check it again cause it was still acting weird and u get "well it was closed in 2022". I get the it will adjust to your driving. I bought my 2015 focus new and think..its 202e and I don't even have 60,000 on my car. The new clutch went in at 36/37,000 kms and I'm not even at 60,000 since I bought it in 2015. I think its crazy that there is still a problem when they put a brand new clutch in...seems very odd to me...but what the heck do I know ..they see a women walking into the dealership and they are thinking "bonus, its a female". We get a full colonoscopy going into Ford being told all bullshit...just open your wallet...what bullshit can they tell ya is wrong to then take ya to the cleaners..soak ya dry.
just bought a fiesta with 83k miles with "transmission problems" for $1800. Followed your advice and boom, 500 miles later still no codes and shifts like a dream.
THANK YOU!!!! Please notify the Ford dealerships. I have had this transmission rebuilt twice at Ford. First time at 90,000 miles I had to pay because I have a rebuilt title and second time was within a year of their two year warranty. It started to shutter again at 180,000 miles and I found your video. I just performed the procedure and it is running better than ever! Thank you again
I have a 2012 Focus SE and tried this - I am not any kind of mechanic. I used rough grit sandpaper instead as I don't own a dremel tool. I did have to look up another video to see how to remove the air filter box. It was all pretty straight forward and the car is shifting better after having it done. I would definitely say it is worth giving it a try (even for a novice like me) and I don't think you can screw up too badly. The grease was about $12 at CT. I had gone to Ford previously and they were not much help, but Grampzquad was! Thanks!
Hey Thanks Murray! I don't think most Ford dealers know there is a ground issue. They go straight to replacing parts and re-programming the Transmission.
Our 2014 Ford Focus Titanium is up and running again after we had the TCM replaced for a new one. Don't know what happened that made the old TCM drop dead. But it ran really good for about a day after removing the paint so that the negative terminals had a good metal to metal contact. Maybe the old TCM couldn't take the good surge of the electric flow it was getting when I remove the paint barrier. Guess that old heart couldn't take it anymore. We got a Honda Accord second car just in case the Ford acts up before we have the chance to sell it. No more Ford vehicles for us.
@@ZaVic12 So far so good. She's still holding up. We wanted to get rid of it but buying another good used car today is like trying to buy a home before someone else gets it. Used cars are a hot commodity right now. We want to always keep a second backup car.
I've seen on TH-cam that some mechanics in foreign countries take apart the TCM and change a faulty capacitor (looks like a C-size battery) they solder in the new electronic part, reseal the TCM, and install it back onto the transmission and test drive it....?
We have the 2016 Focus. Have taken it in to Ford 3-4 times (it’s there now🤣) for Transmission shifting problems. Each time we’ve gotten it back it would run fine. Last time, it ran fine for a month then same issue pops up. Last month they claimed they couldn’t replicate the complaint. Unsure if they actually did anything (would have to look at the work order again). Maybe I’ll give this possible solution a shot. Can’t hurt!
Ive got a 2.0S and reading comments on YT some say drive it like a manual, ive tried it and it works to a degree, lift off the throttle at 2k (ish) rpm and it shifts good, but laziness gets the better of you in the end, knowledge is power with the ecoshift,.
This video makes a lot of sense. I do appreciate you posting this. I don't have a Focus, however I do have a Veloster which have same DCT Transmission system. Mine recently started acting up in similar manner as the focus, except mine won't throw any codes at all. I tried replacing the battery as I have always told my wife I see the Dash lights flicker, but she says she don't see them flicker (Guess gaming with 144hz monitor for over 6yrs boosted a little my Hz vision haha), but I never thought about trying this with the ground wires, might give this a try this weekend and hopefully yields some positive results.
@@grampzquad Just a update. Thanks a lot for this. I got around to cleaning the ground connections on the Veloster and completely fixed my Flickering lights and also my transmission issue is gone as well. Really appreciate the info!! Thank you.
No transmission problems but will be doing trans fluid change, breaks and spark plugs and coils but I might as well do this. Thanks! Cool simple little video (:
Another addition to the grounds getting cleaned that can help pending on your situation is doing a factory transmission “relearn” for the TCM. Other great videos how to do it without a scanner. If you have a scanner and the program to do it you can do more in depth and see a read out of the different tests and is more useful.
Not just this transmission. Not just Fords. Many, many frustrations have been solved by ensuring good grounds are made (UK-earths). Doesn’t fix everything, of course, but always worth checking especially after the warranty has expired.
For all those folks out there that think that the Focus is junk because of the DCT, FYI......HYUNDAI has had its share of DCT problems. The 2016, 2017 Velosters (one of my favorite cars) were the subject of "class action" lawsuits because of the SAME 'problems' the Focus has. Only difference is, there are MANY MORE Focii on the road (best selling compact car in 2012), so the Ford gets ALL the bad press, with shyster lawyers ready to pounce. Ford has DEEP pockets, and Steve Lehto can line his pockets!
I have a 2012 veloster and though it drove from 40k miles when I bought it to 120k miles without issue, I just started having same issues. I do hear pple talk alot about DCT transmissions but I still like them lol. Currently trying to figure my issues out that why I landed on this video, but hyundai been plague with the DCT issues from begining to be honest.
A better idea, in addition to cleaning the ground connections, why not run a 8ga (or larger) wire from that firewall post DIRECTLY to the transmission case?
Hey, did you ever run the wire directly like you suggested? And did it help? I cleaned the connections like Grampzquad suggested and it has definitely helped. However, my check engine light still comes on at times. Perhaps adding the cable as you suggested would give even more power to the transmission? (I know very little about cars!) Please let me know if that helps! Thanks!
A nice clever fix... That takes care of 1 of the 3 common faults with this clutch, Unfortunately the other 2 problems are not so easily fixed. 🙁. It is a dry dual clutch, It will overheat and prematurely wear out and also it has a constant shutter when an internal seal fails (they all do) which causes oil to contaminate the clutch making it slip a little when taking off. I do like the rest of the car though, I barely had anything else wrong with it at 212K miles... such a shame. Best of luck with yours!!!
That bad seal had been re-designed by the time 2016 Foci came out. That overheating clutch pak is due to improper driving habits....creeping in traffic, using THIS transmission to hold the car back on inclines. The same things you wouldn't do with a stick shift, BECAUSE this is a manual transmission without the THIRD pedal. These cars have to be driven like you stole it!
@@TheOzthewiz "This clutch pack overheating is due to bad driving habits" "BECAUSE it's a manual transmission without the THIRD pedal. These cars need to be driven like you stole them!" Could you explain in a few words what you mean?
@@andreyvovnenko8969 If you don't know how to drive something with a manual transmission, you will not understand. What he means is, the if you were driving a truck with a manual transmission, you would not sit on a hill and to keep the truck from moving backward by using the clutch. You know, right at the friction point (pedal inch off the floor). You would keep the clutch in and use the brake. A Focus uses a manual transmission. Actuators work the clutch instead of you pushing the pedal, based on driver input and computer programming. I bought one for my daughter, and she refuses to learn how to drive a manual, even though the majority of my vehicles are...grrr Bottom line, if you don't drive it properly, you can create big problems. Ford screwed up when they used a dry clutch, which can be much less forgiving.
@@madviking1320so you mean when first gear I get to 3000 rpm and release the gas pedal it automatic change to 2 gear ? Like when it change gear I release the gas pedal? Or just hold the gas pedal whole time when it change gear ? Thank you for reading this
Just got the notice today on my 2014 escape. Seems to be shifting fine. Notice comes and goes. Have to drive home tomorrow from Cincinnati to around Toledo with it. Hope it makes it. When i get home im going to do as you say.
I just got a 11 Fiesta. Previous owner thought the transmission was bad. I cleaned the grounds, reset the car, and did a few wot pulls and she is driving pretty darn good! I was surprised to see paint AND primer when sanding. Too bad Furd sent these cars to death so early.
@@billparker3095 1. Run car, shift to Neutral 2. turn to Off, wait 15 seconds 3. Shift to Park 4. Turn ignition on (engine not running), wait 15 seconds 5. Turn off, then back to ignition on (engine not running) 6. Step on brake, shift to Neutral 7. Dash indicator should read 'Transmission ready' 8. Start car and drive normally
This was a TCM related issue for me. Tried this tip and no difference. Luckily Ford fixed for me under their extended warranty due to recalls on this part.
Thank you for this video!! I was desperate for a car and recently purchased a Ford Focus 2012 and the transmission took a dump on me :( I am having a new transmission from the junkyard put in along with a tcm… in addition I will reset the new tcm and try this out. I hope it helps, thank you for the video !!
On a road trip 3 hrs from home on the highway my revs shot up almost to redlining i pulled off the highway took it to a shop and was told shift actuators, actually worked fine for 2-3 days and made it home.. tryong this before xhanging them..
Hey Grampzquad, I have a question ... is the music at the beginning of this video copyrighted? I'm scrupulous about trying to respect copyright law with everything. Hope you answer. Thank you sir.
I am going to try this out soon with 14 focus se I only have 45,000 miles on mine so the transmission doesn’t even have 112,000 miles like this car but I am still looking forward to trying this to see if it will help the shite DCT studders, jerks and slips
I have the same issue on my 14 focus aswell. I can’t even sell the car because people get scared from the obnoxious jerks and slips. Please keep me updated if this works for you or not.
I'm gonna try this in the morning, I'm truly hoping this works as my car is part of my livelihood. I dash so I drive a lot and recently thinking my spark plugs may have been the problem I replaced them, replaced the air filter and even added transmission fluid which was a bit of a pain. I honestly don't know who's idea it was to put the filler plug on the side of the drivers side axle, but I managed and turns out he didn't need transmission fluid. Here's my car's symptoms, for the first few minutes he starts and goes into gear just fine but after 10 or 15 minutes my car struggles to catch second gear and barely makes it to 3rd gear so when I get to a red light my car struggles to move as if I were in neutral and revving the engine, I've had pissed off driver behind me at least a few times today and at some point I got the warning to turn the car off cause the transmission was hot. I even bought a fuel filter for nothing cause on my Focus I have to drop the tank to get to the filter. I'm truly hoping this helps me cause my car pays my bills through delivery work. Plus he's my baby and hate having my car go through this
I have a 2012 SEL at 169k miles that just starting slipping and skipping gears, and won't let me go into SelectShift anymore. I'm gonna try this on a not rainy day, I'll try to remember to reply back about my results!
I have in the last yr become fairly familiar with the common issues on these dct trans from ford. Grounding is one. Shift forks actuators are another. TCM faults are also possible. After that your next common faults deal in removing the trans. And that would be the clutch, shift forks, release bearings, or shaft seals. doing the clutch requires special tools on Amazon for about $120. If you plan to keep your 11 and newer focus or fiesta, it wouldn't be a bad thing to invest in the few specialized tools. Ford even says that if you replace the clutch, it's possible to notice some shutter for up to 5k miles after new replacement and the new clutch could go out in as early as 30k miles after replacement. Obviously, even as stated in the video, the actual fault does depend on what's going on and the codes.
Very, very good, more of a proper (than just replacing things, I love it. I question the dielectric grease, I don't even use it on electric, it's not a conductor, so it may insulate the proper connection. But, good job! I look in here when I see 'fixers' for sale and this sounds like it.
@@grampzquad all jokes aside, I'm pulling my car in the garage this weekend to do this. My car has always had electrical issues, I think this will work.
I did what you said. And holy crap, it was crazy but it worked. My rpms won't going as quits high as your friends but other then that I was having the same cymtoms; so I gave it a try. Thanks for salving my two year old problem
Daughter has a 2015 1.0 liter eco boost. Has an issue with no power going up hill. No codes…. At wits end trying to figure out. Also has a 2nd gear issue where it’s very difficult to shift to 2nd gear. The problems are not related as the gear issue has been ongoing.
Just did this today because my focus was hesitating big time between shifts. Was intermittent and if it happened, pull over shut down and wait a few seconds and restart in it would shift ok. Local dealer quoted around $2000 for a tcm and said they couldn't get one. I cleaned the grounds as they were both painted under the lug. Went for a drive right away and shifting was still poor but after sitting for a day, the engine light went off and it shifts better than it ever did. Cheer's
What is the thing called to reset codes? Did you say dungledilio ? I didn’t see such a part to buy from China. Thanks for this upload, my daughter car has this problem, but pretty sure it’s her TCM
cleaning the grounds is good, you can see the corrosion on the cables, but diaelectric grease is non-conductive, better to clean it like you did, tighten them down and use some fluid film on the connections, or put the grease on top not between where you want metal to metal contact.
Day 2 after removing paint on terminal connectors. Drove the car 40 miles and back home with no problems. Felt like driving a new car. No check engine light. Pulled in my driveway, shut the engine off. Tried to start it back up and it wouldn't start. Got a message, "Parking aid Fault...service required". Talking about going from the frying pan to the fire. Now I'm surfing TH-cam videos to find out what this new deal is. I am only thankful that I made it back home from the forty mile trip. I actually stopped at Auto Zone to get air fresheners for the car when I was still 20 miles out and stopped at Quick Trip to use the rest room and got back on the road. I could've easily been up crap river had the car not started then.
@@sporty14863 I can only speculate that the increased current to the TCM may have just pushed it over the edge. The TCM was old and original when the car was new 7 years ago. So if Ford has an issue with the TCMs it was bound to fail whether it got more current to it or not. Another few years or less, this new TCM may malfunction again. They may not have solved the issue with their TCM. They could be just installing us this new one for us to just carry one till it malfunctions again. The car is running fine now with the new TCM installed, but my wife and I are holding our breaths that nothing goes wrong until we have a chance to get rid of the car.
There’s a common issue with one of the small mega fuses in this car going bad. Swapping it out will probably fix the fault issue. Second fuse from the right. I had major electric issues at 100k miles and that fuse was it. Located in front of where the battery sits
I have a 2015 Focus with that typical transmission glitch. It ends up being the transmission clutch actuator every time I do a scan. Problem comes back even replacing those things. This seems to be a great IDEA and will TRY IT and see if this fixes the issue. Thank you got those valuable details.
@@ericklewis289 if you have a clutch code then this won't fix it. I'm ordering a clutch actuator, it's like $35-110 on eBay. I'm sure this will fix it. My code was PO90c I think
Kind of like grinding the paint off, then spraying a bunch of paint on it when you put it back together. Is that why some of them only worked for a day?
@@grampzquad if dielectric grease does not conduct electricity and is actually more of an ' insulator ', is used to ' insulate ' and as a lubricant that will not interfere by conducting, then I would think you would not want to have any in between the two metals. Maybe clamp the two clean metals together and then cover them with the grease to help further corrosion, but not have any between them.
Tried this on my daughter's Focus, and it worked. They've been making cars for over 100 (ONE HUNDRED - LET THAT SOAK IN - ONE HUNDRED YEARS) and they don't know how to properly ground the electrical system? I go thru life bewildered by the almost incomprehensible stupidity surrounding me. 100 years...geesh...a bad ground - from the factory! And they're gonna make electric cars? What could go wrong there?
Glad the fix worked for you! It's not just Ford. Check any other make and the ground post from the battery (from factory) will usually have paint on it.
`my boss daughter has a 2015 focus se she was t boned and car was totaled. put a new door on it and rebuild the title and runs fine. they had issues with the trans so im going to check the grounds thanks
2015 SE Had the clutches and seals changed at 99500mi Now at 129000mi Intermittently getting the P090C code, have heard it's more than likely the TCM, but I'm wondering if the grounding trick would fix.... That code is low voltage in the circuit, short to ground... I did the ground post by the battery around the time I had the clutches replaced. Now thinking about doing the other grounds. Guess it wouldn't hurt, right?
Mines doing that now.. left me stranded 5.5 hrs from home love everything about the car but this... trans has been acting dumb for a while... I’m gonna try this... I noticed my ground was painted also I unplug it for a while and it stops for a while
I have a 2012 manual and I'd heard about the horrific trans problems these had from new in Australia, hence I bought a manual a few months back with 223k on the clock. It does have a problem with the electric steering though, occasionally forgets to work at all when the car is started and takes a few restarts to get going. I'm wondering if it's the same problem..... might get out there with the Dremel and do the same thing😊. I'll report back.
Thank you, Grampz. Tried this and it didn't work. 2012 Fiesta with only 33K miles for daughter. P2831, P2832, P287B, P2831-00, P2832-00, P285E-00, P287-00, U041-68, and C1B00-64 codes (obvious shuttering). 6-8 months for the recall and don't know what else to do. Thoughts?
3 months ago 4K in repairs that weren't required and still not done, new purchase owner 2012. Ford lied told me they'd cover it they didn't and here I am.
I got 2014 focus under 90k 1st 2nd shift slipping. Then i got pull over to let the tranny cool down. Tried the restart transmission. It was only a temp fix. Saying my transmission sensor going out. So im try this first
Still runs fine. In the description I list the engine code which was for poor electrical connection to the tranny. It's a good idea to do this fix if you are having problems or not. Good grounds make for a happy car.
@ Grampzquad : now that its been almost 10 months for this, does the transmission still function properly, or did it break down afterwards? thanks in advance.
Interesting, interesting. It wasn't hard to do this. The air filter assembly comes out really easy. It looks hard. Just watch a TH-cam video that shows you how. After that I was able to access the two terminals below. I grinded the paint areas off till I got to the metal. Now I didn't bother with putting any grease on it right now. Just used WD-40. It's not hard to go back in and finish it off right if I have to. My results....? The transmission seems to transition very smoothly, have not seen an engine light yet after driving for over an hour around town. Its shifting does feel better with some pep. I am impressed though the jury is still out. After 3 days if I don't see an engine light and the transmission keeps performing smoothly, then I'll say this was a good fix. I do have to say though that the transmission performance feels pretty good. And oh, I did not reset any codes. Just did the terminals and put it back together and took it for a spin. I did disconnect my battery because I did not want to get shocked.
@@grampzquad I will post the results. I was waiting on that check engine light which usually don't take long showing up. It hasn't so far. I gassed it, gunned it, went up a hilly road. So I'm impressed so far.
@@grampzquad Day 2. So far so good. Went to the store and did a little shopping. Decided to take the freeway route back home at 70 miles an hour. Exit off the freeway and took the back roads back home. It feels good like I'm driving a new car again. No check engine light so far. Next, I'm going to take the car on a long trip about 40 miles and come back today. Will post results tomorrow.
Hey Grampzquad, Is the music at the beginning of this video cooyrighted? I'm kinda scrupulous about trying to respect cooyright law. Would really appreciate you answering me! Thanks
Just try to get a dealer to change the TCM. There is a shortage of them and the dealer will give all kinds of excuses not to change it. The local dealer here told me fit only needs a new clutch package for $3,500.
thx for the video i will try it for my wifes 2012 Focus 1.6 A/T (powershift dry clutch)... did you get any more warning lights or shudder problem after cleaning the grounding connections?
@@grampzquad a feedback and one more question... i also have a battery warning light on and off occasionally... i am driving my car with the test mode on and i am tracking my batteries voltage value past a few weeks . The engine starts around 12,8 (sudden drop and rise during ignition) and rises up to 14,5 V in seconds... But after some miles it starts to decrease 0,1 by 0,1... on the highway it stays on around 13,3 V but in traffic jam it decreases a lot till 13,0 V... i get battery warning light last night and the value was 11,6 V.... after couple of miles voltage increased suddenly to 14,1 V again... now i would like to ask that do i have to renew my alternator or my 1 year old battery... and one important thing is here there was no shudder problem with my transmission when the battery voltage value more than 14,3 volts... smooth transmission and my car starts obvious shuddering when it decreases 13,6 volts... please give your feedbacks and thanks in advance...
@@meb40 It looks like your alternator may need to be replaced. You can also check and make sure there are good connections from the alternator to the battery. Good luck!
@@grampzquad one mechanic suggested to renew the alternator brushes but the other one suggested to renew the alternator ... i am still researching and i will inform everyone in here but i strongly believe that there is direct correlation between charging and shifting sytem... we may solve this problem together...
Did you got any sparks ⚡️ while connecting the ground to the polished metal plate? I am afraid I got few sparks while connecting but after the connection it’s all normal.
I wish I could do this myself, 2013 ford focus no reverse, took to dealer, extended warranty only for 7years or 100,000 miles blah blah blah, I am so sad sad about my car, 2, 500 hundred they say to fix!! I wish you were here to help me!
I was able to clean the battery ground and that helped. However, I am unable to remove the airbox. As I look from the front of the engine compartment, something is holding it from underneath. I don't know whether to give it a yank or try some other method.
Doesn't hurt to try. You may have more serious issues. The transmission will function better with a good grounding. I also think the poor ground causes other transmission damage.
I keep hearing this extremely loud muffler sound when i shift gears or accelerate. Sound is coming from front passenger side! It’s so unpleasant and I’m not sure what it is! I really am hesitant being female because of being ripped off by other mechanics fixing around the issue!
Hello bro.. You gave me hope after seeing this video, i hope that you'll be able to answer me , i have a 2012 fiesta and its only reaching the 4th gear , after that a high sound comes out from the engine room... My question is will this tip help in my case , and if yes will it work without resetting the errors??iam kindly waiting for your reply
I can't say 100% it will work but it is well worth trying this fix! The error codes do not need to be deleted. Often they will go away on their own after driving for a while. Good luck! 🤞
Did it but my light came back on after driving it a while...but unfortunately I only got one of the bolts off to clear below the air filter...that might be why...
I use an app called Torque Pro on my android phone. You just need a bluetooth obdII adaptor. Just search ebay for "obd2 scanner bluetooth" they are around $10.
This isn't a tough job and doesn't take too long. I don't know if it has the same transmission but... if the TCM isn't getting a good ground I would think it would affect performance also. It's worth a shot before spending $$ on another tranny!
This absurdly works! My 2014 focus was becoming dangerous if you wanted to merge into traffic at highway speeds. The RPMs would rev way high but the car acted like it was in neutral. My local repair shop wanted more than $6700 to replace the transmission, so I decided to try this first and I'm delighted to tell you it works!!
Awesome! I'm glad it helped. I hope you liked and subscribed!
I gotta say thanks! My reverse gear wasn’t working at all and some of my forward gears were getting skipped. I don’t have a scanner so I couldn’t check the codes but removed the paint from the ground point, added some of that grease, put it back on and then bam got all my gears back and transmission feels good as new. Can’t thank you enough!
I have the 2014 Focus. Had the transmission rebuilt under warranty about 3 years ago. For the last month the car has been stuttering badly from a start. Thought the transmission was going to die on me. Seen this video 2 days ago. Cleaned the ground points that were mentioned in the video. Took it for a ride today and no more stuttering. Thanks for the video!
Oh my gosh I have the 2014 too, it's been stuttering recently. I got more spark plugs just in case since I'm around that point, but I may do this as well just to be safe.
I was quoted $4,900 by Ford to remove and replace the transmission on my 2014. I spent $12 on a pack of grinding wheels and it has fixed the problem. I can't thank you enough. If you ever come to Australia look me up.
I would love to go to Australia! Perhaps one day! Thanks Neil!
You think sanding it with sand paper will work?
@@scummymulishayes I’ve seen that work
I just did as you said and what a difference. Its working great! Thanks for saving us a trip to the mechanic. God bless man
Got the dreaded po7a5 on my 2012 focus 2 days ago. Found this video, tried it and my god, my car is running again. Thank you so much.
That's awesome Lukewarm! Glad it helped. 🚗
Hello, any update on how your focus is running now? Was the fix definite? Thanks!
@@ZaVic12 it ran for about 2 months afterwards but eventually crapped out. If caught before trans issues arise, im sure itd be a more permanent fix, at my stage, it turned out to just be a bandaid.
@@lukewarmmedia3056 what did you end up doing? Mine was shifting fine. Then next time I started it up and drove away it didn't want to shift like it should. When it shifts. It's a hard shift with a jerk. And. Sometimes the rpm dropped to 1000.while driving it home. First time it's happened. Has 73k on it. 2015 model
@@14samueld update what you did to fix if you could, please? Mine is doing exactly as yours.
I can't thank you enough for this video.
It solved a huge problem with such a simple fix. And cost nothing! The automatic transmission Focus had become undrivable. Wouldn't shift out off 2nd gear. Was blocking traffic driving going super slow.
The obd error codes pointed to very expensive transmission repair and major transmission part replacements. Local repair shop estimates varied in the thousands of $.
After grinding the paint from body frame under the ground wire contacts, problem was solved. No gear shift probs any more. Automatic gear shift are smooth.
It is amazing that something this simple could sneak into modern day products. But I'm glad for the fix.
@Grampzquad Thank you again!
Thank you! It makes my day when I can help others out!
Turn traction control off and drive
@@williamsandy4797 have to try this cause what their offering isnt working
Hello, any updates on your focus? Was the fix definite? Thanks!
@@grampzquad I've got a 2013 cord focus and the tranny fault bell rings when I start the car !
I cleaned the ground spot on the fire wall the obvious one , didn't know about the two under the air filter box but can you show the correct procedure to clear the check engine reminder so as to see if it fixes the problem ? I have watched a couple different videos on TH-cam and texted one witch by the way fixed a problem with my key fob but didn't clear the tranny reminder on the dash ! I did read in the comments on one video where the guy said NOT to disconnect the POS. Battery cable ,ie. (In the comments was opposite of what the guy in the video said to do ) but to disconnect the negitive cable and run a wire from the connected battery cable to the dis connected negative cable and wait ten minutes to drain the memory and reset the codes , I hope this makes since to you seeing as though it is confusing me and I'm writing this !
So I did disconnect the POS. Cable and ran a wire from the negitive cable to the pos.cable (disconnected from the positive battery post ! But it didn't drain the memory from the car because the radio still had the stations programed in ! Again I apologise if this is to long and confusing thanks for any information you can provide me ✌🏻
We did exactly what was detailed in the video and fixed my granddaughter's 2012 Ford Focus this evening. Sooo happy I found this tutorial and it worked!!! Thank you for the information and saving us a ton of money!!!
Will sanding it with sand paper work?
I purchased one with the same problems . Cleaned the terminals and worked perfectly!!!! I purchased it for 1200.....
Very nice Esteban! That's a great deal! 👍🏾
I take one 2013 for $500 my neighbor want to junk. And know just clean the paint works great 😉
@@fernandoreyes7830 NICE!!
Pro tip for focus drivers with the automatic, drive it hard! Accelerate hard! These cars do NOT like being driven normally.
You are a liar I drove mine hard now it's fucked
Ya I drive mine hard and it still did it. After I started driving it normal for a while the car got used to it. It’s a lot better when you don’t let it roll. Give yourself extra space
I have to let mine roll at lights or else itll not move at all
Are you being serious or joking
@@railfanjames2368 I've owned 4 mk3 ford focuses. I'm not.
Thank you so much! This worked amazingly, car drives and shifts like never before, at least since when we had the parts replaced. You are a saviour, thank you man, god bless you. Your pillows always deserve to be the right temperature you always want them to be at night.
Did this to my car and it saved me 1800$.thanks for posting this it really helped me out 🤘
Awesome! You subscribed right then!? 👍
@@grampzquadwill this work for the 2011 Fiesta? If this don’t work what do you do?
Holy cow! My daughter hS a 2014 Ford Focus that shuttle from 1st to 2nd gear, like all of them. I saw your video and thought what the heck, easy to do and cost nothing but my time. It FIXED it!! Can’t believe it. Somebody needs to tell Ford!!
Nice! So glad it worked for you too!😎
@@grampzquad well I spoke too soon. After two days the shuttling has returned. Bummer. :(. Oh well it was worth a shot.
@@richd3688 ahhhh :(
Any updates?
@@richd3688 you may have to clean the actuators, there are videos of people doing it. Dirt and grime and dust can get stuck inside of them in people have been using brake cleaner in WD-40 to move the actuator around wetting it, which moves the grime from inside in a drips out eventually
I have a 2014 Ford Focus that I bought in 2016. I love my car! 10 years old but it drives like a new car and still has a bit of new car smell!
Oh yeah, if you wrench around some of the flaws in these little cars, they are great on gas. Great video.
You legend you just saved me hours trying to work out what was wrong with our 2010 focus 2 broken earth wires under the air box
Happy to be of service! Makes my day to help people like this!
I did what you said and it fixed the problem on my 2012 Ford focus. My car only had 142k You are awesome thank you for saving me form selling my car.
Mine won't shift into the even gears (2, 4, 6) and it's p090c. If I wiggle my wires it will work lol
THIS FIXED MY CAR!!! IT'S MIRACULOUS!!!!!
i honestly cannot thank you enough! Really incredible. It still has the slightest hesitation in first, but man, it improved 98%! Sincerely, thank you!
Hey! You are welcome. These transmissions have other issues but with a good electrical connection they work a little better!
@@joew3816update?
I have 2013 ford focus. I did this to fix the transmission slipping. I do not think it made a difference in my case. But then in another video someone suggested changing the clutch actuators. I changed those and reseted the transmission. For the first couple of hundreds of miles it was horrible. It was skipping gears. But after sometime it got super smooth because transmission learned the way I drive. So far after six months it is very good. Thank you all for sharing knowledge! Just an edit I take it easy with acceleration and I drive like an old man. I get 33 MPG in the city.
I believe that the poor ground connection contributes to premature clutch wear. You should be good for many more miles! 🤞
My friend has a 2014 focus with 11k Miles on it that slips in first when car is worked up. Kinder a shudder. You think maybe run it in manual a few times hard may help restore it. Maybe replace actuator may also help
@@glengarbera7367 I have 2015 focus with 60k miles. I've had the whole clutch apparently replaced at the dealership , or whatever they say they do to fix it. Problem was back in less than a year just not as bad yet. These cars are lemons
@@EvilKane333 same...exactly the same as my 2015 focus..they did the new clutch as it was a class action lawsuit but it was closed in 2022 and they pushed me off for 18 months after when I wanted them to check it again cause it was still acting weird and u get "well it was closed in 2022". I get the it will adjust to your driving. I bought my 2015 focus new and think..its 202e and I don't even have 60,000 on my car. The new clutch went in at 36/37,000 kms and I'm not even at 60,000 since I bought it in 2015. I think its crazy that there is still a problem when they put a brand new clutch in...seems very odd to me...but what the heck do I know ..they see a women walking into the dealership and they are thinking "bonus, its a female". We get a full colonoscopy going into Ford being told all bullshit...just open your wallet...what bullshit can they tell ya is wrong to then take ya to the cleaners..soak ya dry.
Please I have same problem it’s diesel 2L one dual clutch model, what’s your engine type please
just bought a fiesta with 83k miles with "transmission problems" for $1800. Followed your advice and boom, 500 miles later still no codes and shifts like a dream.
Nice job Adam! So simple it's crazy. And Ford hasn't even figured it out! You just doubled your money!
THANK YOU!!!! Please notify the Ford dealerships. I have had this transmission rebuilt twice at Ford. First time at 90,000 miles I had to pay because I have a rebuilt title and second time was within a year of their two year warranty. It started to shutter again at 180,000 miles and I found your video. I just performed the procedure and it is running better than ever! Thank you again
I dont have a dremmel you think sanding it with sand paper will work?
@scummymulisha Sand paper will work just fine! It just takes a little longer.
@@grampzquad thanks
I have a 2012 Focus SE and tried this - I am not any kind of mechanic. I used rough grit sandpaper instead as I don't own a dremel tool. I did have to look up another video to see how to remove the air filter box. It was all pretty straight forward and the car is shifting better after having it done. I would definitely say it is worth giving it a try (even for a novice like me) and I don't think you can screw up too badly. The grease was about $12 at CT. I had gone to Ford previously and they were not much help, but Grampzquad was! Thanks!
Hey Thanks Murray! I don't think most Ford dealers know there is a ground issue. They go straight to replacing parts and re-programming the Transmission.
Any updates on how your focus is running? Thanks
@@grampzquad that is how they make more money... The goal is to squeeze the owner pocket as much as they can.
Any updates?
Our 2014 Ford Focus Titanium is up and running again after we had the TCM replaced for a new one. Don't know what happened that made the old TCM drop dead. But it ran really good for about a day after removing the paint so that the negative terminals had a good metal to metal contact. Maybe the old TCM couldn't take the good surge of the electric flow it was getting when I remove the paint barrier. Guess that old heart couldn't take it anymore. We got a Honda Accord second car just in case the Ford acts up before we have the chance to sell it. No more Ford vehicles for us.
Any updates on how the focus is running?
@@ZaVic12 So far so good. She's still holding up. We wanted to get rid of it but buying another good used car today is like trying to buy a home before someone else gets it. Used cars are a hot commodity right now. We want to always keep a second backup car.
I've seen on TH-cam that some mechanics in foreign countries take apart the TCM and change a faulty capacitor (looks like a C-size battery) they solder in the new electronic part, reseal the TCM, and install it back onto the transmission and test drive it....?
We have the 2016 Focus. Have taken it in to Ford 3-4 times (it’s there now🤣) for Transmission shifting problems. Each time we’ve gotten it back it would run fine. Last time, it ran fine for a month then same issue pops up. Last month they claimed they couldn’t replicate the complaint. Unsure if they actually did anything (would have to look at the work order again). Maybe I’ll give this possible solution a shot. Can’t hurt!
Did that fix it? I have a 2017 that's having issues right now. Already had a new clutch installed 2 years ago.
@@melanieadams3066 never tried after we got it back. Seemed to run just fine and then we got rid of it.
Holy crap actually worked saved me hundreds of dollars about to buy a new tranny thanks man
Thanks so much, this worked on my daughter's car. Dealer would have wanted $3,500 to fix!
That's awesome! Kind of crazy it's such a simple fix! I don't charge near $3500! LOL!
My sons focus was doing the same, I found just disconnecting the battery for ten minutes fixed it.
Ive got a 2.0S and reading comments on YT some say drive it like a manual, ive tried it and it works to a degree, lift off the throttle at 2k (ish) rpm and it shifts good, but laziness gets the better of you in the end, knowledge is power with the ecoshift,.
This video makes a lot of sense. I do appreciate you posting this. I don't have a Focus, however I do have a Veloster which have same DCT Transmission system. Mine recently started acting up in similar manner as the focus, except mine won't throw any codes at all. I tried replacing the battery as I have always told my wife I see the Dash lights flicker, but she says she don't see them flicker (Guess gaming with 144hz monitor for over 6yrs boosted a little my Hz vision haha), but I never thought about trying this with the ground wires, might give this a try this weekend and hopefully yields some positive results.
Keep me posted with what you find please! Good luck!
@@grampzquad Just a update. Thanks a lot for this. I got around to cleaning the ground connections on the Veloster and completely fixed my Flickering lights and also my transmission issue is gone as well. Really appreciate the info!! Thank you.
Thank you for the tip. Dielectric grease is an insulator so perhaps not a good idea to use it as described, just cleaning it up should suffice.
No transmission problems but will be doing trans fluid change, breaks and spark plugs and coils but I might as well do this. Thanks! Cool simple little video (:
I just purchased a 2014 Focus that has a slight slip in first gear. I will be doing this first thing tomorrow. Thank you for a very helpful video.
Please give an update on how it goes because I have the same problem!
Same here I shaved paint off the top ground above air box but not below and changed the purge valve
Any updates
Any updates?
Any update
Another addition to the grounds getting cleaned that can help pending on your situation is doing a factory transmission “relearn” for the TCM. Other great videos how to do it without a scanner.
If you have a scanner and the program to do it you can do more in depth and see a read out of the different tests and is more useful.
Not just this transmission. Not just Fords. Many, many frustrations have been solved by ensuring good grounds are made (UK-earths). Doesn’t fix everything, of course, but always worth checking especially after the warranty has expired.
Chassis commons?
For all those folks out there that think that the Focus is junk because of the DCT, FYI......HYUNDAI has had its share of DCT problems. The 2016, 2017 Velosters (one of my favorite cars) were the subject of "class action" lawsuits because of the SAME 'problems' the Focus has. Only difference is, there are MANY MORE Focii on the road (best selling compact car in 2012), so the Ford gets ALL the bad press, with shyster lawyers ready to pounce. Ford has DEEP pockets, and Steve Lehto can line his pockets!
I have a 2012 veloster and though it drove from 40k miles when I bought it to 120k miles without issue, I just started having same issues. I do hear pple talk alot about DCT transmissions but I still like them lol. Currently trying to figure my issues out that why I landed on this video, but hyundai been plague with the DCT issues from begining to be honest.
A better idea, in addition to cleaning the ground connections, why not run a 8ga (or larger) wire from that firewall post DIRECTLY to the transmission case?
That would not hurt either!
Awesome you mean from battery to transmission Block?? Thanks 👍
Hey, did you ever run the wire directly like you suggested? And did it help? I cleaned the connections like Grampzquad suggested and it has definitely helped. However, my check engine light still comes on at times. Perhaps adding the cable as you suggested would give even more power to the transmission? (I know very little about cars!) Please let me know if that helps! Thanks!
@@augustobalbuena4641Hey man, did you ever add that extra wire connection to your Focus?
A nice clever fix... That takes care of 1 of the 3 common faults with this clutch, Unfortunately the other 2 problems are not so easily fixed. 🙁. It is a dry dual clutch, It will overheat and prematurely wear out and also it has a constant shutter when an internal seal fails (they all do) which causes oil to contaminate the clutch making it slip a little when taking off. I do like the rest of the car though, I barely had anything else wrong with it at 212K miles... such a shame. Best of luck with yours!!!
That bad seal had been re-designed by the time 2016 Foci came out. That overheating clutch pak is due to improper driving habits....creeping in traffic, using THIS transmission to hold the car back on inclines. The same things you wouldn't do with a stick shift, BECAUSE this is a manual transmission without the THIRD pedal. These cars have to be driven like you stole it!
What did you end up doing with your transmission?
@@TheOzthewiz "This clutch pack overheating is due to bad driving habits"
"BECAUSE it's a manual transmission without the THIRD pedal. These cars need to be driven like you stole them!"
Could you explain in a few words what you mean?
@@andreyvovnenko8969 If you don't know how to drive something with a manual transmission, you will not understand.
What he means is, the if you were driving a truck with a manual transmission, you would not sit on a hill and to keep the truck from moving backward by using the clutch. You know, right at the friction point (pedal inch off the floor). You would keep the clutch in and use the brake.
A Focus uses a manual transmission. Actuators work the clutch instead of you pushing the pedal, based on driver input and computer programming.
I bought one for my daughter, and she refuses to learn how to drive a manual, even though the majority of my vehicles are...grrr
Bottom line, if you don't drive it properly, you can create big problems. Ford screwed up when they used a dry clutch, which can be much less forgiving.
@@madviking1320so you mean when first gear I get to 3000 rpm and release the gas pedal it automatic change to 2 gear ? Like when it change gear I release the gas pedal? Or just hold the gas pedal whole time when it change gear ? Thank you for reading this
Just got the notice today on my 2014 escape. Seems to be shifting fine. Notice comes and goes. Have to drive home tomorrow from Cincinnati to around Toledo with it. Hope it makes it. When i get home im going to do as you say.
I just got a 11 Fiesta. Previous owner thought the transmission was bad. I cleaned the grounds, reset the car, and did a few wot pulls and she is driving pretty darn good! I was surprised to see paint AND primer when sanding. Too bad Furd sent these cars to death so early.
Awesome! There are some good deals out there. Stay grounded my friend!
How did you do the reset after cleaning the grounds?
@@billparker3095 1. Run car, shift to Neutral
2. turn to Off, wait 15 seconds
3. Shift to Park
4. Turn ignition on (engine not running), wait 15
seconds
5. Turn off, then back to ignition on (engine not
running)
6. Step on brake, shift to Neutral
7. Dash indicator should read 'Transmission ready'
8. Start car and drive normally
@@dylanraife325 Thank you Dylan and Raife
@@dylanraife325 this is the same for 2014 ford escape ?, tia
This was a TCM related issue for me. Tried this tip and no difference. Luckily Ford fixed for me under their extended warranty due to recalls on this part.
will ford replace the tcm even if i am not the original owner? if so, how do i go about doing that? thank you!
Thank you for this video!! I was desperate for a car and recently purchased a Ford Focus 2012 and the transmission took a dump on me :(
I am having a new transmission from the junkyard put in along with a tcm… in addition I will reset the new tcm and try this out. I hope it helps, thank you for the video !!
Did this work?
Use ox guard or never seize. They are conductive.
Thats what i use on loudspeaker terminals, makes more sense.
This! 👍🏻
On a road trip 3 hrs from home on the highway my revs shot up almost to redlining i pulled off the highway took it to a shop and was told shift actuators, actually worked fine for 2-3 days and made it home.. tryong this before xhanging them..
Nailed it!! Owner says the car is driving better than when new. Seems this problem started early in the cars life. Good video!!
Thanks Brian! Freaking simple eh!
Hey Grampzquad,
I have a question ... is the music at the beginning of this video copyrighted?
I'm scrupulous about trying to respect copyright law with everything.
Hope you answer. Thank you sir.
Dielectric grease is actually an insulator. Clean, connect/bolt, then apply at the end to all exposed metal.
Disconnecting the ground wire for a short while could have reset some of the computer modules as well. I'll be trying this on a 2015 Focus. Thanks
I am going to try this out soon with 14 focus se I only have 45,000 miles on mine so the transmission doesn’t even have 112,000 miles like this car but I am still looking forward to trying this to see if it will help the shite DCT studders, jerks and slips
I have the same issue on my 14 focus aswell. I can’t even sell the car because people get scared from the obnoxious jerks and slips. Please keep me updated if this works for you or not.
Did it work...?
I'm gonna try this in the morning, I'm truly hoping this works as my car is part of my livelihood. I dash so I drive a lot and recently thinking my spark plugs may have been the problem I replaced them, replaced the air filter and even added transmission fluid which was a bit of a pain. I honestly don't know who's idea it was to put the filler plug on the side of the drivers side axle, but I managed and turns out he didn't need transmission fluid.
Here's my car's symptoms, for the first few minutes he starts and goes into gear just fine but after 10 or 15 minutes my car struggles to catch second gear and barely makes it to 3rd gear so when I get to a red light my car struggles to move as if I were in neutral and revving the engine, I've had pissed off driver behind me at least a few times today and at some point I got the warning to turn the car off cause the transmission was hot. I even bought a fuel filter for nothing cause on my Focus I have to drop the tank to get to the filter.
I'm truly hoping this helps me cause my car pays my bills through delivery work. Plus he's my baby and hate having my car go through this
Can you give us an update, Thanks!
@alonsokeys5947 sorry, I know it's been ages but nope, it didn't work in my case and had to give up on the car.... I miss him 😭😭😭😭😭
I have a 2012 SEL at 169k miles that just starting slipping and skipping gears, and won't let me go into SelectShift anymore. I'm gonna try this on a not rainy day, I'll try to remember to reply back about my results!
Any luck?
@@grampzquad No, unfortunately not. I've just about given up on this car.
I have in the last yr become fairly familiar with the common issues on these dct trans from ford. Grounding is one. Shift forks actuators are another. TCM faults are also possible. After that your next common faults deal in removing the trans. And that would be the clutch, shift forks, release bearings, or shaft seals. doing the clutch requires special tools on Amazon for about $120. If you plan to keep your 11 and newer focus or fiesta, it wouldn't be a bad thing to invest in the few specialized tools. Ford even says that if you replace the clutch, it's possible to notice some shutter for up to 5k miles after new replacement and the new clutch could go out in as early as 30k miles after replacement.
Obviously, even as stated in the video, the actual fault does depend on what's going on and the codes.
Very, very good, more of a proper (than just replacing things, I love it. I question the dielectric grease, I don't even use it on electric, it's not a conductor, so it may insulate the proper connection. But, good job! I look in here when I see 'fixers' for sale and this sounds like it.
not supposed to be a conductor. it's supposed to protect connection from corrosion.
I pulled the Ford logo off the front and it worked. J/k I'll do this this weekend. Ford said $1,900 to fix it.
Best of luck my friend!
@@grampzquad all jokes aside, I'm pulling my car in the garage this weekend to do this. My car has always had electrical issues, I think this will work.
Nice video , did it to mine , like you said ( smooth as butter )
Thanks .
Awesome! Glad it helped. 👍
I did what you said. And holy crap, it was crazy but it worked. My rpms won't going as quits high as your friends but other then that I was having the same cymtoms; so I gave it a try. Thanks for salving my two year old problem
Daughter has a 2015 1.0 liter eco boost. Has an issue with no power going up hill. No codes…. At wits end trying to figure out. Also has a 2nd gear issue where it’s very difficult to shift to 2nd gear. The problems are not related as the gear issue has been ongoing.
Upper Midwest. Bare metal equals rust, and my 2014 is already full of it. Hope the grease helps with that.
In your case I'd also clean the ground bolt threads and apply the grease to the bolt threads then a shot of tremclad paint overtop.
Midwest here too.
I might smear silicone on everything after I complete the cleaning
Just did this today because my focus was hesitating big time between shifts. Was intermittent and if it happened, pull over shut down and wait a few seconds and restart in it would shift ok. Local dealer quoted around $2000 for a tcm and said they couldn't get one. I cleaned the grounds as they were both painted under the lug. Went for a drive right away and shifting was still poor but after sitting for a day, the engine light went off and it shifts better than it ever did. Cheer's
Nice! Glad it helped!
I'm going to do this on my 2008 volvo v50 powershift desil same engine as ford I think no harm in trying let you know tomorrow
What is the thing called to reset codes? Did you say dungledilio ? I didn’t see such a part to buy from China. Thanks for this upload, my daughter car has this problem, but pretty sure it’s her TCM
This is unbelievable. Would shoddy grounds also cause flickering in the dome light? I am going to try on my 2016
cleaning the grounds is good, you can see the corrosion on the cables, but diaelectric grease is non-conductive, better to clean it like you did, tighten them down and use some fluid film on the connections, or put the grease on top not between where you want metal to metal contact.
Day 2 after removing paint on terminal connectors. Drove the car 40 miles and back home with no problems. Felt like driving a new car. No check engine light. Pulled in my driveway, shut the engine off. Tried to start it back up and it wouldn't start. Got a message, "Parking aid Fault...service required". Talking about going from the frying pan to the fire. Now I'm surfing TH-cam videos to find out what this new deal is. I am only thankful that I made it back home from the forty mile trip. I actually stopped at Auto Zone to get air fresheners for the car when I was still 20 miles out and stopped at Quick Trip to use the rest room and got back on the road. I could've easily been up crap river had the car not started then.
L
Hi the same thing happened to me, did you figure out the solution to this problem?
@@sporty14863 I can only speculate that the increased current to the TCM may have just pushed it over the edge. The TCM was old and original when the car was new 7 years ago. So if Ford has an issue with the TCMs it was bound to fail whether it got more current to it or not. Another few years or less, this new TCM may malfunction again. They may not have solved the issue with their TCM. They could be just installing us this new one for us to just carry one till it malfunctions again. The car is running fine now with the new TCM installed, but my wife and I are holding our breaths that nothing goes wrong until we have a chance to get rid of the car.
There’s a common issue with one of the small mega fuses in this car going bad. Swapping it out will probably fix the fault issue. Second fuse from the right. I had major electric issues at 100k miles and that fuse was it. Located in front of where the battery sits
I have a 2015 Focus with that typical transmission glitch. It ends up being the transmission clutch actuator every time I do a scan. Problem comes back even replacing those things. This seems to be a great IDEA and will TRY IT and see if this fixes the issue. Thank you got those valuable details.
I'm getting just a clutch code, no power train codes. Right now I'm changing the transmission fluid and then I'm going to do the stuff in this video.
@@400deaths did you get the issue fixed?
@@ericklewis289 if you have a clutch code then this won't fix it. I'm ordering a clutch actuator, it's like $35-110 on eBay. I'm sure this will fix it. My code was PO90c I think
@@400deaths I ordered those and cleaned the grounds. It helped for a while but codes came back. I suspect the tcm is bad
@@ericklewis289 did you order OEM actuators?
Dielectric grease is actually used to prevent electrical connection.
Kind of like grinding the paint off, then spraying a bunch of paint on it when you put it back together.
Is that why some of them only worked for a day?
@michaelszczys8316 please explain. There is metal to metal contact now. A light coat of paint on bare metal to prevent rust.
@@grampzquad if dielectric grease does not conduct electricity and is actually more of an ' insulator ', is used to ' insulate ' and as a lubricant that will not interfere by conducting, then I would think you would not want to have any in between the two metals.
Maybe clamp the two clean metals together and then cover them with the grease to help further corrosion, but not have any between them.
Tried this on my daughter's Focus, and it worked. They've been making cars for over 100 (ONE HUNDRED - LET THAT SOAK IN - ONE HUNDRED YEARS) and they don't know how to properly ground the electrical system? I go thru life bewildered by the almost incomprehensible stupidity surrounding me. 100 years...geesh...a bad ground - from the factory! And they're gonna make electric cars? What could go wrong there?
Glad the fix worked for you! It's not just Ford. Check any other make and the ground post from the battery (from factory) will usually have paint on it.
That's amazing, so smart. I will try this with my buick. My Elm327 says Trans is not getting power. Thanks again.
Good Luck PJ!
Man, thank you for the video, vry well explained. Wish u more success.
Im trying to make some more power in my 16 ecoboost. I think it needs just a little more get up and go
I dont have a ford focus but this video is still great content.
👍😁 Thanks for watching!
`my boss daughter has a 2015 focus se she was t boned and car was totaled. put a new door on it and rebuild the title and runs fine. they had issues with the trans so im going to check the grounds thanks
2015 SE
Had the clutches and seals changed at 99500mi
Now at 129000mi
Intermittently getting the P090C code, have heard it's more than likely the TCM, but I'm wondering if the grounding trick would fix.... That code is low voltage in the circuit, short to ground... I did the ground post by the battery around the time I had the clutches replaced. Now thinking about doing the other grounds.
Guess it wouldn't hurt, right?
Mines doing that now.. left me stranded 5.5 hrs from home love everything about the car but this... trans has been acting dumb for a while... I’m gonna try this... I noticed my ground was painted also I unplug it for a while and it stops for a while
Transmission needs a good ground to work properly. Good luck!
I have a 2012 manual and I'd heard about the horrific trans problems these had from new in Australia, hence I bought a manual a few months back with 223k on the clock. It does have a problem with the electric steering though, occasionally forgets to work at all when the car is started and takes a few restarts to get going. I'm wondering if it's the same problem..... might get out there with the Dremel and do the same thing😊. I'll report back.
Any news i have a manuale 2012
Hi, can you advice the name of the android little tool to reset the codes, thank you for the video
The app on my phone is called TORQUE. You need an ELM327 bluetooth dongle to plug into the obd port.
Thank you, Grampz. Tried this and it didn't work. 2012 Fiesta with only 33K miles for daughter. P2831, P2832, P287B, P2831-00, P2832-00, P285E-00, P287-00, U041-68, and C1B00-64 codes (obvious shuttering). 6-8 months for the recall and don't know what else to do. Thoughts?
Great video. Thank you for the information. How do you clear the codes after sanding the ground terminals?
To clear the codes you need an OBDII reader. Often once the problem is fixed they will clear on their own.
@@grampzquad Thk you
Appreciate the info.
Glad I got mine keeps my gas usage down
3 months ago 4K in repairs that weren't required and still not done, new purchase owner 2012. Ford lied told me they'd cover it they didn't and here I am.
Thank you bud!! Earned a like and follow
Thanks Omar! 👍
I got 2014 focus under 90k 1st 2nd shift slipping. Then i got pull over to let the tranny cool down. Tried the restart transmission. It was only a temp fix. Saying my transmission sensor going out. So im try this first
I spray my grounds yearly with whatever lube I have around the garage. Especially if you live in areas they salt like toronto
Hope your still replying to comments, at 4:12 you mention the car had no reverse after applying this fix, did that ever come back?
Still runs fine. In the description I list the engine code which was for poor electrical connection to the tranny. It's a good idea to do this fix if you are having problems or not. Good grounds make for a happy car.
@
Grampzquad : now that its been almost 10 months for this, does the transmission still function properly, or did it break down afterwards? thanks in advance.
Sold it to a friend. Still going strong!
Interesting, interesting. It wasn't hard to do this. The air filter assembly comes out really easy. It looks hard. Just watch a TH-cam video that shows you how. After that I was able to access the two terminals below. I grinded the paint areas off till I got to the metal. Now I didn't bother with putting any grease on it right now. Just used WD-40. It's not hard to go back in and finish it off right if I have to. My results....? The transmission seems to transition very smoothly, have not seen an engine light yet after driving for over an hour around town. Its shifting does feel better with some pep. I am impressed though the jury is still out. After 3 days if I don't see an engine light and the transmission keeps performing smoothly, then I'll say this was a good fix. I do have to say though that the transmission performance feels pretty good. And oh, I did not reset any codes. Just did the terminals and put it back together and took it for a spin. I did disconnect my battery because I did not want to get shocked.
Got my fingers crossed for you also! Let me know how it's doing after a few days. 😎
@@grampzquad I will post the results. I was waiting on that check engine light which usually don't take long showing up. It hasn't so far. I gassed it, gunned it, went up a hilly road. So I'm impressed so far.
@@headlightvideotraining SWEET!
@@grampzquad Day 2. So far so good. Went to the store and did a little shopping. Decided to take the freeway route back home at 70 miles an hour. Exit off the freeway and took the back roads back home. It feels good like I'm driving a new car again. No check engine light so far. Next, I'm going to take the car on a long trip about 40 miles and come back today. Will post results tomorrow.
@@headlightvideotraining verdict???
Has this worked in any of the newer models? I have a 2017 that's been acting up, I'm terrified to drive it
Hey Grampzquad,
Is the music at the beginning of this video cooyrighted? I'm kinda scrupulous about trying to respect cooyright law. Would really appreciate you answering me! Thanks
It's not
Just try to get a dealer to change the TCM. There is a shortage of them and the dealer will give all kinds of excuses not to change it. The local dealer here told me fit only needs a new clutch package for $3,500.
thx for the video i will try it for my wifes 2012 Focus 1.6 A/T (powershift dry clutch)... did you get any more warning lights or shudder problem after cleaning the grounding connections?
Mine worked perfectly. It will most likely depend on the condition of your wearable clutch components.
@@grampzquad thank you for your comments...
@@grampzquad a feedback and one more question... i also have a battery warning light on and off occasionally... i am driving my car with the test mode on and i am tracking my batteries voltage value past a few weeks . The engine starts around 12,8 (sudden drop and rise during ignition) and rises up to 14,5 V in seconds... But after some miles it starts to decrease 0,1 by 0,1... on the highway it stays on around 13,3 V but in traffic jam it decreases a lot till 13,0 V... i get battery warning light last night and the value was 11,6 V.... after couple of miles voltage increased suddenly to 14,1 V again... now i would like to ask that do i have to renew my alternator or my 1 year old battery... and one important thing is here there was no shudder problem with my transmission when the battery voltage value more than 14,3 volts... smooth transmission and my car starts obvious shuddering when it decreases 13,6 volts... please give your feedbacks and thanks in advance...
@@meb40 It looks like your alternator may need to be replaced. You can also check and make sure there are good connections from the alternator to the battery. Good luck!
@@grampzquad one mechanic suggested to renew the alternator brushes but the other one suggested to renew the alternator ... i am still researching and i will inform everyone in here but i strongly believe that there is direct correlation between charging and shifting sytem... we may solve this problem together...
Thank You so much!! I subscribed to your channel hoping to learn more from you!! God Bless
Did you got any sparks ⚡️ while connecting the ground to the polished metal plate?
I am afraid I got few sparks while connecting but after the connection it’s all normal.
Yes, that is normal. 👍
Disconnect the battery if you are afraid
@@konintreh4947 - first?
Sparks could ruin the tcm ! Be careful !
I wish I could do this myself, 2013 ford focus no reverse, took to dealer, extended warranty only for 7years or 100,000 miles blah blah blah, I am so sad sad about my car, 2, 500 hundred they say to fix!! I wish you were here to help me!
You can do this! Just follow the video instructions carefully.
@@grampzquad Thank you for responding, I'm gonna try it!! May God be with me!🙏😍❤👍,
@@franceshaynesdevinelife6874 Did you?
@@lonnaproctor9547 No, the city end up towing it!! Transmission was shot!😪❤🙏👍
I was able to clean the battery ground and that helped. However, I am unable to remove the airbox. As I look from the front of the engine compartment, something is holding it from underneath. I don't know whether to give it a yank or try some other method.
Give it a quick pull. It's a rubber bushing on a metal post. Grease it up before you put it back.
Wondering if I can do this to my Ford Fusion 🤔 ???
Will this work for the p0606 code in a 2012 focus? Keeps saying service transmission now and shifting hard but after clearing code works like normal
Doesn't hurt to try. You may have more serious issues. The transmission will function better with a good grounding. I also think the poor ground causes other transmission damage.
What about p0700_00
Ford galaxy has got problems with Limited transmission function
I keep hearing this extremely loud muffler sound when i shift gears or accelerate. Sound is coming from front passenger side! It’s so unpleasant and I’m not sure what it is! I really am hesitant being female because of being ripped off by other mechanics fixing around the issue!
Hello bro..
You gave me hope after seeing this video, i hope that you'll be able to answer me , i have a 2012 fiesta and its only reaching the 4th gear , after that a high sound comes out from the engine room... My question is will this tip help in my case , and if yes will it work without resetting the errors??iam kindly waiting for your reply
I can't say 100% it will work but it is well worth trying this fix! The error codes do not need to be deleted. Often they will go away on their own after driving for a while. Good luck! 🤞
@@grampzquad thank you for your kind reply ...all the best
Did it but my light came back on after driving it a while...but unfortunately I only got one of the bolts off to clear below the air filter...that might be why...
can you please post the details on the OBD dongle!
There's a bunch on ebay. Just search - OBDII ELM 327
It works great with the Torque app.
You should give us the link for that little reader that plugs in
I use an app called Torque Pro on my android phone. You just need a bluetooth obdII adaptor. Just search ebay for "obd2 scanner bluetooth" they are around $10.
My ‘16 has clean looking terminals would it be worth a shot ?
would this fix also work for a 2005 ford focus zx4 automatic or just the 2012 models? it moves forward ,but doesn't move in reverse
This isn't a tough job and doesn't take too long. I don't know if it has the same transmission but... if the TCM isn't getting a good ground I would think it would affect performance also. It's worth a shot before spending $$ on another tranny!
Why wouldn't you try it?
It doesn't cost anything.
Just a little time.
@@grampzquad Only the THIRD GEN Focii (2012----2018) have the 'two pedal' manual. Previous Focci are full hydraulic.