2000 Ford Focus Poor Performance

Tiny
BRONZEMOUSE2003
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,000 MILES
Driving in hill areas of PA, NY and CT - problems occur intermittently
Issues:
1. When using Cruise Control, car fails to downshift. This occurs on extended uphill runs where the vehicle will just slow down or at bottom of hill after a downhill run where engine will race.
2. Engine races when additional power is requested on hills or accelerating for lane change in traffic. There is no acceleration - actually more like car has popped into neutral. If you take your foot off the gas, the car will begin to accelerate slowly.

Not sure if I'm looking at a fuel delivery or transmission issue.

Any comment would be appreciated.
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 AT 9:47 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
If the engine revs, the fuel system sounds fine. This deals with the transmission. First, is the trans fluid full and clean? Also, has the check engine light come on?

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
BRONZEMOUSE2003
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Actually, had transmission fluid changed and filter cleaned in January. No check engine light issues.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Based on your description, it sounds like the transmission is slipping. If the check engine light didn't come on, then chances are the TCM and sensors are working correctly. That leaves us with the possibility of clutches that are bad causing a slip. If that is the case, it will need a basic overhaul.

Let me know if you have other questions or more information to add.

Joe
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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 10:45 AM

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