A puzzle: auto transmission problems or something else?

[lugtigheid]

Hi everyone,

Almost exactly a year ago, I bought a 2005 Ford Focus MK2 automatic with 110k miles on the clock. It was taken care of very well and I saw no problem. I've driven it for a year and added 20k miles and am very sensitive to sounds and how the drive feels.

Last week, after a long drive, I noticed the following:

1. Ride seemed bumpier and there seemed to be quite a bit of vibration at high speeds.
2. Engine seems to go up to higher revs until it shifts - i.e. the shifts occur later than they would before.
3. Car seems to come to slow down quicker when I release the gas pedal.

I figured it had something to do with wheel alignment and balancing, so I had that looked at first. Balancing and alignment were both off quite a bit, and after having both fixed, I think the ride is much smoother.

That leaves the other two points; I thought it might be the automatic transmission fluid, but I had a mechanic check that yesterday and he says it's fine (it looked a bit brown to me). Levels were fine. He drove the car and said it drives fine, but I've driven it for a year and know what it normally drives like.

The problem remains: it doesn't shift as quickly as it would normally do. Can you help me diagnose this? What are things to look out for? Is there anything that could rule out big problems? I Can't hear any noises or whirrs. Would it be wise to do a transmission fluid flush anyway, just to be on the safe side?

Thanks for any replies. Really appreciate it!

[tomsugden]

We had a similar fault in my wife's car. My mechanic changed the oil and filter in the 'sealed for life' auto gearbox, and it solved the problem.

[PositronicRay]

Worth doing a transmission oil change IMO.
It's difficult to see fluid colour on the dipstick, put a drop on some kitchen paper. new fluid is red old is brown.

Edited by PositronicRay on Thursday 19th February 16:11