Symptom Chart: Automatic Transmission

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .

In most circumstances the PCM sets a DTC to help guide with diagnostics. Refer to the DTC Chart before using the Symptom Chart.

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
No forward or reverse, stuck in neutral	Brake pressure sensor Corrupt TCM adaptive learn Clutch motors TR sensor	If DTC C0040:64 is retrieved, REFER to: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) And Stability Control . If any TCM DTCs are retrieved resolve them first. REFER to: Automatic Transmission . If no DTC is retrieved, INSPECT the TR sensor electrical connector and confirm the connector is seated and locked. REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . If concern still exists, GO to Pinpoint Test H. REFER to: Automatic Transmission .
No forward or no reverse gear	TR sensor electrical connector TR sensor Clutch motors	If any TCM DTCs are retrieved resolve them first. REFER to: Automatic Transmission . If no DTC is retrieved, INSPECT the TR sensor electrical connector and confirm the connector is seated and locked. REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . INSPECT the electrical connectors for both clutch motors and confirm that the connectors are seated and locked. If concern still exists, GO to Pinpoint Test H. REFER to: Automatic Transmission .
Harsh or soft/delayed engagement or shifts	Clutch adaptive learn	REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning .
Harsh or soft/delayed engagement or shifts	Clutch	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
Noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) in 1st, 3rd, and/or 5th	Clutch 1	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Input shaft 1	REFER to: Transmission .
	Clutch contamination	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Leaking inner and/or outer input shaft seal	REFER to: Input Shaft Seal .
Noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) in park, neutral, reverse, 2nd, 4th, and/or 6th	Clutch 2	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Input shaft 2	REFER to: Transmission .
	Clutch contamination	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Leaking inner and/or outer input shaft seal	REFER to: Input Shaft Seal .
Clicking, ticking, or grinding noise when shifting into any gear	Clutch damage	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Clutch binding	REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
	Worn or damaged synchronizers action	REFER to: Transmission .
Clicking/ticking noise when shifting into 1st gear	Worn or damaged synchronizer action	REFER to: Transmission .
Grinding noise going into 5th gear	Worn or damaged synchronizer action	REFER to: Transmission .
Noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) in all gears	Differential	REFER to: Transmission .
Noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) in all gears	Worn, damaged or improperly installed intermediate shaft bearing or support	REFER to: Front Drive Halfshafts .
First order engine vibration	Clutch mis-alignment Improperly torqued flexplate to clutch nuts	Improperly torqued flexplate to clutch nuts can cause a first order engine vibration. INSTALL new flexplate to clutch nuts and follow the tightening procedure in REFER to: Transmission - 2.0L Duratec-HE (125kW/170PS) - MI4 .
No Park / stuck in Park	Selector lever cable adjustment	REFER to: Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .
	Park components	REFER to: Transmission .
	TCM software at the wrong level	REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning .
	TCM voltage high	REFER to: Charging System - System Operation and Component Description .
	Connector or wiring issues	Check for DTC.
	Clutch adaptive learn	REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning .
Other concerns	Selector lever high effort	Selector lever cable routed wrong, binding or damaged. REFER to: External Controls .
Other concerns	No start/TR indicates R when selector lever is in P.	Selector lever cable routed wrong, binding or damaged. REFER to: External Controls .
External fluid leaks	Worn or damaged seals/gaskets	NOTE: The source of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair. REFER to: Special Testing Procedures . REFER to: Transmission Description - Overview . for seal location, repair or replace as necessary.
Clutch shudder on acceleration	Clutch adaptive learn Clutch contamination	GO to Pinpoint Test A
Transmission overheat light on - stop safely	Input shaft seal leaks Engagement bearing Clutch A and B actuator levers Clutch unit	VERIFY that concern is present. RETRIEVE and RESOLVE any DTCs, REFER to the DTC, REFER to: Automatic Transmission . If no DTCs are present using a scan tool, PERFORM the IDS Clutch Routine. If concern still exists remove transmission and inspect the input shaft seal for leaks, inspect the engagement bearing, Clutch A and B actuators and clutch unit for contamination or damage. REFER to: Transmission - 2.0L Duratec-HE (125kW/170PS) - MI4 .
Rattle during light acceleration from a low speed in any given gear	Clutch contamination Clutch Input shaft Clutch actuators Engagement bearing	VERIFY that concern is present. PERFORM a road test and attempt to duplicate the noise by COASTING in the gear of interest. Load the clutch by pressing lightly on the accelerator. If the noise is present and excessive, INSPECT the clutch for contamination. REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit . If contaminated CLEAN as necessary. If no contamination is present PERFORM the TCM adaptive learn procedure. REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . If concern is still present, INSTALL a new clutch. REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
Shudder or vibration focused on the driver seat area or steering wheel	Clutch Clutch contamination Misaligned clutch	NOTE: New ("green") clutches may exhibit a temporary shudder during "break-in" period, it may diminish. Start from a stop, release the brake pedal to allow vehicle to creep. Observe for excessive vibration in the seat, the floor, and/or steering wheel. Short duration of vibration may be acceptable. If the clutch is already broken in, check for any clutch-to-flex plate misalignment, loosen all clutch-to-flex plate fasteners and retorque all fasteners to specification REFER to: Transmission - 2.0L Duratec-HE (125kW/170PS) - MI4 . If the alignment is OK, INSTALL a new clutch. REFER to: Clutch and Damper Unit .
Coast down grinding noise	Output shaft assembly Shift fork Shift drum overtravel	NOTE: This noise is best diagnosed when the vehicle engine temperature is cold and has sat for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight. Drive the vehicle to a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), then release the accelerator pedal and let the vehicle coast down to 32 km/h (20 mph). If excessive noise occurs, REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . If the concern is still present, Using a scan tool, CONFIRM that the shift drum angles are OK, REFER to: Specifications . If the concern is still present, REMOVE the output shaft and verify that the shift-fork-to-hub end clearance is OK. REFER to: Specifications . If OK, INSTALL a new output shaft and shift fork. REFER to: Transmission . If the shift-fork-to-hub end clearance is OK, CHECK the specific synchronizer ring clearance, REFER to: Specifications . If not OK, INSTALL a new respective output shaft. REFER to: Transmission .
Normal transmission noise	--	Slight clicking sounds during a gear shift event, especially apparent when driving slowly with windows open and/or driving by a wall (building etc.) are normal noises. Drive normally at low speeds, first around a parking lot and then faster if needed. Coast down with or without braking from any speed to stop. Let vehicle downshift from 3rd-2nd gear or 2nd-1st gear. Listen to shift noise. This is normal auto-manual transmission shift noise, no repair is necessary.
Abnormal noise on gear shifts, clashing/grinding/ratcheting noise on a gear shift when driving. Most affected are shifts into gears 1, 3, 5	Shift fork-bushings Shift drum A Synchronizer ring clearance TCM adaptive learn Shift drum angles Output shaft Case to shift drum bushings TCM	Driving normally, shift into the affected gear. Try upshifts with various throttle openings (usually in 15-35% range), and downshifts by decelerating the vehicle with various loads on the brake pedal. If the transmission noise during gear shifts is excessively loud, REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . If concern still exists, VERIFY shift drum angles are within specification for a specific gear selection. REFER to: Specifications . To aid diagnostic direction, REMOVE the transmission. REFER to: Transmission - 2.0L Duratec-HE (125kW/170PS) - MI4 . REMOVE the respective output shaft and verify that the shift-fork-to-hub end clearance is within specification for the specific gear selection and shaft, and measure synchronizer ring clearance. REFER to: Specifications . INSPECT the TCM clock and shift motor gears. If OK inspect all shift components and bushings. Replace any parts showing excessive wear or damage, or not within specification.
Abnormal noise on gear shifts, clashing/grinding/ratcheting noise on a gear shift when driving. Most affected are shifts into gears 2, 4, 6, R	Shift fork Shift drum B Synchronizer ring clearance TCM adaptive learn Shift drum angles Output shaft Case to shift drum bushings TCM	Driving normally, shift into the affected gear. Try upshifts with various throttle openings (usually in 15-35% range), and downshifts by decelerating the vehicle with various loads on the brake pedal. If the transmission noise during gear shifts is excessively loud, REFER to: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Adaptive Learning . If concern still exists, VERIFY shift drum angles are within specification for a specific gear selection. REFER to: Specifications . To aid diagnostic direction, REMOVE the transmission. REFER to: Transmission - 2.0L Duratec-HE (125kW/170PS) - MI4 . REMOVE the respective output shaft and verify that the shift-fork-to-hub end clearance is within specification for the specific gear selection and shaft, and measure synchronizer ring clearance. REFER to: Specifications . INSPECT the TCM clock and shift motor gears. If OK inspect all shift components and bushings. Replace any parts showing excessive wear or damage, or not within specification.