2007 Ford Focus not shifting into 3rd

[Dwight_Schrute87]

My wife has a 2007 Focus, it goes into second just fine but just revs really high and never changes into third gear, it’s not throwing a check engine light or transmission light, I don’t know what to do but I’d be willing to try to fix it myself if anyone on here knew what the problem might be, thanks guys 👊🏼

 

[Les White]

Google suggests this is a common problem for that year. No solid easy fix short of rebuilding the tranny. Lots of suggestions to check fluid levels and color, but no indication that fixed anything.

 

[pikepole20]

Will it shift if you manually move the gear selector? Older cars used to have a throttle position sensor that could cause problems. Don't know 07 still used this type of thing. Once you have to go in a transmission, might as well go all the way.

 

[Button Pusher]

Could be the VSS vehicle speed sensor, RockAuto shows input and output, most likely the output sensor.
I had similar problems with both my '99 Sable and Taurus, would not upshift into second, rpm high, then violent up shift into second,
the mechanical speedo would not move. Never got any codes. Later models eliminated this sensor and used the abs wheel sensor for VSS.

 

[Dwight_Schrute87]

Will it shift if you manually move the gear selector? Older cars used to have a throttle position sensor that could cause problems. Don't know 07 still used this type of thing. Once you have to go in a transmission, might as well go all the way.

It’s got the 1st & 2nd then Drive selectors, but it just doesn’t go into 3rd gear at all, a rebuilt transmission sounds like something I can’t afford at the moment

Could be the VSS vehicle speed sensor, RockAuto shows input and output, most likely the output sensor.
I had similar problems with both my '99 Sable and Taurus, would not upshift into second, rpm high, then violent up shift into second,
the mechanical speedo would not move. Never got any codes. Later models eliminated this sensor and used the abs wheel sensor for VSS.
View attachment 730564

Possibly but it’s not even trying to go into third not even violently, I could try the abs wheel sensor

 

[Button Pusher]

It’s got the 1st & 2nd then Drive selectors, but it just doesn’t go into 3rd gear at all, a rebuilt transmission sounds like something I can’t afford at the moment

Possibly but it’s not even trying to go into third not even violently, I could try the abs wheel sensor

Don't spend money on parts, if it was abs it would give a code. Could be a faulty solenoid in the transmission. Try disconnecting that sensor and see if you get a code, most likely you will but it might not be the problem.

Have you had the ATF fluid changed over the years?

 

[Dwight_Schrute87]

No sir I haven't, I apologize I’m not very mechanically inclined

Don't spend money on parts, if it was abs it would give a code. Could be a faulty solenoid in the transmission. Try disconnecting that sensor and see if you get a code, most likely you will but it might not be the problem.

Have you had the ATF fluid changed over the years?

 

[Button Pusher]

No sir I haven't, I apologize I’m not very mechanically inclined

No apologies necessary, we all have different skills, how many miles on the car?
I'd change the ATF fluid and see if that clears it up, not too expensive DIY. If you were closer I'd say bring it here. I'm a amateur shade tree mechanic, can't make a living at it. 😀

 

[dman24]

My wife and I had an 05 with the same problem. The recommended fixes I found at the time was the bands were worn in the transmission or a sensor or solenoid had gone bad inside the transmission. I replaced the recommended sensor but that didn’t fix ours. My wife totaled it two days later so I didn’t get to try anything else. The sensor wasn’t hard to replace but did involve removing the transmission pan and draining the fluid. I hope you get it figured out.

 

[Dwight_Schrute87]

No apologies necessary, we all have different skills, how many miles on the car?
I'd change the ATF fluid and see if that clears it up, not too expensive DIY. If you were closer I'd say bring it here. I'm a amateur shade tree mechanic, can't make a living at it. 😀

There’s about 240000 miles on it, I’ll try that atf fluid and hopefully that fixes it but if it is a transmission I believe we’re gonna have to just trade it in and get another vehicle

 

[Dwight_Schrute87]

My wife and I had an 05 with the same problem. The recommended fixes I found at the time was the bands were worn in the transmission or a sensor or solenoid had gone bad inside the transmission. I replaced the recommended sensor but that didn’t fix ours. My wife totaled it two days later so I didn’t get to try anything else. The sensor wasn’t hard to replace but did involve removing the transmission pan and draining the fluid. I hope you get it figured out.

Thanks brother 👊🏼