Rifleman
Premium
join:2004-02-09
p1a
clubs:
 ·Nexicom
 ·Cogeco Cable
| 2005 Ford Focus ST Shifting Problems When Cold
It's -10C here this morning. Hopped in the car to take the wife to work and had a lot of trouble getting the car into first and second gear. On 2 occasions it popped out of gear on me.
Anyone notice this in their foci? I wonder if synthetic fluid would help? |
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Scoop
join:2006-08-05
Ottawa, ON | Mine is a little notchy when cold. Once it warms up it's a lot easier to shift. Same temp here this morning with a lot of snow.  |
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bryanviper
join:2002-10-12
Toronto, CAN | reply to Rifleman
I have seen the same problem in our 01 grand am when Cold. Usually I'll let it warm up for a few mins (1-5min) that usually helps a little until the car can full warm up once you start moving and so on. |
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Rifleman
Premium
join:2004-02-09
p1a
clubs:
·Nexicom
·Cogeco Cable
| reply to Rifleman
I had to let it warm up to melt the frost off the window--but that doesn't warm a standard tranny I don't think. I hope it isn't worse when it get really cold here. -40C is common. It has the "severe winter package" Heated seats, mirrors, traction control and a block heater. |
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Scoop
join:2006-08-05
Ottawa, ON | I think the only way to warm up a manual transmission is to use it. |
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Turftech
Flying on empty
Premium
join:2002-01-03
Up the River
| reply to Rifleman
Synthetic oil will indeed help for cold conditions. I would also look for any linkage issues that might be affecting things. Cold weather really brings out all the bugs. Also, letting the car idle in neutral will "warm" up a manual. Just the motion of the gears can loosen things up a bit. Just be careful not to idle for too long or you might have cat/head issues down the line. BTW, a good block heater will solve all your issues nicely.
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Serving doughnuts on another planet. |
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dirtyjeffer
Lest We Forget
Premium
join:2002-02-21
London, ON
·Rogers Hi-Speed
| reply to Rifleman
we didn't really have any issues with our last 2 focus' in the cold, nor the new one (although, we have only had it a few months so far)...perhaps the linkage needs lubrication?
something i noticed on the "regular" maintenance schedule was lubrication of locks/hinges/handles...i have never done that on my taurus and my door handle was starting to get stiff and give me some problems...i took it in today as i had to get the oil changed on the new car, and they pulled the door panel off and fixed everything up for me...it cost me an hour labour, but it works like a brand new one now...had i done the "recommended maintenance" packages, it probably wouldn't have got that bad.
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-"I have tried to see things from your point of view, but no matter how hard I try, or what I do, I just can't get my head that far up my ass." 
-"I don't know if she can wrestle, but I'd sure like to see her box."
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Rifleman
Premium
join:2004-02-09
p1a
clubs: | reply to Rifleman
The tires suck in the snow. Have to buy some rims and snows this week. |
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