Focus Gear selection problem

ianhopkins · 2011-06-09T11:49:46+00:00

04 ford focus 1.8 petrolEEEk a few days of ownership and heres my first fault lol ..Basically when using the gearknob to get in to gear specifically 2nd to 3rd it doesn't want to go in easily unless you get the aiming spot on which is not always easy.When you push the gear knob right it ping back but when you push it left it stays where you left it oddly and just feel vague like that as if it pinged back it would glide in to 3rd unless there is some other reason why it will not.It can be driving like this but sometimes when you've got a lot happening on the road and you try for 3rd and don't quite get it it can be a pig, also when you come from 5th back to 3rd you have to be very careful.Advice greatly welcomed, I hope this is a simple problem and relatively easy fix.

Jun 09, 2011 22 Replies

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Chris Whelan 15 years ago

[...]

Yep, early cars had a vent and an opening for the washer low warning. If you fill the bottle to the brim, the first 1/2 litre or more just pours out when you drive. The TSB was to close off the hole for the level switch, and it helps a bit.

I removed the bottle, and fitted a short length of 1/2" hose to the vent, effectively raising its height. This worked perfectly.

My '03 car doesn't suffer with the problem, so I thought the problem was fixed on facelift cars.

Chris

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ianhopkins 15 years ago

Interesting I might have a go at that when the weather cheers up.

I have this odd problem, well annoyance when I press the gas pedal I kinda of hear/feel a springy noise haven't had a chance to have a look as it been raining hard. Hope its nothing worrying.

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