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Ford Freestyle Transmission Issues : Common Problems You Should Know

Ford Freestyle Transmission Issues : Common Problems You Should Know

If you’re looking for a Ford freestyle transmission, you can’t possibly be alone. The Ford Freestyle is a great vehicle and over the years it has transformed from a 4-wheel drive, 2-door hatchback, to a popular 4-wheel drive SUV with a 3rd-row seat.

Some problems can be fixed with a software update, while other transmission issues may require a more drastic repair.

Ford Freestyle Transmission Issues

With the wide variety of sizes, models, and engine options, the Ford freestyle transmission issues continue to reappear.

Difference Between Automatic and Manual Transmission

Automatic and manual transmissions are both conceptually similar. Both provide a balance between control and freedom, albeit in different ways.

A manual transmission is controlled by a steering wheel and pedal set, while an automatic transmission lets the driver shift gears without touching the pedals or steering wheel.

The primary difference is in how the driver interacts with the vehicle. A manual transmission requires the driver to take action on the throttle and clutch, while an automatic transmission makes the changes without driver interaction.

The advantages of a manual transmission include maximum acceleration and torque, a more direct feel to the steering, and a greater potential for control. A manual transmission is also more durable and cheaper to repair.

The automatic transmission has a number of advantages, including smooth shifting, ease of driving, and fuel economy. Additionally, if you choose the manual transmission, the engine is the same – so you don’t lose any power.

Common Transmission Problems

All vehicles (including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles) transmissions need regular maintenance to ensure they run smoothly. These typically include regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks and services.

Common transmission problems include poor shifting, jerky movement, hard starting, and stiff shifting. These problems are more common on automatic transaxles, as well.

While it may be easy to think that transmissions are made of different parts, the reality is that they are all made of the same mechanism.

The difference between one transmission and another is mainly in the fluid used. The fluid has a major influence on how the transmission operates.

You can fix the problem yourself or pay a professional to do it for you.

Factors That Cause Transmission Problems

There are a number of reasons why your transmission may fail; the first and most obvious is a problem with the transmission itself (such as broken seals, broken gears, or lubrication issues).

Second, there are many types of damage that can happen to your vehicle’s transmission and in many cases, the damage is invisible. Damaged parts can be sent through your transmission, cause damage, and cause issues.

Third, as many of these transmissions have hydraulics, they are also susceptible to weather conditions. Luckily, a number of transmission problems can be identified and repaired while still under warranty.

Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is a must-have on your car. But you need to be careful about the amount you use.

The transmission fluid has a lot of additives to prevent corrosion. If you use too much, you can damage the transmission by overfilling it and also cause other problems.

Automatic transmissions that don’t get a full initial high-octane mix of transmission fluid can cause problems with rough shifting and other adverse effects. As a result, transmission fluid should be treated as the most important thing in the car.

Worn Out Clutch

Clutches often fail on older cars, but newer vehicles have many features that prevent clutches from failing. However, a clutch can fail periodically because of wear, so replacing the clutch is a good idea.

It also happens that some clutches can wear out faster than other clutches, especially if you’re a heavy driver. In this case, it might be worth replacing the clutch sooner rather than later.

A bad clutch can cause damage to your transmission and in some cases even cause the transmission to fail. When a clutch gets old or poorly maintained, it can cause a transmission to slip or lock up.

It is important to replace the clutch when it begins to slip or when the engine begins to rev quickly. Symptoms may include a grinding noise in the engine and you may notice the transmission slipping.

If you do notice a transmission slip, do not try to stop it, instead gently turn the car off and wait for it to come to a stop.

Spoilt Torque Converter

A bad torque converter can lead to transmission problems. You should replace the converter with a new one right away if you see any of the following symptoms;

  • The transmission hesitates or feels hesitant when accelerating or shifting down gears.
  • When the transmission shifts up or down abruptly by itself.
  • Slipping of the transmission while driving or while shifting
  • The transmission fails to move from park to reverse or any other gear you try to engage.

Ford transmission problems

Difficulty Shifting Gears

The gearbox of a Ford freestyle can get excessively stressed after repeated usage, irrespective if there is enough transmission lubricant, for the gears shifts to switch effortlessly and without much effort. If the problem persists you will have to make replacements.

Computer Errors

Automatic transmissions use computer chips to determine when to shift gears. When the sensors that aid the computer’s functions fail, you will experience problems in the shifting of gears.

This can also happen when an automatic transmission is shifted from Park to Drive when the clutch is depressed.

Some automatic transmissions will get stuck in Park and will not be able to be shifted out of Park until the clutch is depressed, therefore making your car very hard to drive.

The OBD (On-Board-Diagnostic) system should be working properly. If the OBD is damaged, the computer system that the OBD is connected to will not function properly.

Failure in this system can cause problems in the transmission of your car causing problems in acceleration and gear shifts.

Leak Problems

A large number of Ford Freestyle models have been recalled for a transmission leak. The problem is that the car’s transmission is not designed to handle the higher torque from the turbocharger, which causes the transmission to overheat, which results in a failure.

FAQs

Reliability of CVT Ford Transmission

CVTs, or Continuously Variable Transmissions, are a type of transmission found on many vehicles. CVTs are unique in that the amount of power being sent to the engine does not change, but rather the RPMs do.

This is beneficial in fuel economy, as the engine runs at a more efficient RPM.

CVTs are designed to work with front-wheel drive but can be used in the rear or all-wheel drive vehicles. The Ford Freestyle has had problems with CVT transmission reliability.

Transmission hitches have been reported in the newer models of the Ford Freestyle.

Are Ford Freestyle Transmissions Serviceable?

It is not recommended to replace the transmission unless the damage is unserviceable. In case replacement of the transmission is the only way to go, the cost is low. The best way to work your gear problems out is to have it serviced by a professional to cut the cost of replacement.

Additionally, if you have damage to your transmission and have no choice but to replace it, consult with a professional car service center.

Conclusion

The Ford automatic transmission problem has been fixed, but owners who had their vehicles towed in for repair shouldn’t expect to get a free fix. Ford is working to crack down on the claims that its automatic transmissions are faulty and fix any arising problems.

Many people are not aware of the different types of transmission issues that can occur in a vehicle. Each vehicle has specific transmission types and power modes, and it is important to know what your vehicle has so that you can prevent transmission problems.

Transmission problems will vary depending on how you treat your car and the transmission variant that is installed in your vehicle. In case you experience problems with your transmission, it is advisable to stop using your vehicle immediately to avoid more damage and cause of accidents.