While driving transmission warning light turned on then car would not move

2012 FORD FOCUS
99,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DAVE HERFORTH
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Car was running fine to work, on the way home all of a sudden transmission warning light and then would not move. Ii is having trouble starting and when it does the engine just idles.
Jul 27, 2019 at 10:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

The first thing that really should be done is to check for diagnostic trouble codes. This will point us in the right direction for the correct repair. Here is a quick video showing how to use a scanner:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will lend or rent one to you. This should be done first to eliminate a misdiagnosis. Honestly, many things could be happening here and without the codes, it becomes a guessing game.

The only simple thing you can do is check to make sure the transmission fluid is clean and full. And I have to say that isn't even simple anymore. Here are the directions if you want to check fluid level. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2012 Ford Focus L4-2.0L
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Vehicle Maintenance Fluids Fluid - ASMT Service and Repair Procedures Transmission Fluid Level Check
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Transmission Fluid Level Check

Special Tool(s)/ General Equipment


pic 1


Materials


pic 2


Check

1. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview See: Vehicle Lifting > Procedures > Jacking and Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).

Refer to: Engine Undershield See: Access Cover, Engine > Removal and Replacement > Engine Undershield (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).

2. Use the General Equipment: Ball End Hex Bit


pic 3

3. NOTE: Do not overfill the transmission. This causes transmission fluid to be forced out of the case.

Add transmission fluid until the oil runs out of the fill port in a continuous stream. The transmission is full when the oil flow from the fill port has slowed to a broken stream or dripping.
Use the General Equipment: Fluid Suction Gun
Material : Motorcraft(R) Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid / XT-11-QDC (WSS-M2C200-D2)


pic 4


4. NOTE: The O-ring seal is to be reused unless damaged.

Use the General Equipment: Ball End Hex Bit
Torque : 32 lb.ft (43 Nm)


pic 5




_____________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Jul 27, 2019 at 8:18 PM
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BMDOUBLE
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  • 1,139 POSTS
All of your symptoms lead to a faulty transmission control unit. I've replaced hundreds of them, but the first step is still to retrieve the trouble codes from the power-train control module (PCM).
Aug 6, 2019 at 7:26 AM
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