2010 Fusion SEL 3.0L FWD - Transmission Slips

[PajamaGuy]

This car is driven mostly by my wife - 60 yr-old School Teacher. We received the PCM re-programming recall notice and had about 4,800 miles on the car. (We love it!) - We planned to have the recall work done when we took the car in for the 5,000 mi service. One day, my wife picked me up from work and said, "The transmission is shifting funny."

 

We switched seats and I drove. From about 5 mph, I used about 50-75% throttle and as the car upshifted from 1st to 2nd, it did feel like it slipped a bit. I slowed down to around 5 mph again, and mashed the gas pedal to the floor. When it upshifted from 1st to 2nd this time the slip was really noticable, then it thunked and went into 2nd. I called the dealer, and the next day took it in for service and for the recall reprogramming. (5,200 mi) I didn't do any "pedal-to-the-floor" accelerations, and the shifting did feel tighter.

 

2 days later, I took my wife to the airport. All expressway, 60-70 mph, and about 2 hours on the road. Exiting the last tollboth, in rush-hour traffic, I floored the gas to get up to merging speed. When the transmission started to shift from 1st to 2nd, it went into neutral (the transmission, not the selector), the engine raced, but there was NO power to the wheels. I backed off the gas and at some low RPM, the transmission caught and I was able to get moving. Yeah, I was scared. The "FAST" lane to my left was moving at about 75 MPH, and there were 3 "cash" lanes to my right - all merging into 2-lanes to go over a bridge.

 

Since I was only 5 miles from the dealer, I headed there (it was on my way, anyhow). When I exited the expressway, I again "floored it", and was rewarded with the same upshift to neutral, 7,000 rpm, and then two hard bangs in the transmission before I was able to get my foot off the gas.

 

Since then, I've found I can ALWAYS get it to start slipping with only 50% throttle if the transmission is up to temp, or if I do 1 or 2 sequences of slowing to 5 mph, then flooring it through 1st & 2nd.

 

As of now, the dealer is working with me and FORD to isolate the cause - so I won't go into that detail.

 

What I'd like to know is, "Is anyone else experiencing the problem?"

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Oldguy16]

First off, I would like to thank you for the details of your experience, that makes it so much easier to understand. I have noticed that my tranny, will do that sometimes, but what actually happens is the shifter gets knocked over to M just enough, so the car goes into neutral, but it seems like that's not the problem here. To be honest, every dealer I have dealt with sucks, and is too lazy to do anything that required effort. I'm glad you got Ford involved with this, because they can push the dealer to do something. My guess, and I hate to say it, but you either have a bad program, as in your computer is shot, (unlikely) or the tranny is just bad. My old car used to do that, but it was because of the torque converter, and the more I pushed it, the worse it got. I understand you were trying to test it, and that's what you should do in a situation like this with a new car, there should be NO problems with it, that's what the warranty is for too. I experienced the tranny slamming into 2nd at low speeds in the cold, but all other gears were fine. When I got the tranny reprogrammed, ran like a dream. I still hate how it shifts sooooo slowly but that's just the design. Your best bet, get Ford involved, and a lawyer, as soon as Ford or your dealer hears "lawsuit" you'll have a new tranny next day.

[PajamaGuy]

First off, I would like to thank you for the details of your experience, that makes it so much easier to understand. I have noticed that my tranny, will do that sometimes, but what actually happens is the shifter gets knocked over to M just enough, so the car goes into neutral, but it seems like that's not the problem here. To be honest, every dealer I have dealt with sucks, and is too lazy to do anything that required effort. I'm glad you got Ford involved with this, because they can push the dealer to do something. My guess, and I hate to say it, but you either have a bad program, as in your computer is shot, (unlikely) or the tranny is just bad. My old car used to do that, but it was because of the torque converter, and the more I pushed it, the worse it got. I understand you were trying to test it, and that's what you should do in a situation like this with a new car, there should be NO problems with it, that's what the warranty is for too. I experienced the tranny slamming into 2nd at low speeds in the cold, but all other gears were fine. When I got the tranny reprogrammed, ran like a dream. I still hate how it shifts sooooo slowly but that's just the design. Your best bet, get Ford involved, and a lawyer, as soon as Ford or your dealer hears "lawsuit" you'll have a new tranny next day.

 

 

Well,

 

Contrary to your experience - in this case it's the dealer having to push Ford. I should be hearing any day about what's going to be done - I'll add detail then.

 

PJ

[PajamaGuy]

Well,

 

Contrary to your experience - in this case it's the dealer having to push Ford. I should be hearing any day about what's going to be done - I'll add detail then.

 

PJ

 

I'm anticipating a happy ending! Authorized by FORD, the dealer is rebuilding my transmission, (case, clutches, pistons & valves). Yeah, I know - and my FIRST reaction was whoa...a 2010 with only 5,200 miles and they're rebuilding the tranny? Truth is - I don't care. It's a 36 month lease, otherwise I would care.

 

So long as the car performs and operates as it did, and is supposed to do, they can do whatever they want to fix it. The proof will be if the tranny is truely fixed...we'll see....

[juice]

I'm anticipating a happy ending! Authorized by FORD, the dealer is rebuilding my transmission, (case, clutches, pistons & valves). Yeah, I know - and my FIRST reaction was whoa...a 2010 with only 5,200 miles and they're rebuilding the tranny? Truth is - I don't care. It's a 36 month lease, otherwise I would care.

 

So long as the car performs and operates as it did, and is supposed to do, they can do whatever they want to fix it. The proof will be if the tranny is truely fixed...we'll see....

 

When was your car built?

[PajamaGuy]

When was your car built?

 

 

2009/08/14

[juice]

2009/08/14

 

I was just curious because my SEL V6 FWD was built March 2010 & never had problems like you & others are having....Sounds like they fixed it at the factory before mine was built so when you get your car back, it should run like mine with silky smooth upshifts & downshifts...I've owned Fords all my life & they are not known for their silky smooth transmissions, but this one ( for me ), is the best I've driven from FORD.

[Mike2000z28]

There is a TSB about this problem with the tranny. Something about the valve body getting jammed up. Ford knows about it. It only affected certain cars between certain build dates.

[PajamaGuy]

A happy ending - My dealer (A.C. Collins, Pasadena, TX) would not let FORD dismiss this one. They finally got someone with a sense of correctness to authorize rebuilding the transmission. (5,700 miles). They replaced a lot of parts, including 2 clutches, valves, pistons, and the case (the case was pitted where it should have been machined smooth???). It's feeling like brand new again.

 

The dealer supplied me with a 2010 Taurus the whole time (2+ weeks) - and called me every 2 days to report status. Even one of the dealership owners got involved to make sure I was a satisfied customer. Because it's a lease, I am. If I'd purchased, or planned to keep the car, there would be a different story - however I really believe the dealer would have exchanged the car.

[Waldo]

I'm glad you're satisfied, but this really shouldn't be a big deal. Your dealer didn't need to "push" Ford. Ford published a letter to all dealers instructing them to do exactly what they did for you. The issue isn't with bad hardware, it's bad software that allows the transmission to destroy itself. If you had brought the car into the dealer earlier (not that you would have known about the problem) they would have reprogrammed it and not needed to replace anything.

[con_fusion]

I'm glad you're satisfied, but this really shouldn't be a big deal. Your dealer didn't need to "push" Ford. Ford published a letter to all dealers instructing them to do exactly what they did for you. The issue isn't with bad hardware, it's bad software that allows the transmission to destroy itself. If you had brought the car into the dealer earlier (not that you would have known about the problem) they would have reprogrammed it and not needed to replace anything.

 

I agree with Waldo - The Dealer shouldn't have to "push" Ford to do anything. It's obvious you had the problem outlined by the 10B15 customer satisfaction program and they should have immediately recognized it and done what they needed to in order to fix it. Maybe the dealer was giving you a bunch of BS to make it seem like they were really going to bat for you. If they actually had to "push" Ford, then Ford has learned nothing about taking care of their customers.

[Oldguy16]

Ironically, my Fusion is now sitting at the dealer, transmission in not right. When I slow down, it jerks, on idle, it jerks, shifts aren't very good. The dealer is putting in a claim with Ford today, and I'll see what Ford does, I just want the problem fixed. Hopefully Ford gets on this and does something because I've been to the dealer 3 times now with the same problem. They still haven't fixed it. How many times can they reprogram the transmission, it's mechanical. I'm glad other people were able to get their transmissions fixed, I'm hoping that happens here.

[Oldguy16]

My bad experience is the dealer. I've had good experience with another dealer, but it's a half hour away, the other is literally down the street. With the tranny this bad I didn't want to drive the car that far on the bad tranny so I just went down the street. If you guys live anywhere in NJ let me know what dealer you go to for this excellent treatment lol.

[chitown]

Ironically, my Fusion is now sitting at the dealer, transmission in not right. When I slow down, it jerks, on idle, it jerks, shifts aren't very good.

 

Are you sure the idle jerking isn't just the AC compressor turning off and on? I've noticed a very slight jerk/bump with many cars in that respect while idling in hot weather. Or is it more dramatic than that?

[PajamaGuy]

I agree with Waldo - The Dealer shouldn't have to "push" Ford to do anything. It's obvious you had the problem outlined by the 10B15 customer satisfaction program and they should have immediately recognized it and done what they needed to in order to fix it. Maybe the dealer was giving you a bunch of BS to make it seem like they were really going to bat for you. If they actually had to "push" Ford, then Ford has learned nothing about taking care of their customers.

 

In theory, you guys are correct - however Ford was telling the dealer that at 5,000 miles, there was NO WAY the incorrect programming could have caused the valve to become damaged that soon. All of the Ford-directed tests and measurements indicated the valve was not faulty. And when they physically disconnected the wheel slippage sensors, the tranny acted perfect. I think both sides got hung up on my telling them I could induce the symptoms most rapidly by standing on the gas pedal through 2nd and 3rd gear, and the Ford guys thought "slippage" meant the wheels were spinning. When we got the 2nd tier engineers to understand it was the tranny that was slipping and the clutches were burned, they started rebuilding... - Whatever - it's fixed - it will again chirp the tires when it upshifts to 2nd, and it "feels" solid.

[con_fusion]

In theory, you guys are correct - however Ford was telling the dealer that at 5,000 miles, there was NO WAY the incorrect programming could have caused the valve to become damaged that soon. All of the Ford-directed tests and measurements indicated the valve was not faulty. And when they physically disconnected the wheel slippage sensors, the tranny acted perfect. I think both sides got hung up on my telling them I could induce the symptoms most rapidly by standing on the gas pedal through 2nd and 3rd gear, and the Ford guys thought "slippage" meant the wheels were spinning. When we got the 2nd tier engineers to understand it was the tranny that was slipping and the clutches were burned, they started rebuilding... - Whatever - it's fixed - it will again chirp the tires when it upshifts to 2nd, and it "feels" solid.

 

Thanks PajamaGuy,

 

I guess I can see their logic but what bothers me is that Ford felt that there was no way the valve body could be a problem with such low mileage. Makes me wonder if the Ford engineers really have a handle on this or not. The 10B15 program called for load tests if the mileage was over 7000 I think. But your case proves that 7,000 may not be soon enough.

 

My 2010 SEL now has just over 5K miles and was included in the affected 10B15 cust. sat. group. I had the PCM reprogram done at 2200 miles. I haven't had the issues that you've had but last week and this morning, when cold, I had a little quirk going from either 1->2 or 2->3 where the engine momentarily reved between shifts (as if in neutral) and then it went into the next gear. It's done this a couple of times, only when cold and when first pulling out onto a major street near my house. I was not "punching" it at all. Just normal acceleration. So I'll probably talk to my service department and see what they think.

 

In any event, I'm watching these cases. Thanks for keeping us updated on your situation.

[Oldguy16]

Well I got my car back and they said there was a loose bolt in the transfer case, which has obviously not fixed the problem. and yea it was never under heavy acceleration with the jerking. and I'm not trying to sound like a d bag but i tried the a/c thing, that was one of my first guesses. This week I will bring it back to the service department once more, this time I will be taking the service manager for a ride to show him. I think it's just a lazy dealer. it seems like your dealer, Pajama Guy I think, actually took the tranny apart and really tested it. Mine I think just took a few bolts out and looked and put it back together. I've had that stupid reprogram and load test 3 times. This time, I will be contacting Ford personally and we'll see what gets done. I love this car, I just want the damn thing fixed. We own 5 Fords, you think Ford would try to keep customers like us.

[con_fusion]

ok, well here we go. I've been following several transmission related threads and this seemed like the best one to add to given my model and issue.

 

My 2010 SEL V6 (purchased in February) now has 5900 miles (yes, just 5900..original owner...only driven to church on Sundays :hysterical: ) My build date was in 11/2009.

 

I had the 10B15 PCM reporgramming done at 2200 miles when Ford first issued the notice to the dealers.

 

I mentioned above that I had a couple of transmission "flares". This occured a couple of times after the car sat all weekend. Not driven Sat/Sun. Would happen on the first moderate accelerated shifts from 2->3 on Monday morning.

 

Then nothing for several weeks.

 

A couple of days ago (Monday again after the car sat all weekend).

 

Same situation, I left my house and went a half block to a major street. Go to pull out with moderate acceleration to get up to 40MPH, This time there was a brief flare going 1->2, 2->3. Nothing after that.

 

No warning lights, nothing in the "Vehicle Health Report". Fluid level seems to be fine. Fluid color is a little darker then 5 or so months ago but certainly not burnt. Just a little darker redish color.

 

So I talked to my dealer service department. Actually an assistant service manager. Explained my situation and ask about any additional programming updates after the 10B15 campaign. He told me there weren't any additional programming updates. He didn't feel there would be any stored trouble codes for them to pull out of the system. His suggestion is to bring the car in when we can leave it (to sit) for a few days and they will have their trans tech hook up a scanner when they go to test drive first thing. (I know, this all sounds familiar to a lot of you).

 

He did mention that they have had some cars come back in even after the 10B15 sevice with transmission problems.

 

So, I'll probably get the car to them early next week and maybe they will see something. I'm guessing maybe not.

 

Rather disappointing. Like a lot of you I'd rather not have a new car with a rebuilt transmission (if it comes to that).

[mwdb66]

Its good to see I am not alone! I just purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0 at the end of August, after driving a 2007 version for 4 years. This car now has 3400km on it and is primarily my transport to work via highway each day. I absolutely loved the 07, best car I have ever driven, so I thought, hey, I should get another! Well I am rethinking that now. :doh:

 

As much as I love the styling and the comfort of the 2010, I am experiencing what can only be described as a slip or a shudder at various speeds. I noticed it about 2 weeks after I got the car. It is most notable at speeds in the 65-80kmh and 110-120 kmh range. It almost feels like the drop in power you get when you switch on your AC and it engages, but it this shudder is intermittent. It is getting progressively worse. I have been back to the dealer I purchased the car from and they started by checking wheel balance, which they say was very slightly out. This did not correct the issue. I have called them back and the car is going back in to be looked at again. Has anyone had a similiar experience and if so, what ended up being the root cause? My hope is that it is just programming, or a sensor of some kind, but the more I drive and the worse it becomes, the more I am thinking I have a bad tranny. :banghead:

[con_fusion]

Its good to see I am not alone! I just purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0 at the end of August, after driving a 2007 version for 4 years. This car now has 3400km on it and is primarily my transport to work via highway each day. I absolutely loved the 07, best car I have ever driven, so I thought, hey, I should get another! Well I am rethinking that now. :doh:

 

As much as I love the styling and the comfort of the 2010, I am experiencing what can only be described as a slip or a shudder at various speeds. I noticed it about 2 weeks after I got the car. It is most notable at speeds in the 65-80kmh and 110-120 kmh range. It almost feels like the drop in power you get when you switch on your AC and it engages, but it this shudder is intermittent. It is getting progressively worse. I have been back to the dealer I purchased the car from and they started by checking wheel balance, which they say was very slightly out. This did not correct the issue. I have called them back and the car is going back in to be looked at again. Has anyone had a similiar experience and if so, what ended up being the root cause? My hope is that it is just programming, or a sensor of some kind, but the more I drive and the worse it becomes, the more I am thinking I have a bad tranny. :banghead:

 

What you're describing sounds a lot like this thread here:shuddering

 

In his case it's at 40mph which is at the low end of your range where you are feeling it. Haven't seen that they have found the issue. I believe in a separate thread he was thinking a possible torque converter problem.

 

Good luck with that and let us know how it goes.

[PajamaGuy]

Well I got my car back and they said there was a loose bolt in the transfer case, which has obviously not fixed the problem. and yea it was never under heavy acceleration with the jerking. and I'm not trying to sound like a d bag but i tried the a/c thing, that was one of my first guesses. This week I will bring it back to the service department once more, this time I will be taking the service manager for a ride to show him. I think it's just a lazy dealer. it seems like your dealer, Pajama Guy I think, actually took the tranny apart and really tested it. Mine I think just took a few bolts out and looked and put it back together. I've had that stupid reprogram and load test 3 times. This time, I will be contacting Ford personally and we'll see what gets done. I love this car, I just want the damn thing fixed. We own 5 Fords, you think Ford would try to keep customers like us.

 

 

I accidentally duplicated the symptom - My transmission is fine and has been after they rebuilt it - but when I got the symptom, for a minute I was worried.

 

My tranny is the one with the 6-speed "SelectShift" and i was using manual to downshift as I came to a light. Some dork in a Charger gave me the eyeball so at the turn of green, I floored it. When it should have shifted to 2nd, it just went into neutral and the governor killed the RPMs. When that happened a few months ago, it was accompanied by a few hard clunks and if I reduced RPMs enough, it went to 2nd, etc. This time, it was my fault, I'd never moved the shifter to automatic!

 

 

I'm telling you'all this because it was EXACTLY the same symptom when my tranny WAS slipping and needed new clutches and a rebuild (at 5,200 mi). With the shifter in automatic, it shifts fine (now), but before the rebuild, even with the shifter in auto, it acted like it was in manual.

 

...and at the next light, I dusted the Charger...

[Oldguy16]

I've been to the dealer 4 times now, car still doesn't wind down correctly. when it comes to stop it slams forward, and sometimes it upshifts poorly. I love ford, absolutely my favorite company. At this point, I've just decided this transmission is shit and will never be good. If anything I'll take it to a custom performance shop, they'll replace the torque converter and do a shift kit, otherwise, this piece of garbage tranny is just gonna last me till I can sell the car. Not pleased Ford, bring back the E4OD and I'll convert my fusion to rwd, it'll never die. Great engine, crummy tranny. For everyone out there looking to fix this tranny, give up, buy a sport cause that tranny is awesome. This garbage needs to be overhauled.

[mwdb66]

What you're describing sounds a lot like this thread here:shuddering

 

In his case it's at 40mph which is at the low end of your range where you are feeling it. Haven't seen that they have found the issue. I believe in a separate thread he was thinking a possible torque converter problem.

 

Good luck with that and let us know how it goes.

[mwdb66]

I was able to get the vehicle back into my dealer today and they said they could not detect it. I suspect they did not drive the vehicle at speed long enough, given the test route they described to have taken. They did however re-flash my tranny, and advised me to bring the vehicle back in a few more thousand km's if the problem worsens. I will find out tomorrow when I have a chance to drive a stretch, whether or not the re-flash has had any effect.

[2010SEL]

...If anything I'll take it to a custom performance shop, they'll replace the torque converter and do a shift kit, otherwise, this piece of garbage tranny is just gonna last me till I can sell the car.

Good luck finding a tranny shop that can supply a torque converter and/or shift kit for this car. It's too new, too high-tech, and there are NO aftermarket parts available for it.