Strange problem affecting DASH & TRANSMISSION ???

[StuSegal]

We have a 2000 Focus w/ auto transmission. 115k miles, had since new.

So now - intermittently - my son is driving along and

• the speedo drops to 0,
• the segments of the odometer start to blink dashes,
• and the auto trans clunks/jerks/lurches when it shifts,
• then the condition clears itself. In maybe 10 minutes or an hour, varies.

Took it to the Ford dealer, who said:

1. They can't find that problem, but
2. we need the cooling system flushed, new wiper blades, etc. (gee, thanks)

Anyone ever hear of a problem like this?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

. . . . Stu

[wfsdno]

Not sure what, but sounds like several things, the blinking dashed odo seems like an error message. I don't think the speedo is connected to the trans... but would seem to be a comp malfunction. Would explain it all. See if your local Ford dealer will hook up one of their portable diagnostic machines so you can drive around till it happens. That should record the problem on the machine. Our local Ford dealer hates it when you bring in something that they can't instantly diagnose/fix.

Does the 'service engine soon' light come on?

Have you checked your Transmission fluid?

Keep us informed!

Roger

[StuSegal]

Well, I got some interesting feedback from a member of another forum, suggesting that the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) feeds info to the sppedo, odo and ecu, and is used to control the automatic trans. He says he had the same problem and the VSS was the culprit.

Next move. . . .change the VSS.

[wfsdno]

Oh Yeah.....did I forget to mention that...LOL

Does make sense, let us know.

Roger

[StuSegal]

For those of you following this post nilskje over at the other was absolutely right.

The dealer put on the remote diagnostic unit, waited til a failure, and confirmed the VSS needed to be replaced. The repair was under $90 (parts & labor) at the Ford Dealer.

Thank goodness for the knowledgable people who live in these forums!