01 Focus Wagon Tranny and the (!) Yellow Light PROBLEM

[thewoahna]

OK, my wife drives a 2001 Focus wagon with about 141k on it. I have had the car since 128k and do not know the full history of this car... About 2 months ago, I noticed that when on the highway, very rarely would it feel like the tranny would slip out of gear, and then right back to normal (very quickly). I ignored the problem... last night my wife and I were in the car, and twice while driving within about 45 min the yellow (!) light would come on and the car would act as if it were in neutral. This didnt last long, but lasted significantly longer than the little herky jerks felt on the highway a couple of months before. After this would happen, we could smell something that just didnt smell right. The car is parked and not being used till I can figure out what the problem is. Anyone know?

Thanks

[Davescort97]

You've probably done this, but is the tranny low on fluid? Should be checked in park with the engine running.

[egc519mzl]

Check level and quality of fluid. . .

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago and the code was something about a bad solenoid. I was able to identify the bad solenoid. Ordered it from transmissionusa.com for around $30. After 70K miles, it is going.