Q: Gear takes a while to change from reverse to drive

asked by on October 21, 2016

My car takes a while to change from reverse to drive after the car has been sitting for a while. The transmission fluid has been changed as well as the filter but the problem continues.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. You don’t specify the mileage on your Focus, but the symptoms suggest low internal hydraulic pressure in the transmission (despite the recent fluid and filter change), or a weak forward clutch pack. If you would like to have this checked, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the shifting problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Pulley squealing.
I would have a technician take a look at it and they can find the problem. Sometimes a bad air compressor will cause the belt to squeal and sometimes the belt may just need tightening. There is also a product...
Traction Off sensor on
The enhanced traction control (ETC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are part of the same system. The control module receives inputs from the wheel speed sensors. It then uses that information to control hydraulic pressure to the brakes and control wheel...
Put a brand new alternator in it and new battery and it still does not want to charge the battery is this
Inspect fuse number 11 and 30 in the fuse box. Check the grey fuse link near the starter. If both of these are good then check fuse 19. In fact, its best to check all the fuses for any blown...
my car is skipping the drive gear and going straight to 3 gear on the gear panel. why?
Hello. There is an open technical service bulletin (TSB) for this issue. The problem is caused by the main computer connection to the transmission control module not being activated when first started. I believe this is TSB reference #23 (http://www.chryslerproblems.com/tsbs/Sebring/2007/)....
Coolant coming out the cap causing smoking when driving i dont know why
Hi there: The smoke that you're seeing is evaporated steam caused by an overheating situation (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-causes-a-car-to-overheat). This could be caused by several mechanical issues going on inside your car such as a coolant leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection), an obstruction in the coolant...
Car squeaks when I turn the wheel.
This is a common issue with the Audi A4 and is often times related to the control arms (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement) in the steering. These can tend to rust and become corroded which will cause the squeaking sound you describe. There are...
I unknowingly drove my car for the last 5,000 miles without an air filter, what potential damage has been done?
I do believe that no serious damage would have occurred. The air filter is made to prevent any leaves or other debris from entering the engine. However, due to the design of many newer intake systems, the debris would likely...
Very tight steering - 2006 Toyota Sienna
Hi there. When it comes to the steering, look at all of the steering components. Look at the outer tie rod ends and see if the boots are split. Do a dry park steering test. To do this, park the...
I am smelling what seems to be exhaust and or radiator coolant inside of my car.
If you think you're smelling coolant inside your Audi, then you probably are. I can't say that coolant smells like exhaust, but I guess that is subjective. Audi has always had problems with leaky heater cores, so when your car...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Gardener or Landscape Architect
Gardeners Gardeners and landscape architects need to haul around quite a bit of gear. As a gardener, chances are you will need to transport a variety of mowing equipment, along with smaller implements. You may also need to move shrubs,...
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...
How to Get Ford Dealership Certified
Ford car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through either the ASSET or the FACT program.