2009 Ford Focus mnual transmission will not shift into reverse or 1st when cold
We have a 2009 Ford Focus (manual transmission) that will not shift into reverse or 1st when the temps are below 50 degrees. Shifting is fine in warmer temps. In cold temps, the car must be warmed 10 - 15 minutes before being able to shift into reverse. Most times, the car must be turned off to shift into reverse. We had the problem in 2013 and took the car to the Ford dealer. The dealer stated that the linkage was set wrong at the factory. They set the linkage and that worked for a couple of winters. Now, the problem is back with the exact same symptoms. We took the car back to the dealer. They said the linkage was OK, but they found a small leak in a hydraulic hose. They can't explain why that could be the cause of the shifting problem and my impression is that they do not really think it is the cause of the shifting problem. We will spend the $500 to get the hose fixed, but we expect continued cold weather shifting problems. I have found at least one instance in an online search where there were defective synchronizers in the transmission. The dealer said that if the hose problem correction does not fix the shifting problem, they may have to drop and inspect the transmission. We are reluctant to do that due to the fact that it could cost us $$$$ if the dealer can't find a cause.
