transmission problems

[pete74]

Car: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon ZTW, 2.0L Zetec, 92k miles

Issue:
When driving 30mph, with car in overdrive, I stepped on the gas to go faster and rather than accelerate, the engine simply revved - out of the blue. I've never experienced this before but now there's a jerk to the car when the automatic transmission shifts between gears and doesn't shift at all when going more than 40mph. Instead, the engine simply drives with higher RPMs (almost 4k rpms when driving 65mph) instead of shifting to a higher gear like it used to.

Transmission fluid and all other fluid levels seem fine. Transmission fluid is bright red. No wiring seems loose. Car seems to miss the shifting less when not in overdrive - but will still occasionaly not go into gear at first try even on the lower speeds. When over 35mph, the gears don't shift down at all and the engine revs up the rpms like a formula 1 car without fail.

Any ideas? Is there a new transmission in my near future or could this be something else like a sensor?

[mark v]

Why is in OD at 30mph?

[Cuda_Jim]

Your trans is in "Limp In Mode". When in this "Mode" it will not shift past 2nd gear and will shift very hard (increased line pressure).
The trans will do this when it detects slippage or overheating. It could be as simple as a sensor or in need of a rebuild. Take it to a trans shop you trust and have it scanned. Most will do it for free if they get the repair job.

[pete74]

Cool. Thanks - I'll have a person check it out tomorrow.

The default has always been overdrive when I've turned it on, so I've always driven it in overdrive mode except when climbing hills. There's never been a problem until the past couple of days when it started not shifting into the top gear.

Cheers.