Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

I've got a 2002, 68kms on the clock Ford Focus. Occasionally when it changes gear there is a large jolt. This is random and doesn't relate to it going up hills, being cold, or carrying a load. It's quite a jolt and definitely not right.

I've checked the transaxle fluid and it seems and ok level, although perhaps slightly high. The engine oil is low (will fill tomorrow) but I have no idea whether this relates anyway. Can anyone please tell me what else I need to check please?

Thank you! :)

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

[sm=welcomesign.gif][hr]Is the check engine light on?

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

No. No lights are on.

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

Check your engine mounts. Could be the problem.

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

Thanks. How do I do that?

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

To check your engine mounts,Have somone put the car in drive from neutral and watch the engine.No with the car in drive with the driver holding the brake tight give it some gas.if it moved alot you most likely have a bad motor mount.You can also use this method using reverse to check the rest of the mount's

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

OK I think it's slowly leaking transmission fluid (front left of the engine - front wheel drive). There was a small patch of pink oily fluid there tonight. The other week we drove over something that clunked loudly under the car - prob a rock. Could this have done something?

Do you think I'm safe to drive it 2 hours to the garage in the city? I live in a ski resort!

Thanks for your help.

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

In your first post you had mentioned the fluid was a little high.[hr]My question is how much over the full mark is it a 1/4" a 1/2" or more and did you check it when the engine was cold or hot?

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

I checked it hot. It's about and eight of an inch over the mark, 3mms (asI'm not good with inches!).

It had a tune up in September. Surely they'd have checked the level then? (the rock hit was after this). It can't be leaking a huge amiount but it did the jolt again tonight so def something wrong.

RE: Auto large jolt when changes gear
 

It wasn't jolting before we hit the rock or whatever it was.