Vehicles with an automatic transmission are easier to drive but require frequent maintenance and care to keep functioning properly. Most modern automatic cars have a final gear known as "Overdrive." When Overdrive is engaged for highway driving, it helps the car to coast at a constant speed when the accelerator is released. If you're having issues with your Overdrive, it is likely that your vehicle needs some sort of transmission maintenance.
Look for the Overdrive button on your car. This button is often found on the shifter or on the steering column. If you have Overdrive turned off, your vehicle will not kick into Overdrive until you turn it back on.
Check your transmission fluid. Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause a variety of problems with an automatic transmission. Drive your car for a few minutes, then park and open the hood. On a Focus, the transmission dipstick is located near the rear of the engine. Pull it out and look to see if the fluid is dirty or brown. Transmission fluid should be a clear, red color. Wipe the dipstick off, put it back into the engine, and then remove it again. Check the fill indicator and make sure your fluid is not low.
Check your oil. If your oil pressure is too low, you will experience a myriad of problems including Overdrive either not engaging or activating and shutting off repeatedly while driving. The process for checking oil is the same as transmission fluid, but the oil dipstick is near the front of the engine and your oil should be clean and yellowish instead of red.
Take your Focus to a transmission repair shop and see if they can diagnose the problem. While fixing an automatic transmission is often a costly endeavor, if you have walked through the basic troubleshooting steps you will need to seek professional assistance to solve the problem.
