automatic not parking

[old-wos-is-name]

Hi All,

I drive my sons ford focus c-max automatic, petrol. it is now getting progressively more difficult to get it to go into "park". It goes into reverse, drive,neutral perfectly o.k. but when you want to park it and get out there is a problem. I push the remote change gear stick from drive, through reverse into "park" and more often than not the large "P" does not appear, just a small flashing "p" on the left hand side of the read out. you cannot leave the car as if you open a door an alarm sounds, and you cannot remove the key from the ignition, I have to sit there pushing the gear change lever back and forward through all the modes until the large "P" appears. this is sometimes a few minutes. I have tried all sorts of pemutations, engine on, engine off, going from neutral to park, handbrake on/off, brake pedal down etc. any ideas???

[AlBags]

There is a known problem with the solenoid in the shift.
Either strip to examine it .. and replace the solenoid .. or replace the Sugar assy as whole.
Check dealer price first tho!

[old-wos-is-name]

Thanks albags,

The car is under extended warranty, one of these AA cover plans against mechanical failure etc. already had the air con done, they paid, no quibble, so will try our luck.
Thanks.

[AlBags]

That's handy .. This repair can be expensive.

[SpikeyBush]

The auto 'box in my Vectra has been playing silly devils for a while. These modern automatics full of computers and sensors seem to be vulnerable. I chose an auto due to a knackered spine but I think I'll take the pain gamble in traffic and endure a manual next time.

[old-wos-is-name]

Hi,
No, ther car has locked the wheels, but I cannot remove the ignition key, and if you open a door it sets the door alarms off. I spent 15 minutes pushing the lever up and down, the suddenly there is a faint click and the large "P" appears on the screen and all is normal. doesn't do it every time, but getting more frequent, it means when you go into a petrol station you have to leave the keys in the ignition when you pay or you will cause a queue of irate people behind you.

[SpikeyBush]

My auto 'box has fixed itself, hasn't played silly devils for a while, but the tailgate has started opening itself on a whim. Rather annoying when I'm doing 70 on the M2 at Craigavon! I wish I still had the Viva!