Car shutting off while driving issue

I’ve had my 2013 Ford Focus for 3.5 years with very few issues, and I haven’t had any problems with the transmission, which I know can be tricky.

Yesterday, while driving normally, the car suddenly stalled. The alarm started blaring non-stop, and I got a “transmission not in park” message. After pulling over and parking, I couldn’t get it out of Park, and the alarm kept going. I could turn the key, but the car wouldn’t start, and the hazard lights wouldn’t work.

About 30 minutes later, I managed to start the car and drove a few blocks home. A relative thinks it might be related to the security system or a sensor issue.

Has anyone experienced this before? I recently had the battery terminals replaced, and the mechanic only found an oxygen sensor code after a scan.

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sounds like the issue might be with the shift forks, which need to be replaced. However, this problem could also be related to the TCM.

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I completely agree. The same thing happened with my 2013 Focus and it really freaked my daughter out since she drives it every day. It turned out to be the shift forks, and the car also threw a code for it. Hopefully, you’re still within the mileage limit for the extended TCM warranty, as that could be an issue coming up soon.

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this left me stranded in the middle of a busy 4-lane freeway during rush hour. The TCM repair was covered for free, but the shift forks cost $3,500. Had to change the transmission fluid as well while in the shop.

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Oof, that’s a lot. I definitely wouldn’t spend that much on a car with 182k miles, even if I could afford it. I’m taking it to the dealer in the morning.

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Try replacing the mega fuses.

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I had a similar issue. I was driving on the freeway at night when all sorts of warning lights started flashing and then the car just shut off. It turned out to be the alternator. I couldn’t restart it and had to get it towed home.