Ford Kuga 55. 2020 AT Transmission
110,600 miles
The tachometer needle slightly fluctuates up and down while driving. Could this be caused by dirty transmission fluid, and can the issue be resolved by changing the fluid? Additionally, is it advisable to flush the transmission before replacing the fluid? The Ford service states that Ford has not specified transmission flushing as a recommended procedure.
post your odometer per the instructions please
Could this be caused by dirty transmission fluid,
definitely not. engine speed is measured in the engine.
can the issue be resolved by changing the fluid?
Nope. Use a diagnostic scan tool to verify RPM signal. It could be the gauge motor itself.
is it advisable to flush the transmission before replacing the fluid?
no. Check our FAQ.
Never heard of a Ford "Kuga".
That's the European version of the Ford Escape.
Never flush any automatic transmission. Drain and fill only.
Sounds more like a vacuum leak, and the engine "hunting" for the right RPM. Is your check engine light on?
@justin-shepherd Thank you. I understand that flushing is not recommended, and it is advised to simply drain the old fluid and add new one. But what if the transmission fluid is already quite dirty? I actually don’t know when it was last changed. The car has **approximately 110,600 miles** on it. Sometimes I feel a slight jerk when shifting from one gear to another. So far, I haven't noticed any slipping.
Never heard of a Ford "Kuga". See the FAQ for information on changing transmission fluid.
Your answer is covered extensively in the FAQ . Some variables, such as fluid color and smell, simply cannot be accessed remotely by any mechanic. Thus, this topic has its on section in the FAQ.I understand that flushing is not recommended, and it is advised to simply drain the old fluid and add new one. But what if the transmission fluid is already quite dirty? I actually don’t know when it was last changed. The car has **approximately 110,600 miles** on it. Sometimes I feel a slight jerk when shifting from one gear to another. So far, I haven't noticed any slipping.
I understand that flushing is not recommended, and it is advised to simply drain the old fluid and add new one. But what if the transmission fluid is already quite dirty? I actually don’t know when it was last changed. The car has **approximately 110,600 miles** on it. Sometimes I feel a slight jerk when shifting from one gear to another. So far, I haven't noticed any slipping.
Only you can make that decision, since I'm not there with you to see the state of the transmission fluid. See the FAQ, hyperlinked here: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/howto/atf/
If you decide to change the fluid, save what comes out and put it back into the transmission if the transmission starts slipping. The transmission works on hydraulic action. Transmission fluid that has been in the transmission too long starts wearing away the friction material that allows the transmission to shift gears. If you drain the transmission fluid that's been in the transmission too long, you risk draining the grit that was in the solution and replace it with new, slippery, fluid, your transmission may slip.
Hope that helps you.
How can that problem be solved and is it just about changing solenoids?
Specific information about P093B is a little hard to find. It appears to be a "reserved" code which the manufacturer can use for multiple purposes by different manufacturers and in different models:
https://www.chiptuners.in/obd-codes/p093a-p093b-p093c-p093d-p093e-p093f-iso-sae-reserved/
For example in a late-model Ford Bronco, P093B can be part of a no-start condition:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10200984-0001.pdf
(The above does state a damaged wiring harness as a possibility.)
So, the solving the problem is not necessarily as simple as replacing solenoids, you need to do more in-depth troubleshooting:
https://www.carpm.in/codes/dtcs/p093b
Subcodes are listed below, "00" is generic with no specific information (no info found for 00:68):
suggests low voltage in the hydraulic accumulator solenoid, which may be the cause of the fluctuating tachometer.
so you are saying your engine is speed is physically fluctuating while cruising, and it's not just the RPM gauge on your instrument panel?
Apparently the word Kuga means "plague" in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian languages 😆
Ford service manual describing the P093B trouble code, and image of the accumulator and the circuit diagram for it:
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/ford_content/catalog/motorcraft/OBDSM1900.pdf
How can that problem be solved and is it just about changing solenoids?
According to the internet,
This accumulator/solenoid is located under the battery tray on this vehicle above the transmission and I’m sure the tech accidentally left it unplugged. I plugged it in, reset codes, and everyone was happy. This accumulator apparently assists the transmission with faster reaction power during start/stop events. The start/stop system also will not work while this code is logged.
(this was for a 2021 Ford Escape, which I believe is similar to your vehicle)
@imperator Thanks! The issue is most likely related to this, as the stop/start system sometimes doesn't function. When the car is started, the key symbol appears and "See Manual" is displayed on the dashboard. When I turn off the car and start it again, the message disappears. The problem is most likely related to a Short to Ground. How can I fix this? Does this have anything to do with the small jerking during gear shifting?
Start with checking the connector as described above
The OBD II showed code P093B:00:68, indicating an issue with the hydraulic accumulator in the transmission. It suggests low voltage in the hydraulic accumulator solenoid, which may be the cause of the fluctuating tachometer. How can that problem be solved and is it just about changing solenoids?