On a recent visit to the Ford Owner site, I noticed a new FSA showing for both of our DCT-equipped 2012 Foci:
15B22 TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING FOR OVERT TCM FAILURE WARNING
A search of FF turned up no hits, and we've received no letters from Ford so far, so I assume that this is a pretty recent development. Thought I might check in here and see if anyone has any further details.
It doesn't appear to be a warranty extension, as that was already covered by the 14M02 Customer Satisfaction Program, but rather a one-time TCM re-programming.
So I just had the transmission malfunction warning pop up on the dash. The transmission pretty much didn't know what gear it should be in, revving like crazy. Also, I wasn't able to get it into reverse. Restarted the car and everything is back to normal.
Dropping it off at the dealer on Friday (9/4). I figured I should have it documented by the service department even if they find nothing wrong. They will probably update it with this program. Safe to do? or stay away for now?
I had FSA 15B22 done by my dealer back on Aug. 19th, so it has been a couple of weeks now. I had occasional shuddering at low speed acceleration, usually after the car had been running earlier (like after an hour sitting in the parking lot). It never lasted very long or caused me too much grief. I always have the dealer install any firmware updates that are available when I go in for my 6 month oil changes. So far so good. I have to say the transmission and shift points are the best since I bought the car new in Oct of 2013. I would say go for the update based on my experience with it and just in general that I expect Ford to only put out updates that improves things, not make them worse. (though I know stuff happens sometimes) [thumb]
I had FSA 15B22 done by my dealer back on Aug. 19th, so it has been a couple of weeks now. I had occasional shuddering at low speed acceleration, usually after the car had been running earlier (like after an hour sitting in the parking lot). It never lasted very long or caused me too much grief. I always have the dealer install any firmware updates that are available when I go in for my 6 month oil changes. So far so good. I have to say the transmission and shift points are the best since I bought the car new in Oct of 2013. I would say go for the update based on my experience with it and just in general that I expect Ford to only put out updates that improves things, not make them worse. (though I know stuff happens sometimes) [thumb]
Thanks for sharing your experiences with the update. How many miles have you put on the car since the update (if you don't mind saying)? Sounds like your Focus has adapted well to the new programming.
I'm pondering whether to have it done but our Focus does not have any shifting issues other than the low-speed, light throttle take-off shudder and some random murmuring noises at about 40 to 45 mph. Nothing really to sqawk about, really.
Took my car in for check engine light and redlining at 30 mph and not shifting theyve had it since yesterday and technichician doesnt know why its behaving like this just gets me more worried
I've been having this issue for over a year now. I took it into the dealer a year ago, and since they "could not recreate the problem", they were unwilling to do anything. Reading some of these stories is pretty scary, and a bit disappointing on Ford's part.
Had mine in yesterday to have 15b22 done. I understood what it was so i wasnt expecting it to shift like a million bucks or be a whole different car. What i did expect was a light to be thrown when my car shuddered like it was rolling on the side of the highway on those riveted lane departure warning strips. I also expected it to throw something when i accelerated from a stop and it bogged to 600rpm then slowly climbed all while jerking and slipping. Unfortunately it has done none of that. So either the software update is useless, or my car is supposed to act like this and its time to trade it in lol. Only other thing i can think of is that the car update has a break in period before it throws the code, just in case its a one time anomaly, but with it happening at every complete stop all the way home from the dealer (which is 63 miles away mind you). I would of thought for sure something would of popped.
From all info. posted on this update, the codes/warnings it adds are strictly related to the TCM and it's possible failure to function. (not shifting, not starting etc..)
Nothing to do with warnings on clutch shudder events.
CJ - if the Dealer applied this alone for a complaint about shuddering, someone there dropped the ball and didn't do the proper tests/reprogramming /recheck to see if operation improves or if yours needs the clutches/seals replaced. Make sure to tell them your issues in detail, just going in for that update won't help you or anyone else with existing problems of any sort.
Excuse my skepticism, but since this is the first time I've heard of a "code" for shudder - I'll wait to hear of someone actually getting that code before believing that tech..
If one was in the system, there would be no need for Dealers to link up their portable computer to test for shudder levels when determining if new clutches were needed.
Believe it when I see it, you kinda proved it isn't there yourself.
Yeah i would wait it out. My 2014 has 11k miles on it and this "update" just made it worse. the dealer gave me the typical "wait 1k miles" nonsense. But it was a rough ride in rush hour traffic, that's for sure.
Updates like this do have a relearn period, but if things don't improve I recommend reaching back out to your dealer, and letting me know as well so I can look into some assistance.
Thanks for reaching out. I see the case I opened was closed at the end of July; your CSM had advised you to bring your vehicle back to your dealer to have it checked out.
I'm keeping a log in my phone of how the car runs, what conditions, distance, traffic, etc. I really hope this refresh cures a little bit of the headache. I've had the car for 11k miles and it's been such a disaster. Some days I want to light the match and walk away and others I absolutely love the damn car.
It has been another week since I had the 15B22 done and my 2014 Focus is shifting as smooth as butter - a really noticeable improvement since the TCM was flashed. It is the best it has ever shifted since I bought it new about 2 years ago. The occasional shudder is gone since the update last month. Will check in again as some more miles and time passes.
Dealer highly recommended me to let him do the job. I must say, shudder is gone and car is shifting number 1 now. Original cluth on a car build September 19, 2012 (it's a 2013 Ti).
I think I'm going to wait out a little bit (more reports back + more experience for my dealer doing the update and not be confused if/when I bring in my FF).
czmike - despite the wait that sounds like a very good check over/repair for your issues.
With that list of symptoms, taking the time to tear down & check for other problems/damage seems a LOT better than just replacing the TCM and hoping it would be OK.
This doesn't make me feel better. The shuddering was worse than usual on my drive home from getting the update. I assumed it needed to learn again. I noticed that while shuddering (this only happens in 6th gear) the RPMs will flair about 250. I was barely going up a grade at 55 MPH. I normally drive on that road at that speed and don't have any issues.
Like I said in a previous post - I was being pessimistic but was trying to turn that into some optimism - but sadly, the shuddering is worse. I gave one of my coworkers a ride this morning and he asked if my car was okay (in which I just laughed... because no, no it is not okay haha.) I think it really is a case by case fix - might work for some and might not for others...
But since the last TSB update and I've put almost 1000miles since then, there's no maintenance (reflashing/battery service/or any other service) done on my car. So it shouldn't go to the learning phase again.
Just had the 15B22 done yesterday, so far the car appears to be fine. Time will tell, but I really didn't have any issues to start with - was just in for oil change and tire rotation.
So my 800 mile update since having 15b22 done. It shifts amazing . Why the sad face u ask? Well its because I've had so many good shift moments after all my clutch packs and updates that I can no longer be an optimist when it shifts well. I will say that by far this is the best its ever shifted and the longest it's went with no hiccups. I'm wondering if a shifting software update went in along with the 15b22? Anyone got any ideas?
I had this FSA done Tuesday, and the very next day, it began shuddering again in first gear. I'm convinced its a bad TCM, or a bad actuator. The dealer service mgr continues to insist that it's the clutch slipping / hopping, but not enough to meet specs for replacement. When it does its shuddering, it will do it with even the lightest throttle input, yet, if I floor it, there is no hop or shudder whatsoever. That is NOT clutch slip, that is bad software or electronics, period! But, they refuse to do anything, as they tell me it's within spec. Shuddering enough to bob your head back and forth is NOT NORMAL, despite what they say. This is ridiculous. I have bought 4 new Ford vehicles over the years, and owned a total of 5. Never again... they lost me as a repeat customer. He actually had the audacity to reassure me that the warranty covered the transmission for an extended time period, to which I responded, what good does having a warranty do me if I can't use it to get my car fixed?
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