Transmission ecu flash and disconnecting the battery

[locust43]

I took my 2010 Fusion SEL GV today for a transmission ECU flash recall and they reflashed the pcm. My question is if you disconnect the battery for 20 minutes will it retain the software update or will it need to be reflashrd again? I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes when I got back and reconnected and floored it from a stop a few times to get the transmission to relearn my driving habits. Thanks

[akirby]

I took my 2010 Fusion SEL GV today for a transmission ECU flash recall and they reflashed the pcm. My question is if you disconnect the battery for 20 minutes will it retain the software update or will it need to be reflashrd again? I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes when I got back and reconnected and floored it from a stop a few times to get the transmission to relearn my driving habits. Thanks

 

Disconnecting the battery does not affect the PCM - it's in permanent memory.

[con_fusion]

I took my 2010 Fusion SEL GV today for a transmission ECU flash recall and they reflashed the pcm. My question is if you disconnect the battery for 20 minutes will it retain the software update or will it need to be reflashrd again? I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes when I got back and reconnected and floored it from a stop a few times to get the transmission to relearn my driving habits. Thanks

 

When you say "ECU flash recall", does that mean you received a recall notice from Ford to have it reflashed?

[bbf2530]

Hi locust and con_fusion (akirby already knows this stuff). :D Several things: First, there is no "recall" for the Fusion/Milan/MKZ trans. Whatever work was performed was either a simple TSB or a "Customer Satisfaction Program". People often mistakenly use the word "recall" in the wrong context. This is one of those times.

 

Second, our transmissions/cars do not "learn our driving habits". While our transmissions have limited "adaptive" function, it only readjusts (or "learns) to take wear into account over time. In other words, it will adjust for wear over time to keep shift pressures and strategies within certain pre-programmed parameters. It does not "adjust" or "learn"according to how we drive. Unless how you drive puts abnormal wear on the transmission, then it will adjust for that wear. Disconnecting the battery only makes the car have to "re-learn" or adjust only to get right back to where it was before you disconnected the battery. It does not "re-learn" anything new. The bottom line is that the battery should not be owner disconnected to perform this type of action. It is counterproductive. It won't hurt anything, it will just get you nowhere but right back to where you were before you disconnected the battery. No final results. You wind up right back where you were before the disconnection, it just wastes time getting there.

 

Third, when the battery has been disconnected, there is a specific procedure which must be followed to have the PCM and TCM "re-learn" the the proper "idle" and "Fuel" trim strategies to run correctly. This procedure is listed in the Owners Manual: Let's just say that the procedure does not consist of "flooring it from a stop a few times to get the transmission to relearn my driving habits ".

 

Here is a copy and paste of the proper procedure:

 

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,

some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When

the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must

relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and

performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral

position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the

engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle

trim is eventually relearned.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the

transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the

transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and

will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the

adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its

optimum shift feel.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,

the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is

reconnected.

 

Until you perform the above procedure, the car will not run efficiently. It will re-learn the corrct strategies over time, but the car will not run optimally until that time comes.

 

Hope this information is not too confusing.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 23, 2010 by bbf2530

[locust43]

Hi locust and con_fusion (akirby already knows this stuff). :D Several things: First, there is no "recall" for the Fusion/Milan/MKZ trans. Whatever work was performed was either a simple TSB or a "Customer Satisfaction Program". People often mistakenly use the word "recall" in the wrong context. This is one of those times.

 

Second, our transmissions/cars do not "learn our driving habits". While our transmissions have limited "adaptive" function, it only readjusts (or "learns) to take wear into account over time. In other words, it will adjust for wear over time to keep shift pressures and strategies within certain pre-programmed parameters. It does not "adjust" or "learn"according to how we drive. Unless how you drive puts abnormal wear on the transmission, then it will adjust for that wear. Disconnecting the battery only makes the car have to "re-learn" or adjust only to get right back to where it was before you disconnected the battery. It does not "re-learn" anything new. The bottom line is that the battery should not be owner disconnected to perform this type of action. It is counterproductive. It won't hurt anything, it will just get you nowhere but right back to where you were before you disconnected the battery. No final results. You wind up right back where you were before the disconnection, it just wastes time getting there.

 

Third, when the battery has been disconnected, there is a specific procedure which must be followed to have the PCM and TCM "re-learn" the the proper "idle" and "Fuel" trim strategies to run correctly. This procedure is listed in the Owners Manual: Let's just say that the procedure does not consist of "flooring it from a stop a few times to get the transmission to relearn my driving habits ".

 

Here is a copy and paste of the proper procedure:

 

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,

some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When

the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must

relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and

performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral

position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the

engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle

trim is eventually relearned.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the

transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the

transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and

will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the

adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its

optimum shift feel.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,

the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is

reconnected.

 

Until you perform the above procedure, the car will not run efficiently. It will re-learn the corrct strategies over time, but the car will not run optimally until that time comes.

 

Hope this information is not too confusing.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Thank you for that information, my previous car a 2009 Toyota Camry V6, you had to drive it the way you wanted the transmission to shift. For this transmission issue Ford actually calls it a Recall because if your vehicle is over 7k they do load testing on the transmission and possible may have to replace part's because of premature valve body failure.

 

On my recall letter it's listed as Perform Recall 10b15, Perform Recaall 419 W94 AUTH Code : 1744, 6354 Perform Recall 10b15

[bbf2530]

Thank you for that information, my previous car a 2009 Toyota Camry V6, you had to drive it the way you wanted the transmission to shift. For this transmission issue Ford actually calls it a Recall because if your vehicle is over 7k they do load testing on the transmission and possible may have to replace part's because of premature valve body failure.

 

On my recall letter it's listed as Perform Recall 10b15, Perform Recaall 419 W94 AUTH Code : 1744, 6354 Perform Recall 10b15

 

 

Hi locust. :D You are welcome.

 

I understand what you are trying to explain concerning the wording of the letter, but that is just internal Ford wording. It is not officially a "recall" as far as NHTSA is concerned. In fact, your letter is not a "recall" letter, it is a "Notification letter". I am familiar with the repair process, both under 7,000 and over 7,000 miles (there is also a TCM re-flash as part of the program). It is difficult to briefly explain the differences, but the fact that parts may be replaced or the vehicle load tested (or the TCM re-flashed) has no bearing on what the program is called. It is officially a "Customer Satisfaction Program", not a "recall". Even NHTSA does not list it as a "recall".

 

However, in the end it really does not matter to the vehicle owner what it is called (poe-tay-toe or poe-tah-toe), as long as hey get their car repaired correctly.

 

The reason I am trying to straighten out the terminology is because if we don't do it now, we will be explaining this to others for the next 6 months ("There was a recall."/"No, there was not a recall it was..."). While the correct terminology does not really matter to the average owner, it does make a difference in the big picture.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 26, 2010 by bbf2530

[con_fusion]

ok,

 

So did Locust get this letter as something he initiated (had some type of transmission concern) or did Ford just send this letter out to customers who may be impacted by this "customer satisfaction" TSB?

 

Thanks

[bbf2530]

ok,

 

So did Locust get this letter as something he initiated (had some type of transmission concern) or did Ford just send this letter out to customers who may be impacted by this "customer satisfaction" TSB?

 

Thanks

 

Hi con_fusion. :D As part of this "Customer Satisfaction Program", Ford will notify by mail all owners of the Fusion/Milan with the 6F35 transmission whose cars are affected.

 

Or as you stated, "Ford (will) just send this letter out to customers who may be impacted by this "customer satisfaction" TSB?

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[ctrcbob]

bbf2530,

 

Always a pleasure to read a post from someone who knows what they are talking about.

 

I've posted the following before, but will post it again. My 07 MKZ with the AW6F transmission had a problem with its upshifting from 4th to 5th. Sometimes would not upshift. Took it to my L/M Dealer and their method of reflashing the ECU/TCU was to plug in a laptop computer, allow the car to sit and idle for an hour while the laptop did its thing. When finished, I still had the problem. Then one day, I got to talking with the Service Manager of my local Ford Dealership, who also happens to be the best Fort Technician I know, and asked him if he could do something with the upshift problem. He said sure. Even though he was the Service Manager, not the tech, he went and got him the Laptop,sat in the car, plugged it in, then he followed the laptops instructions. Went something like this.

 

1. Tap tap tap in laptop.

2. Switched key on, tap tap tap.

3. Key off, tap tap tap.

4. Key on, tap tap tap.

5. Start car, tap tap tap.

6. Shut car off

 

Said "OK, all fixed". took all of five minutes. He was correct. Never hat the upshift problem again. Although he is now at another dealership, I keep in contact with him and often ask for his advice. Like I said, he is the best Ford (Certified) Technician I know.

[locust43]

Thanks for the clarification everyone! I am new to Ford vehicles mostly as I have been a BMW and Toyota owner forever. I will say to everyone who has the 6F35 Transmission, they need to go in to the dealer for the TSB update because my Fusion V6 drives like a totally different car now, the shifts are not rough anymore, thy are very smooth and sometimes almost feels like a CVT transmission.

[con_fusion]

Coincidentally, I received an email from my Ford dealer service department a few days ago.

 

There were giving me a heads up about the service action letter that would be going out to customers impacted. This is the 10B15 service action mentioned by locust above.

 

In my case, I had previously inquired with the dealer about early shifts with my transmission (see another post in the forums here, nothing was found or done at that time). In case there was a connection, my service department wanted to let me know so I could come in and have the service action performed which I did today.

 

My Fusion only has 2200 miles and per the item, they updated the PCM programming. At least I hope they did it right. Anyone know a way to check that?

 

As bbf and a few others here know, the 10B15 action item going out to the dealers was published on another forum site.

 

After the update I didn't really notice any difference in shifting so far but wasn't experiencing any major issues previously either.

 

My V6 SEL was produced 11/10/09 and is included in those covered by the 10B15 "service action item".

 

Thanks

[BIRDVERT92]

Had mine at the dealership yesterday for the ECM reflash per the letter. I couldn't get a straight answer to whether or not they did the load test, as mine has 18k miles on it and per the letter they should have done the load test. However, so far all the little issues I have been having with the transmission seem to have diminished. I have only drove probably 50 miles mixed since then, but so far so good.

[UnLiMiTeD]

Had mine at the dealership yesterday for the ECM reflash per the letter. I couldn't get a straight answer to whether or not they did the load test, as mine has 18k miles on it and per the letter they should have done the load test. However, so far all the little issues I have been having with the transmission seem to have diminished. I have only drove probably 50 miles mixed since then, but so far so good.

Since we just bought our 2010 fusion and it already has 15k on the odometer, should i just stop into the service department and have them check to see if mine was apart of the service bulletin in case the previous owner did not take it in? I assume this is for the 6 speed auto, dont know the model numbers yet for these cars lol

[con_fusion]

Since we just bought our 2010 fusion and it already has 15k on the odometer, should i just stop into the service department and have them check to see if mine was apart of the service bulletin in case the previous owner did not take it in? I assume this is for the 6 speed auto, dont know the model numbers yet for these cars lol

 

I would have them check. If you call they can check the vin to see if it's outstanding or not.

[UnLiMiTeD]

Gave them a call, it is outstanding, going in Saturday to have it flashed. Thanks

[con_fusion]

Gave them a call, it is outstanding, going in Saturday to have it flashed. Thanks

 

Since you have over 7,000 miles, they are supposed to do additional testing on the transmission to make sure there is no damage.

 

So you may want to make sure they check that.

 

Good luck.

[danbanas@hotmail.com]

Hi con_fusion. :D As part of this "Customer Satisfaction Program", Ford will notify by mail all owners of the Fusion/Milan with the 6F35 transmission whose cars are affected.

 

Or as you stated, "Ford (will) just send this letter out to customers who may be impacted by this "customer satisfaction" TSB?

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

Hi bbf2530! You appear to be quite the expert - so riddle me this ---> why does my 2010 Lincoln MKZ (with the Aisin 6-speed) no longer have grade-assist or 'enhanced overdrive cancel'? Was this functionality causing problems? I heard the early 2010 MKZs had the functionality but mine was built in 12/2009 - 3rd printing of the owner's manual - and when you shift from D to M (sideways movement in shift lever), all you get is gear selections - no light illuminates for "grade assist" and such, plus it doesn't lock out 5th,6th gear. So again - do you know why the engineers/factory decided to eliminate this part of the SST programming? Oh also - in my odometer area, the "SST - D" does not illuminate - I only see the orange numerical gears underneath the PRNDM cluster. Many thanks for some insight.

[bbf2530]

Hi bbf2530! You appear to be quite the expert - so riddle me this ---> why does my 2010 Lincoln MKZ (with the Aisin 6-speed) no longer have grade-assist or 'enhanced overdrive cancel'? Was this functionality causing problems? I heard the early 2010 MKZs had the functionality but mine was built in 12/2009 - 3rd printing of the owner's manual - and when you shift from D to M (sideways movement in shift lever), all you get is gear selections - no light illuminates for "grade assist" and such, plus it doesn't lock out 5th,6th gear. So again - do you know why the engineers/factory decided to eliminate this part of the SST programming? Oh also - in my odometer area, the "SST - D" does not illuminate - I only see the orange numerical gears underneath the PRNDM cluster. Many thanks for some insight.

 

 

Hi Dan. :D Thanks for the kind-of complement. However, to avoid anyone jumping down my throat, let me make it clear upfront that I never claim to be an expert. I just take the time to research properly and get the answers from the experts if I don't know it myself.

 

So, that being said, I will give it a shot: After some checking, it seems the short answer is that once Ford provided the "SelectShift" function which allows drivers a choice of "manually" choosing which gear to be in (1-6), "Grade Assist" became a relic of the past. However, it took them a bit of time (and research into owner mentality) to realize this, so the feature was eliminated during a mid-2010 model year JOB change. So if your particular 2010 MKZ does not have "grade assist", then your MKZ was built after Ford incorporated that change.

 

The longer answer: Let me give a little history/background. I have a 2007 MKZ. It has the 6 speed Aisin, No "SelectShift" Function (SelectShift was introduced in the 2010 models). Only "D" and "L" as far as forward gear choices and the "O/D Off" button (later renamed "Grade Assist") on the side of the shift lever. "L" and the "O/D Off" button give me the only "manual" gearing choices I have for any type of gear selection, and it is limited at that. As explained in the Owners Manual, "L" is really only to be used for added engine braking during extended downhill driving. It only forces the trans to stay in a lower gear than "D" would choose and avoid upshifts in "throttle-off" situations. And "O/D cancel" only locks out overdrive and is mainly for situations when we are driving "stop-and-go" in that 30-50 mph range, in hilly terrain, at certain times during trailer towing etc., when it would be annoying and inconvenient to constantly have the trans shifting in and out of O/D. So it simply locks out overdrive for a smoother driving experience.

Now, with the new "Selectshift" function giving the driver full control over what gear they are using, "OD Off", "Grade Assist" etc. are all redundant electronic controls and no longer needed. The driver now has more gear choice/control with the "Selectshift' function than they ever had with the old "L" and "OD Off/Grade Assist function.

 

In addition, I have also heard through the grapevine that many people were simply not reading their Owners Manuals and getting confused as to what/when "L", "O/D Off" and "Grade Assist" were actually to be used for (as you can see in other threads in this forum). They were therefore using them incorrectly and too often. By doing so, people were increasing transmission wear/tear and fuel use. This lead to increased trans problems and EPA problems. The EPA felt that a certain percentage of drivers were not understanding the proper uses of those controls and therefore getting decreased fuel mileage. Th EPA has no sense of humor and does not look kindly on those types of problems.

 

So in the end, once "Selectshift" was instituted, Ford could save money, avoid some driver confusion (there will always be those who get confused anyway) and make the EPA happy by eliminating the redundant controls.

 

Concerning why your particular vehicle does not have the "SST" indicator? This answer assumes that your car does not have an inoperative SST light or other system defect: I have also heard through the grapevine (but have not independently verified) that it was for the same basic reasons as mentioned above. Driver error. A certain percentage of drivers (again, those who refuse to read their Owners Manual and understand how their cars operate) were not comprehending the full SelectShift function and how moving it into the "M" mode slot locked out O/D. This again lead to increased transmission wear/tear and decreased fuel economy. So again, the EPA informed Ford there was a problem. So instead of trying to get drivers to read their Owners Manuals to understand things (an impossible task for some), it was easier to eliminate the SST/Overdrive lockout function. So as often happens, the rest of us suffer with decreased functionality in order to help those who cannot help themselves. And as usual, it is safe to assume that the Owners Manual printings have not caught up with the running changes.

 

Just as another quick example of this type of "driver error": Numerous drivers of "SelectShift" equipped cars complain that they feel the "manual" shifts are too slow. Yet the usual cause of this problem" is due to the fact that they never read and/or understood that the Owners Manual clearly states to push/pull and release the shift lever for shift changes. So they push or pull the shift lever and hold it there for a few seconds, thus delaying the shift. A quick "flick and release" of the lever will give the quickest shifts. Driver error.

 

Anyone interested can find all three printings (currently) of the 2010 MKZ Owners Manuals here: LINK: Owners Guides

 

Hopefully, a new printing will be available soon that incorporates the latest changes.

 

Hope this information helps

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

PS - Sorry for the long answer, but I tried to provide as much usable information as possible. :stats:

 

PPS - While my answer is long, I did leave out some small details concerning "O/D Off' programming, "Grade Assist" programming, etc., as it was unimportant and would only serve to confuse the conversation. For a better explanation of those features (and others), people should consult their Owners Manual.

Edited May 19, 2010 by bbf2530

[danbanas@hotmail.com]

Hi Dan. :D Thanks for the kind-of complement. However, to avoid anyone jumping down my throat, let me make it clear upfront that I never claim to be an expert. I just take the time to research properly and get the answers from the experts if I don't know it myself.

 

So, that being said, I will give it a shot: After some checking, it seems the short answer is that once Ford provided the "SelectShift" function which allows drivers a choice of "manually" choosing which gear to be in (1-6), "Grade Assist" became a relic of the past. However, it took them a bit of time (and research into owner mentality) to realize this, so the feature was eliminated during a mid-2010 model year JOB change. So if your particular 2010 MKZ does not have "grade assist", then your MKZ was built after Ford incorporated that change.

 

The longer answer: Let me give a little history/background. I have a 2007 MKZ. It has the 6 speed Aisin, No "SelectShift" Function (SelectShift was introduced in the 2010 models). Only "D" and "L" as far as forward gear choices and the "O/D Off" button (later renamed "Grade Assist") on the side of the shift lever. "L" and the "O/D Off" button give me the only "manual" gearing choices I have for any type of gear selection, and it is limited at that. As explained in the Owners Manual, "L" is really only to be used for added engine braking during extended downhill driving. It only forces the trans to stay in a lower gear than "D" would choose and avoid upshifts in "throttle-off" situations. And "O/D cancel" only locks out overdrive and is mainly for situations when we are driving "stop-and-go" in that 30-50 mph range, in hilly terrain, at certain times during trailer towing etc., when it would be annoying and inconvenient to constantly have the trans shifting in and out of O/D. So it simply locks out overdrive for a smoother driving experience.

Now, with the new "Selectshift" function giving the driver full control over what gear they are using, "OD Off", "Grade Assist" etc. are all redundant electronic controls and no longer needed. The driver now has more gear choice/control with the "Selectshift' function than they ever had with the old "L" and "OD Off/Grade Assist function.

 

In addition, I have also heard through the grapevine that many people were simply not reading their Owners Manuals and getting confused as to what/when "L", "O/D Off" and "Grade Assist" were actually to be used for (as you can see in other threads in this forum). They were therefore using them incorrectly and too often. By doing so, people were increasing transmission wear/tear and fuel use. This lead to increased trans problems and EPA problems. The EPA felt that a certain percentage of drivers were not understanding the proper uses of those controls and therefore getting decreased fuel mileage. Th EPA has no sense of humor and does not look kindly on those types of problems.

 

So in the end, once "Selectshift" was instituted, Ford could save money, avoid some driver confusion (there will always be those who get confused anyway) and make the EPA happy by eliminating the redundant controls.

 

Concerning why your particular vehicle does not have the "SST" indicator? This answer assumes that your car does not have an inoperative SST light or other system defect: I have also heard through the grapevine (but have not independently verified) that it was for the same basic reasons as mentioned above. Driver error. A certain percentage of drivers (again, those who refuse to read their Owners Manual and understand how their cars operate) were not comprehending the full SelectShift function and how moving it into the "M" mode slot locked out O/D. This again lead to increased transmission wear/tear and decreased fuel economy. So again, the EPA informed Ford there was a problem. So instead of trying to get drivers to read their Owners Manuals to understand things (an impossible task for some), it was easier to eliminate the SST/Overdrive lockout function. So as often happens, the rest of us suffer with decreased functionality in order to help those who cannot help themselves. And as usual, it is safe to assume that the Owners Manual printings have not caught up with the running changes.

 

Just as another quick example of this type of "driver error": Numerous drivers of "SelectShift" equipped cars complain that they feel the "manual" shifts are too slow. Yet the usual cause of this problem" is due to the fact that they never read and/or understood that the Owners Manual clearly states to push/pull and release the shift lever for shift changes. So they push or pull the shift lever and hold it there for a few seconds, thus delaying the shift. Driver error.

 

Anyone interested can find all three Manual printings of the 2010 MKZ Owners Manuals here:LINK: Owners Guides

 

Hopefully, a new printing will be available soon that incorporates the latest changes.

 

Hope this information helps

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

PS - Sorry for the long answer, but I tried to provide as much usable information as possible. :stats:

 

Awesome response - I finally understand. I knew I was a bit thickheaded anyways - but your answer cleared this all up for me. I appreciate you taking the time to research my question and it does sort of make sense about the changes they made. Plus, I guess it would be redundant to illuminate the "SST -D" at my odometer AND have the numerical numbers displayed under the PRNDM.

 

Thanks again!

[drolds1]

Awesome response - I finally understand. I knew I was a bit thickheaded anyways - but your answer cleared this all up for me. I appreciate you taking the time to research my question and it does sort of make sense about the changes they made. Plus, I guess it would be redundant to illuminate the "SST -D" at my odometer AND have the numerical numbers displayed under the PRNDM.

 

Thanks again!

 

As I mentioned in the other thread WRT this subject, Job 3 cars did not come with grade assist. Mine was a Job 2 car and originally had it. In the course of trying to track down the cause of the 40 mph "rumble" in AWD cars, they installed the updated TCU in my car, thus eliminating the grade assist. They ordered the proper TCU for my car and are waiting for me to return to have it installed. This should restore grade assist. As a side note, my son is a parts specialist at the dealer and informs me that dealers are calling from all over the country in an attempt to buy that TCU, as it's now on backorder and my dealer is apparently the only one in the country that has one available right now. Make of this what you will.

 

As to 'SST' appearing in the message center, my car never displayed that either. While I agree that it's redundant. Ford needs to be a little more fastidious about updating owners guides so as to avoid confusion and unwarranted warranty claims. As another example, my OG also showed how to program the Home Link transmitter. After a couple of frustrating hours, I called Home Link who advised me that mine must be defective and to take it in for service. Well, after an equally frustrating two hours for the service manager, it was discovered that Home Link had been replaced in 2010 MKZs, Fusions (and others) with the Lear Car2U System, which is actually easier to program than the old Home Link I had in my Lincoln LSes. However, it would have been nice had the OG reflected that change. They could have saved me from being pissed off and my SM could have surely spent 2 hours doing something more productive.

 

bbf2530 is probably right (as usual :D ) in saying that customers don't or won't read the OG and initiate unnecessary warranty claims. This was the case with rain sensing wipers in the Lincoln LS, which were available from MY 2000-2003. Ford had so many baseless warranty claims from owners who couldn't figure out how to work them that they dropped the feature for MY 2004.

[danbanas@hotmail.com]

As I mentioned in the other thread WRT this subject, Job 3 cars did not come with grade assist. Mine was a Job 2 car and originally had it. In the course of trying to track down the cause of the 40 mph "rumble" in AWD cars, they installed the updated TCU in my car, thus eliminating the grade assist. They ordered the proper TCU for my car and are waiting for me to return to have it installed. This should restore grade assist. As a side note, my son is a parts specialist at the dealer and informs me that dealers are calling from all over the country in an attempt to buy that TCU, as it's now on backorder and my dealer is apparently the only one in the country that has one available right now. Make of this what you will.

 

As to 'SST' appearing in the message center, my car never displayed that either. While I agree that it's redundant. Ford needs to be a little more fastidious about updating owners guides so as to avoid confusion and unwarranted warranty claims. As another example, my OG also showed how to program the Home Link transmitter. After a couple of frustrating hours, I called Home Link who advised me that mine must be defective and to take it in for service. Well, after an equally frustrating two hours for the service manager, it was discovered that Home Link had been replaced in 2010 MKZs, Fusions (and others) with the Lear Car2U System, which is actually easier to program than the old Home Link I had in my Lincoln LSes. However, it would have been nice had the OG reflected that change. They could have saved me from being pissed off and my SM could have surely spent 2 hours doing something more productive.

 

bbf2530 is probably right (as usual :D ) in saying that customers don't or won't read the OG and initiate unnecessary warranty claims. This was the case with rain sensing wipers in the Lincoln LS, which were available from MY 2000-2003. Ford had so many baseless warranty claims from owners who couldn't figure out how to work them that they dropped the feature for MY 2004.

 

Agreed - and thanks again, you make total sense. My MKZ has the new Car2U thing from Lear, so I will keep that in mind when programming it.

 

Totally new subject: One item I was confused about - and this relates now to my Ford Fusion 2010 V6 SEL: I parked my Fusion on a level surface, engine idling at operating temp, checked the transmission dipstick and it was below the crosshatched area (10,000 miles on the odo). I turned the engine off, rechecked dipstick just to be curious, now the fluid is totally in the crosshatched area and FULL. I might be a meat-head here, but I thought you are supposed to check trans fluid with engine at op temp, level surface, idling - not with the engine shut off - so now I wonder if the rules have changed here? Dipstick wrong? Further, since Mercon LV is not avail. at "Wal-Mart", or so I hear, I suspect I will have to have Ford top it off?

[bbf2530]

Agreed - and thanks again, you make total sense. My MKZ has the new Car2U thing from Lear, so I will keep that in mind when programming it.

 

Totally new subject: One item I was confused about - and this relates now to my Ford Fusion 2010 V6 SEL: I parked my Fusion on a level surface, engine idling at operating temp, checked the transmission dipstick and it was below the crosshatched area (10,000 miles on the odo). I turned the engine off, rechecked dipstick just to be curious, now the fluid is totally in the crosshatched area and FULL. I might be a meat-head here, but I thought you are supposed to check trans fluid with engine at op temp, level surface, idling - not with the engine shut off - so now I wonder if the rules have changed here? Dipstick wrong? Further, since Mercon LV is not avail. at "Wal-Mart", or so I hear, I suspect I will have to have Ford top it off?

 

 

Hi Dan. :D No, you are not a meat-head and the rules have not changed. We still check the transmission fluid with the "engine at op temp, level surface, idling - not with the engine shut off". If the fluid is low, take it to the Dealer ans have them top it off.

 

Good luck. :beerchug: