HELP! Transmission Issues After Swap

Seeking Help
1

I have a 2014 Ford Focus SE Flex Fuel. I recently swapped in a 2018 transmission with a 14.4 mm clutch since my old clutch was so worn it was skipping gears. After that, the car wouldn’t start until I replaced a bad fuse. I drove it about 10-15 miles to the gas station, but on the way back, the dash said it was overheating. Got it home, ran the codes, and only found Actuator A, so I swapped that out. Now it won’t go into drive, only reverse works.

I’ve replaced the transmission harness, Actuators A & B, and even swapped out the TCM once, but still no luck. It’s passing all TCM and clutch tests with no codes, but still won’t go into drive. I’d rather avoid the shop if I can fix it at home. Anyone got any ideas?

2

Could be stuck shift forks.

3

Ari said:
Could be stuck shift forks.

I used a tool to spin the shift forks on Actuator A, and it was moving smoothly. I haven’t checked B yet, but I could recheck A just to be sure. Not entirely convinced it’s the issue, though.

4

@Nev
Is the transmission fluid at the correct level? Also, maybe try reprogramming the shifts.

5

Ari said:
@Nev
Is the transmission fluid at the correct level? Also, maybe try reprogramming the shifts.

I might be low on fluid, but I just added 2 quarts. Not sure how to reprogram the shifts, though—what does that involve?

6

Do you know the code for Actuator A?

Did you use Forscan to reprogram it?

Make sure both actuators and TCM plugs are fully connected. Also, clean off all the ground connections (one for the negative cable, two under the airbox).

What gear oil did you use? Ford Motorcraft DCT or something like 75W 80 Redline GL4?

I swapped my 2014 SE transmission for a 2012 with 130k miles, didn’t even reprogram it, and it’s been running smoothly for the past month.

7

@Caelan
I don’t remember the exact code for the actuator. I have Forscan, but not sure which reprogram you mean. I bought transmission fluid from the Ford dealership, so whatever they recommended.

8

Nev said:
@Caelan
I don’t remember the exact code for the actuator. I have Forscan, but not sure which reprogram you mean. I bought transmission fluid from the Ford dealership, so whatever they recommended.

I meant doing the adaptive learn reprogram.

Where did you get the transmission?

9

@Caelan
Got it from a U-Pull yard.

10

Nev said:
@Caelan
Got it from a U-Pull yard.

Nice, love U-Pull yards! Came with a warranty, I’m guessing?

Try driving in S mode if you have it, it might keep it from overheating. Otherwise, you could go back and swap it for another if it’s still acting up.

Out of curiosity, did you pull the transmission with jacks on site?

11

@Caelan
Yeah, I’ve got a TCM warranty until June 30, 2025. I’m just trying to rule everything else out before taking it in. Don’t want to get charged for diagnostics if I can fix it myself.

12

Nev said:
@Caelan
Yeah, I’ve got a TCM warranty until June 30, 2025. I’m just trying to rule everything else out before taking it in. Don’t want to get charged for diagnostics if I can fix it myself.

Also, I don’t have an S (sport) mode on my shifter, just PRNDL.

13

@Nev
That’s weird. Do you see an ‘S’ on your shifter anywhere? Some models have it even if it’s not obvious.

14

Caelan said:
@Nev
That’s weird. Do you see an ‘S’ on your shifter anywhere? Some models have it even if it’s not obvious.

Nope, no ‘S’ on my shifter. My manual mentions it, though, so maybe my car is capable of it but just doesn’t have the option.

15

@Nev
Same here, I’ve got the warranty, too.

If it were me, I’d be all over YouTube and Google until I found an answer. Don’t give up!

16

Caelan said:
@Nev
Same here, I’ve got the warranty, too.

If it were me, I’d be all over YouTube and Google until I found an answer. Don’t give up!

Thanks, I don’t plan on giving up! Just on a tight schedule since it’s been down for months. I’m so close to getting it running again.