So, I’ve got a 2014 Focus I bought back in 2015. Got a letter from Ford about replacing the transmission control module (TCM) because my car does that common Focus ‘chugging’ thing. Took it to the local dealer with the letter, but they’re saying Ford won’t cover the repair unless the Check Engine light is on and showing a specific TCM code.
Has anyone gotten Ford to do this repair under warranty without the Check Engine light being on? Maybe the dealer is wrong, but I can’t get a straight answer from Ford themselves. I’m having all the symptoms in the letter, but apparently my car is ‘fine’ since there’s no warning light.
Yep, they replaced the tcm in my 2012 ford focus hatch auto. Had my car at ford for ages… like 8-9 months. The part was on back order so it may take just as long… depends if ur ford dealer cares. Car drove ok for a few weeks then died. Now there are bcm issues. Car is basically useless and ford wanted to charge me a lot to fix it. It’s been sitting in the driveway for months…
My car was showing transmission issues and the engine light was on.
@Peter
Thanks for the warning! I called the parts department before bringing the car in to check if they had the TCM in stock. The guy acted like I was stupid for even asking. It’s annoying when people talk down to you, but whatever, I just want the thing fixed. Still, 8-9 months is crazy long. Jeez.
Naomi said: @Peter
On the other hand, my mom’s focus was only there for about 2 weeks waiting on parts. It’s been running great since they fixed it last summer.
I think it’s just my local ford dealer. New owners took over. It used to be great… awesome customer service. Now, terrible customer service and they take forever. When my bcm went out, it took them months to even look at the car.
When our 2012’s TCM was replaced around 90k miles, the car was barely driveable. It would lose gear and act like it was in neutral until you stopped and waited. It was only at the dealer for a couple of days.
Somehow, the clutch didn’t get messed up. The car drives better now than it did years ago, and it’s still on the original clutch. I’m not touching it as long as it works.
Yeah, that’s the thing with Ford. If the car’s chugging is really bad, the dealership can ask Ford to replace the TCM. But, if it’s just the normal chugging, you have to wait for the check engine light. You also have to agree to fix the transmission there and not take it somewhere else if the problem continues. Sounds like they finally have enough TCMs in stock.
Ford transmission tech here. They’re not lying, it needs a specific code or Ford won’t pay the dealer for the repair. Nothing to do with them not wanting to do the work. I’ve replaced a ton of them and Ford pays me to do it. But if I try to put one in without the right paperwork, the dealer has to pay for it, and I’d be out of a job.