Rdrunner-Mike

Just out of curiosity, has anyone experienced random downshifting after the F150 had the recent software update for this problem?

Just to give everyone some background...the root cause for this random downshifting is identified by as this: a defective bulk head connector. When trans fluid leaks past the bulk head sealing rings it can disrupt the transmission's output speed sensor signal. When this happens the ECM automatically downshifts to second or first gear. to fix this issue Ford released a TSB that was comprised of a software update designed to prevent the ECM from automatically downshifting when the loss of signal occurs (I don't know what other conditions have to occur simultaneously). This fix is less labor intensive (thus cheaper) than replacing the actual bulk head connector assembly. Ford has released a revised part number for the bulkhead connector as well. Based upon the December 2017 article in the below link, the software update may not have resolved the problem.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...tigation.shtml

I am not bringing this up to start rumors...but, if you have had the TSB-based software update and still have experienced this problem, I encourage you to report it to the NHTSA so that the problem is correctly addressed.

Hope everyone has had a Happy New Year!

- Mike

kbrock

I've said this on a couple posts, but I'll say it again just to spread awareness. It happened to my '13. I had it in the dealer for an unrelated problem and while it was there they said that all the TSBs had been done on it/ no current TSBs on it (used truck).

The random downshift has happened to me once or twice. I reported it here: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ today just to make sure they broaden the range to the '13s and hopefully the '14s too, as it was just I believe 11-12s before.

I was just getting to an offramp so it wasn't that big of a deal, but if it was a couple minutes prior it could have ended in me being rear ended. I was going around 65 at the time when it went to first or maybe second gear. RPMs redlined and truck slowed down really fast. I've had the truck for around ~16k miles

RetiredMiner

Hello All,
Get it fixed asap before causes a major accident. The flash programming fix is a band aid for the failed transmission output sensor. This is an electronically controlled transmission (fly by wire) and unfortunately, without a DTC Ford will not replace.

Personally I had a near death experience with this problem and now a $11,000 bill (to replace the destroyed engine) to share about my original owner 2013 F150 Lariat 4X4 3.5L Eco boost “creampuff” with only 65,000miles. In May of 2019, while driving with family in rush hour traffic at 65mph, it suddenly down shifted to 1st gear! No brake lights to warn, tires skidding, blue tire smoke, and fishtailing with the engine red lining and roaring in a split second.

Fortunately, we survived, however my wife will not get near the truck. At the time, I did get multiple evil eye stares and received several center finger salutes. I shifted to neutral and quickly proceeded to coast to the shoulder. On the shoulder, after several unsuccessful attempts to move out of first, I finally turned off the engine, let it rest, then it restarted, and it began to drive normal again.

Immediately we called the dealer for an appointment. They had it in their shop for days. While test driving, they managed to repeat the sudden downshift however, the software did not produce a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). After working with Ford, without the DTC, they proceeded to replace the failed transmission lead frame output shaft speed sensor (OSS). There was a safety recall notice (19S07) for the intermittent OSS failure sent out in March 2019 recommending a software repair, however the software was not available until June 2019.

Magically, after replacing the OSS, we did receive a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) notice the following week by mail (CSP 19N01) extending the warranty on the failed OSS. It extended the warranty on the OSS and replaced it ONLY if a DTC was noted! At the time of the OSS repair, we expressed our concern of collateral damage to the engine and drive train from the impact of the sudden downshifting.

The sudden downshifting was by admission of Ford due to a faulty OSS and software program. The Service Manager acknowledged this point by suggesting we must wait and see what happens. Well, the hard-shifting problem seemed to disappear after the repair, however within the week, a disturbing and major knocking noise developed. I took it back ASAP to the shop for inspection. Again, waiting days for a specialist to diagnose. They did find metal debris in the oil filter and ultimately determined the engine was destroyed by reason of the faulty program and sensor and replacement was necessary. They quoted me $11,000 to replace the engine. I had just paid the truck off and had no extended warranty...hey its Built Ford Tough?! Ford has chipped in $5K, but I am still out $6K. This is not right.

harley0328

Ford has a recall out now for this. You can call your local dealership and give them your VIN and they can tell you.

Spiky

The recall is what everyone is talking about in this thread. It is the reprogram. It is not enough.

harley0328

Got ya. I just glanced quickly. from what im reading i shouldn't do it. I haven't had any issues yet. Knock on wood.

Bigredokie01

Just had the 19S07 - PCM programming done to my 2013 f150 yesterday. Two miles from the stealership for the first time ever I had the 5th to 3rd downshift noise. Drove right back to the stealership and had a service writer ride with me to hear the noise. repeated noise multiple times for him. in the end after talking to "ED" in the back ( maybe a tech ?) They are saying I could just need a new tranny lol . They also have never heard of that trans making any noise. Quick internet search says they must be under a rock. Anyone ever see this noise appear after the recall was performed ?? Anyone know how to fix the noise? 40 mph apply just enough gas to force a 5th to 3rd downshift and bingo noise. apply heavy gas no noise. crazy
Thnaks

RetiredMiner

I believe the programming is just a band aid for the failed transmission output speed sensor. I would negotiate replacement of the sensor under the technical service bulletin. To many sudden downshifts will stress and ruin the engine.
After Ford replaced my engine, I had a blatantly loud turbo whining noise when loading. In the past the turbo noise was not even noticeable. Ultimately again it turned out to be a sensor problem. The manifold air pressure MAP sensor connection was loose. This caused the engine control module ECM to not accurately calculate the engine load. This I believe in-turn caused the twin turbo's to spool up to compensate for the loss in air pressure. After reworking the connection, the engine control and power were good without unusual noise. Talking to other owners with similar issues they suggested the cause could be:

1. Programming/Mapping engine control. Throttle body calibration? MPT Tune? Max Boost?

2. Sticky actuator. The problem seems to come and go but is more noticeable under load.

3. Engine and turbo fit up leak. Vacuum leak, noisy, running rich, air being forced into the engine and out of the intake tract.

4. Dirty MAP sensors (3) causing engine control issue. Loose connections!!

jaksm

my truck has been at the dealer for three weeks waiting for parts to fix my lead frame problem. transmission wont shift, speedometer goes blank, this is a bad deal and is leaving a bad taste in my mouth for ford trucks. known problems and no parts make no sense. this shouldnt be legal.

Spiky

Slow parts is common with major issues. And we are still in the over-hyped covid winter of forced unemployment. (which means stuff doesn't get made, in case you didn't know that)