Ford Flex PCM transmission clunking, harsh shifts, but no fault codes
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Have 2009 Ford Flex Limited. Frequent transmission LOUD clunks when shifting and just driving at steady speeds. Online resources, fordflex.net, among others, say Ford TSB 09-2-7 addresses this for vehicles built before 12/12/2008. Local dealer said VIN indicates Flex build date was 12/02/2008. Printed copy of TSB and took to them. Service dept ran road test and diagnostics, confirmed at least "harsh shifting," but (as I told them would happen) did not get a fault code. Also could not find this TSB in their Flex data. Told them to update the PCM config no matter what other diagnoses might be but got "current configuration already installed" response, which I feel was "automatic." Was then told of three different leaks to fix - for $900 - before they'd do anything else. The driveway under the Flex spotless. I think they did NOTHING and billed me $177 for it.
How can I determine what PCM configuration is loaded to either confirm or confront the service department?
How long has your 2009 Ford Flex had this problem?
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Hello, there simply is no reason to suspect the service department has defied you or failed you are deceived you in any way. It is entirely plausible that when they hooked up the Ford IDS diagnostic system that the system indicated that your PCM was indeed at the "latest level" of calibration already, and would not take any other update. Keep in mind that it is not the choice of a service technician to say you are already at the latest level -- the software does this, and it's automatic.
The problem is: no web forum -- not "ford flex.net" or even RepairPal can give you a "for sure" indication on what is happening with your vehicle. Research and familiarization is good, and education is great, but taking things with a grain of salt is also important, as you may find that your symptoms and experience may differ from that of others.
Did the service department make a recommendation for you? Did they duplicate the problem that you are describing?
The charges incurred seem reasonable from my perspective.
I realize that Internet results should be taken with a grain of salt. As I said earlier, only "harsh shifting" was noted, and a $900 repair (over $1500 in total costs) required before anything else could be done. Called local independent transmission shops and was greeted with laughter when I mentioned the name of the local Ford dealer I saw: "They don't call them a STEALership for nothing!" and "They didn't LOOK for that bulletin!" Since my PCM issue is most likely a dealer-only fix, the independents recommended another Ford dealer, whom I called. This second Ford dealer (in a neighboring state) called up in seconds the same TSB I had - which the first dealer couldn't find - and read it back to me, which probably confirms my original skepticism of the first dealer. (Service appointment made with 2nd dealer.) The independents said this is "blatant non-service" on the part of the first dealer and recommended I file a complaint with the regional Ford office. Caveat emptor!
I realize that Internet results should be taken with a grain of salt. As I said earlier, only "harsh shifting" was noted, and a $900 repair (over $1500 in total costs) required before anything else could be done. Called local independent transmission shops and was greeted with laughter when I mentioned the name of the local Ford dealer I saw: "They don't call them a STEALership for nothing!" and "They didn't LOOK for that bulletin!" Since my PCM issue is most likely a dealer-only fix, the independents recommended another Ford dealer, whom I called. This second Ford dealer (in a neighboring state) called up in seconds the same TSB I had - which the first dealer couldn't find - and read it back to me, which probably confirms my original skepticism of the first dealer. (Service appointment made with 2nd dealer.) The independents said this is "blatant non-service" on the part of the first dealer and recommended I file a complaint with the regional Ford office. Caveat emptor!