SMAX gearbox issues

My 2015 Ford SMAX diesel is giving me grief. 211507 km on the clock. The gearbox is acting up – paddle shifters are dead, shifts are sloppy, and sometimes it feels like it's grinding. Limp mode kicks in, and the error memory is full. Could it be the transmission control unit? Anyone else had this?

4 comment(s)

Sounds rough. Those symptoms definitely point to something electronic. Does the error memory give any specific codes related to the transmission ECU? And have you checked the wiring harness for any obvious damage or loose connections before you jump to replacing the whole unit?

I haven't dug into the wiring harness yet, to be honest. The error codes do point to the TCU. Is there any way to test the TCU itself, or is it just a swap-and-pray situation?

Testing the TCU directly usually requires specialized equipment that most DIYers don't have access to. Given the symptoms and the error codes, it does sound like the TCU is the prime suspect. I'd suggest taking it to a reputable workshop. They can confirm the diagnosis and handle the replacement, as it might need coding to the car.

Thanks! I appreciate the input. Bit the bullet and took it to the shop. You were spot on – faulty TCU. Cost me around 1000€, but at least it's shifting smoothly again. Cheers!

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