Automatic Transmission - Automatic Transaxle/transmission - External Controls: Other Ford Flex I

Range Selection

This transaxle has 5 range positions: P, R, N, D and L for vehicles equipped with a TCS and P, R, N, D and M for vehicles equipped with paddle shifters.

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Park

In the PARK position

1. there is no powerflow through the transaxle.
2. the parking pawl locks the final drive.
3. the engine may be started.
4. the ignition key may be removed.

Reverse

In the REVERSE position

1. the vehicle may be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio.
2. engine braking will occur.

Neutral

In the NEUTRAL position

1. there is no powerflow through the transaxle.
2. the output shaft is not held and is free to turn.
3. the engine may be started.

Drive Position With Grade Assist

DRIVE is the normal position for most forward driving.

In the DRIVE position

1. the transaxle provides automatic shifts - 1st through 6th gears.
2. the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) is applied and released.
3. the transaxle provides maximum fuel economy during normal operation.

Manual L Position (vehicles equipped with a TCS)

In manual L position

1. the transaxle provides maximum engine braking.
2. the transaxle downshifts to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed.

Manual L position allows for 1st gear when the vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Manual Position (vehicles equipped with paddle shifters)

In manual position

1. the transaxle provides maximum engine braking.
2. gears 1 through 5 are available.
3. the driver can manually shift the transaxle to gears 1 through 6 using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
4. grade assist is activated.
5. the grade assist lamp illuminates on the Instrument Cluster (IC).
6. the transaxle will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine rpm during engine braking.

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DRIVE with grade assist is activated when the TCS is pressed. The TCS is located on the selector lever knob. When the TCS is pressed, the 6th gear or Overdrive (O/D) upshift is prevented or the transaxle shifts down to 5th gear. The TCS is meant to be used when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from 6th to other gears such as hilly terrain, mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

Grade Assist

1. Grade assist is activated.
2. The transaxle operates in gears 1 through 5.
3. The grade assist lamp illuminates on the IC.
4. Improves vehicle handling in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs.
5. Additional engine braking is provided through the transaxle shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
6. The transaxle will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine rpm during engine braking.

It is recommended to return to DRIVE mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transaxle function. The transaxle returns to O/D when the TCS is pressed again or anytime the key is turned OFF.

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When the selector lever is moved to the M position, the driver can shift the transaxle manually using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

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ITEM DESCRIPTION CHART

With Select Shift

1. the driver can manually shift the transaxle to gears 1 through 6.
2. the current gear illuminates on the IC.
3. the transaxle provides additional grade (engine) braking.
4. the driver upshifts the transaxle by pulling the paddle shifter backward.
5. the driver downshifts the transaxle by pushing the paddle shifter forward.
6. the transaxle will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine rpm during engine braking.

The transaxle will make some shifts automatically, primarily to protect the engine from stalling.

It is recommended to return to DRIVE mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transaxle function. The transaxle returns to O/D when the selector lever is moved to the DRIVE position.

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Pinpoint Tests

Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for schematic and connector information.

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1. A1 TEST THE BRAKE LIGHTS Apply the brake pedal and view the brake lights. Brake lamps should illuminate within 15 mm (0.59 in) of pedal travel Do the brake lights illuminate within 15 mm (0.59 in) of pedal travel? Yes: GO to A2 . No: Refer to «EXTERIOR LIGHTING»(ref-372775) .
2. A2 TEST SJB FUSE 5 (10A) Ignition OFF. Check fuse: 5 (10A). Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: GO to A3 . No: INSTALL a new fuse. GO to A3 .
3. A3 TEST THE BSIA POWER CIRCUIT Disconnect: Selector Lever Harness C3245. Ignition ON. Measure the voltage between selector lever harness C3245-1, circuit CET53 (BU/OG) and ground, while applying the brake pedal. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes: GO to A6 . No: GO to A4 .
4. A4 TEST THE BSIA POWER CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND Ignition OFF. Disconnect: Smart Junction Box (SJB) C2280C. Measure the resistance between selector lever harness C3245-1, circuit CET53 (BU/OG) and ground. Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms? Yes: GO to A5 . No: REPAIR circuit CET53 (BU/OG) for a short to ground. TEST the system for normal operation.
5. A5 TEST THE BSIA POWER CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN Measure the resistance between selector lever harness C3245-1, circuit CET53 (BU/OG) and SJB C2280C-23, circuit CET53 (BU/OG). Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: INSTALL a new SJB . TEST the system for normal operation. No: REPAIR circuit CET53 (BU/OG) for an open.
6. A6 TEST THE BSIA GROUND CIRCUIT Ignition OFF. Measure the resistance between selector lever harness C3245-4, circuit GD116 (BK/VT) and ground. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: GO to A7 No: REPAIR circuit GD116 (BK/VT). TEST the system for normal operation.
7. A7 TEST THE BSIA WITH THE SELECTOR LEVER CABLE DISCONNECTED Connect: Selector Lever Harness C3245. Disconnect the selector lever cable at the selector lever. Ignition ON. Apply the brake pedal and move the selector lever out of the park position. Does the brake shift interlock system release the selector lever correctly? Yes: Check selector cable function and adjust the cable If necessary. REFER to «SELECTOR LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT»(ref-372801-S17179362682010093000000) . No: INSTALL a new selector lever. REFER to «SELECTOR LEVER»(ref-372801-S09806784792010093000000) .

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1. B1 TEST THE IC Connect the scan tool. Using the scan tool, monitor the TCS PID while cycling the Transmission Control Switch (TCS). Does the TCS PID cycle from closed to open? Yes: Refer to «INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES»(ref-372777) . No: GO to B2 .
2. B2 CHECK FOR VOLTAGE SUPPLY AT THE SELECTOR LEVER CONNECTOR Disconnect: Selector Lever Harness C3245. Start the engine. Measure the voltage at selector lever C3245-6. Is the voltage greater than 10 volts? Yes: GO to B3 . No: REPAIR circuit CBB46 (WH/BU) for an open. RECONNECT all components. TEST the system for normal operation.
3. B3 TEST THE TCS SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN Disconnect: PCM C175B. Measure the resistance between selector lever harness C3245-5, circuit CET34 (BN/GN) and PCM C175B-16, circuit CET34 (BN/GN). Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: GO to B4 . No: REPAIR circuit CET34 (BN/GN) for an open. RECONNECT all components. TEST the system for normal operation.
4. B4 TEST THE TCS Measure the resistance between selector lever C3245-5 and C3245-6, component side, while cycling the TCS . Is the resistance less than 5 ohms when pressed and greater than 10,000 ohms when released? Yes: INSTALL a new PCM. Refer to «ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS»(ref-372808) . TEST the system for normal operation. No: INSPECT the selector lever wiring harness for damage and REPAIR as necessary. If the selector lever wiring harness is not damaged, INSTALL a new selector lever knob. REFER to «SELECTOR LEVER KNOB»(ref-372801-S31137404142010093000000) . TEST the system for normal operation.

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1. C1 TEST THE PADDLE SHIFTER CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN NOTE: Both RH and LH paddle shifter connectors are the same and share the same circuits. Remove the paddle shifter. Refer to «SELECTOR LEVER - PADDLE SHIFT»(ref-372801-S21590038592010093000000) . For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine, disconnect PCM C175B. For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine, disconnect PCM C175T. For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine, disconnect PCM C1381B. For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine, measure the resistance between the paddle shifter connector, harness side and the PCM C175B and C175T, harness side using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Paddle Shifter Connector Function/Circuit PCM Connector Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 1 Upshift Signal/CET43 (GY) C175T-42 Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 2 Ground Supply/RE407 (YE/VT) C175B-58 Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 3 Downshift Signal/CET42 (GN/VT) C175T-44 For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine, measure the resistance between the paddle shifter connector, harness side and the PCM C1381B, harness side using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Paddle Shifter Connector Function/Circuit PCM Connector Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 1 Upshift Signal/CET43 (GY) C1381B-23 Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 2 Ground Supply/RE407 (YE/VT) C1381B-56 Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 3 Downshift Signal/CET42 (GN/VT) C1381B-24 Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: GO to C4 . No: GO to C2 .
2. C2 TEST THE STEERING WHEEL WIRING HARNESS PADDLE SHIFTER CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN Disconnect: Steering Wheel Internal Wiring Harness C218B. Measure the resistance between the paddle shifter connector, harness side and the steering wheel internal wiring harness C218B, harness side using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Paddle Shifter Connector Pin Number Circuit Function (Color) Steering Wheel C218B Pin Number 1 Upshift signal (VT/OG) 6 2 Ground supplied from PCM (GY) 2 3 Downshift signal (YE/RD) 12 Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: GO to C3 . No: INSTALL a new steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-372792) .
3. C3 TEST THE CLOCKSPRING INTERNAL PADDLE SHIFTER CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN Remove the steering column shroud. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-372792) . Disconnect: Clockspring C218A. Measure the resistance of the paddle shifter circuits through the clockspring, using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Clockspring Pin Number C218B End Component Side Circuit Function Clockspring Pin Number C218A End Component Side 6 Upshift signal 3 2 Ground supplied from PCM 7 12 Downshift signal 11 Is the resistance less than 5 ohms? Yes: REPAIR the circuit in question between clockspring C218A and the PCM connector for an open. No: INSTALL a new clockspring. Refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-372796) .
4. C4 TEST THE PADDLE SHIFTER SIGNAL CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND Measure the resistance between the paddle shifter connector, harness side and ground using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Paddle Shifter Connector Function/Circuit Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 1 Upshift Signal/CET43 (GY) Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 3 Downshift Signal/CET42 (GN/VT) Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms? Yes: GO to C6 . No: GO to C5 .
5. C5 TEST THE STEERING WHEEL WIRING HARNESS PADDLE SHIFTER SIGNAL CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO GROUND Disconnect: Steering Wheel Internal Wiring Harness C218B. Measure the resistance between the paddle shifter connector, harness side and ground using the following chart: RESISTANCE REFERENCE CHART Paddle Shifter Connector Function/Circuit Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 1 Upshift Signal/CET43 (GY) Paddle Shifter Connector Pin 3 Downshift Signal/CET42 (GN/VT) Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms? Yes: REPAIR the circuit in question between clockspring C218A and the PCM connector for a short. No: INSTALL a new steering wheel. Refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-372792) .
6. C6 CHECK THE PADDLE SHIFTER Measure the resistance between the pins 2 and 1, component side while cycling the paddle shifter to the upshift position. Measure the resistance between the pins 2 and 3, component side while cycling the paddle shifter to the downshift position. Is the resistance less than 5 ohms when the paddle shifter is in the shift position and greater than 10,000 ohms when the paddle shifter is released? Yes: INSTALL a new PCM. Refer to «ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS»(ref-372808) . RECONNECT all components. TEST the system for normal operation. No: INSTALL a new paddle shifter. REFER to «SELECTOR LEVER - PADDLE SHIFT»(ref-372801-S21590038592010093000000) .

Brake Shift Interlock Override

Note. If it is necessary to use the override procedure to move the selector lever out of the PARK position, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the brake lights are not operational. Before driving the vehicle, verify that the brake lights are working.

This vehicle is equipped with a brake shift interlock feature that prevents the selector lever from being moved out of PARK when the ignition is in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If the selector lever cannot be moved out of the PARK position when the ignition is in the ON position and the brake pedal is depressed

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1. Apply the parking brake and remove the ignition key.
2. Remove the selector lever trim ring.
3. Lift upward and open the storage compartment lid.
4. Lift upward on the rear of the upper console finish panel and remove the upper console finish panel.
5. From the right side of the selector lever, push the brake shift interlock override forward, apply the brake, press the selector lever knob button and move the selector lever into NEUTRAL.
6. Install the floor console finish panel.
7. Install the selector lever trim ring.
8. Start the vehicle.

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1. Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the manual control lever.
2. Place the selector lever in DRIVE.
3. Place the manual control lever in DRIVE. Rotate the manual control lever clockwise until it stops. Rotate the manual control lever counterclockwise one detent.
4. Unlock the adjuster. Pry the latch up. Push the lock tab to slide it over.
5. Slide the selector lever cable end forward or backward to align it with the manual control lever.
6. With the adjuster locking tab released, connect the selector lever cable end to the manual control lever.
7. Slide the release tab back to lock the adjuster.
8. Verify that the vehicle starts in PARK and NEUTRAL only and that the reverse lamps illuminate in REVERSE.

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PARTS DESCRIPTION CHART

Selector Lever Knob

PARTS DESCRIPTION CHART

Selector Lever Bezel

PARTS DESCRIPTION CHART