Programming New TCM on a Focus with Ford IDS

[@jandrade7786]

Turn off your vehicle's ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle's transmission control module.note I’m used my scanner for the process (snap-on)

[@CandaceVinson-bz3ph]

Do you have to use Ford IDS for used ECU/ TCM modules? Or can I use a bidirectional with credits?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

If you get a used TCM off the same year model focus then all you need to do is a clutch adaptive learn no programming

[@BummyTaco]

Do you need a certain program to be able to program the tcm and ecms? I have a matco scan tool but im bot able to do the programming on them

[@hsamson1103]

subscribed..great videos..nice to have a lists of tips on how to's on focus that we can do without using expensive scan tool..i.e. resetting tranny, batery monitor, etc...without disconnecting battery that is...lastly, a list of things we cannot do without a scantool..

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Awesome! Let me know if I can help

[@mahirerensan]

Thanks to video. Do you know FOCUS MK4 location of the TCU (Telematics control unit/4G modem) ? I Can' t find in the car. I don't want to remove plastics for nothing.

[@fb0man908]

I’ve heard that you need a special cable to use while programming the tcm otherwise it has a chance of frying it. If that’s true then would you know where to get said cable? If not what would you recommend using to connect my laptop to it.

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

For DIY programming, I recommend forscan with obdlink ex

[@Kimsen21_Zomi]

I got 2013 focus se The in instrument cluster didn’t show which gear i’m at even when pu it In. R / N / D it’s doesn’t show Recent i just replace the TCM with used one what you recommend to do on that?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Did you program the tcm to your car? If so, you may have a bad tcm again. Look at the range sensor for any damage too

[@seacradev5400]

Did you go through TCM adaptive learning procedure? To teach it shift points as you movie the shifter and clutch points.

[@husseinlove5940]

Did the TCM word?

[@Kimsen21_Zomi]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles i did replace both of that still get the same TCM and Range sensor but I can’t program TCM lost communication

[@Kimsen21_Zomi]

@@seacradev5400 I tried it still get the same Using Forscan software

[@chunkylad5084]

Do you remember if you had to download the necessary files or if ids already has them?

[@thomasjames8246]

@bigben I keep trying to relearn my sons 2015 focus 2.0. Everything passes until final test when you floor the gas pedal. It fails immediately with message that rpm is t high enough! Now what?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

You can try waiting a few seconds after flooring the gas, to let the rpm steady out. Before continuing the next step

[@mistocli]

Hi! I can disable tcm to install a manual box ford s-max model 2010 tdci

[@Insidiousotter]

Is there any possibility that a replacement TCM can work without programming? Does it start and drive weird or car just won't turn on at all until you've programmed it?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

If you get a used one from the same year model focus, all it'll need is the touch point learn

[@Insidiousotter]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles I got one from 1 year newer today so I guess I'll need to do all the steps. Hopefully it works! By the way, Ford issued a new recall that says even if you go past the 10 years/150,000 they'll do it ONE more time before June 2025.

[@josesanchez8954]

@@Insidiousotteris this free reflags? Recall? Covered till 150k ?

[@joshuawebber1001]

Hey Ben hope your well . Had New TCM installed through recall but now ford dealership is telling me they can’t program TCM because clutch B is stuck and want 4k for clutch replacement or come get car but can’t drive because TCM isn’t programmed . Asked if they checked the actuators or manually unlocked clutch B and they said no . My question is can I check the actuators with a non programmed TCM . Wanted to swap actuators to see if code went from B to A but will I be able to do that with an unprogrammed TCM ? B4 I took the car in I would get code for clutch B stuck engaged and not have reverse and wouldn’t wanna start but then I could reset codes and have reverse

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@joshuawebber1001 hi, what they probably meant is the adaptive learn can't be done. I'm sure it's programmed. And yeah you should be able to swap and do testing like you want

[@joshuawebber1001]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles thank you so much for the fast reply. Do you think it could be the clutch if I could go in and reset codes and have reverse for a little bit then code get tossed and not have reverse ? Sound like actuator or clutch fork . Thanks Ben

[@JustinOkel]

I have a ‘17 focus that I just replaced the tcm on. My car has the push start. The car, after replacing the tcm, wont even turn on (meaning lights in car and touch screen on dash). I had to use my physical key to get into my car because the wireless keyfob wasn’t connecting to unlock the car. Is this normal? I know the programming and adaptive learning need done by the dealer, but is it normal for the car to just not turn on? Will the IDS software be needed to get my car to simply turn back on? Thanks

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

It should turn on, but it won't be able to actually start the engine

[@JustinOkel]

Thanks for replying! I researched and was also told that it wouldnt crank when replaced, but should turn on. So if its not turning on, did I do something wrong? Everything went well with the install IMO, so im unsure of what’s going on. Maybe my battery completely died? Or is it just not connecting to the tcm? Just trying to figure it out. After I replaced the tcm, my car was able to lock and unlock still that same night with the new one installed. I went back out to check it today to get paperwork out of it, and my keyfob wasnt connecting. Because of that, I then manually unlocked my car door, to which I found that my lights, nor my radio screen were turning on. Do you know what that might be related to?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@JustinOkel I would start with checking battery voltage. If it's 11.5v or higher it should power up. Make sure your cables are on tight and no corrosion. I've got a Facebook group and discord group, if you'd like to post pics of anything for a second opinion

[@JustinOkel]

I just checked and it was at 5.3V. Thanks for the recommendation. Now do I use a battery charger/jump starter or how do I go about getting it back to 12V?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@@JustinOkel charge it to 12v with a trickle charger overnight and see if it drains again

[@zuplidoraquimica1181]

What tools did you use?

[@curtislathrop]

What if it won't learn shaft a or b. I just bought a new tcm well new to me has same miles as my car hoping it fixing the issue I have fixed everything other issue I had. I keep getting a transmission fault on dash but no codes all codes I do get are from my tcm so I believe mine is bad I rebuilt my transmission with new forks and accutator motors

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

What error are you getting when it tries to learn?

[@curtislathrop]

It passes everything but my tcm keeps giving me codes . Always says gears 1 3 and 5 can't learn touch points I have tried other tcm modules but I keep putting mine in because that's the only one that works and it only says trans fault . I don't get any other codes

[@Inkadomination]

I just installed a new clutch and clutch forks. Do I need to go through this ? Or can I drive it without

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

No, all you need to do is do the clutch touch point relearn. You can get forscan on a laptop for that (youll need a vehicle interface) or find a scan tool on amazon which can do that. Supposedly Kingbolen sells one for $120 on amazon that can do that

[@Inkadomination]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles what can happen if I don’t do the clutch relearn ? 😅, thank you once again brother

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@@Inkadomination I appreciate your super thanks! If you drive without the touch point learn, it won't feel right when accelerating from a stop and shifting. It's possible it'll learn on it's own eventually - but maybe not perfectly. I'll make a video next chance I get to see if one will learn on it's own!

[@Inkadomination]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles there is 2 option clutch adaptive learning and shift drum adaptive learning . Which would be the one ? 😅

[@themacofalltrades573]

Which kingbolen device is it? I see a $140 one. Maybe that one will do adaptive learning also. I see it says gearbox learn

[@priscillajohn3622]

Hi. I bought a used TCM for my ford focus and I want to relearn it with a scanner. Do I need to download the old TCM before I remove it for the used one?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Yes

[@johnnylites]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles what happens if the old TCM is damaged and cannot be read/used. What options are available?

[@eduarddavid2878]

Can I program a new tcm on a Ford cmax if I don’t have access to the old tcm anymore ? Any advice on how to do it as well ? Thanks.

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Yes, get as-built data and use forscan if possible or pay Ford to do it

[@eduarddavid2878]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles thanks a lot for your answer. Do you have any link or can you tell me where I can get this as-built data from ? I’ve got forscan and also vgate link fs cable. Thanks.

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@eduarddavid2878 I'm not familiar enough to help with that. But there's people in my discord that can help. Link is on my channel page

[@user-fs9sj3tr7e]

when i replace TCM blank, program TCM blank shows error: data is corrupt. Do you know the reason why? Thank so much

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Is your scan tool able to download the data from the old module and upload it to the new?

[@user-fs9sj3tr7e]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles yes, I think maybe, because I have program Airbag and everything is fine and I use FJDS, but when I program TCM error occurs, don't know what is the cause. thank you so much

[@mikehuckabay7254]

Where can I buy the tool I have a 2011 mustang I replaced transmission from a 2012 mustang with 52k miles and Ford says you need to reprogram a used transmission

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

You can program the transmission strategy using Forscan

[@mikehuckabay7254]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles thank you I appreciate it

[@prakashharnarine3486]

If i install a TCM from a crash car into mines would it work? and how can it be programmed ?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Itll be loaded with a calibration for the year model focus it came out of. 12 to 14 models should be plug and play. 15 and 16 better to stick with the same year because I'm not sure. I'd throw it in and drive it for a few days and see if it learns on its own. If not, get forscan and do the learn. BTW you can use any focus or Fiesta tcm in any of these cars If you're able to program as built

[@parkermize]

So maybe i can program my new one myself... i just need forscan software on a laptop and the adapter from the laptop to the OBD2? The adapter is around 50 bucks from what i saw. Is the software free to download and use?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Yes a forscan license is free for 3 months

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4azaGCYrsaWd6csi=a5XA7k8prWrjMF2w

[@parkermize]

@BigBensCarsAndCycles thanks. i was going to take it to the dealship but now I'm going to try it! I think I got it with your videos.

[@parkermize]

​@BigBensCarsAndCycles hey! I'm sitting in my car with my new TCM and my OBDlink ex cable. I'm connected and I got the extended license. I'm failing the TCM adaptive learn.

[@qrevere5546]

@@parkermize Did you get it to work?

[@alexouchakov1423]

can i do this with FJDS? and is IDS compatible with Mongoose-Plus J2534?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

I know it works with ids and forscan. Not sure about the others

[@alexouchakov1423]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles I just put in a new clutch and forks because the car was shifting very roughly and would “slip” especially on 1st and second gear… the car doesn’t have that rough shifting and excessive slippage now but the more I drive the more I notice the slipping and stuttering on 1-3 gears. I don’t have any codes at the moment. I did all the adaptation, the car has 40k miles… do you think it’s the TCM module that needs to be replaced?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@alexouchakov1423 I think you need to give the new clutch 1k miles to break in and it'll be ok

[@alexouchakov1423]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles okay but you should make a video on TCM updating and programming with Forscan lol So many videos out there but poorly made.

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

@@alexouchakov1423 okay! I'll look into it

[@youngheartoldsoul824]

Can you rest TCMwith Forscan ?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Yes

[@Inkadomination]

Thanks!

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the video helpful, I appreciate your support

[@Inkadomination]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles mann.. I seen your videos and it has helped me so much . I got it done and everything went smooth. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@dealerauctionnightmare4689]

Forscan will do this functionality?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Yes, I haven't tried it, but I'm told it can download the old modules configuration and upload it to the new module once installed

[@dealerauctionnightmare4689]

@@BigBensCarsAndCycles cool. Does that require a subscription?

[@czarreyes186]

Hi what programming tool your using?

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Ford IDS

[@Inkadomination]

Thanks!

[@BigBensCarsAndCycles]

Thanks for another super thanks! I'm so glad my videos helped you! Let me know if you've got any further questions. I've got a FB and discord group too, for quicker responses