auto shift manual not going into manual mode

[ozziediver]

Hi - new member from downunder here. We've got 2 - 2003 model Transit vans with the 2.4 duratorque diesel and both have the ASM transmission. The problems with both is that we dont' know how to get them to go into manual mode - they only seem to work in auto. We bought them second hand with around 120,000 kms on the clock and no owners manuals in either. We have the Ford shop manual but it doesn't explain how the transmission can be shifted between auto and manual mode. Also is there a way to see if there are any error codes with the WDS/IDS system Ford uses?

cheers, ozziediver

[AndyG]

Select D and then use the manual buttons on the steering wheel

[ozziediver]

Tried that on both but nothing happens - don't have any codes flashing on the glowplug indicator either so there must be a problem somewhere else. I've got the shop manuals for this model but it is pretty thin on details on how it works - just how to take it apart and put it back together... Will probably have to take the steering column apart to see if the buttons are actually connected and then work on the electrics from there.

[Frag]

Buttons do fail often,they are wired thru clockspring which can also fail.......
Can be tested using ids/wds,or with a mulitimeter & a bit of logic.