No comanded downshift on F1 2005

F430 Hi driving around today and noticed that I couldn't command a downshift (left paddle) under normal circumstances. It downshifts automatically and upshifts (right Paddle) just fine in sport mode, and automatic mode. No warning lights. Just started doing it. Sometimes a double paddle pull on left would initiate a downshift but rarely. I could pull on left paddle and it ignores the command for most part. I guess this is my baptism into dreaded F1 problems. As far as I know it has had lines and pump replaced before I bought it in June. It has always been fine with no problems until now. I have the Scud ing Swiss shift relay and the indicator light is solid green no buzzing or any abnormality from that. It goes into Neutral and reverse just fine. I'm stumped. Where to start? Thanks.

 

It also occurred to me that it might be a no electrical contact situation at first glance. I'll give it a little time. I was letting a friend drive it today and we were in a long idling drive through for lunch. (Cringe) and I was having him put it in neutral while waiting for line to advance, then into first and advancing position in line and repeating as necessary. I wonder if this somehow "relearned the TCU to something else because of that. Is it possible to reset the TCU similar to resetting the ECU's ? I don't know how hard it would be to access the paddle switches , but maybe I can try some contact cleaner on them if I can access them. Thanks for the ideas.

 

Ill try that. I am at present unable to get down low into the underdash etc because of recent knee surgery. Will keep that in mind, but paddle doesn't feel lose or anything like that.

 

Follow up on this problem : I had a set of intake manifold gaskets replaced recently that a leak was diagnosed by the recurring multiple fault codes on left bank and a smoke test. The battery was shut down during the replacement of the gaskets. After completion of the gasket repair, I then "relearned" the ECU's and now it is downshifting normally and no more CELS. (YAY)

3 Coil replacements, all new plugs and new intake manifold gaskets got her up to speed until the next thing shows up. I guess the ECU's got messed up in the long idling sustained in the drive through lunch lane. Because of lockdown no eatery is open to foot traffic or this would not have been my choice. Thanks for all the suggestions and help.