Jerking forward when transmission is shifted from reverse to drive

The most likely cause of this is a fluid issue. It is most likely just a coincidence to the engine replacement unless something was not connected properly like a connector or even if the torque converter is not fully seated.

It is hard to pinpoint this type of issue based on just having an engine replaced so if we find nothing else, that stuff will have to be inspected.

However, we have a long way to go before we get there.

First two things are to check for codes just to be sure there are none there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If there are no codes, then we need to check the fluid condition and level. Here is a guide that will help with this if the fluid needs to be changed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

If the fluid is the proper level, then we can move on but let's start with these things and go from there because the next step is we most likely have a solenoid issue.

I attached the process from the manual on how to check the fluid. Please let us know what you find. Thanks

Oh wow. 2.5 quarts is pretty significant so that is great we found that.

As for the price, this does sound a little pricy based on the book times for this repair. They need to remove the axle to replace the axle seal, so the book says that is 2.1 hours. So, I would just compare what they are charging against these numbers.

Basically, you need to know what they charge per hour and then you can find out if they are charging too much. Clearly it can be slightly higher and not be an issue but if they are double then I would object to this.

Also, the part price matters depending on what side this is. So, these prices listed are not always up to date.

Please let me know if you have other questions and we can go from there. Thanks

Short answer is yes to everything.

Yes, this leaking seal that was causing the transmission to be low on fluid was most likely causes the jerking. Basically, when the transmission is low on fluid it will suck air rather then fluid and that causes the transmission to jerk and buck.

As for calling Ford, I would definitely call because it can't hurt. Due to it being a TSB and not a recall or extended warranty, I doubt they will do anything.

Basically, the point of a TSB is to just cut down on misdiagnosis and minimize customer expense by making a standard repair that they know will address the issue. It is not them admitting that they all have an issue and that you are going to see this failure if you have this vehicle. It is there in case you ever experience it.

If you think about it if it were not there, then you are relying solely on the dealer technician looking at the vehicle and know what was wrong with it.

This means you could have 5,000 mechanics across the country doing 5,000 different repairs.

Please let us know what happens because the phone call is free, and they may surprise us.

So that code is not related to the transmission so it may be a coincidence but after they added the fluid, is it still jerking?

This code is for the coolant bypass valve having an open circuit.

Not sure why they would have but maybe they unplugged the sensor, but we should check it.

I attached all the info but if the sensor is not unplugged then we need to start a new post for that issue as it is not related to this jerking.

However, if the jerking is still there then it may be best to have a second opinion at this point. Sounds like this dealer is not that interested in fixing it because if it was this low on fluid and still jerking then there are internal issues in the unit.