Don't shift the front if that works for you. Did you change cable or housing as well? Did you lubricate the front derailleur? Does the derailleur work moving it by hand without cable attached? Did you try reinstalling/adjusting the derailleur? There's not a whole lot to a front derailleur, although it can get damaged. Try this http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75

ps Reading comprehension problems

pps But it is a misleading thread title...