Ford 10 Speed Transmission Fluid Change? Top Answer Update

motor vehicle

This transmission is part of a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and General Motors to design and build two transmissions, a 10-speed longitudinal and a 9-speed transverse. Each company will produce their own unique version of the gears in their own factories.[1][2] The 10-speed transmission was developed by Ford while GM designed the 9-speed used in transverse applications.

Specifications [ edit ]

Summary [ edit ]

A unique triple clutch on a special intermediate shaft, placed in the center of the architecture, replaces two common clutches and is key to the 10-speed unit being able to fit in the same space as previous transmissions.[5] The transmission offers small increments between each gear ratio, improving performance and maximizing engine power during acceleration. A wide gear ratio spread and lower maximum numerical gear ratio reduces engine speed at highway vehicle speeds, resulting in improved efficiency.

Specifications[ edit ]

Gear Teeth and Ratios Planetary Gear Set: Number of Teeth Total Avg. Model Type Design First delivery Sun 1 Ring 1 Sun 2 Ring 2 Sun 3 Ring 3 Sun 4 Ring 4 Brakes Clutches Ratio Span Gear Stepped gear 1 2 3 4 5 6 (5) 7 (6) 8 (7) 9 10 (8) R FOD 10R80 GM 10LXX 800 nm 590 lb ft [6] 2017 900 nm 664 lb ft 2018 45 95 51 89 73 119 23 85 2 4 7.3864 1.278. 4.8661 ZF 8HP GM 8LXX [A] For Comparison Purposes ONLY 45 51 89 73 85 2 3 7.3864 1.3306 Ratio 4.6951 2.1462 1,7690 1.0000 0.8211 06357 – 3.1940 1400 NM · FT 50 86 69 111 26 94 2 4 7.2987 1.2471 Ratio 4.6154 2.9186 2.1319 1.7733 1.5188 1.2773 1.0000 0.8514 0.6871 0.6324 – 4.6951 GM AllL1000 10 53 956 Nm 1000 LB 1000 LB LB LB LB FT [8] 8] 2020 53 53 53 956 Nm 1000 LB LB LB LB 1000 LB 1000 LB LB 1000 LB 1000 LB · LB ·. 4.5385 2.8681 2.0609 1.7153 1.4817 1.2583 1.0000 0.8506 0.6877 0.6319 – 4.5448

Applications[ edit ]

ford [edit]

10R60 [ edit ]

10R80 [ edit ]

°2023- VW Amarok

10R140 [ edit ] [9] General engines [ edit ]

10L80 MF6[edit]

10L90 MGL[edit]

10L100 (Allison) MGM/MGU[edit]

production [edit]

The 10R80 was first manufactured at the Ford Livonia Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan and the Hydra-Matic 10L80 is manufactured at the General Motors Romulus Powertrain Plant in Romulus, Michigan. Ford’s Sharonville transmission plant started 10R80 production in 2018 and is scheduled to start 10R140 production in 2019.[11]

Notes [edit]

↑ In the case of the 8-speed transmission, a direct comparison with the two replaced standard clutches shows the influence of the triple clutch on the improvement: which gears remain, which are new and which differ from the 8-speed version. Therefore, the same 4 planetary gear sets are used. The manufacture of an 8-speed gearbox with these planetary gear sets is not planned.

Ford F-150 transmission suits

One of the most popular trucks on the market, the Ford F-150 is the subject of three class action lawsuits affecting the 2017-2020 model years of the vehicle.

They allege that Ford Motor Company was aware of the safety concerns with the new generation 10-speed transmission, but continued to ship and sell these vehicles without conducting a full recall.

Plaintiffs say the F-150’s transmission can cause “life-threatening” problems with “hard shifting, judder, hesitation and slipping gears.”

Plaintiff Robert Marino (Marino et al. v. Ford Motor Company.) alleges that the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission in his newly leased Ford F-150 XLT made a loud noise and lost power when shifting just two months after acquiring the transmission had wagons.

In Pennsylvania (Orndorff et al. v. Ford Motor Company.) a plaintiff says his F-150 SuperCab made a rattling noise from the 10-speed transmission after 6,000 miles. He claims he was told by the dealer that the gearbox slipping and jerking was “normal” for cars with 10R80 gearboxes.

Additionally, these lawsuits allege that some owners and renters have even suffered whiplash due to the erratic shifting and juddering of their Ford F-150 vehicles. In response to these safety concerns, Ford has only initiated a partial recall.

This isn’t the first time we’ve written about transmission issues plaguing the Ford F-150 and other 10-speed transmission vehicles, and we suspect it won’t be the last either. Ford models with this new generation transmission include:

2017-2021 Ford F-150

2017-2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford has issued two Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), which are internal communications from the manufacturer to dealers detailing the official procedure for solving problems not covered in the vehicle manuals. Both bulletins confirm that the 10-speed transmission can result in laggy or harsh shifts.

Ford claims that this is the result of an “adaptive transmission shift strategy” designed to let the car’s computer learn the transmission’s parameters and improve shift quality.

When reset, the computer begins a “relearning” process that they claim can affect shifts for days. The TSBs requested technicians to reprogram the powertrain control modules.

However, the suits say Ford’s “adaptive transmission shift strategy” does nothing to fix the automatic transmission’s shifting problems in the F-150. In many cases, owners were still having problems after these repairs.

Partial dismissal of the Ford F-150 lawsuits

One of those lawsuits was dismissed in part in the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2020 (O’Connor, et al., v. Ford Motor Company.). Ford filed a motion to dismiss the 10-speed transmission case, and a federal judge agreed.

The automaker claims that there are no express or implied warranty claims in this case because the F-150 truck owner failed to notify Ford of the alleged warranty breach before taking its lawsuit to court.

In addition, the judge dismissed claims that Ford engaged in deceptive trading practices, saying the allegations were overly “generalized.” However, the case is moving forward as the judge did not dismiss all of the claims.

The other lawsuits against Ford in both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania remain pending, so settlements are still open. In 2020, Ford agreed to a $30 million cash settlement to compensate owners of 2011–2016 and 2012–2016 Ford Fiesta and Focus vehicles.

Prior to this settlement, Ford announced that it had already spent $47.4 million on vehicle buybacks. Apparently, the automaker has had major mechanical issues with vehicles across its lineup in recent years.

Ford Motor Company: A History of Transmission Problems

Ford has always claimed that every single one of their cars is “Built Ford Tough,” but how true is that of their transmission systems? Although the Ford F-Series was among America’s best-selling vehicles for four decades, it wasn’t immune to a host of recalls, complaints, and transmission issues.

Over the past decade, the automaker has had a series of transmission problems on several of its models, leading to class action lawsuits and recalls around the world.

Class action lawsuits relating to Ford’s transmission problems have been filed in several courts in the United States, Australia and Canada since 2012.

The Ford DPS6 Powershift transmission, for example, is notorious for poor performance, particularly in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. Ford produced its own dual-clutch powershift transmission in 2010 to compete with BMW and Volkswagen. This transmission does not work as well as a conventional automatic.

In most dual-clutch transmissions, the clutch packs are immersed in hydraulic fluid, making gear changes smooth while increasing clutch life.

Unlike their German counterparts, Ford opted for a dry clutch design, which has caused its cars to vibrate violently or slip into neutral while driving.

Ford somehow gets away with saying this isn’t a safety issue. They claim that dry clutch problems do not affect driver safety as safety features such as anti-lock brakes and power steering are still operational.

After several complaints surfaced about the DPS6 Powershift, the automaker released updated fixes and part numbers to address only minor concerns. One of those fixes included brand new seals that prevented hydraulic fluid from seeping onto the clutches, causing the transmission to malfunction.

Ford has done almost everything except address the main issue, poorly designed transmissions. In 2019, internal Ford documents released by the Detroit Free Press proved that Ford knew about the flaws in their transmission design before they even started building and selling these vehicles.

Instead of producing new designs, the automaker decided to start assembling the DPS6 anyway. The documents also show that Ford was essentially telling dealerships to act as if everything was normal when they received complaints from consumers.

Ford 10R80 10 speed automatic transmission

Ford first introduced the 10-speed transmission in the 2017 Ford F-150.

The Ford F-150 10R80 automatic transmission, jointly developed by Ford Motor Company and its historical rival General Motors, can be found in the Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, Lincoln Navigator and abroad in the Ford Everest. Ford received complaints about the 10-speed transmission shortly after its release.

Customers claim that the transmissions in their new vehicles shift erratically and jerk violently. Some owners and lessees say these aggressive shifts can even inflict whiplash on vehicle occupants.

All of the current lawsuits involving the 10R80 transmission claim that the auto giant knew about the potential risk and danger its new transmission could pose to consumers, but decided to sell it anyway.

The Detroit-based automaker issued two technical service bulletins in 2018. This first TSB required dealers and service providers to reprogram the control module when customers complained of rough operation in their 10-speed transmission.

Ford has implemented other solutions to 10-speed transmission issues, including updated shifter cable clips, part replacements in certain models, and extended warranties. But despite these short-term fixes, Ford’s transmission problems have not yet come to an end.

frequently asked Questions

Which Ford vehicles have transmission problems?

Aside from the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, the automaker’s recent transmission issues involve its 10-speed automatic transmission used in 2017, as well as newer F-150 trucks and large SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.

Ford has announced a recall due to safety concerns with the transmission in the past, but the automaker has not issued a full transmission recall. The active recall concerns a clip that locks the shift cable in the transmission.

Ford doesn’t seem to think erratic shifting behavior is widespread enough to fully recall the 10-speed transmission. For now, the automaker repairs the problems under warranty and extends warranties on transmission systems for owners and lessees who experience these problems.

Is the Ford F-150 10 speed gearbox reliable?

The Ford 10 speed gearbox is not reliable. Since its release in 2017, there have been numerous complaints from owners and renters, with some saying their transmission problems started at just 10 miles.

If you own a Ford F-150 or other affected vehicle with a 10-speed transmission, pay close attention to your car when shifting gears.

If you have any problems while the vehicle is still under warranty, you should see if you can extend your warranty from Ford so that any future problems can be fixed for you at no cost. This can also help you qualify for a citron rights case.

Contact us today!

If you’ve claimed your F-150 or other affected Ford model for numerous repairs under warranty, your car may be a lemon and you may be entitled to a refund or cash compensation and payment of your attorney’s fees.

As you can see, Ford owners have dealt with various transmission problems in their cars over the last decade and received little recourse from Ford.

After the Illinois lawsuit was dismissed, you can instead maximize your potential recovery with a Lemon Law suit. Don’t be stuck with a car with defects that could put you or your loved ones at risk.

Contact one of our experts for a free, fast, and confidential case assessment today to determine if you qualify. Contacting The Lemon Law Experts is your first step in getting the compensation you deserve.

FAQ

Is a transmission filter change included in the automatic transmission flush?

No, this is because most new Fords come with a lifetime transmission filter, so replacing the transmission filter is not normally recommended. If you know you want to change your transmission filter in addition to flushing the fluid, contact one of our service advisors and we should be able to set something up.

Do I need an appointment for an automatic transmission flush?

No appointment necessary. Simply swing into the Quick Lane at Midway Ford and our team will be happy to assist you. However, the Quick Lane can get very busy at times, so you can always call ahead and make an appointment.

How long does it take to perform an automatic transmission flush?

The service usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. However, when we are busy it may take a little longer to get your vehicle to the workshop.

What brand of parts do you use for the automatic transmission flush?

In general we will use Ford/Motorcraft parts wherever possible. However, for most liquids we use BG products. See bgprod.com for information on the specific warranties that come with BG products.

My transmission is making strange noises, should I have an automatic transmission flush done?

Probably not. The automatic transmission flush is a maintenance service designed to keep a working transmission running. If your gearbox is already having problems, then we recommend that you make an appointment with our service department for a gearbox diagnosis and repair.

Your Ford model is built to last, but over time you will need certain areas, such as: B. the transmission oil, check regularly. Still, you may not be sure when to check, or to look for signs that indicate you need to change your transmission fluid.

Our team at Richmond Ford West have put together this guide for our Glen Allen, Ashland and Short Pump drivers to help you know how often you should change your Ford transmission fluid. Let’s start!

What does gear oil do?

Transmission oil is essential for many aspects of your vehicle to keep it running as healthy as possible. It has many different jobs including:

Keeps the parts of your transmission moving

Acts as a coolant for your transmission

Transfers power from the engine to the transmission

Requires seals

So you can see how important it is to keep up with your gear oil to keep your gears running smoothly.

Signs to change your transmission oil

There are several signs you can look out for to know when your transmission oil needs to be changed. A lot of these signs come from your gearbox acting strangely or, in the worst case, not working at all.

The first telltale sign of a transmission oil change is when your transmission slips between gears. Also, if you have rough or erratic gear changes, this is also due to a lack of gear oil. Additionally, if your gear changes are slow, laggy, or just don’t shift at all, that’s a big warning sign that you need to change your transmission fluid as well.

To avoid any of these situations, it’s important to regularly check your Ford’s transmission fluid. You can do this by pulling out the transmission oil dipstick (usually marked ATF) and checking that it has the correct oil level. You can also check where your car was parked for dark red or almost brown spots that indicate a leak.

When to change the transmission oil

It is recommended that the transmission oil be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every two to four years. However, this is only the suggestion for the average driver. There are other factors that may require you to change your transmission oil more frequently, say every 15,000 miles or so.

Such factors include:

living in a warmer climate

clear snow

Heavy towing/pulling

stop-and-go driving

Despite all of this, the most accurate way to determine if you need to change your transmission oil is to check the dipstick we detailed above.

Where to change your Ford’s transmission oil

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Services you DO NOT need: Transmission Flushes

A popular additional offer in lubricant shops and other car repair shops is the transmission flush. A transmission flush (as described in this article) involves hooking up a machine to your vehicle’s transmission cooler lines and allowing the machine to pump new transmission fluid into the vehicle while sucking out the old fluid.

So what’s wrong with that? Indeed, changing your transmission oil is a very important maintenance. The problem with a transmission flush is how the service is performed. Most auto manufacturers recommend only draining and then refilling your transmission fluid. Continue reading!

Fact #1: On many vehicles, transmission flushes are an incomplete service.

The transmission pan has been removed showing the metal filter inside.

Hooking up a gear washer is a quick and easy moneymaker for shops that offer the service. However, it neglects the most important part of transmission service: changing the filter. About 60% of vehicles have an internal transmission filter that should be replaced at every oil change. Changing the filter is time consuming and messy, but it’s part of the whole job. At this point we would like to explain the difference between a transmission flush and a transmission service.

From our page on gear oil:

A transmission service involves a lot more work than a flush. In addition to replacing the fluid, this service also includes replacing your transmission filter, if you have one. Your transmission filter is usually accessed by removing a pan or cover on the underside of your transmission. While inside, we also clean the inside of the pan, including special magnets installed to capture metal shavings and dirt. Some gears also require specific adjustments while the pan is removed. Checking your vehicle’s Transmission Control Module for software updates (and installing them if necessary) completes our full and accurate service for your transmission.

Fact #2: Automakers do not recommend transmission flushes.

Most automakers do not recommend using an external machine to flush the transmission fluid. One of the reasons for this is that these machines (especially when connected improperly) can block or pressurize the wrong passages in the gearbox and cause damage. Some machines allow the transmission pump to run dry as it removes more fluid than it adds back. Dishwashers can also pump a small amount of the wrong fluid into your transmission if not carefully cleaned between vehicles. Although the chances of your gearbox getting damaged by a dishwasher are slim, why risk it?

Fact #3: Transmission flushes can damage your transmission.

As mentioned above, a transmission flush (using an external machine) may not be good for your transmission. Here is an excerpt from a General Motors technical service bulletin, which gives its opinion on transmission washers:

Fact #4: A traditional transmission service will not replace all of your transmission fluid. (And that’s okay.)

Transmission flush proponents will often argue that a flush is a better service because it replaces more of your transmission oil. It’s true that removing your transmission pan or draining your transmission via the drain plug (as your car manufacturer provides) will only remove about 70% of the fluid it contains. Some fluid is trapped in the radiator or torque converter and cannot be drained. It’s also true that a dishwasher replaces a higher percentage of the liquid; Most machines advertise at around 90%.

However, replacing 70% of the fluid is not a problem. Automakers know how much fluid is drained during a routine service and have adjusted their service schedules accordingly. As long as your transmission fluid is replaced according to the schedule in your owner’s manual, you are giving your transmission the maintenance it needs.

From Bad to Worse: What Are Transmission Flush Chemicals?

Transmission flush chemicals are solvents or cleaning agents that are added to your transmission prior to flushing the fluid. Allow the vehicle to run for 10-15 minutes before flushing to allow the chemical to circulate through your transmission. The theory goes that these chemicals help loosen or remove dirt and varnish from inside the transmission. However, there are a few reasons why transmission flush chemicals should not be used:

These chemicals are completely unnecessary. Due to the high detergent content of transmission oil, almost every transmission on the road is already absolutely spotless on the inside. If your transmission has an excessive amount of clutch material or dirt, it means the unit is about to fail and no amount of flushing can fix it. Almost every automaker advises against using chemicals to flush the transmission, and most will void your transmission warranty if they can show that these chemicals are used. These chemicals can damage your transmission, which is why most auto manufacturers advise against them. One of the reasons for this is that most gear washers only achieve 80-90% fluid exchange and some chemical will always remain in your gearbox after the rinse.

Your gear oil may get dirty over time, but that’s because it’s doing its job! The inside of your gearbox is very clean.

Do you have questions about the professional maintenance of your gearbox? Please call us anytime!

As you may or may not know, transmission fluid is designed to be changed periodically like any other fluid in vehicles. There are very few that do not require such maintenance, such as: B. A fully sealed unit with no facility for draining the liquid. However, many are still operational.

If you miss changing your fluid or worse, wait until you have a transmission problem before changing it. This can have negative consequences for the gearbox and shorten its service life. If your fluid has never been changed before, replacing it with new fluid can cause the transmission to start slipping, even if it wasn’t slipping before. This is because, over time, the old fluid contains clutch material and can actually help the transmission still shift gears.

With that in mind, should the transmission oil be changed? How often should you change it?

An oil change alone cannot cause any damage if everything is in order in the transmission. The problems arise when you change the fluid when your clutches are already worn or damaged from use. If you go and replace the fluid after they’ve already worn out. this can lead to slipping. The old liquid had particles in it that actually helped it shift and made it more gritty to allow for better gripping. New fluid does not contain this material and may not grip as well, causing slippage.

Although new fluid can cause the transmission to have problems, in reality the problems were already there, you only brought them to light after changing the fluid.

Should you change the transmission oil on an unserviced vehicle?

Particles and debris are flushed out when you change the fluid on a vehicle. If you never drain your transmission oil, these will circulate in the transmission. While they may not damage the transmission itself, they actually allow the transmission to shift properly as the miles accumulate.

After the fluid is old and the clutch wears out, you might want to think twice about changing your transmission fluid if you have an older vehicle that hasn’t been changed as recommended. Just because it hasn’t been maintained doesn’t mean a change is sure to cause problems, but it’s very common for most shops to warn about it if it’s never been changed before.

Should you change the transmission oil on a properly maintained vehicle?

As long as the fluid is changed regularly, you don’t have to worry about your transmission. The fluid is designed to be replaced at recommended intervals, so it’s a good idea to follow the maintenance schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer, especially if it’s still under warranty.

What if I don’t know when it was last modified?

That often happens, you buy a car and don’t know whether it has ever been changed. Should you change it or should you leave it? It really depends on when it was last changed.

Ask for Service Records / Carfax: This is an easy way to see a vehicle’s service history. If it was done at a shop or they have proof of purchase showing it was done at X miles or X years then that is a good sign that you are going ahead with the service as long as it is within the next scheduled service is – not 100,000 km over than it should have been. Check the Fluid: Most older vehicles and some newer ones still have a dipstick to check the fluid. Pull it out and make sure it’s within reach, doesn’t look too low, crowded, or look really dirty. The ideal color is light and clear. This indicates that it has recently been serviced. If it’s dark red or brown or looks like there’s a ton of floating particles floating around, it hasn’t been serviced recently.

What do I do if it slips?

There are many reasons why a transmission can slip. Automatic transmissions can slip from low fluid levels, incorrect fluid, internal failures and more. On manual transmissions, they slip when the clutches are worn. Not all unserviced transmissions start to slip after an oil change, but it’s a common occurrence that many mechanics warn against.

Another simple and inexpensive temporary solution to try before having your transmission rebuilt or replaced is to pour a transmission stop slip product into your transmission to see if that helps the situation or not, how e.g. B. Lucas Transmission Fix. It is designed to be cast into your transmission to prevent your transmission from slipping and jerking through gears. While not a guarantee, what do you have to lose to try? It can buy you some time that you can set aside for the eventual repair.

How often should gear oil be changed?

The recommended intervals are set by your vehicle manufacturer, but as a general recommendation most are between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Replacing before the recommended maintenance interval does no harm and can help keep the fluid cleaner for longer. Just make sure you’re using the right fluid and stick to the schedule because if you stop once you might think twice before doing it again.

Is it better to flush or change the transmission oil?

Changing or flushing your fluid has always been up for debate. Changing it or draining the old fluid and replacing it with new fluid is definitely the safer option.

A transmission lube flush forces fluid through the transmission and can cause dirt to circulate around and clog parts of your transmission. However, a flush can actually do more damage than a simple drain and refill.

DISCLAIMER

In general, parts that alter or modify the original design or performance of an automotive emission control device or system ARE NOT PROHIBITED FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA or other states with similar regulations. Such aftermarket parts are subject to state emission standards regulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In order for such parts to be legally sold or used in the State of California or other states with similar regulations, the part must be given a CARB EO number in order for it to be legally used on a specific year/make/model vehicle . CARB approved parts include a CARB EO number sticker. This sticker must be displayed in the engine compartment of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible during smog checks. Any order for a non-CARB compliant part to the State of California or other states with similar regulations will be automatically canceled and refunded. You can contact us with questions about CARB or to check whether a part has a CARB EO number or not.

When was the last time you had a transmission flush? Have you ever had a transmission flush? If cars aren’t your thing, you might be a little confused about maintenance aside from regular oil changes and tire changes.

A transmission flush is something you should do regularly (we’ll cover how often below), as transmission oil serves as both oil and hydraulics, helping your transmission work effectively. You really want your transmission to be working properly as a new one can cost thousands of dollars.

Read on to learn more about the importance of a transmission flush and how often to do it.

What does gear oil do?

There are many liquids in your car. Gasoline, oil, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid and gear oil, to name just a few. Gear oil is probably one of the most important.

It’s a type of oil that cools and lubricates the gears in your transmission. It degrades over time, so if it’s not replaced regularly, your transmission can overheat and fail.

When you drive your car hard — stop-and-go city traffic, towing a boat or other large item on trailers, or hauling heavy loads, your transmission fluid deteriorates faster. Stressing your car means the transmission temperature will rise, putting stress on the transmission and its fluid.

The more miles you drive, the more the heat from your transmission breaks down the fluid, causing it to discolor and burn. If it burns, you risk transmission damage or failure.

A few hundred dollars for a transmission flush could save you thousands on your transmission repair.

What is a transmission flush?

A transmission flush replaces the old transmission oil with new fluids and also cleans the transmission. With special equipment, the old liquid is flushed out and new, clean liquid is pumped in. The liquid can also contain detergents.

There is some debate as to whether a full flush or draining and replacing the fluid is preferable. A full flush removes contamination and any dirt or debris that builds up in your transmission over time.

Just draining the liquid is not enough, nor can all the liquid come out. Draining leaves some of the old fluid in the transmission, while flushing removes it all. Ford recommendations include a full flush rather than just draining and replacing.

Signs you need a transmission flush

If you find your car slipping out of gear, it may be time for a transmission flush. When driving at high speed, e.g. B. on the freeway and feel the car jerking, it can mean that the gear is slipping.

If you find that shifting is rough, slow, or lagging, your transmission fluid could be low. If you try to shift into reverse or drive and find that your gears are sticking, that’s another indication that it’s time for a transmission flush.

You can also check your Ford’s transmission oil by checking the levels with the dipstick. There is a transmission fluid dipstick (often marked ATF) that you can use to check that the fluid is at the correct level.

If you’re not comfortable with that, you can also quickly check where you park your car for dark red or brown stains. These stains could be caused by leaking gear oil. Always refer to your owner’s manual to determine how to properly and safely check the transmission fluid.

How often do I need a transmission flush?

Checking the transmission fluid regularly is important, especially if you find your car slipping out of gear or having trouble shifting. But just because you don’t have problems with your transmission doesn’t mean you should ignore the transmission fluid.

Your owner’s manual should tell you how often it should be flushed, but a good rule of thumb is every two years or 30,000 miles. If, as described above, you use your car particularly hard and pull heavy loads or drive frequently in stop-and-go traffic, you may need it sooner.

There are also some cars with sealed gearboxes and the fluid is said to last for the life of the car. Again, refer to your owner’s manual here to learn more about what your particular vehicle needs.

It’s a good idea to have your fluids checked and topped up if you’re unsure of your level, especially if you’re going on a road trip or have a high mileage in your car. Checking and topping up the fluids is usually a short trip to the dealer, but if you need a full flush it can take half a day or more, so plan accordingly.

When was your last transmission flush?

If you’ve had your car for a while and know you’ve never had a transmission flush, it’s time to peek under the hood or ask your mechanic to put it on a lift to check the transmission fluid .

Spending a few hundred dollars on a flush is a lot easier on your wallet than spending thousands to replace your transmission. In some cases, replacing the gearbox can cost more than the car is even worth. Preventive maintenance can extend the life of your car and reduce your costs over time.

If you know your transmission needs a flush, or you simply want a professional mechanic to check it out, get in touch with us today. We offer a convenient online appointment scheduling tool and offer comprehensive services for everything to do with your vehicle.

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Ford F-150 transmission suits

One of the most popular trucks on the market, the Ford F-150 is the subject of three class action lawsuits affecting the 2017-2020 model years of the vehicle.

They allege that Ford Motor Company was aware of the safety concerns with the new generation 10-speed transmission, but continued to ship and sell these vehicles without conducting a full recall.

Plaintiffs say the F-150’s transmission can cause “life-threatening” problems with “hard shifting, judder, hesitation and slipping gears.”

Plaintiff Robert Marino (Marino et al. v. Ford Motor Company.) alleges that the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission in his newly leased Ford F-150 XLT made a loud noise and lost power when shifting just two months after acquiring the transmission had wagons.

In Pennsylvania (Orndorff et al. v. Ford Motor Company.) a plaintiff says his F-150 SuperCab made a rattling noise from the 10-speed transmission after 6,000 miles. He claims he was told by the dealer that the gearbox slipping and jerking was “normal” for cars with 10R80 gearboxes.

Additionally, these lawsuits allege that some owners and renters have even suffered whiplash due to the erratic shifting and juddering of their Ford F-150 vehicles. In response to these safety concerns, Ford has only initiated a partial recall.

This isn’t the first time we’ve written about transmission issues plaguing the Ford F-150 and other 10-speed transmission vehicles, and we suspect it won’t be the last either. Ford models with this new generation transmission include:

2017-2021 Ford F-150

2017-2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford has issued two Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), which are internal communications from the manufacturer to dealers detailing the official procedure for solving problems not covered in the vehicle manuals. Both bulletins confirm that the 10-speed transmission can result in laggy or harsh shifts.

Ford claims that this is the result of an “adaptive transmission shift strategy” designed to let the car’s computer learn the transmission’s parameters and improve shift quality.

When reset, the computer begins a “relearning” process that they claim can affect shifts for days. The TSBs requested technicians to reprogram the powertrain control modules.

However, the suits say Ford’s “adaptive transmission shift strategy” does nothing to fix the automatic transmission’s shifting problems in the F-150. In many cases, owners were still having problems after these repairs.

Partial dismissal of the Ford F-150 lawsuits

One of those lawsuits was dismissed in part in the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2020 (O’Connor, et al., v. Ford Motor Company.). Ford filed a motion to dismiss the 10-speed transmission case, and a federal judge agreed.

The automaker claims that there are no express or implied warranty claims in this case because the F-150 truck owner failed to notify Ford of the alleged warranty breach before taking its lawsuit to court.

In addition, the judge dismissed claims that Ford engaged in deceptive trading practices, saying the allegations were overly “generalized.” However, the case is moving forward as the judge did not dismiss all of the claims.

The other lawsuits against Ford in both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania remain pending, so settlements are still open. In 2020, Ford agreed to a $30 million cash settlement to compensate owners of 2011–2016 and 2012–2016 Ford Fiesta and Focus vehicles.

Prior to this settlement, Ford announced that it had already spent $47.4 million on vehicle buybacks. Apparently, the automaker has had major mechanical issues with vehicles across its lineup in recent years.

Ford Motor Company: A History of Transmission Problems

Ford has always claimed that every single one of their cars is “Built Ford Tough,” but how true is that of their transmission systems? Although the Ford F-Series was among America’s best-selling vehicles for four decades, it wasn’t immune to a host of recalls, complaints, and transmission issues.

Over the past decade, the automaker has had a series of transmission problems on several of its models, leading to class action lawsuits and recalls around the world.

Class action lawsuits relating to Ford’s transmission problems have been filed in several courts in the United States, Australia and Canada since 2012.

The Ford DPS6 Powershift transmission, for example, is notorious for poor performance, particularly in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. Ford produced its own dual-clutch powershift transmission in 2010 to compete with BMW and Volkswagen. This transmission does not work as well as a conventional automatic.

In most dual-clutch transmissions, the clutch packs are immersed in hydraulic fluid, making gear changes smooth while increasing clutch life.

Unlike their German counterparts, Ford opted for a dry clutch design, which has caused its cars to vibrate violently or slip into neutral while driving.

Ford somehow gets away with saying this isn’t a safety issue. They claim that dry clutch problems do not affect driver safety as safety features such as anti-lock brakes and power steering are still operational.

After several complaints surfaced about the DPS6 Powershift, the automaker released updated fixes and part numbers to address only minor concerns. One of those fixes included brand new seals that prevented hydraulic fluid from seeping onto the clutches, causing the transmission to malfunction.

Ford has done almost everything except address the main issue, poorly designed transmissions. In 2019, internal Ford documents released by the Detroit Free Press proved that Ford knew about the flaws in their transmission design before they even started building and selling these vehicles.

Instead of producing new designs, the automaker decided to start assembling the DPS6 anyway. The documents also show that Ford was essentially telling dealerships to act as if everything was normal when they received complaints from consumers.

Ford 10R80 10 speed automatic transmission

Ford first introduced the 10-speed transmission in the 2017 Ford F-150.

The Ford F-150 10R80 automatic transmission, jointly developed by Ford Motor Company and its historical rival General Motors, can be found in the Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, Lincoln Navigator and abroad in the Ford Everest. Ford received complaints about the 10-speed transmission shortly after its release.

Customers claim that the transmissions in their new vehicles shift erratically and jerk violently. Some owners and lessees say these aggressive shifts can even inflict whiplash on vehicle occupants.

All of the current lawsuits involving the 10R80 transmission claim that the auto giant knew about the potential risk and danger its new transmission could pose to consumers, but decided to sell it anyway.

The Detroit-based automaker issued two technical service bulletins in 2018. This first TSB required dealers and service providers to reprogram the control module when customers complained of rough operation in their 10-speed transmission.

Ford has implemented other solutions to 10-speed transmission issues, including updated shifter cable clips, part replacements in certain models, and extended warranties. But despite these short-term fixes, Ford’s transmission problems have not yet come to an end.

frequently asked Questions

Which Ford vehicles have transmission problems?

Aside from the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, the automaker’s recent transmission issues involve its 10-speed automatic transmission used in 2017, as well as newer F-150 trucks and large SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.

Ford has announced a recall due to safety concerns with the transmission in the past, but the automaker has not issued a full transmission recall. The active recall concerns a clip that locks the shift cable in the transmission.

Ford doesn’t seem to think erratic shifting behavior is widespread enough to fully recall the 10-speed transmission. For now, the automaker repairs the problems under warranty and extends warranties on transmission systems for owners and lessees who experience these problems.

Is the Ford F-150 10 speed gearbox reliable?

The Ford 10 speed gearbox is not reliable. Since its release in 2017, there have been numerous complaints from owners and renters, with some saying their transmission problems started at just 10 miles.

If you own a Ford F-150 or other affected vehicle with a 10-speed transmission, pay close attention to your car when shifting gears.

If you have any problems while the vehicle is still under warranty, you should see if you can extend your warranty from Ford so that any future problems can be fixed for you at no cost. This can also help you qualify for a citron rights case.

Contact us today!

If you’ve claimed your F-150 or other affected Ford model for numerous repairs under warranty, your car may be a lemon and you may be entitled to a refund or cash compensation and payment of your attorney’s fees.

As you can see, Ford owners have dealt with various transmission problems in their cars over the last decade and received little recourse from Ford.

After the Illinois lawsuit was dismissed, you can instead maximize your potential recovery with a Lemon Law suit. Don’t be stuck with a car with defects that could put you or your loved ones at risk.

Contact one of our experts for a free, fast, and confidential case assessment today to determine if you qualify. Contacting The Lemon Law Experts is your first step in getting the compensation you deserve.

Although the Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup truck in the United States, it’s not without its problems. A class action lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Company alleges that 2017 and newer Ford F-150 trucks have recurring problems with their 10-speed transmissions, such as: E.g. gear slip, hard shifting, judder, acceleration problems and loss of power.

To provide some insight into the issues plaguing some Ford F-150 pickup trucks, we’ve compiled a selection of complaints that have been filed with the NHTSA. Some of these complaints were identified in the class action lawsuit filed against Ford.

First introduced in 2017, the 10-speed gearbox became standard in 2021 and newer Ford F-150 trucks. Still, his troubles led to several complaints being filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2017 Ford F-150

The original problem was that the transmission would slam into gear and slip when accelerating. The truck was kept at the agency for 2 1/2 weeks. The service manager told me Ford told him to stop working on it. The skidding problem persists and recently the vehicle jumped out of gear as I was entering the interstate, I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.

2017 Ford F-150

I drive down my driveway, come to a stop and the transmission is stuck in 3rd gear. It doesn’t downshift to 1st, so it doesn’t drive forward. I put reverse gear in and I can drive backwards. Shift into gear and still stuck in 3rd gear. Go back to my house and park the truck, it has nowhere to go. Go inside, wait a few hours and then try again and everything will be fine. This has happened to me three more times.

2018 Ford F-150

Since purchasing the truck, the 10-speed automatic transmission doesn’t seem to shift smoothly in many gears. It often seems to jerk when shifting and to skip gears when shifting frequently. For a new vehicle, it doesn’t shift smoothly at all. It was serviced at an authorized Ford dealer where I was told the gearbox was reprogrammed due to a technical service bulletin but even since then it still doesn’t shift smoothly. It’s been happening pretty much every day or every time I drive it since it was bought.

2019 Ford F-150

The Ford 10R80 transmission is extremely clunky, unsafe and unreliable. I, among tens of thousands of others, have exactly the same problems with them, and Ford ignores and disregards them and the safety risks they create. Your form doesn’t allow multiple instances or dates. This is/was a constant problem since buying the vehicle, I now have less than 100,000 miles to put into the new transmission.

2019 Ford F-150

My Ford F-150 is a ten speed truck. For the last few months my truck wouldn’t shift, wouldn’t stay in gear and lastly didn’t turn on, ie. H. I couldn’t reverse shift my truck. While driving, I experience loud pops and shudders randomly and without warning. My car has 70,000 km on the clock, has been accident-free and has been serviced regularly. I took my card to the Ford dealership to have the problem resolved and was told it was related to a computer problem. Whatever they did made it worse. I know there is a class action lawsuit pending on this very issue […] and my truck is no longer safe to drive as I am concerned that it could slide into the aisle and possibly cause an accident.

2020 Ford F-150

2020 F-150 Lariat with 10 speed transmission – 10,600 miles. Extremely hard downshift, erratic, rough shifting in traffic. Under normal freeway traffic conditions, at a speed of 60 miles per hour, the truck downshifted from 8th to 7th gear, causing an extremely loud bang and jerk. This has started to be a regular occurrence. These transmissions have serious shifting problems. Ford has to find a solution. My $60,000+ truck drives rougher than my riding mower.

2020 Ford F-150

Transmission Shifting Concerns: Driving around town at low speeds and on the highway at advertised speeds of 70 or 75 mph, and even starting from a full stop, I have issues with my 2020 F-150 10-speed transmission shifts. Sometimes during all of the above the shifting can be very rough and noisy, can be delayed resulting in delayed acceleration and even when I start the truck I sometimes hear a pop and the truck can even stagger slightly forward.

** I’ve had two instances now where my truck hesitates when starting in the middle of a freeway. After the first time I contacted the dealer immediately. I took the truck only to be told it couldn’t be duplicated.

**At low speeds in city traffic you can feel and hear the gear shift and sometimes jerk.

**When driving at highway speeds, especially when cruise control is on, and the truck downshifts from 10th to 8th gear, the shift noise has become audible and you can feel it. Other times the shift is smooth and works as I would expect.

**Sometimes when you start the vehicle you will hear a rattling noise, then the vehicle will move slightly as if slightly bumped. I have expressed my concern more than once to the dealer I bought the vehicle from. The first time I was told by the service representative that this is normal for the truck. The second time was when the truck got stuck in the middle of the freeway on take-off. This time I was told to bring the truck over. I was called the same day to collect my truck and was told the problem could not be duplicated. Very few miles were put on the truck for “testing”. I wish I had documented them. Today I called again because the shifting problems are getting worse. I had an appointment on July 21, 2021 but only after telling them this needed to be checked more thoroughly. I was released first and was told that this was back to normal.

**No maintenance lights or warnings in vehicle for this specific issue.

2021 Ford F-150

The transmission shifts very hard at different times, points, speeds, upshifts and downshifts. It jerks so badly at various times that my wife’s throat was sore. The dealer needs 3 weeks before he looks at this!

2021 Ford F-150

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and lurched forward. No warning lights came on. The contact continued to drive to his apartment. The error repeated itself several times. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealership for diagnosis. The contact was informed that there was a communication error between the shifter and the gearbox which resulted in the gearbox not knowing which gear the vehicle was in. The dealer informed the contact that there is no solution to the error. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the error. The mileage was about 200.

2021 Ford F-150

Vehicle accelerated several times while driving. The gearbox knocks when shifting when warming up the gearbox on short and long trips. Front brake goes off insane after cleaning truck.

If you have repeated problems with your Ford F-150 10 speed transmission, your vehicle may be a lemon. Read more about your rights under the California Lemon Law. If you would like more information, fill out the consultation form below to request a free consultation.

Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm operating exclusively in California. If you are a California resident and purchased or leased a defective vehicle from an authorized California dealership, we may be able to help you get rid of your prospective Lemon and receive substantial cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: Only vehicle models from 2015 to present.

However, we cannot assist individuals who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty military personnel, nor can we refer them to a Lemon law firm in their state. To learn more about California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our California Lemon Law Guide for more information.

It seems that just a few years ago, the six-speed gearbox was an attention-grabbing option for a pickup truck’s powertrain. Then eight gears became standard, and some car manufacturers now even offer pickups with 10-speed gearboxes. Since its 2021 restyling, Ford has been equipping every F-150 with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

What year did Ford’s F-150 first have 10-speed transmissions?

Ford introduced its first 10-speed F-150 transmission as an option in 2017. With its 2021 redesign, Ford made its 10-speed automatic standard on all F-150 trim levels and engine options.

2021 Ford F-150 | ford

RELATED: The two premium trim levels of the 2022 Ford F-150 couldn’t be more different

Ford builds the 2022 F-150’s 10-speed transmission in-house. The Blue Oval calls it the 10R80 “SelectShift” automatic. But the truth is that Ford developed this automatic transmission as a joint project with General Motors.

Why does a Ford F-150 need 10 gears? First, the fact that there are so many gears means the truck shifts more frequently and keeps its engine near its most efficient RPM at all times. The engine speed of a truck with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission drops by 25 percent during an average shift. The RPM of a 10-speed F-150 drops just 20 percent during an average shift — according to the car and driver.

The second reason Ford went with a 10-speed on their F-150 is for efficient highway driving and towing. The lowest overdrive gear on the 2022 F-150 is actually eighth gear. Why three overdrive gears? Tenth gear is low enough that an unloaded F-150 will use this efficient overdrive in most highway conditions, only downshifting to 9th under aggressive acceleration. But when you put your 2022 F-150 in tow/haul mode, 9th effectively becomes your new top gear for efficient towing at highway speeds.

Which Chevy trucks have the 10 speed transmission?

General Motors calls its 10-speed pickup truck transmission “Hydra-Matic” 10L80. Almost every configuration of the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is equipped with this efficient transmission. But if you outfit either truck with the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, it also comes with an older eight-speed automatic.

2022 GMC Sierra AT4X | General Motors

RELATED: Most parts on your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck are manufactured outside of the United States

The Chevy 10L80 was developed jointly with Ford and is very similar to the Ford 10R80 in the F-150. But both manufacturers have developed their own electronic transmission control systems to best complement their unique engines.

What transmission does the Toyota Tundra use?

For the 2022 redesign of the Tundra, Toyota built an all-new powertrain with similar specs to a popular F-150 configuration: the i-FORCE 3.44-liter turbocharged V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Every third-generation Toyota Tundra shares a certain tune of the same powertrain.

2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota

RELATED: Did the 2022 Toyota Tundra copy the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500?

Toyota doesn’t release a new Tundra very often. The automaker apparently took its third-generation Tundra restyling as an opportunity to examine what’s working well in the full-size truck market and implement those best practices in its own pickup truck. It appears that Toyota has used the Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost and PowerBoost powertrains as a benchmark for its new i-FORCE.

After developing its own 3.44-litre turbocharged V6, Toyota settled on an Asin-built 10-speed engine: the AWR10L65 ‘ECTi Direct Shift’ automatic. In the upcoming i-FORCE MAX Tundras, Toyota will channel the Ford PowerBoost powertrain by putting a 184 lb-ft electric motor between that V6 and its 10-speed transmission.

Which trucks have the 10 speed transmission?

Every 2022 Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra has a 10-speed automatic transmission. Most Chevrolet Silverado 1500s / GMC Sierra 1500s also come with a 10 speed, but base engine trucks do not. Every 2022 Nissan Titan has a nine-speed automatic from Jatco. Every 2022 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic uses a ZF-built eight-speed.

2022 Aries 1500 | Stellantis

Read more about the trim levels of the 2022 F-150 or watch the video below for an overview of the Ford 10-speed gearbox pullability:

RELATED: Consumer Reports Recommends Only 1 Full-Size 2022 Pickup Truck

The new 10-speed automatic transmission from GM and Ford sparked waves of excitement across the automotive industry. There is a fierce rivalry between two of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, yet they put aside their myriad differences to work on a 9-speed transaxle/transaxle and 10-speed transmission. The joint venture reflects both sides recognizing the importance of producing a quality gearbox through collaboration rather than competition. General Motors and Ford developed the transmission originally installed in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro XL1 with a single purpose: to bring performance and efficiency to revolutionary levels.

Dan Nicholson, Vice President of GM Global Propulsion Systems, stated, “With world-class shift times on par with the world’s best dual-clutch transmission and the refinement that only comes from the true automatic, the 10-speed transmission delivers unparalleled performance on and off the racetrack… it also leverages the experience of our other multi-stage transmissions to deliver that performance with greater efficiency as its use expands to other vehicles.”

The revolutionary 10-speed gearbox sounds impressive in theory – but what exactly does it do? In the content below, we examine what you need to know about the new 10-speed gearbox. Many of these characteristics apply to the 9-speed transmission.

1. Ratio distance

The range between 1st and 10th gear is large; However, the GM and Ford 10-speed gearbox is relatively tight. The limited span between higher gears increases sustainability during highway driving, especially in top gear. The 10-speed gearbox offers 20% lower revs during shifting. When towing, a reduced gear gap ensures smoother shifts.

Close 2nd, 8th, 9th and 10th gear

What are 10 gears for? The last three act as overdrive tools. 8th, 9th and 10th gears improve acceleration, fuel economy and – as mentioned – towing performance. Due to the closeness of the gear ratios, downshifting between the highest gears is almost imperceptible.

3. Smooth shifting

The 10-speed transmission from GM and Ford is guided by six clutches that are installed in pairs. When shifting, the torque converter is not forced to unlock. Each clutch is controlled by solenoid valves. This development is in line with the trend towards increasing electrification of the transmission. Finally, hydraulic passage lengths are shortened. These unique factors increase efficiency, resulting in smooth, seamless shifts or downshifts with no jarring or juddering.

4. Reducing skidding loss caused by mechanical friction

Ultimately, the 10-speed gearbox is intended to replace 6-speed and 8-speed gearboxes. GM and Ford built the transmission to minimize spin losses. The reduction in spin loss ensures that the 10-speed transmission’s gears work more efficiently than their 6-speed and 8-speed counterparts.

5. Fuel efficiency and streamlined processes

Trends in the automotive world are constantly pointing towards fuel efficiency, particularly in the design of transmissions. Fuel-efficient technologies are regularly developed and expanded. Compared to a 6 speed transmission, the 10 speed transmission adds only 1 inch and 4 pounds to the transmission body. Without a single cast-iron component, the transmission is lightweight while remaining powerful and efficient.

In addition to a focus on fuel efficiency, GM and Ford built their 10-speed transmission to function optimally, powered by two hydraulic pumps. Both pumps perform different tasks by balancing temperature and transmission oil pressure. Optimal function depends on Mercon ULV or Dexron ULV, transmission fluids specially formulated for Ford and GM’s innovative transmissions to reduce friction, regulate temperature and prevent hydraulic pump overshoot. Increased fluid complexity is a trend affecting transmission fluids and will continue into the future. The “ULV” stands for ultra-low viscosity and is becoming increasingly important for clutch engagement and ease of movement due to electronic components such as electromagnets.

In the GM line, among others, the Camaro ZL1, Chevy Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and Yukon Denali are built with the 10-speed transmission. On the Ford side, the 10-speed can be found in the F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Navigator, and Ranger. Further integrations will become increasingly apparent as 2019 winds down and 2020 looms on the horizon.

Manufacturers around the world are striving to improve vehicle fuel economy and performance. The transmission is at the heart of this engineering effort. Many experts warn of the pace of change as the durability of new designs is unknown. It usually takes many years to test and detect design flaws. Even then, major transmission problems may not become apparent to customers until a vehicle reaches 100,000 miles. At this point, a customer could be faced with a large transmission repair bill. Here, our stores can support retail, wholesale, and fleet customers throughout Colorado.

Do you need a professional transmission repair? Contact our team to make an appointment! Contact the Advanced Transmission Center

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At Advanced Transmission Center, we are transmission experts who skillfully approach any issue with honesty, integrity and a wealth of experience. Four decades to be exact! We take every project seriously and treat every customer with respect. Our brand is based on the highest quality of workmanship and customer satisfaction. Learn Why We Are Coloradan’s Favorite Local Gear Shop.

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