Remanufactured AWF21 Transmissions: Specs & Updates

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Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

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Replacement AWF21 Transmission Prices:

AWF21 Vehicle Compatibility – Makes & Models

2005–2007 Ford Five Hundred
2006–2012 Ford Fusion
2005–2012 Lincoln Zephyr
2005–2012 Lincoln MKZ
2005–2010 Mercury Milan
2005–2007 Mercury Montego
2005–2008 Mazda 6
2006–2012 Mazda CX-7
2006–present Mazda CX-9
2006–present Mazda MPV
2007–2012 Mazda 6
2008–present Chevrolet Cruze
Cadillac BLS
Cadillac SRX

The Aisin AWTF-80 series (AWF21) transmission first saw production in 2005 models. The transmission fits both two-and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its use of a 5-pinion planetary gearset and a Ravigneaux gearset makes it light and compact. This combination is known as a Lepelletier arrangement. The shifting of gears is managed by a computer program which oversees clutch-to-clutch actuation. Gear changes are accomplished by one clutch engaging the instant the clutch from the previous gear disengage.

The transmission control module (TCM) is located inside the transmission housing to reduce external wiring as well as to provide a constant environment for TCM operation. At idle it automatically selects neutral to reduce internal temperature and improve fuel economy. WD transfer cases can be fitted to the AWF21 for SUV applications.

Ford AWF21 Transmission DTCs

Ford AWF21 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs

TSB 07-14-7 – Key stuck in ignition / shifter binding condition – AW21 Transmission
2006 – 2007 Ford Fusion – 2006 – 2007 Mercury Milan – 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
Problem – Some vehicles built before 9/4/2006 may exhibit a problem where the ignition key gets trapped in the ignition switch due to a binding shifter button that does not allow the parking prawl to contact the park detect switch. The shifter sliding mechanism may also bind.
Solution – Install new shift knob button

TSB 06-23-12 – Automatic transmission whine between 40 – 60 mph (64 – 97 km/h) 3.0L engine – AW21 Transmission
2006 – 2007 Ford Fusion 3.0L V6 – 2006 – 2007 Mercury Milan 3.0L V6 – 2006 Lincoln Zephyr 3.0L V6
Problem – Some vehicles built before 9/2/2006 may exhibit a noticeable transmission whine during light throttle applications at speeds between 40 – 60 mph.
Solution – Install a mass damper kit on the transmission shift cable near the bulkhead in the engine compartment (part #6E5Z-7L256A)

TSB 10-22-4 – AWD vehicles – Shudder/chatter/vibration on turns or a thump/clunk noise on light acceleration – AF21 Transmission
2010 Ford Fusion – 2010 Ford Taurus – 2010 Ford Edge – 2010 Ford Flex – 2010 Mercury Milan – 2010 Lincoln MKS – 2010 Lincoln MKZ – 2010 Lincoln MKT – 2010 Lincoln MKX
Problem – Certain vehicles built between 10/1/2009-12/31/2009, equipped with all-wheel-drive, may experience a shutter or vibration in the driveline during a tight turn. They may also experience a thump or clunk noise during light acceleration. These symptoms may also occur under 40 mph (64 km/h), when driving uphill or towing under heavy acceleration.
Solution – Installing a properly remanufactured PTU (Power Transfer Unit— a simplified transfer case) may solve this problem.

Common AWF21 Transmission Problems

Slipping, Erratic Shifting, Harsh Forward or Reverse Gear Engagement: Some of the most common AWF21 transmission problems are slipping between gears, erratic up or down shifts, or a hard slam when the AWF21 transmission engages Drive or Reverse. There are a number of design flaws in this transmission, and any one of them could be causing these symptoms.

Another common problem is overheating. This happens when the moving parts inside the transmission are creating more friction heat than the ATF can remove. The most common cause of this condition is towing heavy loads, driving in stop/go traffic, or on mountain roads where the transmission has to shift a lot.

Updates to Remanufactured AWF21 Transmissions

• • Remanufactured pump, with new line bore bushings to eliminate leaks and provide superior flow and durability.
• • Remanufactured valve body, with complete system correction and recalibration kit, improves pressure control and shift quality.
• • Remanufactured and improved torque converter tested for leaks, concentricity, and balance. Upgrades exceed OE requirements and eliminate the possibilities of front seal leaks, premature bushing wear, and vibration.
• • All new, bushings installed in key locations to improve internal fluid flow control and fluid pressures.
• • Complete system correction and recalibration kit installed to address several OE flaws. Modifications include updates to servos, the PR system, and valve body accumulators.
• • Heavy-duty recalibration kit installed to reduce slippage and increase durability.
• • Complete road simulation using a dynamometer testing program called C.A.R.S. (Computer Aided Road Simulation). Every transmission is cold and hot tested before shipment.

How to Buy a Remanufactured AWF21 Transmission

1) Buying Locally

When you go to your local repair shop, they’ll order a remanufactured AWF21 transmission, then mark up the price. So at the end of the day, you’ll be paying 15% to 30% more than the actual cost of the unit.

2) Buying Online

Buying a reman transmission through a company like Street Smart Transmission will save you a considerable amount of money because you pay the wholesale price (avoiding a repair shop’s 15% to 30% markup), they’ll ship the unit to the shop of your choice free of charge, and returning your old transmission is free as well. Then all you have to pay for is the labor to install the unit (usually $400 to $800), and you’re on your way.

How Does it Work?

To order a remanufactured AWF21 transmission from a company like Street Smart Transmission, all you need to do is provide your vehicle’s VIN number, the mileage, and the address of the repair shop that you want it shipped to.

Financing

Replacing a transmission can be expensive, so Street Smart Transmission offers financing through PayPal Credit. Depending on your credit, you’ll be able to order a new transmission, get back on the road, then pay for it over time. You may have to pay labor charges for the installation up front, but you won’t have to shell out for the transmission all at once.

Shipping Charge/Location

When it comes to shipping, a transmission is quite heavy. So you’re going to pay quite a bit of money, unless the reman transmission company offers free shipping. Street Smart offers free shipping to a business address, which is usually the repair shop that you’ve chosen to install the unit.

What is a Core Charge (Core Deposit)?

Every remanufactured transmission originally came from somebody else’s car. Therefore, they need your broken transmission in order to refurbish it for another customer.

Your old/damaged transmission is called a “core”, and many companies will collect a core charge (usually $500 to $1500), which will be refunded once they receive your old transmission. (Street Smart does not charge an up-front core charge.) Make sure to ask any company for their core return policy, so you’ll know what to expect.

Our Recommendation

We recommend Street Smart Transmission. We have found Street Smart to be of the highest quality. Their transmissions carry a 3 year / unlimited miles warranty that covers both parts and labor. Their warranty is nationwide and attached to the VIN so it is transferable with ownership if you decide to sell the vehicle. It also covers both parts and labor for the installation of the replacement transmission.

Finding a Shop to Install the Remanufactured Transmission

If your transmission has failed, you’re going to need a skilled mechanic to replace it. You can find a shop to install your transmission using our shop locator map.

For warranty purposes, you need to find a reliable repair shop. That way, if the replacement transmission doesn’t work properly, the warranty will cover it.

Ready to Replace Your AWF21 Transmission?

Click Get a Free Estimate for an unbeatable price on a replacement remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?