Ford F150 Transmission Problems & Cost | 4R75W / 4R75E / 6R80

Something seems wrong with your F-150 4R75E, 4R75W, 4R70W or 4R100 (Lightning only) or 6R80 (late model) transmission? Let’s look at some of the most common Ford F150 transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your truck back on the road.

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?

Ford F150 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

These are the most current prices for remanufactured Ford F150 transmissions.

Replacement F150 Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Ford F-150 transmission problems?

Recalls & Known F150 Transmission Problems

Recall ID 12C23-S1 – Ford 6R80 Transmission

– Summary
In May 2012, the Ford Motor Company issued a compliance recall on the following vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission:

2011 – 2013 Ford F150
2011 – 2013 Ford Expedition
2011 – 2013 Ford Mustang
2011 – 2013 Lincoln Navigator

– Consequence
It seems that a faulty 6R80 transmission range sensor / TRS can cause a number of transmission problems when the shifter is placed in the Reverse position. The symptoms include failure to engage reverse gear, the electronic PRNDL indicator will not display reverse (if equipped), the backup lamps will not function, and intermittent rear video camera operation (if equipped).

– Remedy
Replace the 6R80 transmission lead frame (which includes the TRS sensor). Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236

2012 F-150 Shifter May Be Moved Out of Park Without Pressing the Brake Pedal (NHTSA Recall Number: 11V582000)

Summary
Ford recalled 16,091 units of the 2011 Ford F150, to replace a defective brake shift interlock switch. This little device is designed to prevent the shifter from being moved out of Park unless the brake pedal is depressed.

Consequence
If the brake shift interlock switch isn’t working properly, the shifter will be able to move out of park, without the brake pedal being depressed. Should this happen, the truck could instantly lunge forward or backward, causing an accident with another vehicle or striking a pedestrian walking by (again, that would be very bad).

Remedy
In 2011, Ford instructed its dealers to inspect and replace faulty brake shift interlock switch on affected 2011 F150 models. If you’re experiencing this problem, or are unsure if the recall repair was performed on your truck, you can call Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Have your VIN number handy, and refer to this Ford recall campaign number: 11C21

TCC Application in 2nd Gear – 4R75E Transmission / 4R70 Transmission

2005 – 2006 Ford F-150
Problem – A lack of power after the 1-2 shift can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch application / TCC apply. The P0742 and/or P1742 DTCs may also be stored.
Solution – The #7 check ball inside of the valve body may have worn down to an incorrect size, allowing the torque converter clutch to apply after the 1-2 shift. Replacement of this check ball may solve the problem.

Slipping in All Forward Gears – 4R75E Transmission

2005 – 2006 Ford 4R75E Transmission
Problem – Many 2005 – 2006 Ford vehicles equipped with the 4R75E transmission, may experience excessive slipping in all forward gears. Metal shavings may also be present in the transmission fluid.
Solution – Replace forward clutch drum and update ECU with program 06B06

Poor performance with DTCs P0715, P0716 & P0717 – 4R100 Transmission

Problem – Poor engine performance and acceleration may be due to a sticking solenoid regulator valve
Solution – If the solenoid regulator valve cannot be repaired, the valve body will have to be replaced

Ford F-150 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins

TSB 13-4-23 – 4R75E Transmission – Grinding/Slipping/Loss of Reverse

2008 – 2010 Ford F-150
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a grinding/whining noise, unusual vibrations, slipping, and potentially a loss of reverse gear, all resulting from a failure of the planetary gear assembly
Solution – Install planetary upgrade kit and new torque converter

TSB 02–21–1 – 4R100 Transmission – Torque converter access plug may become dislodged

1989 – 1997 Ford Super Duty – 1989 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1989 – 1998 Ford F53 Motorhome – 1989 – 2003 Ford E-Series – 1989 – 2003 Ford F150 – 1999 – 2003 Ford Super Duty – 2000 – 2003 Ford Excursion – 1998 – 2003 Lincoln Navigator – 2002 – 2003 Lincoln Blackwood
Problem – Due to extreme load and material shrinkage, the torque converter external access dust plug may fall out during severe duty use.
Solution – Install new plug (part number E9TZ-7N171-A) with a 1/4 inch bead of silicone sealant around the plug.

TSB 98-20-9 – Ticking noise on initial startup when the selector is in park or neutral – 4R100 Transmission

1998 Ford Econoline – 1998 Ford Expedition – 1998 Ford F150 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1998 Lincoln Navigator – 1999 Ford F250 HD – 1999 Ford F350 – 1999 Ford Super Duty
Problem – A ticking noise may be hard when the vehicle is first started and the shifter is in the ‘P’ or ‘N’ position. In some cases, the noise may also be heard after the vehicle has warmed up. This can be caused by the overdrive clutch steel separator plate(s) hitting against the case internal spline.
Solution – Install new OD friction plates and accumulator assembly

TSB 10-18-1 – Delayed forward/reverse engagement after cold starts – 6R80 transmission

2007 – 2010 Ford Expedition – 2009 – 2010 Ford F150 – 2009 – 2010 Lincoln Navigator
Problem – Some vehicles equipped with the 5.4L engine and the 6R75 or 6R80 transmission may experience delayed forward and/or reverse engagement after a cold start or in cold climates. The P0741, P0731 and/or P0735 DTC’s may also be present.
Solution – A new front pump adapter seal and separator plate will need to be installed. The main oil pressure regulator valve and its bore may also need to be cleaned.

TSB 11-8-4 – Fluid leak from bell housing – 6R80 transmission

2011 Ford Expedition – 2011 Ford F150 – 2012 Ford Mustang – 2011 Lincoln Navigator
Problem – Some vehicles built between 4/15/2011-6/8/2011 may experience a transmission fluid leak coming from the bell housing area.
Solution – Install updated transmission pump assembly

TSB 14-0217 – Delayed engagement park forward or reverse

2011 – 2014 Ford Expedition – 2011 – 2014 Ford F150 – 2011 – 2014 Ford Mustang – 2011 – 2014 Lincoln Navigator
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a noticeable delay when trying to engage a forward or reverse gear from Park. This can happen with the vehicle is cold (i.e. has not been driven for several hours).
Solution – Install updated 6R80 transmission pump

TSB 18-2079 – Harsh or delayed shifting and/or P0711 DTC – 10R80 Transmission

Problem – Some owners may experience usually harsh or delayed gear changes. There may also be a P0711 diagnostic trouble code saved in the transmission control module
Solution – The powertrain control module will need to be updated with new software (release 108.04 or higher). Once the update is complete, the adaptive transmission shift strategy program may temporarily cause usually firm upshifts and downshifts while it ”relearns” your driving style.

Ford F150 3rd gear shift problems

While the F150 is usually a very reliable beast, 2001 and up models equipped with the 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission can develop a number of issues over the years. Like Ford F150 3rd gear slipping for example. During the 3-4 shift, the transmission will slip into neutral instead of engaging 4th gear. There may also be a lack of engine braking if the transmission is manually shifted into the 2 position.

What causes the Ford F150 3rd gear slip?

These F150 shifting problems are likely due to a broken overdrive servo retaining snap ring or overdrive servo piston ‘E’ clip. Should this happen, the pieces from that broken snap ring or clip can make their way into the overdrive servo regulator valve, preventing the overdrive band from making a full apply. After the broken parts are replaced, that overdrive servo regulator valve assembly needs to be removed from the valve body so that any damage from the broken pieces can be repaired. Most mechanics will overlook this, resulting in more transmission problems somewhere down the road. Street Smart Transmission on the other hand, is very familiar with these transmissions and always inspects for this damage during every reman F150 transmission build.

How much is it going to cost to fix my 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission?

Unfortunately, the problem described here will require the removal and disassembly/partial disassembly of your transmission. Given the labor time involved to remove the transmission from the vehicle (this is not a simple task), most repair shops will recommend that you go ahead and rebuild the entire transmission while it’s out. Since they already have to tear it down to replace the 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission, it sort of makes sense to spend the extra money to do that. After all, you should get a lot more mileage out of your transmission once it’s rebuilt. And since they’ve already got the transmission apart, might as well, right?

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Okay, if your truck can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a F150 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Ford F-150 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the OE Ford F-150 transmission last for between 130,000-220,000 miles. A high quality replacement Ford transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Ford F150 SD transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford F150 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your F150 to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Ford F150 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Ford F-150 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, the ECU will have to be reprogrammed to accept the new gearbox.

Recommendations for F150 transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, you can get an online quote for a replacement Ford F-150 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Ford F150 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Ford F150 Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used 4R100 or used 4R75E transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford F150 Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt 4R75W or 4R100 transmission or rebuilt 4R70W transmission. A local repair shop will remove your F150 transmission, then install a bunch of new parts. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each mechanic will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford F150 Transmission

Many owners depend on their Ford F-150 to make a living and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a 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?

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References

1. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm?SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=12V198000&summary=true
2. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm?SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=12V190000&summary=true

What Problem Does Your F-150 Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!