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.
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:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
| 4R100 / E4OD | 2226 |
| 6R60 | 2559 |
| 6R80 | 2559 |
What are the DTC codes related to Ford F-150 transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0701 | Transmission Control System Range/Performance |
| P0703 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0707 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0708 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0718 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0722 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0766 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0767 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Stuck On |
| P0775 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' |
| P0780 | Shift Malfunction |
| P0781 | 1-2 Shift |
| P0782 | 2-3 Shift |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0784 | 4-5 Shift |
| P0791 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0793 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0795 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' |
| P0797 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0798 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P0817 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Reverse with Drive Ratio |
| P0817 | Starter Disable Circuit |
| P0829 | 5-6 Shift |
| P0840 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A |
| P0960 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open |
| P0961 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0962 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0963 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
| P0973 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0976 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P0979 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Low |
| P0980 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit High |
| P0982 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low |
| P0983 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High |
| P0984 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| P1762 | Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve |
| P2703 | Transmission Friction Element D Apply Time Range/Performance |
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.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Related Forum Discussions
- Ford F150 4×4 leaking transmission
- 2008 F150 Lariat 4wd Winding & Ratting Sounds
- 2002 F150 XL 4.2 L Rebuilt Tranny Worth it?
References
- http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm?SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=12V198000&summary=true
- 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!
1995 F1 50 4 x 4 shifts hard between shifts jerks
2006 FORD HALF TON PICKUP WHEN YOU TAKE OFF IN DRIVE IT KINDA BUMPS BUT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GOOD WHAT COULD IT BE
I have a 2013 Ford F150 with 83k. At random times the truck will shift erratically. Sometimes drop into first gear and stay there. Sometimes not come out of first gear and all power is lost. It gets sketchy when pulling out into traffic. The only way to fix it is I need to pull over and shut the truck off for minutes.
That’s exactly what my 2013 is doing. Also , the speedometer drops to zero.
I just bought the upgraded lead frame and valve body my truck is doing the same thing it goes in next week hopefully this fixes it
We’re you ever able to get this issue fixed? I have a 2012 Ford F -150 ecoboost 126,000 I have gone to numerous ford certified mechanics and dealerships no one has a clue certified or not no one can fix this issue, each one just wants to throw money at it, replaced throttle body, valve body, flushed tranny, did another service on differential replaced filter and fluid in tranny nothing is fixing my issue and I’ve spent 4400$ I will never own another fried again just another lazy American made POS
I have a 2010 f150 that because of a factory flash update, the transmission will not shift into 6th gear lockup until the transmission is warmed. Ford and dealer says this the fix for another problem they had, searching they called it but it has compromised the performance of my truck
Have a 2003 f150 4×4 7700 series when divining and getting to higher gears the transmission shutters briefly and then shifts doesnt do it when it downshifts no codes nothing dont know where to start but have been told it might be torque converter clutch going bad but other than that the truck runs fine and it only has 60 k in miles so anyone out has an answer I’m all ears and appreciative thanks
Coil on plug…
I have a 2013 f150 3.7 L that has coded 0720 output speed sensor i cannot locate it is it under the pan on the transmission I’m not a mechanic but i don’t consider myself an idiot..haha but i just cant seem to locate it..any ideas
Might be on the rear end…
Over the top of the rear axle.
Output speed sensor is inside trans in Lead Frame
I have a 2001 Lariat 4×4, when I have reverse I have no drive, I keep going back and forth ,and it will change. To when I have drive I have no reverse
Have a 2013 F150 FX4 Ecoboost and has thrown a P0720 code. Have looked all over the transmission but can not find the output speed sensor location to change it out. Any ideas on where this sensor is located exactly? Maybe a picture or diagram.
What have you found out Louis?
I just had my F150 Ford 5.4 engine transmission rebuilt trans.type 4R70W .it is 2007 Ford but when I stop I get a clump noise as well sometime when I go forward from a stop. Could you give me a ideal on the cause also it is a 4 wheel drive truck mileage 148210 . thank you
Down shifts hard on highway when I let off gas
1999 f150 4×4 5.4 it down shifts on highway when I let off gas hard!!
When Im in drive and I press the gas pedal it revs to 5k rpms without moving for a while , eventually it moves slightly but makes a clunking sound after that it shuts the car off completely . i have a 2013 F150 xl with 73k miles
I have a 1993 f150 4×4. It has A weird vibration at the high side of the gears. It’s at a sweet spot in the rims and it will vibrate. When I’m on the high way I can’t just ease into the gas to gain speed or it will vibrate. If i feather the gas or dig in to it then all is well and its fine. It will also do it if im on felt ground and hit a bump. Or start up a hill. Ive done the joints. Trans mount on the bottom. Help!!!
I just bought a 2002 Ford F-150 5.4 RWD runs great. One concern I have is on the scanner while driving show solenoid #1 and #2 open while it is running in 4th gear but the solenoid #3 is always off. Should I be concerned? the overdrive button is no functioning, opened the steering column found a broken wire to the shift lever and fixed it, now it is working. The truck shifts through all 4 gears. tHE ONLY CONCERN I HAVE IS, WHY THE #3 SOLENOID STAYS OFF NEVER SHOWS OPEN LIKE SOLENOID #1 AND #2. Any suggestions? Please help me undrestand.
i have a ford truck 1998 4.2 motor automatic tran it well go backwords but no front drive why
it dont go into drive just revesre i have a 1998 ford truck with a 4/2 motor
I have a 2008 f150 stx motor runs great but when I get up to 50 mph I go down to under 30 and stops moving but motor still runs great what going on with my truck I think it’s the transmission 4.6 motor
I have a 2004 f150 that I can’t start when I turn the key the motor turn a 1/4 of a inch and it acks like the truck is in gear could this be the toque converter fail
I have a 2005 supercab f-150 2wd and sometimes when I am parked it will not go in gear. It’s a automatic. I bought it used so I don’t know what the previous owner used the truck for. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
I have a 2003 Ford F150 FX4 4WD I recently purchased. I was told the tranny was new but had a leak. The Engine starts and runs fine and the body is straight, so for 2000 dollars I rolled the dice. I’ve never been able to get the truck to do anything but go a little ways in reverse. I hooked a code reader up to it and get no code, nor is the check engine light on. Previous owner said transmission leaked fluid and just needed to be topped off. I checked fluid level hot and idling in Park and fluid level is full, perhaps even overfull, which I know is not good. I wish I could get it to throw a code. If transmission is bad, I’ve got no problem replacing it, but do not want to replace something that’s not broken. If you have any suggestions pleasel let me know.
I bought the truck used. I allegedly had just had the transmission replaced with a rebuilt..(I wasn’t counting on that)…previous owner told me it leaded fluid from a line and that it would only move in reverse and not forward until I topped it off. I trailered it home 120 miles. It would back up as seller told me, but would not move forward. I looked for leak, and though I could see fluid residue, it wasn’t dripping off the frame and tranny and driveshaft as I have often seen before. Complicating things slightly is the fact that it’s a 4×4. Electric range selector was gone, so I replaced that. The overdrive button had been removed from end of shipter with three bare open wires coming out of the end. For the first time in my life I bought a pig in a poke. I’m 58. The guy laid a real sad story on me. Complicating matters he was mute / deaf. Engine starts and runs, body is in decent shape and straight, no rust. So I am not that upset as I had planned on spending some money to get the truck back in as close to factory shape as possible and keep it. I figured if I had to spend 10K on the whole project, it’s still about 40K less than a new truck, so again, not that upset about it. Just frustrating trying to locate the issues. I don’t want to take the transmission out if I don’t have to. On the outside chance that it was recently rebuilt. I’ve checked fluid level and it appears to be full when hot and in park. In fact it may be overfull, which would explain the fluid residue if it blew a seal or o-ring somewhere. I have a code reader, but i am getting no codes. Of course the codes could have been read and deleted. How would I know? and How would I get it to flash the codes again?
I hope someone answers this. It sounds like something we ford truck owners all need to know. I am going to look for your answer elsewhere, I will report back if I find anything promising.