The Ford Mustang was equipped with the 4R75E or 4R70W transmission as well as the 5R55S and 6R80 models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford Mustang transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Mustang Transmission Models
Ford Mustang: 4R75E / 4R70W Transmission
Ford Mustang: 5R55S Transmission
Ford Mustang: 6R80 Transmission
Ford Mustang Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Ford Mustang Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
Note: 6R80 currently Dealer Only
What are the DTC codes related to Ford Mustang 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 |
Ford Mustang Transmission Recalls
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
Ford Mustang Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
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.
Common Problems with the Ford Mustang Transmission
TCC Application in 2nd Gear – 4R75E Transmission
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
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Ford Mustang 3rd gear slip
When you put the hammer down, you just want your pony to go. But for models made after 2001, Ford Mustang 3rd gear slipping is not uncommon in cars equipped with the 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission. During the 3-4 shift, the transmission will go into neutral instead of 4th gear. You may also notice a lack of engine braking if you manually shift down into 2.
Cause of most Ford Mustang 3rd gear shift problems
These Mustang shifting problems are usually due to a broken overdrive servo retaining snap ring or a broken overdrive servo piston ‘E’ clip. If this happens, the broken pieces can work their way into the overdrive servo regulator valve, which will keep the overdrive band from a full apply.
When fixing your Ford Mustang 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission, the mechanic should remove the overdrive servo regulator valve assembly from the valve body and clean/repair any damage caused by the debris. Overlooking this step can lead to more serious transmission problems down the road. Luckily, every reman Ford Mustang transmission from Street Smart Transmission is completely disassembled and inspected prior to the build and subsequent dyno testing, ensuring that won’t happen to you.
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?
If your Ford Mustang 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, depending on the symptoms. 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 Ford Mustang transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement 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 Mustang transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Mustang 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 truck 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 Mustang transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Mustang 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, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Ford Mustang transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Mustang transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Mustang Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Mustang Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used 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 Mustang Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder 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 Mustang Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute 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?
What Problem Does Your Ford Mustang 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!
Had to Replace my new transmission within a year … The original transmission completely went out after several years. Unfortunately no check engine light came on nor did i have any warning it was going out. i had my car towed and replaced the transmission. With the new transmission i smelled burning every now and then so i thought it was coming from outside being that i just got a new transmission and my car never smelled like that before so i thought nothing of it. Within months after going on a short trip my transmission went out again. When i took it in the mechanic he strongly believed i had been doing burn outs with how it shredded to pieces. I assured him i had not been and because i was the only one that drove my car his conclusion was impossible. He again replaced my transmission but every now and then just like the last new transmission i smell the burn smell Again when i have to force going into 1st gear . can someone please tell me why this is happening with both new transmissions and what needs to be done before anymore damage is done.
2002 mustang it shifts in park and reverse and 1st into 2nd but won’t from 2nd to drive rps go up but no shift
2007 mustang gt 78000 1 st&2 ND then nothing no forward no reverse no codes found! I don’t get it.
My 2017 V6 mustang is grinding on 1st to 2nd and also when rev hanging on 2nd gear the shifter will pop out of gear. I think its an issue with my synchronizer but I’m not sure, any thoughts?
reverse but no forward
I have a 2007 mustang GT 4.6 l V8 I was traveling down the road and had started on my trip no problems whatsoever right in the middle of my trip I’m at a stoplight going to take off and my car just ribs it loses engagement of the torque converter. So and drive I’m sitting at a red light revving.my transmission fluid is dark dark brown it doesn’t even look like it’s ever been changed I have 165,000 miles on my car and I noticed that in first gear upon taking off from a stop it had a little bit of a slipping feeling but not real hard now I go to put it in gear and it hesitates it doesn’t want to engage when it does engage it slams into gear it lunges.
My03 mustang v6 it takes off withna pudh start and once itsngoingn it seems to shift fine it just the takeboff
I have a 1998 mustang gt.after about 10-15 min of driving the transmission struggles to shift into 3rd gear. The motor will rev high trying to shift into that gear,until if finally does shift, after another 5min of driving it won’t shift into 3rd unless I drive in overdrive.. during this time it downshifts fine and 1st and 2nd gear shifts fine.I have no obd codes showing, no metal shavings in oil pan, no burnt oil smell..once the car has sat for a couple hours it drives fine until about 15min of driving then back at the problem
My 2007 Ford Mustang V6 first started blinking the overdrive light. I had a transmission guy drop the pan. He noticed some shavings and replaced the solenoid packs and fluid. After this I would barely drive the car at at. Now the engine light is one. I had a buddy plug in his diagnostic tool. The codes found are po962, po732, po735, po748, and po775. It has 140,00 miles. I think it has a 5r55s transmission. I brought it to one place and they wanted $1,000 just to drop it and diagnose the problem. I’m thinking about buying one that has been pulled from a junkyard for $500 and paying someone $500 to install it. I just don’t want to hear bad news if I decide to have it rebuilt. I would like to pay $1500 max to fix the problem then sell the car towards a downpayment.
My 06 mustang GT automatic won’t shift into drive or reverse, when I shift it manually it shifts into 1st and 2nd but not 3rd.
Will a 1998 Ford Mustang transmission interchange with a 2001 v6 Ford Mustang transmission
I have a 2007 mustang with 131000 miles and they’re saying the torque converter bad but car drives flawlessly
Mine has been doing that since 115,00 miles. I now Have 200,000 mile on it. The overdrive cuts off when going over 50 mph, A slight reduction in gas mileage, Maybe 10%. Just drop pan and change filter. About five to six quarts are needed. Repeat every 15,000 miles for a couple years and then just change the fluid every 30,000 miles after that. These transmissions are excellent if serviced, Do not FLUSH when over 100,000 miles. I have seen the 2007 4.0 v6 mustang automatic transmission go well over 300,000 miles if you do what I am telling you. The next most important thing to do with your mustang is not drive it like a maniac when it gets older.
2003, 162958.3, the service engine soon light is on, automatic 3.8L. It acts like it doesn’t want to go into 2nd or 3rd gear, it accelerates faster than its moving then tries to catch up.
2007 Mustang V6 Auto trans, 160k. Trans makes whiney whoosh noise when accelerating. Torque slips when cold, but shifts fine when warm. Is fluid low? Will flush harm?
I have a 2006 mustang 168,000 miles 4.6L v8 It is in limp mode. It pops codes for torque converter electrical and all shift solenoids circuit low. The sjb and fuses have corrosion due to water leak
2014 Ford Mustang, NO codes at all. Was having problems not going into proper gears or would jump into them. No one could find anything wrong, finally said extremelly low fuel ( with half a tank) erased odometer, little wrench came on. Guess what ? Still no codes past or present, WTF? Have transmission shop looking at it. But would love any ideas people have, 52,000 miles V6
Hey did you figure it out
03’ mustang 3.8l v6 auto trans. Has recently started making a intermittent squeaking noise once the trans warms up. Not really loud but it’s noticeable.
2nd time around transmission issues . 2018 brand new Mustang 5.0 v8 smells bad still ..shaking somewhat while driving. .
At 136,000 miles with never a single symptom or problem before, suddenly the engine revved off the chart and nothing happened. Going into gears kicked HARD, when parked it wouldn’t move in D, but would drive in 3. Then, reverse stopped working. Local shop said all planetary gears were shot…$3500. Apparently this is common at the 100-130k mile range. Car is a 2010 V6.
Torque Shudder. REALLY bad going into OD. Mild and on occcasion 2nd to 3rd. Flushed system and added trans shudder fix. Problem MOSTLY went away for awhile but is back again. Car only sees about 100-200 miles a month driving.
Any resolution? Sounds like my Mustang 01, 226000 miles
That’s 126000 miles
Slow going into reverse sometimes