06 explorer with 6r60

[mario.aiello.1991]

Hi I have an 06 Ford Explorer with a 6r60 in it. The transmission started shifting weird, I decided to reset the keep alive memory on the tcm…any idea why it would start shifting weird then stop when I erased the keep alive memory? I’m also there are no codes anywhere.

 

[94Eddie]

When is the last time, and how many miles ago, the pan was dropped, filter replaced and refilled?

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

When is the last time, and how many miles ago, the pan was dropped, filter replaced and refilled?

A month ago, pan was clean

 

[94Eddie]

How many times has this been done and at what mileage?

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

How many times has this been done and at what mileage?

One time @ 110km

 

[94Eddie]

The 6R60/80 transmissions use an adaptive learning strategy. Over time they adjust the operating parameters based on how the vehicle is driven. If a different driver comes into play, the fluid is changed, a part is replaced etc. then it can cause the transmission to get wonky. Clearing the learned parameters lets the transmission adapt to its new operating conditions.

Some things to consider regarding any future issues is the 6R60 and 6R80 transmission are picky about fluid level and condition. One pan drop and refill only replaces about 50% of the fluid. You might want to try another pan drop and refill in the next 5k miles to get to the 75% plus level. Then make sure the fluid level is correct by following Ford's refill procedure. I recommend 40k-50k mile refill intervals. Also, one thing that is neglected on 4WD models is draining and refilling the transfer case. This is very easy to complete and I do this every time I service the transmission. You might want to check the valve body sleeve for leakage. This is located where the main wiring harness connects and can leak over time creating a low fluid level and other issues. At 160k kilometers I recommend servicing the front (if 4WD) and rear differentials. Lastly, use only Ford fluids.

I bought my Mountaineer with a little over 100k miles on it. It had a shifting issue and two pan drops and refills along with resetting the PCM each time cleared up the problem. I opted to have a drain plug welded into the pan while it was off the vehicle so I could easily drain and refill on more frequent intervals when a filter replacement isn't necessary. The 6R60/80 transmissions are very dependable when maintained well.

For future reference, there is another thing that can affect these transmissions in Explorers and Mountaineers. Bad or cheep coil(s) on the passenger side can cause interference with communication between the transmission and PCM. The video below details this and how to fix it.

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

One time @ 110km

I appreciate the help, also it only happened once before clearing the pcm, could it be clearing the pcm solved the problem and it won’t happen anymore?

 

[94Eddie]

I appreciate the help, also it only happened once before clearing the pcm, could it be clearing the pcm solved the problem and it won’t happen anymore?

I edited my last post to include the adaptive learning process these transmissions use. This should answer your question. IMO, it doesn't hurt to clear the learned parameters on occasion. I clear them in the Spring and Fall.

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

I edited my last post to include the adaptive learning process these transmissions use. This should answer your question. IMO, it doesn't hurt to clear the learned parameters on occasion. I clear them in the Spring and Fall.

Ok Thankyou, I’m going to try driving like this and see if the issue is solved then

 

[94Eddie]

Ok Thankyou, I’m going to try driving like this and see if the issue is solved then

There have been a number of people here over the years that had the same experience as you. I am curious, did the shift issue happen before or after the fluid drain and refill?

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

There have been a number of people here over the years that had the same experience as you. I am curious, did the shift issue happen before or after the fluid drain and refill?

Before, and what was the fix usually

 

[94Eddie]

There have been a lot of people here with the 6R60/80 transmissions that had shift issues fixed with transmission fluid service and resetting the learned data. Some have fixed issues with just a reset only. I have seen very few failures reported here over the years requiring a rebuild or new transmission for the 6R60/80 transmissions. This, and the reliability of the 4.6L 3V engines, is the main reason I replaced my 2002 Explorer with a 4th gen V8. Since you live in Ontario, if you can keep rust in check by yearly Fall applications of Fluid Film, or a similar oil based rust preventative, along with good preventative maintenance, your Explorer should last you for many years and/or kilometers to come.

One thing I notice with my Mountaineer is that when my wife takes it on longer trips to keep the miles off her Edge, the transmission has a few minor glitches afterward when I drive it. I know her driving habits are much different than mine. She drives more aggressively by faster acceleration from a start, and otherwise, along with quicker stops. I think this slightly changes the learned memory and it takes a while to readjust to my driving style.

 

[Bazz270]

Check for coolant in transmission liquid.then replace (about twice) approx 7qt of Mercon SP and genuine motorcraft filter element (includes new orange inlet filter seal).
Remember that full transmission shift strategy could be only reset by IDS dealer tool.
Check related TSB's for this issues.

The only forscan KAM reset probably does almost nothing according to 6r60 TSB's.something between partial to low level reset.

Anyways.with all the components ok and drastic driving style changed somehow,6r60 will relearn by itself after approx. 100miles.

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

Check for coolant in transmission liquid.then replace (about twice) approx 7qt of Mercon SP and genuine motorcraft filter element (includes new orange inlet filter seal).
Remember that full transmission shift strategy could be only reset by IDS dealer tool.
Check related TSB's for this issues.

The only forscan KAM reset probably does almost nothing according to 6r60 TSB's.something between partial to low level reset.

Anyways.with all the components ok and drastic driving style changed somehow,6r60 will relearn by itself after approx. 100miles.

So basically I should bring it to the dealer for what exactly?

 

[Bazz270]

The only way to reset and fully relearn the 6r60 shift strategy per is to use Ford IDS dealer tool.

Do you really need it?Is it really your case?i have no idea.

 

[mario.aiello.1991]

The only way to reset and fully relearn the 6r60 shift strategy per is to use Ford IDS dealer tool.

Do you really need it?Is it really your case?i have no idea.

Well like I said it’s driving fine after I did the kam reset so let’s see how it goes for now