2010 transmission question

[blmt]

I have a 2010 Explorer 4x4 with an 8 cylinder engine. It has 76k miles on it. Lately I have noticed at times (especially when it is hot outside) that the transmission will downshift hard when coming to a stop. It shifts well at all other times. I have taken it to two ford dealers and they have performed diagnostics and found no codes and have reported that the fluid levels and condition are good. The transmission fluid was changed at 60,000 miles.

 

[Flag Gibby]

What specific fluid did they put in it? These transmissions can be very sensitive to the wrong spec. fluid in them. Other than verifying the fluid type, I would take a look at the transmission connectors and make sure that they are in good condition and fully seated properly.

 

[Tech By Trade]

There is also a firmware update that takes care of the downshift hop on the v8. Odds are you need it done.

 

[blmt]

The transmission service was performed at a Ford Dealership, so I can only hope that they know which fluid to use. The paperwork states: Installed 314B :AT FULL SYNTH FLUID 16@7.45

 

[blmt]

Are there any additional details that I should request when asking for the firmware update? Sometimes I get one of the service advisors that seems clueless.

 

[Flag Gibby]

To my knowledge, the 2010's already have the most up to date firmware for the transmission. It was the 06 - 08 years that were most succeptable to the hard downshift and needed the firmware update. I would let the service advisor that helped you previously know what the vehicle is doing and ask specifically what Mercon fluid was put in it. Most likely, they will be willing to take a look at it for you and verify fluid levels etc.
Also, they should have put Mercon sp fluid in it since that is what ford still calls for in the 6r60 transmission... Never mind, you should have the 6r80 in it ( switched to the 6r80 in 2009 I believe) and that calls for Mercon LV.

 

[El Duque]

I have a 2010 Explorer 4x4 with an 8 cylinder engine. It has 76k miles on it. Lately I have noticed at times (especially when it is hot outside) that the transmission will downshift hard when coming to a stop. It shifts well at all other times. I have taken it to two ford dealers and they have performed diagnostics and found no codes and have reported that the fluid levels and condition are good. The transmission fluid was changed at 60,000 miles.

good luck. I hate to say it, but I think you're beat. I had a 2008 with the 6R60 trans and it did the same thing. Dealer flashed it, didn't help. I bought a tune for it that was supposed to help, didn't do anything.

Now, I have a 2010 with the "supposedly" fixed 6R80 trans and it does the EXACT same thing. Dealer flashed it, didn't help. I tried the tune on that as well, didn't do a thing.

I just think these are garbage trans. Ford really screwed the pooch on that one (from what I understand, the same vintage F-150 has the same issue). Whoever drives a V8 Explorer and does not have that problem is really fortunate. I would really love my Explorer if it wasn't for that. It feels like I'm getting rear-ended every time I come to a stop.

 

[blmt]

Thanks I guess I will drive it until it needs to be replaced.