6R60 Valve Body Replacement

[naiku]

A few weeks ago I had an issue with my transmission, a hard clunk, P0770 code and it staying in one gear. After talking with a couple shops, they recommended that if after draining the fluid it is clean that I should be able to just replace the valve body. Drained the fluid, ran it through a filter, and it is clean.

So I plan to pick up a valve body, but there are so many options out there, that I am not sure which to go with, where is a good place to pick one up? Should I also go ahead and pick up one of the Sonnax zip kits?

Last questions:
Is Mercon V the best fluid to use in these transmissions?
Is the Motorcraft FT171 Transmission Filter correct? any better options?
Fel-Pro TOS 18753 Automatic Transmission Gasket OK to use? again any better option?
Finally, does anyone know the part number for the transmission dipstick? Mine broke and I can't seem to find a replacement part number.

Thank you.

 

[transman304]

After quick ck on TSB,you may be jumping the gun on complete VB replacement. Have had several 6R60 in f series trucks that just require a software update to fix issues. If you replace the VB it will have to be programed so the PCM will recognize it. If you are going to get a VB get a remanufactured unit and all the updates should be done and no kind of kit required. Good luck.



TSB 07-23-2

11/26/07
6R60 TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLES ONLY -
BUMP WHILE BRAKING - BELOW 10 MPH (16 KM/H),
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, HESITATION ON TIP-IN
AFTER BRAKING
FORD:
2006-2008 Explorer
2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac
MERCURY:
2006-2008 Mountaineer

This article supersedes TSB 07-13-8 to update the Service Procedure.

ISSUE

Some 2006-2008 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer and 2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with 6R60 transmission may exhibit a bump feeling while braking to a stop less than 10 MPH (16 Km/h). Some vehicles built prior to 05/4/2006 may exhibit the following symptoms:

^ Delayed engagements into Drive from Park Neutral or Reverse.

^ Hesitation upon tip-in after braking to a stop.


This fixes the bump while braking to a stop, improves the delayed engagements and reduces the incidence of tip-in hesitation while accelerating from a stop.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transmission control module (1CM) and the powertrain control module (PCM). Some tip-in hesitation is normal on this transmission in order to provide smooth operation. This calibration update will help to improve the condition. The harsh bump while braking to a stop will be eliminated. Several days of driving may be required for the transmission to fully adapt.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE MECHATRONIC UNIT. MECHATRONIC REPAIR/REPLACEMENT IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR THIS ISSUE.

1. Install IDS/PDS or equivalent and ID the vehicle.

2. Update the PCM and TCM calibration using IDS release 51.8 and higher or 52.1 and higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website. Since the TCM cannot be independently reprogrammed, reprogram the PCM to ensure that engine and transmission calibrations are updated to the latest level simultaneously.

3. Clear 1CM keep alive memory (KAM) and adaptive tables.

a. Using IDS:

(1) Open Toolbox.

(2) Choose Powertrain.

(3) Choose Reset KAM.

(4) Then Choose 1CM.


b. Using PDS:

(1) Choose all Tests and Calibrations.

(2) Scroll down the menu and Choose Reset TCM KAM.



NOTE FOR PDS, RESET 1CM KAM IS NOT THE SAME AS CLEAR TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE TABLES, WHICH IS UNDER THE POWERTRAIN - TRANSMISSION MENU TREE.
NOTE UNHOOKING THE BATTERY WILL NOT CLEAR THE TCM KAM.
NOTE DO NOT CLEAR THE PCM KAM.

4. Verify that the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) PID is above 175°F (80°C). If it is not at 175°F (80°C), drive unit approximately 3 miles (5 Km) to reach temperature.

NOTE TFT MUST BE AT 175°F (80°C) OR ABOVE BEFORE PROCEEDING TO STEP 5.

5. Drive unit to perform adaptive shift strategy learn.

a. Accelerate from rest with light throttle. The 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shifts must occur at engine speeds between 1300-1800 RPM.

b. Continue to accelerate gently to 50 MPH (80 Km/h) so that the transmission shifts into 6th gear.

c. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold foot on brake for at least 15 seconds.

d. Repeat Steps (a-c) a total of five (5) times.


WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT : Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

072302A 2006-2008 Explorer, 0.9 Hr.
Mountaineer 2007-2008
Explorer Sport Trac 4.6L
6R60 Transmission: Check
DTCs, Reprogram The
PCM And TCM, Includes
Time To Clear KAM And
Perform Road Tests (Do
Not Use With 12650D)

 

[naiku]

After quick ck on TSB,you may be jumping the gun on complete VB replacement. Have had several 6R60 in f series trucks that just require a software update to fix issues. If you replace the VB it will have to be programed so the PCM will recognize it. If you are going to get a VB get a remanufactured unit and all the updates should be done and no kind of kit required. Good luck.

I had seen that TSB before, but not sure this is the same. Let me explain what happened and maybe that will help... was driving, pulled away from a red light and there was a very hard clunk through the transmission and the P0770 light came on. Limping it home the transmission stayed in one gear (selector in D), shifting into reverse it noticeably clunks. The symptoms did not really seem to match that TSB.

Assuming that programming needs to be done at a dealer? Would I need to have the vehicle towed there?

Thanks.

 

[transman304]

Yes it will need towed and programed at a dealer or repair shop with the capabilities to do it.

Also you need Ford SP fluid for that unit

 

[naiku]

Thank you. Is the filter and gasket I found the best option to use with the 6R60?

 

[transman304]

filer is good and it will have a reusable pan gasket.

 

[naiku]

Thanks again, now to find someone with a valve body in stock!!