Shifting issue 08 explorer 6r60 transmission

[Ronmeador]

I have 2008 explorer EB with 4.6 engine I have all new plugs, all new coils even had to have ECM replaced because it shot caps on me. I am having a shudder issue when around 30 to 50 mph range. Going uphill, slowing down to that speed range and accelerating out of it and just normal level driving as I accelerate and it goes to shift around 35 to 45 mph it shudders I give a little more throttle it shifts. Does not do this when transmission is cold nor does it do this during use of cruise control. My explore is EB 4X4

 

[Bazz270]

1.Perform torque converter stall test.

2.Try TCM module reset/ relearn ( use forum search)

3.If not helps, replace the transmission fluid (mercon sp) and a filter and reset/relearn again.

4.check spark coils,on this engine the OEM Motorcraft is a must to have because of the factory spec EMI shields on it.

 

[94Eddie]

Bazz gave you good advice. The 6R60/80 transmissions can have issues with worn transmission fluid. My V8 2010 Mountaineer had issues shifting when I bought it at around 105k miles. I did two drain and refills within 3k miles and cleared the computer of any learned data and this has solved the shifting problem for the past 30k miles. Don't flush the transmission. Drop the pan, change the filter and refill. Flushing can cause issues with older transmissions the the 6R60/80 transmissions only allow fluid to route to the cooler when it is fully up to operating temperature. Many times the shop doing a flush doesn't consider this and the new fluid never gets to the inside of the transmission. Also, use only Motorcraft transmission fluid.

Also, what coils did you use? Bad, or non OEM coils on the passenger bank can cause transmission shifting issues. The video below addresses this potential problem.

 

[Ronmeador]

1.Perform torque converter stall test.

2.Try TCM module reset/ relearn ( use forum search)

3.If not helps, replace the transmission fluid (mercon sp) and a filter and reset/relearn again.

4.check spark coils,on this engine the OEM Motorcraft is a must to have because of the factory spec EMI shields on it.

How do I do a stall test also how do I do reset of tcm, I have never done those two things

 

[94Eddie]

How do I do a stall test also how do I do reset of tcm, I have never done those two things

To reset the TCM, disconnect the battery terminals and touch them together for 10-15 seconds. Then reconnect them and drive the vehicle normally for 20-30 minutes to give the TCM some data to tailor its shift strategy to your driving habits. Don't do this by just driving down the highway. Use a route that has stops and starts and allows the transmission to shift through its full range of gears numerous times. The more you drive, the more the TCM will fine tune the shift strategy to your driving style.

 

[Ronmeador]

To reset the TCM, disconnect the battery terminals and touch them together for 10-15 seconds. Then reconnect them and drive the vehicle normally for 20-30 minutes to give the TCM some data to tailor its shift strategy to your driving habits. Don't do this by just driving down the highway. Use a route that has stops and starts and allows the transmission to shift through its full range of gears numerous times. The more you drive, the more the TCM will fine tune the shift strategy to your driving style.

When dropping the pan and changing the filter do I need to just add fluid or can I have a fluid exchange only done at that point without risking damage

 

[Bazz270]

When dropping the pan and changing the filter do I need to just add fluid or can I have a fluid exchange only done at that point without risking damage

Drop the oil pan. Replace the filter once.refill approx 7 qt of the SP liquid ,drive for a week and replace the liquid once again.
Dont need to replace the filter again.

Leave the stall test for a while.come back if no progress performed

 

[94Eddie]

When dropping the pan and changing the filter do I need to just add fluid or can I have a fluid exchange only done at that point without risking damage

I recommend only doing pan drops and refilling only. As Bazz said, only replace the filter on the first drain and refill. Going forward, drain the fluid, replace the filter and refill every 50k-60k miles after this maintenance cycle. The 6R60/80 transmissions are very durable when maintained properly. How many miles are on your vehicle?

 

[Ronmeador]

I recommend only doing pan drops and refilling only. As Bazz said, only replace the filter on the first drain and refill. Going forward, drain the fluid, replace the filter and refill every 50k-60k miles after this maintenance cycle. The 6R60/80 transmissions are very durable when maintained properly. How many miles are on your vehicle?

I am at 186, 762 for mileage I keep all my fluids maintained wasn't sure about transmission since it is a sealed unit

 

[Bazz270]

It is sealed for the warranty period only.
Service your 6r60 periodically and good to go.
The pan gasket is reusable if torqued propertly.

 

[94Eddie]

I am at 186, 762 for mileage I keep all my fluids maintained wasn't sure about transmission since it is a sealed unit

You are way overdue for a service. Ford's recommended service interval of 150k miles is ridiculous and has caused a massive number of failures across many transmission models. I think there is a good chance a fluid change will solve your problem since it has never been services in 186k miles. Definitely do the two back to back drain and refills to get around 75%-80% of the old fluid out. Also, let us know how things turn out.

 

[Ronmeador]

It is sealed for the warranty period only.
Service your 6r60 periodically and good to go.
The pan gasket is reusable if torqued propertly.

Thank you both for the info, I have had it to the dealership before and asked about servicing and they told me that they were sealed because ford considered them basically bulletproof

 

[mountaineer2004]

Forget about Ford's recommended service, remember all they care about is getting you through the warranty years, and then sell you a new car.

Drop the pan and change the fluid and filter every 60K and it'll actually last way past that.

 

[94Eddie]

Forget about Ford's recommended service, remember all they care about is getting you through the warranty years, and then sell you a new car.

Drop the pan and change the fluid and filter every 60K and it'll actually last way past that.

I wonder how many people have had 6R60/80 transmission issues due to worn fluid and were told the transmission needs replaced when a fluid change along with clearing the TCM would have solved their problem. At least the 6R60/80 transmissions seem to misbehave which gives a warning that the fluid needs changed before the transmission completely fails. I can't recall ever reading a thread about a 6R60/80 failure. There probably are a few but in my 20 years here none come to mind. IMO, these transmissions are one of the most durable Ford has used.