10R80 transmission “stuck” between gears

[TJC]

I think they get used to the querks...

I agree!

But I have to say, installing the single piece drive shaft cured the funky transmission craziness that I was having (sporadic jerky shifts (up and down), and the transmission not releasing when coming to a stop.

I just hope that the 14K miles on the 2 piece part didn't damage the transmission internals too much before I finally swapped it out.

It is like a different (much improved) truck.

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[Shoran12]

same here. i like the truck. but cannot trust or enjoy it with transmission issues. im stuck in mine either way lol cant afford to get out of it. so im guessing at some point in the future hopefully not when im in the middle no place alone- karen will go full retard and hopefully im still in warranty. in a twisted way i kinda wish it would grenade thursday on my way to discount tire lol then i could get it back to dealer and be rebuilt.

Yeah I hear ya. Hopefully if it does go, it’ll go relatively quick so you’re not dragged along driving on it forever. A few other things you can do would be take it back to the dealer (possible different) and let them look at it another time and/or schedule an appointment with an actual transmission shop to look it over. The transmission shop would be out of pocket which kinda sucks. It’s unfortunate Ford can’t solve your problem but I’m guessing they have their process set up in that the first time they reprogram, next is valve body, and final complaint is consider transmission change if it’s bad enough or something along the lines of that. Who knows, that whole process could take a considerable amount of miles to reach. At least you have it on record that something is wrong so you may be able to use that if the trans did go out after warranty. I still have no idea if they found anything or not with mine. Been in for a week now so we will see.

 

[Shoran12]

same here. i like the truck. but cannot trust or enjoy it with transmission issues. im stuck in mine either way lol cant afford to get out of it. so im guessing at some point in the future hopefully not when im in the middle no place alone- karen will go full retard and hopefully im still in warranty. in a twisted way i kinda wish it would grenade thursday on my way to discount tire lol then i could get it back to dealer and be rebuilt.

Well Ford called today and claim they found no issues. I asked them if they would reflash or reset the TCM or adaptive learning and they told me they couldn’t since Ford needs a reason to do that. I find it hard to believe they couldn’t tell something was wrong with the truck.

 

[TORQUERULES]

Well Ford called today and claim they found no issues. I asked them if they would reflash or reset the TCM or adaptive learning and they told me they couldn’t since Ford needs a reason to do that. I find it hard to believe they couldn’t tell something was wrong with the truck.

Could be like many drivers they just truly think it's normal. Or most likely they know it's an issue and don't want to mess with it until it just comes completely undone.

 

[Shoran12]

Could be like many drivers they just truly think it's normal. Or most likely they know it's an issue and don't want to mess with it until it just comes completely undone.

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking. Hate having to drive it wondering when it’ll finally give out on me.

 

[Big Blue]

That's interesting...my cold running reading is at 6.5...this is with the new transmission recently installed by the dealership...

My truck wasn't actually running, it was just cold. And I was on an incline checking it. I just wanted to see the quality of the tranny fluid not quantity. Why did you have your tranny replaced?

Yes this is very interesting. As I understand it, if you pull the dipstick with the truck not running, the level should be near the top of the dipstick if not overflowing, even cold. This is due to drain down with the truck not running. This could indicate a severely underfilled condition. Which would explain the condition of the fluid and shifting issues.

@ishman1995 , not sure what you were expecting as far as viscosity. Yes. Your fluid does look discolored and if it smells burnt, it needs to be replaced. The ULV fluid used is a thinner (Ultra Low Viscosity) fluid than used in older transmissions.

@Msfitoy , I may have missed it but you ever hear back what was the actual failure of your transmission, or did Ford/dealer just say it needed to be replaced? A cause would have been nice to know.

 

[Big Blue]

I know a lot of people claim they have no issues with this transmission, but I wonder if that's just because they don't really realize what's going on. Because this seems to be a nearly universal issue with these.

I think they get used to the querks...

OK, I happen to be one of those people who claim to have no issues with the 10R80. I have followed all the transmission and driveshaft threads on here with interest. I have also driven enough different vehicles auto and manual that I know and understand what is going on with my vehicle. I do pull a small travel trailer from time to time. Yes, I am not an agressive driver, most of my trips in town with the occasional longer trip. I will admit to the infrequent WOT on rap run (got to exercise the turbo). Yes, I do notice a little funny shifting when cold, this tranny does like running hotter than many think it should, also could be fluid level till it heats up. Once it heats up I don’t even notice most of the shifts a or any lugging as some complain about.

As far as it being a near universal issue. I think that is a huge over statement. I will admit I haven't visited other Ford forums, but forums in general tend to be populated by the more critical owners of a particular vehicle. Not to also say the more aggressive users of said vehicle. So yes. Failures and complaints are going to be more prevalent on forums than in the general population.

This is not to say the 10R80 does not have its querks. It has more gears than anything but a semi. It doesn't like to be cold. And yes, Ford gave it a Default tuning for fuel economy rather than the sport truck people think it needs to be. They also seem to have trouble getting the proper amount of fluid in it from the factory, along with making it extremely hard to check. I've probaby missed a few, but I'm sure I will be reminded.

ALL this being said, I intend to keep a watchfull eye on mine. Nearing 30K, I intend on checking the level next oil change. Since I tow I am thinking about putting the deeper pan and dipstick on it. As of now I still love my Ranger.

 

[AzScorpion]

OK, I happen to be one of those people who claim to have no issues with the 10R80. I have followed all the transmission and driveshaft threads on here with interest. I have also driven enough different vehicles auto and manual that I know and understand what is going on with my vehicle. I do pull a small travel trailer from time to time. Yes, I am not an agressive driver, most of my trips in town with the occasional longer trip. I will admit to the infrequent WOT on rap run (got to exercise the turbo). Yes, I do notice a little funny shifting when cold, this tranny does like running hotter than many think it should, also could be fluid level till it heats up. Once it heats up I don’t even notice most of the shifts a or any lugging as some complain about.

As far as it being a near universal issue. I think that is a huge over statement. I will admit I haven't visited other Ford forums, but forums in general tend to be populated by the more critical owners of a particular vehicle. Not to also say the more aggressive users of said vehicle. So yes. Failures and complaints are going to be more prevalent on forums than in the general population.

This is not to say the 10R80 does not have its querks. It has more gears than anything but a semi. It doesn't like to be cold. And yes, Ford gave it a Default tuning for fuel economy rather than the sport truck people think it needs to be. They also seem to have trouble getting the proper amount of fluid in it from the factory, along with making it extremely hard to check. I've probaby missed a few, but I'm sure I will be reminded.

ALL this being said, I intend to keep a watchfull eye on mine. Nearing 30K, I intend on checking the level next oil change. Since I tow I am thinking about putting the deeper pan and dipstick on it. As of now I still love my Ranger.

Also take into account we have just over 15K members and there's several hundred thousand Rangers on the road. Yes we're seeing an uptick of transmission issues on here but it's such a small percentage to actual ones built. I will admit it does concern me some but now enough to worry myself about it. I'm only at 31,700 miles plus I have an extended warranty.

I think having it tuned might help too. I do remember some wonky shifting especially when cold before getting it tunes. It still doesn't like cold mornings but the shifts aren't as bad and definitely not as harsh now. I don't drive mine hard either but I do get on it from time to time. Like anything it's the luck of the draw and I can't be bothered worrying myself about something that may or may not go....??

 

[Big Blue]

Also take into account we have just over 15K members and there's several hundred thousand Rangers on the road. Yes we're seeing an uptick of transmission issues on here but it's such a small percentage to actual ones built. I will admit it does concern me some but now enough to worry myself about it. I'm only at 31,700 miles plus I have an extended warranty.

I think having it tuned might help too. I do remember some wonky shifting especially when cold before getting it tunes. It still doesn't like cold mornings but the shifts aren't as bad and definitely not as harsh now. I don't drive mine hard either but I do get on it from time to time. Like anything it's the luck of the draw and I can't be bothered worrying myself about something that may or may not go....??

My point exactly! Not even counting all the F serises on the road with the same transmission. Hope I'm still driving in 10-11 years when my gets close to 100K. Turning 70 and today is the 3 year anniversary of my liver transplant.

 

[9zero1790]

Well Ford called today and claim they found no issues. I asked them if they would reflash or reset the TCM or adaptive learning and they told me they couldn’t since Ford needs a reason to do that. I find it hard to believe they couldn’t tell something was wrong with the truck.

thats a shame. I would take it to another dealer and see what happens. Sounds like I may have gotten lucky with the out of town dealer.

 

[AzScorpion]

My point exactly! Not even counting all the F serises on the road with the same transmission. Hope I'm still driving in 10-11 years when my gets close to 100K. Turning 70 and today is the 3 year anniversary of my liver transplant.

That's great to hear Lee! Congrats on a successful transplant and wish you MANY more healthy years!!

 

[Big Blue]

That's great to hear Lee! Congrats on a successful transplant and wish you MANY more healthy years!!

No plans on going anywhere soon. But, those are my plans, He doesn't tell me His. At least I know where I'm going and it will be a better place.

 

[Msfitoy]

OK, I happen to be one of those people who claim to have no issues with the 10R80. I have followed all the transmission and driveshaft threads on here with interest. I have also driven enough different vehicles auto and manual that I know and understand what is going on with my vehicle. I do pull a small travel trailer from time to time. Yes, I am not an agressive driver, most of my trips in town with the occasional longer trip. I will admit to the infrequent WOT on rap run (got to exercise the turbo). Yes, I do notice a little funny shifting when cold, this tranny does like running hotter than many think it should, also could be fluid level till it heats up. Once it heats up I don’t even notice most of the shifts a or any lugging as some complain about.

As far as it being a near universal issue. I think that is a huge over statement. I will admit I haven't visited other Ford forums, but forums in general tend to be populated by the more critical owners of a particular vehicle. Not to also say the more aggressive users of said vehicle. So yes. Failures and complaints are going to be more prevalent on forums than in the general population.

This is not to say the 10R80 does not have its querks. It has more gears than anything but a semi. It doesn't like to be cold. And yes, Ford gave it a Default tuning for fuel economy rather than the sport truck people think it needs to be. They also seem to have trouble getting the proper amount of fluid in it from the factory, along with making it extremely hard to check. I've probaby missed a few, but I'm sure I will be reminded.

ALL this being said, I intend to keep a watchfull eye on mine. Nearing 30K, I intend on checking the level next oil change. Since I tow I am thinking about putting the deeper pan and dipstick on it. As of now I still love my Ranger.

I've heard this cold effect mentioned a lot but that hasn't been noticeable to me...my new trans is running mostly normal but I'm noticing even when warmed up, there's still occasional "bumps" in shifting that noticeable...nothing like during a complete melt down like my previous trans...that said, my original trans ran much smoother than the new one....right up until you know what hit the fan...if it's true that cold affects this trans, I wonder how these behave in -40 Alaska? Probably not drivable at all...

 

[IdahoRanger]

No cold effects here in frigid Idaho.

Only time I really feel weird shifts is if I drop it into sport mode when I'm braking to a stop and want to be ready to accelerate into traffic. It doesn't know what to do since I'm slowing but also changing gears dropping it into "S" mode. I put it in "S" if cruise is set and I'm climbing hills so it doesn't lug.

 

[TORQUERULES]

Also take into account we have just over 15K members and there's several hundred thousand Rangers on the road. Yes we're seeing an uptick of transmission issues on here but it's such a small percentage to actual ones built. I will admit it does concern me some but now enough to worry myself about it. I'm only at 31,700 miles plus I have an extended warranty.

I think having it tuned might help too. I do remember some wonky shifting especially when cold before getting it tunes. It still doesn't like cold mornings but the shifts aren't as bad and definitely not as harsh now. I don't drive mine hard either but I do get on it from time to time. Like anything it's the luck of the draw and I can't be bothered worrying myself about something that may or may not go....??

Tuning has helped mine tremendously and the only issues I ever have is occasionally when it is cold but nothing like it was when it was stock or with other tuners. I worked hard to get it where it is though and luckily I have a good tuner who is willing to work with me.

Never any issues once you get past the first cold shifts of the day, but occasionally you do get a weird one when the transmission has set for a while as gotten cold and it's the first time it runs through the gears. Like I said nothing like before, but it took a while to get it just right. And I'm honestly afraid to even try to go any further because I don't want to go down the hill on the other side if you know what I mean.

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