New Buyer Question About Transmissions

[Gaddenn]

I am looking at a 2020 Lariat. I test drove 2 of them so far and the first one I thought there was something wrong with. The shifts seemed rough and as if it was constantly hunting for gears. A bit jerky and not smooth in both up shifts and down shifts. Then I drove the second one and while a little smoother, it did much the same. I am starting to think there wasn't anything wrong with the first one and maybe this is just how they are? That just seems a little crazy to me, that from the factory, the shifts are not smooth and nice.

I come from owning much older trucks which you can't even tell the thing shifted if not for the sound of the RPM change, so it's a little surprising.

Were the two I drove both problems or is this the expected behavior? Thanks!

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[Gaddenn]

To clarify, when I say "new buyer", I mean I am new to these trucks. Not that I am buying a new truck.

 

[Blmpkn]

How much popcorn do you have?

 

[pbethel]

I am looking at a 2020 Lariat. I test drove 2 of them so far and the first one I thought there was something wrong with. The shifts seemed rough and as if it was constantly hunting for gears. A bit jerky and not smooth in both up shifts and down shifts. Then I drove the second one and while a little smoother, it did much the same. I am starting to think there wasn't anything wrong with the first one and maybe this is just how they are? That just seems a little crazy to me, that from the factory, the shifts are not smooth and nice.

I come from owning much older trucks which you can't even tell the thing shifted if not for the sound of the RPM change, so it's a little surprising.

Were the two I drove both problems or is this the expected behavior? Thanks!

It is not like any AT I have had before.
If I was buying used I would get the Ford extended warranty if possible.

 

[Frenchy]

Something that some people can't seem to grasp. These have 10 gears for forward. It will take its time to find the optimum gear for the load throttle position and speed. As much as people complain about it hunting this is what you asked for when you had a four-speed automatic transmission years ago.

 

[Bob902]

How much popcorn do you have?

 

[Gaddenn]

I don't remember asking for any number of gears years ago.

At any rate, it sounds like what I experienced is "normal" and I get the inferred message that these trucks might have some known issues. As I am looking for longevity and reliability above all, I am going to steer clear of them. Thank you all.

 

[ccasanova22]

There is nothing “wrong” with these transmissions. Mine is just getting repaired because it is one of the few that has issues.

 

[MarioCart]

I don't remember asking for any number of gears years ago.

At any rate, it sounds like what I experienced is "normal" and I get the inferred message that these trucks might have some known issues. As I am looking for longevity and reliability above all, I am going to steer clear of them. Thank you all.

I'm not sure you'll ever find that longevity and reliability anywhere these days.
With all the requirements from a multitude of directions, it has to give somewhere and all the brands feel the pinch.

 

[9zero1790]

how many miles are on the trucks?

 

[JustinR]

I wouldn't say it hunts for gears per se, but it definitely likes to select. Skipping gears is normal, as are delayed downshifts unless you plant the pedal. The only time it seems to sequentially shift or hold a lower gear, is in Tow/Haul mode. (For what it's worth, I haven't tried shifting into "S" at all yet; only D, as I have no interest in guzzling more fuel.)
It does seem the shift pattern in D is optimized for an attempt to keep engine revs low and fuel economy on the better side.
Were both of the trucks you drove hunting? Like popping around gears instead of holding a gear at a steady speed?

 

[JimJa]

Based on feedback from this forum my suggestion - if you purchase one of these two vehicles - have the dealer reset the transmission so it "learns" and adapts to your driving style. What you may have experienced was the previous owner's style. You may also want to have the fluid changed as well. I would also purchase an extended Ford warranty (after market warranties can be sketchy).

Gear hunting. In today's market it's all about fuel economy because the fines are huge for not meeting CAFE mandates. CVTs are about 5% more efficient than a geared transmission but customers are resistant and they won't handle large horsepower engines. Making a gear transmission with more gears is an attempt to duplicate the efficiency of the CVT by keeping the engine in its efficiency sweet spot. IOW this is normal.

I have about 60K miles on my '19 Ranger the bulk of which has been in "sport" mode. Long distance driving will make very little if any difference in MPG, short drives will make a difference of 1-2MPG. ... BUT, the truck just feels so much more lively when in sport mode.

 

[KJRR]

Based on feedback from this forum my suggestion - if you purchase one of these two vehicles - have the dealer reset the transmission so it "learns" and adapts to your driving style. What you may have experienced was the previous owner's style.

The transmission does not learn the driver. It adjusts to the numerous variables within the drivetrain.

 

[Msfitoy]

How much popcorn do you have?

 

[Rhino]

There is nothing “wrong” with these transmissions. Mine is just getting repaired because it is one of the few that has issues.

incorrect there is something wrong with them its been pretty well proven with a good amount of us....

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