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5 Hidden Ford Settings That Save Your 10-Speed (Before the $9,000 Bill)

Frenchy

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I love how it claims that the "Skip Shift" is somehow killing the clutch plates. If all it is doing is skipping a gear since it isn't needed, how are the clutch plates being ruined? By not using them or perhaps using them too much? It's the same idea if you use Tow Mode. You are simply using each gear and most of the time slamming the gears due to the very close ratios.
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Y2KFirehawk

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I love how it claims that the "Skip Shift" is somehow killing the clutch plates. If all it is doing is skipping a gear since it isn't needed, how are the clutch plates being ruined? By not using them or perhaps using them too much?
My assumption is the clutch wear comes from the lower RPM engagement of the gear. Thinking of a manual car trying to start out in a higher gear from a stop. You'll have to slip the clutch a lot more to pull it off.
 
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ctechbob

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My assumption is the clutch wear comes from the lower RPM engagement of the gear. Thinking of a manual car trying to start out in a higher gear from a stop. You'll have to slip the clutch a lot more to pull it off.
Ehh, little bit different in an autobox. Even starting off from a stop the clutches are completely applied. Changing gears you have the advantage of speed sensors in the transmission that can command the lockup when all of the RPM's match.

In old non-electronic boxes, the hardest shifts were full throttle since they didn't have a way to slow the engine down for the shift. The only way they had to control the shift was to increase the line pressure. If you ever had an old transmission with a 'TV Cable' and it was mis-adjusted or left off and took it for a drive you would smoke them in short order since the shifts would be super slow and slipped to death.

Now, with everything being completely computer controlled, timing and fuel is cut for just a split second, the shift is performed and everything goes back to where it was before the shift. The trans can also speed the shift up to keep slip in check.
 
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Y2KFirehawk

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If you ever had an old transmission with a 'TV Cable' and it was mis-adjusted or left off and took it for a drive you would smoke them in short order since the shifts would be super slow and slipped to death.
You just took me back to a place that I didn't need to remember ;)
But yes, I agree.
 

awd.nv

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I love how it claims that the "Skip Shift" is somehow killing the clutch plates. If all it is doing is skipping a gear since it isn't needed, how are the clutch plates being ruined? By not using them or perhaps using them too much? It's the same idea if you use Tow Mode. You are simply using each gear and most of the time slamming the gears due to the very close ratios.
I have no idea why it would damage the trans but the reason I avoid Drive, even with the Ford tune now. I don't like how it seems like there is a 2-step engagement on shifts.

At least at slow speed in my community at 25-30mph, it goes from 1 to 3, but I think it allows for some slip because if I then roll into the throttle, it feels like it fully engages to accelerate better.

Tow/Haul mode is like the perfect behavior, I also like the downshifts. With 33" tires at least, it feels very nice. Tremor package had 32" and it was good there too. Not sure if with smaller or taller tires the downshift is annoying.
 


ctechbob

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I have no idea why it would damage the trans but the reason I avoid Drive, even with the Ford tune now. I don't like how it seems like there is a 2-step engagement on shifts.

At least at slow speed in my community at 25-30mph, it goes from 1 to 3, but I think it allows for some slip because if I then roll into the throttle, it feels like it fully engages to accelerate better.

Tow/Haul mode is like the perfect behavior, I also like the downshifts. With 33" tires at least, it feels very nice. Tremor package had 32" and it was good there too. Not sure if with smaller or taller tires the downshift is annoying.
What you're feeling is the converter locking.
 

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I just acquired a 22 Ranger XLT 4x4 Sport with 70,000 miles on it.

Not knowing what the previous owners did, is it still a good idea to use trailer mode all the time? Should I go ahead and make these recommended changes?
 

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I just acquired a 22 Ranger XLT 4x4 Sport with 70,000 miles on it.

Not knowing what the previous owners did, is it still a good idea to use trailer mode all the time? Should I go ahead and make these recommended changes?
I would do the fluid change, filter and add the Fitzstick while you're at it. This way you know what's done to it and can now do the regular maintenance on it going forward.

Here's the thread on the Fitzstick and a link to buy one.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...c-transmission-dipsticks-now-available.30126/

https://mikesbuildshop.com/
 

OldHippy

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Thanks, for those like me who are uniformed, what are low soc warnings and load shedding? And where is this sensor plug?
I didn't know that about the Skip Shift thing. I was under the impression that fewer shifts were easier on the transmission. If the video is correct, I see this is not so. I know in tow/haul mode it hits every gear, but I was under the impression these are firmer shifts, and firmer shifts are easier on wear and tear.

I'll have to try that out. I'll see if I can stand the constant shifting. Shouldn't be a problem for me.
I hope it's easy to find since I haven't used FORscan in a long time.

Over a year ago I ran these three items, (select the 'gear' icon in FORscan, picture below)
- Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive.
- Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables.
- Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning.
I like how it shifts now. A little firmer. I didn't know I was saving my trans.
I recommend this even if it didn't help the transmission.
Once halting adaptive learning, there should be no need to clear anything periodically.

My Ranger came with ASS disabled from the factory for a $50 credit. Huh, fiddybucks.
I would have that done even if it had a fee. It drives me nuts when I ride in a friend's car that has this. I get the stabile fluid pressure thing. Sounds logical.


Also defeated all sorts of chimes, which took a LOAD off wear and tear on my brain.
I cannot afford much more wear and tear there. :beer:

If you don't have FORscan, get it. Or find someone (you trust) near by that has it.

adaptive transmission.webp
When I bought my 2020 xlt, the ASS was already disabled. I see the A in a circle with / through it on dash, sometimes. It also has the button on the console to turn it off, or on I presume. Haven't tried it.
As far as the shift skip, the only gear that seems to be skipped is 2nd. I goes from 1st to 3rd. But all the others seem to shift right on. I see that by pushing the +/- button on the shift leaver. And watch as it goes through the gears. Like I have said here before. Mine seems to " Lug" when in town traffic. Sometimes I will down shift one or 2 gears till the RPM's come up to where it feels like the
" LUGGING" feeling goes away.
Im going to change fluid and filter in the next week. And install the Dipstick I purchased from Mike. Then going to get FORSCAN and do the other things you all suggest.
Did want to ask, is there a tutorial in here about using FORSCAN? I Damn sure dont want to screw anything up. I have read here to make sure to Save All Factory Settings. But would like to do some research on using the program before I start.
Thnx.
 

ctechbob

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When I bought my 2020 xlt, the ASS was already disabled. I see the A in a circle with / through it on dash, sometimes. It also has the button on the console to turn it off, or on I presume. Haven't tried it.
As far as the shift skip, the only gear that seems to be skipped is 2nd. I goes from 1st to 3rd. But all the others seem to shift right on. I see that by pushing the +/- button on the shift leaver. And watch as it goes through the gears. Like I have said here before. Mine seems to " Lug" when in town traffic. Sometimes I will down shift one or 2 gears till the RPM's come up to where it feels like the
" LUGGING" feeling goes away.
Im going to change fluid and filter in the next week. And install the Dipstick I purchased from Mike. Then going to get FORSCAN and do the other things you all suggest.
Did want to ask, is there a tutorial in here about using FORSCAN? I Damn sure dont want to screw anything up. I have read here to make sure to Save All Factory Settings. But would like to do some research on using the program before I start.
Thnx.
I don't recommend stopping the adaptive learning.

The only time I recommend clearing the tables if if it has been an extremely long time since fluid has been changed. On a well maintained box, there is no need.

If you do decide to clear the tables, there is a very specific relearn procedure.

Outlined in this article:

https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/the-more-you-know-about-the-10r80-the-better-off-you-are/
 

OldHippy

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I don't recommend stopping the adaptive learning.

The only time I recommend clearing the tables if if it has been an extremely long time since fluid has been changed. On a well maintained box, there is no need.

If you do decide to clear the tables, there is a very specific relearn procedure.

Outlined in this article:

https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/the-more-you-know-about-the-10r80-the-better-off-you-are/
Ok. Good to know. Im not sure if the fluid has Ever been changed. It had 29,000 when I got it. And Just turned over 50,000. I haven't seen anything other than regular service in the logs. Thats why I figured it was about time
Since I bought the dipstick from Mike's almost a year ago. Thnx again
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