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Transmission Adaptive Learning

COLMtnRanger

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Just got done reading the Transmission Issues thread but still have a question. My 2019 Ranger now has 10,000 miles on it. When it was newer, in "D", the shifting/performance was snappy (fun to drive). But now, it will sit at 1,400RPM and if I don't tromp it, it won't accelerate. I took it to the dealer and he said because I am not an aggressive driver, that I "trained" the transmission to respond that way. I said, fine, can't you just reset the transmission to the original settings and I'll drive more aggressively this time around. He said that would be difficult to do, just drive it in the "S" mode. Hard for me to believe with this technology it can't just be reset to original specs??? So here are my questions: 1) Is he BSing me regarding the reset to save warranty dollars? 2) Is my only choice to go to the Ford Performance (or other) tune? . I love my Ranger and like running it in "S" mode, but still would like to be able to run in "D" mode and still enjoy the ride. Oh, one more thing, I don't have the tailgate damper, which may be part of the problem :)
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Tom_C

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I can't answer the question, but I suspect it may learn your driving habits. I just bought my truck, and if I want it more snappy I use S. I usually use D.
 

CO2Ranger

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I believe that if you disconnect the battery for a few minutes that it will start the relearning process when you drive it again.
This man has the answer.
 


AzScorpion

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No damper? :facepalm: I'm amazed it's even drivable!
 

JTDay

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There is a procedure for resetting the initial learning, but from what I can discern, the TCU is learning the transmission's operating behavior, not the driver's operating behavior. It will likely revert to what it is now after a period of time. Another theory is that the trans is constantly learning driving behavior so it will essentially output whatever the culminated average of the input may be. This would also just result in reverting back to what it is now after some time. In any event, it may be worth trying the funky reset procedure. I'm not thrilled with the way mine operates and personally, idk what else would fix it besides a different calibration to prevent it from lugging so much. My tactics are: rapidly depress the (-) button on the shifter to drop down or lock out a few years or just slamming the selector back into S mode if I need to try to drop down several at once. Lol, YMMV.
 

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Adaptive lol...99% of the time it's great...the other kinda stupid...like the tranny's drunk...
 
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OFC Ranger

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A tune will fix the sloppy factory transmission patterns, but it will also fix the dull throttle respone by the electronic throttle body controller.

On my truck if I push the pedal with my big toe it goes. Factory throttle body setting response seems like it requires 25% pedal pressure to even start to go.
 

Rocketeer61

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it has zero to do with learning your driving.
it adjusts itself for manufacturing tolerances.
you can run it through this cycle to ensure it has done its job correctly

1621555905937.png



i also found this and perhaps this works on the Ranger too. Perhaps your TCM is bad?
Mine was faulty when I had the TSB done and they found a problem with it during the process. So they ordered me a new one and installed it. Yes, it went through the adaptive process after that again.


How do you relearn a Ford transmission?
Asked By: Thaddeus Gacimartin | Last Updated: 26th March, 2021
Category: automotive auto parts
4.4/5 (13,864 Views . 39 Votes)

Transmission Relearn
  1. 0-80 MPH @ 25% throttle position, then slow down and come to a complete stop.
  2. 0-80 MPH @ 50% throttle position, then slow down and come to a complete stop.
  3. 0-80 MPH @ 100% throttle position, then slow down and come to a complete stop.
Click to see full answer


Consequently, how do you reset the adaptive transmission on a Ford f150?

Ford F-150/F-250: How to Reset Adaptive Memory
  1. Step 1 - Disconnect your truck's battery. Figure 1.
  2. Step 2 - Turn on your truck's headlights. Figure 2.
  3. Step 3 - Wait 20-30 minutes. Figure 3.
  4. Step 4 - Reconnect your battery and turn on the ignition. Figure 4.
  5. Step 5 - Let it idle. Figure 5.
  6. Step 6 - Test drive. Figure 6.

Also, how do you reset a transmission control module? Procedure Reset Transmission Adaptive Learning DIY
  1. Turn the key to position 2. You should see all the dash lights come on.
  2. Press the gas pedal all the way.
  3. Wait.
  4. Turn key to OFF, position 0.
  5. Release the gas pedal.
  6. Wait 2 minutes.
  7. Start the car and drive.

Likewise, how long does it take for a PCM to relearn?
It only takes ~30 seconds for the computer to relearn its settings. Generally it'll idle high during that time (at least on WJ's) until it learn them.
How do I know if my transmission control module is bad?
Top 7 Signs of a Bad Transmission Control Module
  1. #1 – Check Engine Light.
  2. #2 – Unpredictable Shifting.
  3. #3 – Problems Shifting Into Higher Gears.
  4. #4 – Problems Downshifting.
  5. #5 – Stuck in the Same Gear.
  6. #6 – Delayed Shifting.
  7. #7 – Poor Fuel Economy.
This is a joke, right?
 

robusta

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I highly recommend the idrive(left). I've been using it for about a month. It allows you to easily adjust the throttle response on the fly. I recently paired it with the Livernois tune. Yes it seems a little over the top to have both but the tune adds power while the idrive gives you that ability to adjust throttle sensitivity on the fly. I really love this set up. The truck absolutely rips!
IMG_20210519_214104.webp
 
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Just got done reading the Transmission Issues thread but still have a question. My 2019 Ranger now has 10,000 miles on it. When it was newer, in "D", the shifting/performance was snappy (fun to drive). But now, it will sit at 1,400RPM and if I don't tromp it, it won't accelerate. I took it to the dealer and he said because I am not an aggressive driver, that I "trained" the transmission to respond that way. I said, fine, can't you just reset the transmission to the original settings and I'll drive more aggressively this time around. He said that would be difficult to do, just drive it in the "S" mode. Hard for me to believe with this technology it can't just be reset to original specs??? So here are my questions: 1) Is he BSing me regarding the reset to save warranty dollars? 2) Is my only choice to go to the Ford Performance (or other) tune? . I love my Ranger and like running it in "S" mode, but still would like to be able to run in "D" mode and still enjoy the ride. Oh, one more thing, I don't have the tailgate damper, which may be part of the problem :)
Soooooo....... If you want a sporty feel then drive like you have a sports car. Want a smooth feel then drive like an old lady and you will be good. That is as simple as it gets.....
 
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COLMtnRanger

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Just got done reading the Transmission Issues thread but still have a question. My 2019 Ranger now has 10,000 miles on it. When it was newer, in "D", the shifting/performance was snappy (fun to drive). But now, it will sit at 1,400RPM and if I don't tromp it, it won't accelerate. I took it to the dealer and he said because I am not an aggressive driver, that I "trained" the transmission to respond that way. I said, fine, can't you just reset the transmission to the original settings and I'll drive more aggressively this time around. He said that would be difficult to do, just drive it in the "S" mode. Hard for me to believe with this technology it can't just be reset to original specs??? So here are my questions: 1) Is he BSing me regarding the reset to save warranty dollars? 2) Is my only choice to go to the Ford Performance (or other) tune? . I love my Ranger and like running it in "S" mode, but still would like to be able to run in "D" mode and still enjoy the ride. Oh, one more thing, I don't have the tailgate damper, which may be part of the problem :)
I highly recommend the idrive(left). I've been using it for about a month. It allows you to easily adjust the throttle response on the fly. I recently paired it with the Livernois tune. Yes it seems a little over the top to have both but the tune adds power while the idrive gives you that ability to adjust throttle sensitivity on the fly. I really love this set up. The truck absolutely rips!
IMG_20210519_214104.jpg
Thanks to all for great input. I'll try some of Ranger Pride diagnostics and if that doesn't work, look at the tune options. Troubling the Ford Service people aren't as knowledgeable as you all!
 

RANGER_MARC

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Just got done reading the Transmission Issues thread but still have a question. My 2019 Ranger now has 10,000 miles on it. When it was newer, in "D", the shifting/performance was snappy (fun to drive). But now, it will sit at 1,400RPM and if I don't tromp it, it won't accelerate. I took it to the dealer and he said because I am not an aggressive driver, that I "trained" the transmission to respond that way. I said, fine, can't you just reset the transmission to the original settings and I'll drive more aggressively this time around. He said that would be difficult to do, just drive it in the "S" mode. Hard for me to believe with this technology it can't just be reset to original specs??? So here are my questions: 1) Is he BSing me regarding the reset to save warranty dollars? 2) Is my only choice to go to the Ford Performance (or other) tune? . I love my Ranger and like running it in "S" mode, but still would like to be able to run in "D" mode and still enjoy the ride. Oh, one more thing, I don't have the tailgate damper, which may be part of the problem :)
The Ford Performance Tune will turn your current "D" into your current "S"--and take your current "S" into a whole other space. And, yeah, get that tailgate dampened!
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