Turn off adaptive transmission process!

[CHrisin]

Follow this procedure and see how your gearbox will change
1. Resume Transmission Adaptive Learning
2. Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables
IMPORTANT!!!
Start the engine without PRESSING - TOUCHING the accelerator pedal and leave it idle for 5 minutes, then adapt the gearbox by fast, sporty, dynamic driving in the full engine rev range, especially in 1-2 and 3 gears in Normal and Sport mode, including up to 10-speed. The transmission learning process should take place from 10 to 100 mil, during which time they should be driven dynamically. This can be done in several cycles, including on a cold engine. The learning process should end when the gears change smoothly
AFTER THE ADAPTATION PROCESS IS COMPLETED, PERFORM THE PROCEDURE TO HALT ADAPTIVE LEARNING
3. Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning
Do a normal 10-30 mil urban ride
Then:
4. Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive
END
After this procedure, the gearbox will only work within the range we have learned.

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[airline tech]

This function for me as of right now is an uneasy feeling, within all the Ford Manuals from 3 sources the only things covered are. Clear and Drive (Learn Cycle) and the Software Strategy Download
I checked various models that have the 10R80, none cover anything about Halt / Stop
However, via Google I did find one of Ford Tech's videos where he addressed the Clear / Reset the adaptive tables using IDS on the F-150 -while the camera was filming him doing the procedure, you can see what Forscan now has available and that is the Halt / Stop

So, in a nutshell, from a technician standpoint be careful playing with those settings since all we have is youtubers and owners posting, hey look what I did.
Until I see a document from Ford / Ford Trained Tech / Trans Specialist, I do not recommend doing this.

The Document needs to Answer the Following Questions:

1. What exactly does the functions do and when are they used in a maintenance procedure?
2. What is the intended function for those settings?
3. How long are they active, Perm or Temp?
4. Is it safe to leave the setting in Halt / Stop?

I am highlighting this because we already have known proven issues with the 10R80, and I would hate to see someone getting denied warranty because you altered the shift strategy on a whim to fix the issue without a real document in writing for direction to do so.

As I stated, I dug deep into the Ford Manuals and checked all models with the 10R80, not one document states anything about Halt/Stop the adaptive learning for the transmission.
Now this could very well be, the same as (Example: Bambi Mode) that's not in any Ford Document either. But a transmission shell out is way more expensive to fix a (Crap -I wish I didn't do that)

Please, when using Forscan, research what you are changing before you do it.

Knowledge is Power

 

[TJC]

Airline Tech, I get what you are saying, and you are absolutely correct.

I am wading into the great unknown and I am risking my transmission at least a little bit.

However, the shifting was erratic at times. The transmission tended to hang on to gears when downshifting. I can generally best describe it as "bipolar behavior". Sometimes fine with fits of erratic behavior. I know this is not a very scientific description, but it fits.

I have already started down this path by Clearing the Adaptive Tables, and selecting Yes to Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning.

I drove my Ranger last night and the transmission is still behaving itself. My wife commented on how smooth the downshifts are now when coming to a stop. I am contemplating enabling Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive in an attempt at keeping the transmission in this stable state. I may also simply leave it as it is and see if it stays this way. It may yet act up again, and when it does I will reset the tables and start all over again.

I have also been observing shift patterns, and the only gear it consistently skips is 2 when upshifting. It goes from 1 to 3, then runs through the rest of the gears.

Downshifting is completely different from the upshfits, and more importantly from prior to the Forscan changes. It holds in a higher gear when coming to a stop. For instance, it went from 10th to 7th gear, and then appeared to disengage the transmission coming to a smooth stop. I was hesitant to post this as this is entirely different behavior and I need to validate it more. The transmission used to drop down the gears and hang on jerking to a stop, as if the direct drive engagement clutch lagged and didn't release until fully stopped..

I do not know if this new behavior is normal. but I see it as a major improvement.

I am still trying to make sense of what has changed. (for the better)

Right now I can tell you this with certainty. I cleared the tables in Forscan first, then in the same Forscan session I set Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning from No to Yes.

• Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables worked as I expected.
  
  
• Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning did not work as I expected. The transmission still adapted over time. Shifts were initially very abrupt going up and coming to a stop, esp gears 1-4, but quickly settled to very smooth over the next few days (one 20 mile trip / day), with marked improvement over 3 days. My recent 1300 mile trip was very good from a transmission behavior perspective. Not as smooth as my 2023 CX-5 6 speed automatic (I doubt that it ever will be as Mazda has excelled in this technology), but this is the best I have experienced with my Ranger to date.

So I have no idea what Halt does.

One last thought, over the 3 years of ownership I have noticed that the transmission seems to act up more in the summer heat than in fall and winter... so resetting the tables may not be a fix at all. It may be simply the cooler weather, or a combination of the cooler weather and what I have done.

Time will tell.

 

[TJC]

Follow this procedure and see how your gearbox will change
1. Resume Transmission Adaptive Learning
2. Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables
IMPORTANT!!!
Start the engine without PRESSING - TOUCHING the accelerator pedal and leave it idle for 5 minutes, then adapt the gearbox by fast, sporty, dynamic driving in the full engine rev range, especially in 1-2 and 3 gears in Normal and Sport mode, including up to 10-speed. The transmission learning process should take place from 10 to 100 mil, during which time they should be driven dynamically. This can be done in several cycles, including on a cold engine. The learning process should end when the gears change smoothly
AFTER THE ADAPTATION PROCESS IS COMPLETED, PERFORM THE PROCEDURE TO HALT ADAPTIVE LEARNING
3. Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning
Do a normal 10-30 mil urban ride
Then:
4. Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive
END
After this procedure, the gearbox will only work within the range we have learned.

I started down this path out of necessity, as my transmission was simply shifting erratic.
I performed the following before seeing your post.

1. Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables
2. Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning

Drove the truck normally over 3 days at 20 miles per day. The transmission still learned! And shifts became very smooth - Both Up and down. Drove it like another 1300 miles on a long distance trip. And once or twice more since arriving home.

I have not yet moved to step 4. I like the state of my transmission's behavior right now.

Step 4 seems logical. But who knows?

Step 3 seemed logical as well, but it did not do what I expected it to do.

I wish the Forscan folks (or someone with definitive knowledge) would address these functions. Ford would be ideal but I am not sure that I trust Ford as their objectives are clearly not in alignment with mine.

I seek longevity of equipment, and lower operating and maintenance costs.

Ford's objectives appear to be EPA targets, and early obsolescence in search of profit.

 

[MarioCart]

The latest TSB follows a specific path, reset, allow to adjust, if that's not the solution, then its dig deeper into the mechanical as something is failing inside that the adaptive process can't overcome. We know the drum is an issue, we know the solenoids have been issues getting stuck. Neither of those will be fixed with a reset.
I wouldnt waste alot of time chasing this reset/halt process. it's either going to work or its not. Once or twice trying this would be all I would do.

 

[TJC]

Well, I tried option 4 yesterday... 4. Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive.

It had an immediate and negative effect on shift smoothness. It apparently erased the tables.

To be fair I did not follow the process outlined above as I had already experimented by performing the following with excellent results.

1. Clear Transmission Adaptive Tables
2. Halt Transmission Adaptive Learning

As I mentioned previously, even with initially halting adaptive learning, my transmission still adapted to a very smooth shift pattern within 100 miles over 3 days, so I am not convinced option 2 worked at all.

Anyway, after the results of "Stop Use of Transmission Adaptive" failed to do what I hoped, I turned on Resume Transmission Adaptive Learning, and after driving 15 miles last night shifting is smoothing out again. So the transmission is learning once again.

My intent was to have the transmission learn optimal shift patterns, and then lock them in a static state. Over a period of time if shifts became gradually harsher, I'd turn on learning back on, and once optimized, go static again. This may not be possible.

Another thought that crossed my mind is that it is possible my transmission firmware my be obsolete, and need updating. I have a 1st or 2nd quarter 2020 build date.

Once it completely smooths out again, I may revisit using the process above as I have not tried it yet.

I long for the bygone days of mechanical automatic transmissions.

 

[Msfitoy]

Doesn't matter what you do...it's lifespan is 95k...sooner if you FAFO...

 

[TJC]

It could not have been worse than when I began. In fact, it has only gotten smoother. And if I blow it up during the learning process (me, not the transmission) so be it. I'd rather go down swinging, then go quietly into the night. I want to see 150K miles minimum out of it. That's my target.

It is still in the learn mode. Drove it tonight and it is smoother than yesterday, but still not to where it was on my first effort which took 5 days to smooth out to near perfection. I expect it to be back to the sweet spot in 2-3 days. If not, I will clear the tables completely (like last time), and begin again.

 

[ctechbob]

It could not have been worse than when I began. In fact, it has only gotten smoother. And if I blow it up during the learning process (me, not the transmission) so be it. I'd rather go down swinging, then go quietly into the night. I want to see 150K miles minimum out of it. That's my target.

It is still in the learn mode. Drove it tonight and it is smoother than yesterday, but still not to where it was on my first effort which took 5 days to smooth out to near perfection. I expect it to be back to the sweet spot in 2-3 days. If not, I will clear the tables completely (like last time), and begin again.

Have you tried to do the actual relearn procedure or are you just resetting and driving?


Another must-do is performing an Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle. Perform this procedure before condemning the transmission for removal if you suspect that prior repairs were performed that may have affected the transmission operation. This procedure must be performed if the transmission was rebuilt or replaced, the TCM was replaced or reprogrammed, major engine work was performed, or air/fuel management adaptive values were reset. The Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle is performed on a level road as follows:

1. Record then clear DTC’s
2. Drive the vehicle until the engine and transmission reach normal operating temperature.
3. Accelerate from a stop with light throttle (15%), ensuring that upshifts 1st through 8th occur at engine speeds between 1300-1600 rpm.
4. Continue to accelerate (may apply slightly more throttle after 7-8 upshift at 32-38 mph (51-61 km/h) until you achieve 55 mph (88 km/h) and the 8-9 and 9-10 shifts complete.
5. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold the foot brake for five (5) seconds.
6. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
7. Shift the transmission to Reverse. Wait 2 seconds.
8. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
9. Shift the transmission to Drive. Wait 2 seconds.
10. Repeat Steps 3 through 9 six (6) additional times.

After the final step, place the vehicle in park and cycle the ignition key off. Wait 3-5 minutes before driving to ensure enough time for the coding to be written to the module.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

Have you tried to do the actual relearn procedure or are you just resetting and driving?


Another must-do is performing an Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle. Perform this procedure before condemning the transmission for removal if you suspect that prior repairs were performed that may have affected the transmission operation. This procedure must be performed if the transmission was rebuilt or replaced, the TCM was replaced or reprogrammed, major engine work was performed, or air/fuel management adaptive values were reset. The Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle is performed on a level road as follows:

1. Record then clear DTC’s
2. Drive the vehicle until the engine and transmission reach normal operating temperature.
3. Accelerate from a stop with light throttle (15%), ensuring that upshifts 1st through 8th occur at engine speeds between 1300-1600 rpm.
4. Continue to accelerate (may apply slightly more throttle after 7-8 upshift at 32-38 mph (51-61 km/h) until you achieve 55 mph (88 km/h) and the 8-9 and 9-10 shifts complete.
5. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold the foot brake for five (5) seconds.
6. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
7. Shift the transmission to Reverse. Wait 2 seconds.
8. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
9. Shift the transmission to Drive. Wait 2 seconds.
10. Repeat Steps 3 through 9 six (6) additional times.

After the final step, place the vehicle in park and cycle the ignition key off. Wait 3-5 minutes before driving to ensure enough time for the coding to be written to the module.

11. Put your left arm in.
12. Pull your left arm out
13. Put your left arm in and shake it all about.

 

[TJC]

Have you tried to do the actual relearn procedure or are you just resetting and driving?


Another must-do is performing an Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle. Perform this procedure before condemning the transmission for removal if you suspect that prior repairs were performed that may have affected the transmission operation. This procedure must be performed if the transmission was rebuilt or replaced, the TCM was replaced or reprogrammed, major engine work was performed, or air/fuel management adaptive values were reset. The Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle is performed on a level road as follows:

1. Record then clear DTC’s
2. Drive the vehicle until the engine and transmission reach normal operating temperature.
3. Accelerate from a stop with light throttle (15%), ensuring that upshifts 1st through 8th occur at engine speeds between 1300-1600 rpm.
4. Continue to accelerate (may apply slightly more throttle after 7-8 upshift at 32-38 mph (51-61 km/h) until you achieve 55 mph (88 km/h) and the 8-9 and 9-10 shifts complete.
5. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold the foot brake for five (5) seconds.
6. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
7. Shift the transmission to Reverse. Wait 2 seconds.
8. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
9. Shift the transmission to Drive. Wait 2 seconds.
10. Repeat Steps 3 through 9 six (6) additional times.

After the final step, place the vehicle in park and cycle the ignition key off. Wait 3-5 minutes before driving to ensure enough time for the coding to be written to the module.

Thank you Shawn!

I remember this procedure now that you posted it. I actually performed it the last time around when I cleared the table, and it worked out great. I am adding it to my 10R80 Transmission Tips Booklet so I do not forget it again.

I'll run through the procedure in the morning.

 

[MarioCart]

you're going to reach that magical 95K implosion mileage just driving this thing trying to get it to feel right.

 

[TJC]

you're going to reach that magical 95K implosion mileage just driving this thing trying to get it to feel right.

Maybe. But it won't be from lack of trying to avoid it. My 2020 Ranger is 3.5 years old and I have just over 19K miles on it! I am aiming to have the transmission behavior issues minimized in the next 1,000 miles.... and then keep them there.

Note that I did not say eliminated. I do not think that is possible without serious (expensive hardware) upgrades. Ford cheaped out cutting corners everywhere.

The less the stress on the transmission, the longer it will last. That means no over heating, regular fluid changes, smooth shifts (achieved with optimal software settings and one piece driveshaft that eliminates vibrations and slop in the driveline).

There are internal hardware modifications and upgrades that will insure a long lasting 10R80, but I won't contemplate going down that route until it fails. 3rd party transmission experts are still discovering and tuning. The longer I wait the more mature the technology as 3rd party knowledge increases.

So here's the bottom line:
It may crash and burn tomorrow, but I am not going to simply do nothing while it happens. I am going to be proactive in my efforts to avoid that outcome adhering to the 80/20 rule. (I can achieve 80% of my objective with 20% of the cost. But to reach that last 20% will cost 80%.)

 

[TJC]

Went through the transmission learning process earlier tonight, and everything appears to be back to normal. Smooth shifts by the end of the process.

I need clarification on the last sentence...

"After the final step, place the vehicle in park and cycle the ignition key off. Wait 3-5 minutes before driving to ensure enough time for the coding to be written to the module. "​

The sentence is nebulous. Does "cycle the key off" mean simply turn off the truck, or does it mean turn it off, then on, then off without starting, or ????

The last time I followed this process I simply turned the truck off. I did the same this evening.

- T

 

[ctechbob]

Went through the transmission learning process earlier tonight, and everything appears to be back to normal. Smooth shifts by the end of the process.

I need clarification on the last sentence...

"After the final step, place the vehicle in park and cycle the ignition key off. Wait 3-5 minutes before driving to ensure enough time for the coding to be written to the module. "​

The sentence is nebulous. Does "cycle the key off" mean simply turn off the truck, or does it mean turn it off, then on, then off without starting, or ????

The last time I followed this process I simply turned the truck off. I did the same this evening.

- T

Just turn the key off. Engineers always have to sound important.

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