Hello, my name is Brian, and I'm looking for some thoughts/advice. I recently purchased a new 2019 F150 XLT Sport 4x4 with the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost. I am not very mechanically knowledgable, so I'm hoping for some guidance.

I've had it about 3 weeks, and have noticed the 10 speed transmission seems jumpy in the lower gears (1 through 4 mostly). What seems especially unusual is that it always skips 2nd gear, on both upshifts and downshifts. It has only gone into 2nd on its own a couple times. I can use the semi-manual option to force it, but I'm unsure if that is a good idea. My previous vehicles were traditional 5 or 6 speed automatics, so the 10 speed is new to me, but this still seems a bit odd.

I have read that the 10 speed will skip gears to try and get you into the most optimal gear, and that makes sense, considering how advanced they are. And I have seen it do that at various times. But I'm still nervous that there may be an issue, if it is skipping 2nd every time. *Edited addition: I don't have a heavy foot, I've been deliberate about NOT accelerating quickly during the break in period, and increasing my speed slowly.

Even if I'm driving slowly through a parking lot, it will almost of its own accord rev higher just to switch to 3rd, instead of smoothly going into 2nd, which makes it kind of "jump" forward. Difficult to explain, but hopefully that makes sense.

Is this typical of the 10 speed transmissions, or during the early break in period? Or should I reach out to my local dealer for some assistance?

Thank you all so much for any thoughts.

 

Normal. I think you only use second gear while towing and maybe Sport mode.

 

if you take off in a straight line at about half throttle it will use 2.. if you leave your driveway it will be in 3 before you know it.

 

Same engine and tranny as you. Same thing. The 1-spd will skip gears in normal mode. Put it in Sport mode and it will hit every gear and shift a lot smoother too. It’s just how they’re designed.

 

From an EPA test report on the 2017 F-150

In the low load area represented by accelerator pedal position below 15 percent the transmission shifts as soon as possible. In the medium load area represented by accelerator pedal positions between 15 percent to 70 percent the transmission starts to hold the gears longer to enable the engine to make enough power for the driver demand. In the high load areas represented by accelerator pedal positions above 70 percent, the transmission waits to shift the engine until the engine has reached its maximum allowable operating speed. The afore-mentioned skip shift island appears to lay at low to moderate pedal positions at speeds going up to 50 mph. The skip shift island includes gear shifts from 1st to 3rd, 2nd to 4th, 3rd to 5th, and 4th to 6th gears.

 

Normal

 

To add to the others... there will be a difference in shift quality during the break-in period, or anytime the PCM is reset. To compensate for tolerances in manufacturing and normal wear, the vehicle is able to "sense" and "learn" shift quality. During the "Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle", it is not unusual to feel some harsh shifting - up or down, in any gear. The computer should eventually adjust, adapt, and overcome; and your ride will smooth out.

One other variable that comes into play is operating temperature. You may notice some harshness when the trans (and fluid) is cold. It should smooth out again once things warm up.

 

The 10R80 is a great AT with lot's of control (Select-Shift) & very quick shifts. Experiment with all your drive modes to see how it affects shift patterns. Same with throttle application. Then try some manual shifting for fun. Basically, throw the kitchen sink at your trans, and monitor how it functions. It's infinitely adaptable to so many inputs.

Embrace it's capabilities, make it work for you, and enjoy the ride!

 

Thank you all! Appreciate the information, glad to hear it is nothing unusual.

 

Mine usually skips 2nd gear too when in Normal Mode. Very rare to see it engage 2nd gear.