I realize this is an old thread, but having stumbled upon it I thought it was worth adding a comment.

My 2012 F150 FX4 3.5EB 6R80 lead frame failed on the day you posted this comment. Called the dealership and the repair was quoted to me at over $3k! And that was without any assurance the dealership service department could get the part(s). So I was told maybe a 6-month wait. What!?!

Though I hadn't seen your comment I did buy the Dorman version (why I'm commenting) and self-installed (along with a new filter and a pan with a drain plug).

Looking NEVER to do that again. But it was a heck of alot less expensive (lead frame, pan, new filter, new pan bolts, trans fluid, other assorted tools came in at under $750). And did it all in about 3 days (most of which was checking my work and fluid levels). So truck was out of action for 2 weeks rather than 6 months. Learned quite a bit. Saved quite a bit of cash.

FWIW, the Dorman unit performed just like OEM. In fact, couldn't tell them apart performance-wise or visually. Made me wonder if the OEM replacement and the Dorman offering were actually the same.

Bottom line, no issues whatsoever with the Dorman replacement part.

 

Well since this thread got revived, I should update what happened with my 2017 that appeared to have this issue at the time. (I should have updated the thread back when this was going on.)

My 2017 F-150 doesn't even have a lead frame!

The first Ford service department held the truck for weeks, couldn't get the lead frame part, gave me the runaround. Turns out they misdiagnosed the issue, and were trying to order a part that wasn't even the problem, and as I understand it, doesn't exist in the 2017. I didn't know this at the time, but got tired of waiting and all of the BS from their service representative and manager gave me.

So I took the truck across town to the other local Ford service/dealer, and they correctly identified the issue, ordered the part, and got it fixed in just a week. (I can't actually recall what part they replaced, but it wasn't the lead frame.)

So if anyone has issues similar to what is described in this thread, and they are quoting an unusually long wait to get the part/service, make sure you get a second (mechanic's) opinion.

 

You must have a 3.5 EcoBoost? That’s the only 2017 model that has the 10r80 instead of the 6r80.

 

Do you mean 6R80 6 speed?If your truck is a 2012 it wouldn't have the 10R80 10 speed unless you put the 10 speed in it?

 

You're right; my goof. Thanks for spotting it (fixed it). So used to typing 10R80 these days that it's become habit. So yes, 6R80.

 

We have a 2013 just notified of recall. It comes with extended warranty on the molded lead frame. You may want to check to see if you can get recovery.
Good luck!

 

• At the time (last year; early 2023), Ford was offering 10 years/150k miles for the extended warranty on the lead frame (not sure what it is now). My F-150 was nowhere near the mileage limit, but only a few months past the 10 years. After numerous calls, Ford said, "too bad, so sad, we're not covering it." So I fixed it myself and then got a great offer to sell it and I did.
• Probably should have kept it, but with the trans cooler lines being an issue (see FordTechMakuloko's vid on it) I wasn't interested in fixing one transmission issue to possibly eventually have to deal with a bigger, more expensive problem.

 

I had mine done not quite 2 years ago with the Dorman part because the Ford (Continental) part wasn't available. I was able to limp it through the month or two of problems (no starts and no shifting when cold) by installing a push button switch directly to the starter and shifting by putting it in M and manually shifting. Eventually I gathered the parts and managed to find a mechanic to put it in. He warned Dorman parts are hit or miss. It is failing again but I was able to find what is supposedly the Ford/Continental part on Amazon. I'm going to try to install it myself this time. I don't have the part in hand yet, so I'm hoping it is the OEM part. So the Dorman part was good for about 18 months.
Most mechanics in my area don't want to mess with the inside of a transmission and I need my truck most days so it is difficult to find a mechanic who can and will do it on my schedule.

 

It's a messy, but doable DIY job. The fluid fill level checking is the worst part.

I used two videos to guide me:
FordTechMakuloco's:

and this one from Lakes Automotive Diagnostic:

I bought the Dorman pan (with drain plug), 2 5-qt jugs of Mercon LV fluid, and a new filter, as well as a hand pump (to pump out the fluid and then to pump in the new fluid), and welding pad to wrap the cat converter. I reused the pan seal. I don't recall needing anything else for the job.

I watched FordTechMakuloco's vids on checking levels once everything was put back together:
and

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks. I received the part today and it is indeed stamped Continental. I will probably take a crack at it this weekend.