I'm new to f150s, got my hands on a 2012 5.0 100k miles... so far everything is great, I love the truck, but I'm somewhat worried about the trans as it feels slightly more jerky than other vehicles ive driven in the past. Do these 6 speeds normally shift like butter or is it normal to feel a little bit of a nudge (enough to kinda bob my head forward)? I've read that the transmission has a learning function and I suspect that the previous driver couldve been more aggressive than I am.. it seems to shift much smoother when giving it more throttle, but slower acceleration it gives me a good little kick. No clunking or grinding at all.. Im wondering if it would help to have the trans learning function reset. I've heard that you can just d/c the battery, but others say you need a unit to go in and reset it. Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid but I just don't have any idea how these 6 speeds should normally feel.. thanks for any input in advance!

 

I have a 6r80 in my 2017. 69k miles, smoothest transmission I’ve ever had. The newer 10r80 is clunky compared to it.

At 60k I dropped the pan, replaced 8 quarts and changed the filter.

The 6r80 is a very reliable and solid transmission. Lead frame issues can be an issue, especially on the earlier ones. Make sure it’s been updated as to not slam into 1st at highway speeds if you start having lead frame issues.

More frequent fluid changes are definitely worth while. I would not follow Fords 150k recommendation.

 

THanks for the reply. I will look into this lead frame issue. I bought the truck as a trade in from the original owner with 100k so I'm wondering if the fluid was ever changed. Shifts like butter when I'm heavy on the pedal, but if I'm babying it, it seems to kick into gear.. just seems odd.

 

my 2012 does that babying it on occasion especially when cold. It can kinda lurch a little. I changed the fluid at 80k. It’s a great trans and the best truck.

 

Check the drive shaft if you have the 2 piece drive line. It might need grease!

 

the slip bump is usually only an issue after a stop/extremely low speed and you accelerate though.

 

My 2010 has the 6R80 and I'm very happy with it. When I bought the truck, it had just at 118,000 miles, and looked like the transmission had maybe one service/fluid change - maybe. Among the first upgrades was a Dorman pan with the drain plug in the bottom. Makes service so much easier, especially helps to lessen the drain out the back and on the exhaust pipe issue. I also had to replace the leaky rear plug connector. Ford Tech Makuloko has a great video on how to do that job. Long story short was that initially the truck had a very harsh 1st to 2nd shift in slow traffic. After two fluid and filter changes and another two drain and fills in a year, the problem slowly fixed itself. Shifts smooth through all gears now. My only regret/cautionary fear is that I have a 2010 with a September 2010 build date, so I have the early valve body and lead frame. If the lead frame cracks I have to get $1,200.00 one with the valve body from a dealer and a software flash. My understanding is starting in 2011, Ford revised the transmission so the lead frame and solenoids can be more easily swapped out. Really do like how the transmission performs.

 

No issues with my 6R80. Did a pan drop fluid replacement at like 120K miles and there was literally nothing in the pan on magnet and fluid was clean. Much more preferrable than the 10sp which were in 2023 F150's I rented. That thing is a jerky pos.