Truck drivers LOVE their trucks. And rightfully so. However, heavy-duty trucks that use the Ford 5R110W TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission have experienced some pretty frustrating challenges. Let’s look at some of the most common 5R110W transmission problems.
The Ford 5R110W TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission was designed after the 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission. The 5R110W was designed to foster better performance, fuel mileage, and enhanced control of shift quality and shift strategy. Additionally, the 5R110W allowed for more control of gear selection with a switch or paddle shifter. The shifts were smoother because they were controlled by seven linear solenoids, which were controlled by computer.
Pressure control solenoids that use 0 to 1 amps, variable by the transmission control module computer, controls 5 gears, shift points, shift quality, and reverse drive engagements. There is also a limp mode feature to let the driver know that it’s important to take the vehicle to a transmission shop. Code setting errors help with guided repairs.
For the 5R110W, the cold weather shift strategy normal is 1st-2nd-3rd-5th-6th. The secondary shift sequence, when ambient temperature is below 5° F, is 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-6th. The transmission’s 4th gear is used in cold weather to increase engine RPM to help the engine and the transmission reach normal operating temperature in less time.
Modified direct clutch solenoid after-market
Problems arise when using a modified direct clutch solenoid to raise pressure to the direct clutch.
These problems include:
- The shift strategy is not programmed the same for all trucks so the results will not be the same for all model trucks, which includes modified engines, after-market tunes, tire size, gear ratio, internal modifications to the transmission, shifting problems, and failure.
- Harsh 3rd to 5th shift.
- Flared shift 3rd to fifth.
- Rough coast downshift 5th to 3rd.
- Shifting becomes erratic because the computer strategy is making continuous big changes.
- Direct clutch failure due to the bottom clutch plate bending, which is caused by pressure being too high, so the clamping force is reduced to the direct clutch after the plate bends, causing failure of the direct clutch.
5R110W Adaptive Strategy
The 5R110W Torqshift transmission has an adaptive shift schedule computer-controlled adaptive strategy. This system learns driving habits and creates a shift schedule by adjusting AMPS to the 7 solenoids raising and lowering pressure produced by driving behavior. The adaptive strategy then creates a shift schedule for individual drivers. Through a continuous process, the system measures the time it takes for a shift to occur. From the time the transmission control module commands the shift to the time the shift is complete, the TCM compares this value to the programmed time and makes pressure adjustments by adjusting AMPS to shift the solenoids. Optimization of engagement pressures is the primary objective of the adaptive strategy.
This is where the problem starts. First, there are modified shift solenoids and clutch plates with different types of friction material. Additionally, the programming may have been changed by an after-market programmer. Also the boosting engine power and tire size might have changed, all creating an atmosphere for issues.
Our Solution
At Thurston County Transmission, we rebuild your Ford 5R110W transmission so that it will last well beyond the flawed model. With our expertise in vehicle transmissions, your car will work better than new, and the rattling, bumping, and knocking you experience will be a thing of the past. If you suspect that you have transmission issues with your automobile, contact us today!
