Ford Expedition Transmissions: Overview, Problems, Fluids

The Ford Expedition is an excellent large SUV, and its performance score is among the best in the class. … The Expedition also has composed handling for a vehicle of its size. This Ford offers spacious seating and a roomy cargo hold as a two- or three-row SUV.

That being said, even the Ford Expedition is not without its issues, and while we’ve talked about several models with transmission issues like the Ford C-Max Hybrid/Energi, or the Ford Explorer among many others, it’s time to discuss the transmissions used in various generations of the Ford Expedition in further detail.

The first and second generations of the Ford Expedition have 4-speed automatic transmissions, including the E4OD / 4R100 / 4R70W / 4R70W / 4R75E. The third generation has 6-speed automatic transmissions such as 6R75 / 6R80 / 6R80 SelectShift. Finally, the fourth generation has the 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic transmission.

Below, we have elaborated everything for you to properly understand transmissions for different models, their classifications, their problems, and the most viable fluids. Transmission prices have also been mentioned in this article to help you estimate how much you will be spending.

What Transmission has the Ford Expedition Used?

First Generation

• 4-speed E4OD automatic
• 4-speed 4R100 automatic
• 4-speed 4R70W automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4406

Second Generation

• 4-speed 4R70W automatic
• 4-speed 4R75E automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4416

Third Generation

• 6-speed 6R75 automatic
• 6-speed 6R80 automatic
• 6-speed 6R80 SelectShift automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4417

Fourth Generation

• 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4417

Expedition EL (U354)

• 6-speed 6R75 automatic
• 6-speed 6R80 automatic
• 6-speed 6R80 SelectShift automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4417

Expedition MAX

• 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic

Transfer case (4×4 models) = 2-speed BorgWarner 4417

How Long Does a Ford Expedition Transmission Last?

With proper maintenance, the average Ford vehicle should last well over 200,000 miles. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, that amounts to over 13 years of trouble-free motoring. However, if you subject your Ford vehicle to unnecessary mismanagement, it may not cross the 150,000-mile mark. After it reaches 200,000 miles usage, it demands extra care.

How Much Does a Ford Expedition Transmission Cost?

Everyone would want to be familiar with the prices when one needs to change the transmission of one’s car. Prices vary according to your vehicle type and model. Most commonly, prices range from $2500- $3000. Here we have mentioned estimated prices for your Ford Explorer transmissions:

• 4-speed E4OD automatic costs around $3000-$3500.
• 4-speed 4R100 automatic costs around $3000-$3500.
• 4-speed 4R70W automatic costs around $2500-$3000.
• 4-speed 4R70W automatic costs around $2500-$3000.
• 4-speed 4R75E automatic costs around $2500-$3000.
• 6-speed 6R75 automatic costs around $3000-$3500.
• 6-speed 6R80 automatic costs around $3000-$3500.
• 6-speed 6R80 SelectShift automatic costs around $3000-$3500.
• 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic costs around

How Reliable Are Ford Expedition Transmissions?

Ford Expedition transmissions have improved in reliability over the years, especially with the introduction of the 10-speed automatic transmission in 2018. While earlier models experienced issues like harsh shifting, the newer transmissions have shown better performance. Regular maintenance, such as fluid changes, is vital.

Common Ford Expedition Transmission Problems

4-speed E4OD / 4R100 automatic

Only reverse gear works

A common E4OD transmission problem occurs when it will only go into reverse. The complete lack of forwarding gears could be due to several issues. Including worn clutches, a damaged forward clutch assembly, or stripped/broken splines on the forward planetary.

No Reverse

Another one of the common E4OD transmission problems is a complete lack of reverse gear. This could be caused by either the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) or the Manual Lever Position Sensor (MLPS). Both of these electronic components can be removed and cleaned with an electronic-specific cleaner. If that does not solve the problem, then you will have to replace these E4OD transmission parts.

4-speed 4R70W automatic

A lack of power after the 1-2 shift can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch. The #7 check ball inside the valve body may have worn down to the incorrect size, allowing the torque converter clutch to apply after the 1-2 shift. Replacement of this check ball may solve the problem.

6-speed 6R / 6F / 6R75 / 6R80 automatic

Harsh shifting due to accumulator piston bumper failure

Inside of the Ford, 6R80 valve body is little shock absorber-like devices called accumulators. Every time a gear change occurs, one of these accumulators will move to absorb the excess fluid pressure created by the shift. At the base of the accumulators are little rubber bumpers that help to absorb this shift shock. But as the rubber wears out, the damping effect is lost in harsh upshift/downshifts that can begin to happen. To solve this widespread problem, new 6R80 accumulators will need to be installed.

Transmission function problems caused by worn clutch control valves and bores

Inside the 6R80 valve body are little clutch control valves that control the application and release timing of the D1 and E clutches. Time and mileage can cause the valves and bores that they live in to wear out, causing several transmission problems that include:

• Bind up on the 1-2 upshift
• Unusually harsh 3-2 downshifts
• Coastdown neutral condition
• Flared shifts
• Pressure control related DTC codes
• Premature clutch wear

The bores inside of the 6R80 valve body will have to be repaired (or the valve body casting replaced) and new clutch control valves installed.

Catastrophic Ford 6R80 transmission failure due to excessive lubrication control valve bore wear.

The bore for the lubrication control valve is prone to damage, and that can cause several 6R80 transmission problems that include:

• Lubrication flow restriction
• Transmission overheating
• Planetary gear failure
• Failed bushings
• Torque converter problems
• Erratic shifting

To correct this rather serious 6R80 valve body problem, the lubrication control valve bore will have to be repaired (otherwise, the entire casting will have to be replaced), and an upgraded lubrication control valve installed.

Difference Between Transmissions

4-speed E4OD / 4R100 automatic

Based on the 3-speed Ford C6, the Ford E4OD is a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission designed for light and medium-duty trucks. It was Ford’s first electronically controlled transmission, and it gave their trucks a significant increase in fuel economy. It was renamed the 4R100 following the 1998 model year to adhere to Ford’s new transmission naming system. This version of the E4OD can withstand the increased torque of the new Powerstroke diesel engine.

4-speed 4R70W automatic

4R70W is a revised version of the AOD-E Transmission. Unlike the AOD-E, Reverse, 1st, and 2nd gear ratios in the 4R70-W are numerically higher, giving the transmission a better mechanical advantage, and in turn, better take-off acceleration, better passing acceleration, slightly lower fuel consumption, and designed for better gearset strength; The 4th gear ratio in the 4R70-W is up 0.70:1 from 0.67:1. Although this may sound bad, fuel economy is slightly increased, and downshifting slightly decreases for less wear.

6-speed 6R / 6F / 6R75 / 6R80 automatic

The 6R is a six-speed automatic transmission for longitudinal engine placement in rear-wheel drive vehicles. It is based on the ZF 6HP26 transmission.

10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic

10R80 was co-developed with General Motors, and Ford took the engineering lead on the design. The mission was to create a 10-speed transmission that could improve the fuel efficiency and performance of high-horsepower engines. The resulting Ford 10R80 transmission was advanced enough to handle these requirements.

Transmission Fluids and the Ford Expedition

Transmission fluid is the lubricant for all the moving parts that make up your vehicle’s transmission. Due to the heat generated in the transmission, the fluid can break down over time. What type of transmission fluid you need depends on your vehicle? Your car’s manual provides transmission fluid service requirements. Regular transmission service is necessary to keep your car on the road. The Ford Expedition needs to have the transmission fluid, and filter changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles or every two years.

• The best lubricant for the 4-speed E4OD automatic is Mercon V.
• The best lubricant for the 4-speed 4R100 automatic is Mercon V.
• The best lubricant for the 4-speed 4R70W automatic is Mercon V.
• The best lubricant for the 4-speed 4R70W automatic is Mercon V.
• The best lubricant for the 4-speed 4R75E automatic is Mercon V.
• The best lubricant for the 6-speed 6R75 automatic Mercon VI.
• The best lubricant for the 6-speed 6R80 automatic Mercon VI.
• The best lubricant for the 6-speed 6R80 SelectShift automatic Mercon VI.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Expedition
• https://transmissionrepairguide.com