Ford Torqshift Transmission Gear Hunting - Truck Trend Forums at Truck Trend Magazine

Ford Torqshift Transmission Gear Hunting

  
User Name:
Password:
Join FREE Now!
Forgot Password?
Forgot User Name?
Remember Me
Get Adobe Flash player
APPAREL, GIFTS & MORE!
Home | Active Posts | Search | Register | Terms | FAQs
Rss
Item Posts    Sort Order

Ford Torqshift Transmission Gear Hunting

 
rpnelson rpnelson
New User | Posts: 3 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/10/09
10:28 AM

We recently purchased a 2009 F350 V-10 with the Torqshift automatic transmission and when pulling our fifth wheel travel trailer in tow/haul mode the transmission shifts into overdrive and the torque-converter clutch locks up.  When we come to even a small hill the torque-converter clutch will unlock and then lock back up again after cresting the hill.  Sometimes the transmission also shifts down into 4th (1:1) then back to overdrive and again the torque-converter clutch locks up until the next small incline.  The transmission shifting is very sensitive to even a small power increase and will start shifting with only about 30% power. This constant shifting will drive a person nuts, if you pay any attention to it. According to Ford this is normal operation.  The transmission will shift into overdrive even in the tow/haul mode. We have not been able to get Ford to make any adjustments to stop this.  I am amazed the transmission would shift into overdrive when towing.  That is just crazy.  If I knew this before I would have got the 6 speed manual gearbox.  They are generally better for towing a heavy load because you have more control over the shifts.  

Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket fix or a aftermarket tuner that will allow you to lock out the overdrive when in the tow/haul mode?  

 
bkong bkong
Enthusiast | Posts: 541 | Joined: 07/08
Posted: 09/11/09
04:22 PM

Here's a link to an Expert Advice article from last year on a sort-of similar situation (except without the towing portion and it's a diesel 2004 F-250), but the concern was also surrounding an unwanted gear change.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/advice/163_0808_expert_advice/index.html

And to address your concerns, I am unfortunately not aware of an aftermarket Torqshift controller. I believe most manufacturers nowadays have it written out that towing in OD is OK for newer vehicles (owners' manual?), but if your transmission is excessively changing gears I believe that is a valid concern for Ford to address. Hope you get it sorted out.  

 
Edward A. Sanchez Edward A. Sanchez
Moderator | Posts: 497 | Joined: 06/06
Posted: 09/14/09
09:08 AM

I did a little digging and found a few companies that make a controller for this transmission. Most of the companies are diesel performance specialists, so I don't know if it's designed to work with the V-10 or not, but if it's a stand-alone controller, it shouldn't matter, in theory.

ATS

TCI has a controller that it says will work with most Ford automatic transmissions, but doesn't specify the 5R110.  

 
rpnelson rpnelson
New User | Posts: 3 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/30/09
05:13 PM

Thanks for the info, I appreciate any help I can get.  Looking into the controllers for a Ford Torqshift transmission, all I could find are ones that will let you change the high end shift point, such as changing the full power forced up-shift rpm when shifting from 3rd to 4th from 4200 rpm to 4500 rpm.  I am not sure this would have much affect on the downshift from overdrive to 4th (1:1).  This transmission would be less annoying if it had a simple overdrive lock out like used to be used on most trucks.  I didn't have any luck getting Ford to change anything.  Our Dealer recorded the parameters and the Ford Tech Team in Dearborn checked them but indicated it is doing what is was designed to do.  Since no error codes are being set they won't change anything.