Symptom Chart: Automatic Transmission

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to: Diagnostic Methods .

In most circumstances the PCM sets a DTC to help guide with diagnostics. Refer to the DTC Chart before using the Symptom Chart.

Symptom	Possible Sources	Action
Engagement concerns	No forward	Forward clutch does not apply. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly .
No reverse, engine braking in M1 works correctly.		Direct clutch does not apply. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
No reverse, no engine braking in M1.		Low Reverse clutch does not apply. Refer to: Low/Reverse Clutch Assembly .
Harsh reverse		Direct clutch harsh apply. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
Harsh forward		Forward clutch harsh apply. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly .
Delayed/soft reverse		CHECK the transmission fluid level. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check . Direct clutch delayed/soft/slipping apply. REFER to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
Delayed soft/forward		CHECK the transmission fluid level. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check . REFER to condition, forward clutch delayed/soft/slipping apply, REFER to: Forward Clutch Assembly .
No forward and no reverse		CHECK the transmission fluid level. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check . PERFORM line pressure test. Refer to: Special Testing Procedures . INSPECT the filter and filter to pump assembly gaskets. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Pan, Gasket and Filter . INSPECT torque converter turbine splines for damage. INSTALL a new torque converter if damage is found. Inspect the pump assembly. Refer to: Pump Assembly . INSPECT planetary gear set. Refer to: Transmission .
Harsh forward and reverse engagements		PERFORM line pressure test. Refer to: Special Testing Procedures .
Delayed/soft forward and reverse		CHECK the transmission fluid level. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check . PERFORM line pressure test. Refer to: Special Testing Procedures . INSPECT the filter and filter to pump assembly gaskets. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Pan, Gasket and Filter . Inspect the pump assembly. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Pump .
Neutral after launch		Low one-way clutch assembly damaged. Refer to: Low One-Way Clutch Assembly .
Shift concerns	No 1-2 shift/harsh/soft/slipping	Intermediate clutch damaged or worn. Refer to: Intermediate Clutch Assembly . Forward clutch delayed/soft/slipping apply REFER to: Forward Clutch Assembly . Low One way clutch not over-running. Refer to: Low One-Way Clutch Assembly .
No 2-3 shift/harsh/soft/slipping		Direct clutch damaged or worn. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly . Forward clutch delayed/soft/slipping apply. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly . Intermediate clutch always applied. Refer to: Intermediate Clutch Assembly .
No 3-4 shift/harsh/soft/slipping		Overdrive clutch assembly damaged or worn. Refer to: Overdrive Clutch Assembly . Forward clutch assembly delayed/soft/slipping apply. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly . Direct clutch always applied REFER to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
No 4-5 shift/harsh/soft/slipping		Direct clutch damaged or worn. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly . Overdrive clutch assembly delayed/soft/slipping apply. Refer to: Overdrive Clutch Assembly . Forward clutch assembly always applied. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly .
No 5-6 shift/harsh/soft/slipping		Intermediate clutch damaged or worn. Refer to: Intermediate Clutch Assembly . Overdrive clutch assembly delayed/soft/slipping apply. Refer to: Overdrive Clutch Assembly . Direct clutch assembly always applied. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
Only gears 1, 2, 3, 4 available Only gears R, 5, 6 available		Forward clutch assembly always applied. Forward clutch assembly does not apply. Refer to: Forward Clutch Assembly .
Only gears 3 and 5 available Only gears 1, 2, 4, 6 available		Direct clutch assembly always applied. Direct clutch assembly does not apply. Refer to: Direct Clutch Assembly .
Only gears 2 and 6 available Only gears R, 1, 3, 4, 5 available		Intermediate clutch assembly always applied. Intermediate clutch assembly does not apply. Refer to: Intermediate Clutch Assembly .
Only gears 4, 5, 6 available Only gears R, 1, 2, 3 available		Overdrive clutch assembly always applied. Overdrive clutch does not apply. Refer to: Overdrive Clutch Assembly .
Only gears 1 and R available		Low/reverse clutch always applied. Refer to: Low/Reverse Clutch Assembly . Low one-way clutch assembly damaged / not overrunning. Refer to: Low One-Way Clutch Assembly .
No engine braking in low		Low/reverse clutch damaged or worn. Refer to: Low/Reverse Clutch Assembly .
Torque converter operation concerns	No apply	TCC damaged or worn. Refer to: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) . INSPECT the torque converter hydraulic circuits and regulator valve for damage or wear. Refer to: Main Control Valve Body .
Always applied (engine stalls)		TCC damaged or worn. Refer to: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) . INSPECT the torque converter hydraulic circuits and regulator valve for damage or wear. Refer to: Main Control Valve Body .
Cycling/shutter/chatters		TCC damaged or worn. Refer to: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) . INSPECT the torque converter hydraulic circuits and regulator valve for damage or wear. Refer to: Main Control Valve Body .
Other concerns	Selector lever high effort	Selector lever cable routed wrong, binding or damaged. Refer to: External Controls .
External leaks		Damaged or worn seals. Refer to: Leakage Inspection .
Noise		Engine drive accessories, suspension, CV joints, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) .
Vibration		Engine drive accessories, suspension, transmission fluid cooler tubes, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) .
No park range		INSPECT the selector lever cable for correct adjustment. Refer to: Selector Lever Cable Adjustment - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - 6R140 .
INSPECT the manual control lever for damage, wear or correct installation.
INSPECT the park pawl, park pawl actuator, for damage or wear.
Overheating		Transmission fluid cooling system damaged. Refer to: Transmission Cooling .