Common problem, its in the programming (most cases) for the truck. The transmission in these trucks is one that has a mind of its own at times. Commonly reported flares are between 5-6, 1-2, and 4-5. Some have the solenoids changed in the trans and that fixes it, others get fixed by an updated (for 11-12) flash for the trans, others show improvement when the fluid is changed.

It won't throw a code, because nothing is wrong. The computer just timed the shift slightly wrong.

A quote as to how the Ford trans works (you have a 6r140):

Here's why it is so hard to make a controller for a 5R110. It's a similar problem for a 6R140. It's WAY harder to make software shift a TorqShift than a*4R100, due to the design of the two transmissions. The*4R100*is an all non-synchronous design. This means that for each upshift all that happens is a clutch is applied. All you need to do is control the pressure to the oncoming clutch and you're all set. The TorqShift is MUCH more complicated. The 1-2 and 5-6 shifts are the same, they are non-synchronous and all you need to do is control the pressure of the*OD*clutch. The other shifts are the problem. The 2-3 is a swap shift. This is a special category of difficult shift. I believe Ford is the only trans maker in the world that still does swap shifts. Others have put swap shift transmissions in production and then replaced them within a few years. To make a swap shift the TorqShift needs to release the*OD*clutch to downshift the*OD*gearset while applying the intermediate clutch to upshift the Simpson planetary gearset. This is an upshift and a downshift occurring at the same time in the same trans. From my experience these two shifts MUST complete within 30 milliseconds of each other or it's going to feel awful. If the*OD*releases too soon the engine speed will flare. The amount of flare is dependant on how much sooner it completes. If it completes before the intermediate has enough capacity the trans goes back to first gear! Then it has to make a 1-3 shift. A few*WOT*1-3 shifts means the trans comes out to replace the intermediate clutch. Been there, done that. If the*OD*releases after the intermediate comes on you end up in 4th gear (1.09:1 ratio) then downshift back to third gear (1.54:1 ratio.) Either way it's really bad. Now if you made it though that you need to make a 3-5 shift. 4th gear is the 1.09:1 ratio that really isn't used. The 3-5 is a synchronous shift. It's timing requirements are about the same as the swap shift, but there is no downshift. To make the shift the intermediate clutch has to release while the direct clutch applies. If the intermediate releases too soon you get an engine speed flare. If the intermediate releases too late you get a tie up. A tie up is when all three pieces of the planetary gear set are held from turning. This means the output shaft of the trans STOPS. That's not a pleasant thing to have happen when you're at*WOT*making a 3-5 shift. You can lock the wheels on an upshift! I've done this, too. You can also break expen$ive parts doing a tie up. Been there, done that, too. Now start thinking of the combination shifts that can happen. How about cruising at 55 MPH behind some slow poke on a two lane road? A passing zone opens and you floor it. Now you may want to go from 6th to 3rd gear. You need to release the direct clutch and apply the intermediate. That's a synchronous shift in reverse. As you can see from just these few examples it isn't a trivial task to make one of these transmissions shift. It's what I did at Ford for quite a few years, three of them working on the TorqShift. I'd be really surprised if anyone makes a controller for the TorqShift that works really well. I think someone could make one that does some basic shifting, but getting one so that it shifts at least as well as a stock trans is going to be a HUGE task.

It's something that doesn't show its ugly head on every truck, and honestly nothing is wrong. The computer just goofed. It's a learning transmission. It constantly changes pressures and timings to make everything as seamless as it can be. I will say, this is the first transmission I've seen that "goofs" as much as it does. Mine does it every now and again.

Change the fluid and see what happens. The trans isn't destroying itself however. I'm on the original trans fill for 160k miles.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info. It has only started doing it in the last 15k miles or so. It is unsettling when pulling a 20k 5th wheel, as the split second it flares, there quite a bite of momentum loss (at the micro level).

If and when I get around to tuning the truck (probably looking to do it at the end of my 100k extended warranty), will this go away if it is just goofing?

Thanks again.

Cale

 

It honestly depends if it will go away when you tune.

No two trucks are the same now, so odds are if you mention the issue to your tuner, he can compensate and eliminate the problem. I've gotten the flares mostly ironed out in my truck with custom tunes.

 

Well, it goofed like you wouldn't believe Thursday on the way home from work. Shifted into 6th gear, then the truck started bucking back and forth for about 5 seconds. Gear indicator showed 6 the whole time, but it felt like it was switching between 5 and 6. No check engine light, but a quick check of codes showed a U0422, which is basically nothing (a loss of comms). Anyway, ran to the dealer, they told me not to reset the code and it will go in on Tuesday. Hopefully I can get somewhere.

Cale

 

Talked the Dealer into going into the system and removing all learning that has occurred since the truck was new. They cautioned that it would be firm shifts (which I am ok with) and would have to relearn all over again. No shift flares since...even moved my shift points back to stock. For example, shifting into 6th around 35 vice 29. All happy again.

Question for when I tune in the future, once I use a custom tune, does the transmission learn or does it stay with the transmission tune that was loaded?

Thanks,

Cale

 

To clear the transmission adaptive learning on your own, disconnect the batteries for about 10 minutes. This will clear the memory and works stock or tuned.

It will depend if your tune has a trans tune included. Most will to firm up the shifts and adjust shift points.

Yes. And to add to this, it will still need to relearn. That can be forced by doing the 25%/50%/WOT 0-80 runs.

 

It will depend if your tune has a trans tune included. Most will to firm up the shifts and adjust shift points.

 

I did not know about the two tables. It is entirely possible. The 0-80 runs are not necessary, but are done by some that are tuned so the trans is shifting as good as possible before putting the wood to it.