Direct Connection: 10R60, 10R80, and 10R140 Solenoids Make Shifts Happen!

The 10R80 ten-speed rear-wheel drive transmission has become a standard for the Ford Motor Company. While they were an exception a few years ago, the technology has proven so desirable that heavy and light-duty versions were developed using the 10R80 platform. The beauty of shared technology means you only need to learn the operational fundamentals of one of these units, which applies to the others in the family.

While noticeable size differences exist between the 10R60, 10R80, and 10R140, these units share the same basic controls and operation. The valve body is the nerve center for these units. It is responsible for responding to precise commands from the TCM to provide the best gear ratio for a seamless driver experience. At the center of this nerve center are the solenoids. Let’s take a closer look at how this is accomplished.

The Shift Solenoids

The 10R80 transmission family utilizes six shift (A-F) linear force solenoids. Ford calls them Casting-Integrated Direct-Acting Solenoids (CIDAS). Unlike previous shift solenoids, they are mechanical. That’s right; no transmission fluid passes through them! These solenoids use an armature/pin assembly that moves a valve in the main valve body to control and apply hydraulic fluid pressure (figure 1).

Each clutch (A-F) has a corresponding shift solenoid (A-F) that is directly proportional in that zero current equals zero pressure and maximum current equals maximum pressure. Since there is no pressure with zero current, none of the clutch packs can engage if the power is interrupted to the shift solenoids.

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)

The TCC solenoid is a variable force solenoid that varies hydraulic pressure by actuating a hydraulic valve. The TCC solenoid uses proportional operation to provide the appropriate amount of slip or holding based on the TCM command. Normally-low solenoids provide hydraulic pressure proportional to the supplied current (figure 2a). The TCC solenoid will output very low pressure with low (50 mA) or no current, while it will provide high pressure with high current (850 mA).

Line Pressure Control (LPC)

The LPC solenoid is a variable force solenoid that varies hydraulic pressure by actuating a hydraulic valve. The LPC solenoid uses inversely proportional operation (figure 2b). The LPC solenoid provides full output of pressure with low or no current (50 mA) and very low pressure with high current (850 mA).

The control current for the LPC and TCC solenoids does not go to zero when the circuit is commanded low (off). An idle current remains in the circuit to monitor feedback for the module and prevent back-EMF.

Solenoid Strategy Programming

When working on applications with the 10R80 family transmissions, specific repair procedures require you to program the solenoid strategy number into the TCM/PCM for proper operation. The following repairs fall into that category:

• Replacing the valve body with a new or different valve body.
• Changing the TCM/PCM.
• Replacing the transmission assembly.

Ford factory units will have the solenoid strategy on a label outside the unit (figure 3). When purchasing a new valve body, the solenoid strategy comes with the valve body. It should always be engraved on the valve body in the location shown in the diagram (figure 4). If you are still determining the accuracy of the strategy number on the transmission case, use the solenoid strategy etched in the valve body to ensure you have the correct number entered into the TCM/ PCM.

The label on the passenger side is for plant processing label for application. The other label is the trans case part number label used for plant build sequencing. The dealer or technician does not use these two labels. Using a scan tool in Generic OBDII mode, navigate to “Mode $09 “data and record the transmission software ID number. If the numbers on the case do not match those on the scan tool, driveability and transmission damage may occur.

The solenoids are calibrated from the factory and are not all the same. Solenoids can be replaced separately, but only with the same solenoid type. The replacement solenoid band number must match the band number of the solenoid being replaced (figure 5). The band number is printed on the side or the end of the solenoid.

Transmission Strategy Download

The strategy to properly control the transmission lies in the solenoid strategy programming. The Ford factory website contains the programs for upload into the TCM or PCM. Follow the factory procedure to ensure the best results:

1. If a new valve body was installed, record the 12-digit solenoid body identification and 13-digit solenoid body strategy from the replacement solenoid body tag provided with the valve body service kit. Place the replacement tag over the existing identification tag.
   • 13–digit solenoid body strategy
   • 12–digit solenoid body identification.
2. Using the scan tool, select module Programming and Programmable Parameters under the toolbox icon and select Transmission. Follow the instructions displayed on the scan tool. There are fields to enter the solenoid body 12-digit identification and 13-digit strategy recorded from the solenoid body.
3. Compare the transmission strategy label to the codes displayed on the scan tool. The codes displayed on the scan tool should match the table. If not, select the update option on the tool. Once the update option is selected, the tool will ask the user what best describes the repair operation performed on the transmission. The scan tool will only allow the user to select 1 of the five options. Once the selection is made, the user can enter the transmission code from the label into the entry box.
4. Important: Transmission damage or drivability concerns can occur if the solenoid body information is incorrect. It is critical that only the 13-digit strategy be entered into the scan tool. Entering the 12-digit solenoid body identification will result in a partial file download to the module. The 12-digit solenoid body identification option should only be used when directed by Ford service support when a 13-digit strategy cannot be obtained.
5. Enter the solenoid body 13-digit strategy. The scan tool verifies the numbers entered are valid and displays a message if the information is invalid. The scan tool will check to confirm the file is present on the scan tool. If the file is present, the technician may proceed with downloading the file to the module. If the file is NOT present, the scan tool will prompt the user for permission to retrieve the file from the Ford OEM service site. Internet access will be required to download the file to the scan tool.
6. Follow the instructions to download the strategy file to the scan tool.
7. Follow the instructions displayed on the scan tool.
8. The scan tool automatically downloads the strategy file. The scan tool displays a message after downloading the data that states that the file was downloaded successfully.

After programming is complete, allow the vehicle to rest with the key off. Ensure that the driver’s side door is opened and closed. Do not disturb the vehicle for ten minutes to allow modules to write new programming. Finally, take the vehicle for an Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle. If a drive cycle is incomplete, erratic shifts and driveability concerns may occur. Road test the vehicle following the Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle.

Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle

The Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle must be performed after any of the following procedures:

• Transmission rebuild or replaced
• TCM replaced or reprogrammed
• Major engine work performed
• Air/fuel management adaptive values reset

To perform the adaptive learning drive cycle, plan a relatively flat route. Keep your scan tool available to monitor engine RPM, throttle percentage, and vehicle speed in graphing mode. The Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle is as follows:

1. Clear the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and Transmission Adaptive Tables using the scan tool.
2. Drive the vehicle until the engine and transmission reach normal operating temperature.
3. Accelerate from a stop with light throttle (15%), ensuring that upshifts 1st through 8th occur at engine speeds between 1300-1600 rpm.
4. Continue to accelerate (may apply slightly more throttle after 7-8 upshift at 32-38 mph (51-61 km/h) until you achieve 55 mph (88 km/h) and the 8-9 and 9-10 shifts complete.
5. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold your foot on the brake for five (5) seconds.
6. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
7. Shift the transmission to Reverse. Wait 2 seconds.
8. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Wait 1 second.
9. Shift the transmission to Drive. Wait 2 seconds.
10. Repeat Steps 3 through 9 six additional times.

This process can add 30 to 45 minutes to a service. Ensure your service advisor knows this so the shop gets paid to deliver the vehicle correctly!

Your shop will see them more as Ford’s ten-speed gets more miles on them. ATRA is here to give you need-to-know information so you are prepared before you get your first go at this beast of a transmission!