5R110W TorqShift Transmission with Tow/Haul

Ford introduced the 5R110W TorqShift_ 5-speed automatic with the 2005 models. This transmission features a "Tow/Haul" setting that brings the convenience of tow-haul mode to all Super Duty models that are equipped with automatic transmissions. This feature adjusts transmission response to improve performance on both acceleration and deceleration.
On downhill stretches, the transmission and engine work together to help keep the vehicle from gaining speed. This enhances the driver's feeling of control, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a large trailer. It also helps to reduce brake wear.

Uphill, the transmission will hold a gear longer when in tow-haul mode, to reduce the "hunting" effect that can occur when cresting one rise, only to encounter another. The engine remains in its power band. Both gasoline engines - the new 5.4- liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 and the 6.8-liter, 3-valve Triton V-10 - are now rated to higher RPM, to take advantage of this feature of tow-haul mode.

Another significant advantage of bringing the five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission to the gasoline engine family is the wider overall ratio spread of its gearing. A higher first gear improves launch performance from a dead stop.

Shift the trans into tow/haul and it takes over. Up hill it stays in the right gear to the top. Down hill all you do is touch the brakes at the speed you want to go downhill and the trans will keep you at that speed all the way to the bottom. You do not need to downshift the transmission manually. You will never need to touch the brakes unless you want to slow down more.
There's nothing new about selecting a lower gear to help control your vehicle's speed when descending a steep hill. The tow/haul" mode just does it for you automatically.
The difference between the previously-used Ford 4R100 4-Speed transmission and the new 5-speed is a lower 1st Gear and a new gear between the old 1st and the old 2nd gear. The new 3rd is the same as the old 2nd. The new 4th is the same as the old 3rd. The new 5th is the same as the old 4th. The guts of the new transmission are supposed to be much beefier than the old 4-speed. Actually the new transmission has 6 forward speeds as it is really a 3 speed with an over drive, It has two different shift patterns that each skip a different gear (near direct drive) depending upon the temperature being above or below 0 degrees. Obviously the new transmission is an improvement, but the new gear is at the low end.

Transmission Fluid:

After having the transmission fluid flushed I double checked the fluid level in the trans (cold) and it was a little above the "Full" mark. I didn't realize at the time that this was not good. I learned that several days later when smoke started coming from under the coach. After stopping and looking under the coach, I found trans fluid dripping from the trans housing. An excellent transmission mechanic went to work diagnosing the problem. He felt that because we stopped as soon as there was a leak that we prevented total destruction of the unit. He said that any possible internal compromise would have been to the torque converter and pump. He replaced both items and also found no debris in the pan or filter. The mechanic explained that when filling the trans with fluid (COLD) the oil level should come to the BOTTOM of the 'fill/full' hash mark on the stick, or even better, up to only the 'hole' in the dip stick tip. When the oil warms it will rise to the top of the hash mark, but should NEVER go over. Also this transmission can ONLY take "MERCON LV" (XT-10QLV) synthetic fluid (19.2-qts in a totally empty system. This particular fluid is good for 60,000-miles and it will turn very dark after about 5K to 10K miles. THIS IS NORMAL! At the 60K-mile mark, the fluid should be flushed (including the cooler) and the internal snap out filter replaced. This should be repeated every subsequent 60K-miles.
Tow/Haul should be used in any hilly or mountain terrain if pulling any "Toad." This is optional necessary on flat roads.


Contributors: bumper, oryoki, Terry Tanner, Scott Squires, WxToad, Mike Coachman

Revised: 29 Oct 11

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Transmission

Introduction

In 2005 Ford introduced the five-speed "Torqshift" automatic transmission with Tow/Haul feature. The Tow/Haul setting is used when towing a car or trailer, or in hilly terrain to improve transmisison shifting. For better fuel economy it should be de-activated when not needed, and it should NOT be used in slippery conditions; the engine braking feature could cause loss of control.

Maintenance

Along with regular oil changes with synthetic, use the best quality filter possible. Stay away from Fran and other discount store cheapies. The filters with the highest ratings are the Amsoil and Mobil 1 @ $11.00 ea ( they are not widely available) and the Purolator "Pure One" @ $6.00ea.

A point of information about automatic transmission fluid (ATF). It should never look dirty the way that motor oil does. If changed regularly, ATF should look about the same coming out as going in. Make sure the filter gets change at the same time.

Ford has an auxiliary spin-on transmission filter kit available for the older 4R100 transmission that is more effective than the stock filter. It filters the oil flowing through the trans cooler. Installation is within the range of the do it yourself mechanic. Similar kits are available in the after market.

The build quality and replacement cost of the new engines and transmissions make taking the extra steps to preserve them worthwhile.

Problems

Torque Converter

The older 4R110 transmission has several inherent flaws. First the torque converter is very weak and can come apart. Second the planetary gears inside are of a poor design and usually fail around 100K or less. Further, there is a snap ring that fails because Ford did not machine a groove in the casing deep enough. There are other "widgets" that are of poor design and usually cause some type of failure - one is a diode whose failure is quite common.

The transmission can be repaired to last the lifetime of your L/D. But it is REALLY important to have someone work on it who knows their stuff. If not you'll have to do a expensive repair all over again! DO NOT go to a Ford dealer. They will just put in another transmission that will fail you down the road. I have heard horror stories of multiple failures. This is VERY costly as well as damn inconvenient. Ford doesn't fix the problems. Just rebuilds those transmissions with the same old parts.

Now as to who to see, I have personal experience with Team Ramco in Yuma, AZ (928) 344-5360. They are extremely thorough and a very clean shop. It took them 2 days to rebuild our tranny and I believe they will let you stay in your rig overnight. They are used to R/Vers. Also John Wood Automotive in Holtville CA (760) 356-9421 is a good rebuilder he does a lot of diesel work but can do your transmission.

It is VERY important that the repair facility flush the lines and heat exchanger to ensure proper flow rate and to remove all traces of residual material in the system.

BTW Ramco doesn't use synthetic ATF just plain Dexron III! Talk to Denny there he is really nice. I've used high quality synthetic and still had transmission failures

As to cost, expect to drop around $4,500.00 USD on this repair. Not cheap but this is one of those things not to do on the cheap.

Won't shift out of Park

The engine starts but you cannot get the Shift lever out of the PARK position to drive off.

- Put the key into the ignition

- Turn it forward(clockwise) to the position where the instrument lights come on...

- Back the key off one position (counter clockwise) & the shift lever frees & will allow going into Neutral & start the engine & shift further into D & Drive Off.

The cause was a defective Brake light switch connector that I replaced the next day.

Contributors: Larry Wade, John, Gene

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