Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2016-2017 Ford Transit-150, Transit-250, Transit-350

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Verify VIN to confirm vehicle is a 2016 or 2017 Ford Transit 150, 250, or 350.
• Confirm engine is the 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 (not the 3.7L NA V6 or 3.2L Diesel).
• Check the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door jamb to confirm the production date is on or before June 14, 2017.
• Locate the transmission tag on the driver's side of the case to verify it is a 6R80 unit.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• heavy-duty transmission jack
• under-car fluid transfer pump
• professional-grade diagnostic scan tool (Ford IDS, FDRS, or FORScan with approved OBD-II adapter)
• torque wrench
• socket and wrench sets

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Motorcraft MERCON LV (Low Viscosity) ATF (Part # XT-10-QLVC)
• Motorcraft transmission filter (Part # BL3Z-7A098-A / FT188) and pan gasket
• Torque converter seal (front pump/input shaft seal)
• Driveshaft seals
• Transmission cooler line flush solvent

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Solenoid Strategy Programming & Adaptive Relearn

The 13-digit Solenoid Body Strategy code and 12-digit Solenoid Body ID from the replacement transmission's tag must be programmed into the vehicle's PCM using a compatible scan tool (Ford IDS, FDRS, or FORScan). Do not drive the vehicle with the old strategy programmed. After programming, clear the Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) / adaptive tables and perform the standard Ford adaptive drive cycle.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Ensure the torque converter is fully seated onto the input shaft and front pump gears (three distinct clicks/drops) before bolting to the engine to avoid cracking the internal pump gears.
• No-Underhood-Dipstick Fill: The Transit has no dipstick under the hood. Fluid must be pumped from underneath into a 19mm fill plug on the passenger side of the case.
• Fluid Level Check Temperature: Fluid level must be checked with the engine idling in Park, vehicle level, and fluid temperature between 175°F and 185°F (80°C to 85°C). Wear heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns from the adjacent catalytic converter.
• Alignment Dowel Pins: Ensure both alignment dowel pins are present in the engine block to prevent rapid wear on the torque converter pilot hub, front pump seal, and flexplate.
• Cooler Line Flush: Thoroughly flush the transmission cooler lines and auxiliary cooler to prevent trapped debris from contaminating the new transmission.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Skipping the Solenoid Strategy Flash: Attempting to run the transmission without programming the new 13-digit strategy code into the PCM, leading to harsh shifting and immediate clutch damage.
• Checking Fluid with the Engine Off: Checking the dipstick with the engine off, which results in a reading that is 3 to 4 quarts low.
• Using the Wrong Fluid: Using older Mercon V, newer Mercon ULV, or generic multi-vehicle fluids instead of the strictly required Motorcraft MERCON LV.
• Reusing a Contaminated Cooler: Failing to flush the cooler lines after a mechanical failure, washing old debris directly into the replacement unit.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: