Transmission Assembly with Torque Converter for 2020-2024 Ford Explorer

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

• Verify Drivetrain: Confirm the vehicle is a 4x4/AWD model, as this unit features a 4WD tailhousing and output shaft.
• Verify Engine: Confirm the 8th digit of the VIN is 'H' or check the emissions label to verify it is a 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
• Verify No Police Package: Confirm the vehicle is a civilian model and not a Police Interceptor Utility.
• Locate Transmission Tag: Verify the stamped model designation on the passenger side of the current transmission case is 10R60.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• Ford-compatible diagnostic scan tool (Ford FDRS, IDS, or FORScan with high-quality OBD2 adapter)
• Heated transmission cooler line flusher
• 19mm wrench/socket for the fill plug
• Fluid transfer pump

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Motorcraft MERCON ULV (Ultra-Low Viscosity) fluid ONLY (Ford spec WSS-M2C949-A)
• 13 to 14 quarts of MERCON ULV fluid (Dry fill capacity is approx 12.9-13.1 quarts)
• New internal transmission filter and pan gasket
• New front pump/torque converter seal
• Professional-grade heated transmission cooler line flush

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

What’s involved: Solenoid Body Strategy Programming & TCM Adaptive Relearn

sources differ: Arm 1 states that the 13-digit Solenoid Body Strategy Code and 12-digit Solenoid Body ID must be programmed into the PCM/TCM to prevent immediate clutch damage. Arm 2 emphasizes the mandatory TCM adaptive learning reset using a dealer-level tool (IDS/FDRS) to clear old shift tables. Both procedures are required for proper operation.

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 into the transmission input shaft and front pump gears (three distinct clicks/drops) before bolting to the engine to avoid cracking the front pump gear.
• Write Down the Strategy Code First: Take a photo of the 13-digit Solenoid Strategy Code and 12-digit Solenoid Body ID from the case tag before installation, as it is completely obscured by the vehicle body and exhaust once installed.
• Strict Fluid Level Check Procedure: Check fluid level via the integrated dipstick on the passenger side of the case with the vehicle level, engine running in Park, and transmission fluid temperature strictly between 206°F and 215°F (97°C to 102°C).
• Cooler Line Flushing: Highly sensitive solenoids require a complete flush of the cooler lines to prevent old debris from contaminating and ruining the replacement unit.
• Oil Cooler Bracket: For early 2020 models, inspect the transmission oil cooler. If it lacks a support bracket attached to the bellhousing, replace it with the updated cooler assembly to prevent stress fractures.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Using the Wrong Fluid: Filling with standard Mercon LV or generic multi-vehicle ATF instead of the required Mercon ULV, causing immediate shifting issues and failure.
• Skipping Solenoid Strategy and Adaptive Learning Programming: Attempting to drive without programming the strategy codes or resetting the adaptive learning tables, leading to immediate clutch damage.
• Forgetting to Record the Tag Code: Installing the transmission before writing down the programming codes from the hidden tag.
• Incorrect Fluid Level Check: Checking the fluid level with the engine off or when cold, leading to severe underfill or overfill.
• Assuming All Explorers Are the Same: Buying a transmission from a 3.0L, 3.3L, or Police Interceptor model (which use the heavier-duty 10R80) for a 2.3L vehicle.

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: