- Ford calls it the TorqShift: it arrived mid-2003 with the 6.0L diesel in the Super Duty and stayed until 2016 in the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab and the E-Series vans.
- From 2011, Super Duty pickups use the 6R140, also called TorqShift but a 6-speed with a different design.
- The best-documented failure is the coast clutch cylinder weld (2009 to 2016): check engine light with P0751, P0730 or P2700, delayed engagement, then no drive.
- Ford says to air-test the coast clutch before pulling the transmission, and to check the engine, the wiring and the range sensor first.
- TSS has a gasket set, pistons, filters, plates and a speed sensor for the 5R110W.
The 5R110W, which Ford calls the TorqShift, is the 5-speed automatic of the Ford Super Duty, the diesel Excursion and the E-Series vans. Here's which trucks use it, how it works and its known failures according to Ford's bulletins and recalls, what to check before pulling it and which TSS parts fit. If you're not sure which transmission your Ford has, start with What transmission does my Ford have?.
Which trucks use the 5R110W?
Ford announced it in 2002 and built it at its Sharonville, Ohio plant. According to Ford's bulletins, it's in:
| Vehicle and years | Engines |
|---|---|
| F-250 to F-550 Super Duty, 2003 and 2004 | 6.0L diesel (gas trucks kept the 4R100) |
| F-250 to F-550 Super Duty, 2005 to 2007 | 5.4L and 6.8L V10 gas, 6.0L diesel |
| F-250 to F-550 Super Duty, 2008 to 2010 | 5.4L and 6.8L V10 gas, 6.4L diesel |
| F-450 and F-550 chassis cab, 2011 to 2016 | 6.8L V10 gas |
| Excursion, 2003 to 2005 | 6.0L diesel (gas Excursions used the 4R100) |
| E-Series vans (Econoline), 2004 to 2016 | 6.0L diesel from 2004 to 2010, and 5.4L and 6.8L gas in the heavy-duty versions |
| F-53 (motorhome) and F-59 chassis, F-53 2006 to 2015; F-59 2011 to 2015 | 6.8L V10 gas |
In Mexico, the 2009 press announced the 2010 F-250 Super Duty with the 6.4L diesel and a 5-speed automatic, which that year could only be the 5R110W. By 2011, Ford Mexico was already selling the F-250, F-350 and F-450/550 with a 6-speed automatic (the 6R140), and the Lobo is the F-150, which never used it. To know whether your truck has one, check the year, the engine and the transmission tag: the TorqShift name alone isn't enough.
How does the 5R110W work?
Ford sells it as a 5-speed, with a 0.71 overdrive fifth gear and a Tow/Haul mode for towing that delays upshifts, cuts gear hunting and gives engine braking in every gear. Inside, it has a 2-speed front section (the overdrive) and a 3-speed rear section: together they give six ratios, and one of them, about 1.09, is used only when cold. That's why some sources count it as a 6-speed. The ratios published by trade sources are 3.11, 2.22, 1.55, 1.00 and 0.71, with a 2.88 reverse.
It's run by the engine computer (PCM) with an adaptive strategy. According to trade sources, it has six clutch packs (coast, overdrive, forward, intermediate, direct and low/reverse) and seven solenoids on a solenoid body bolted under the pan, with no shift valves: each solenoid runs its own clutch. The pressure regulator and lock-up valves are in the pump.
| Solenoid | What it controls | Typical codes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Coast clutch (the engine-braking one) | P0751 and P2700 (shift solenoid codes) |
| B | Overdrive clutch | P0756 and P2701 |
| C | Intermediate clutch | P0761 and P2702 |
| D | Direct clutch | P0765 to P0769 and P2703 |
| E | Low/reverse clutch | P0771 and P2704 |
| TCC | Converter clutch (lock-up) | P0741 and Ford's P1744 |
| PC-A | Line pressure | Pressure control codes (guide) |
Ford's bulletins confirm that solenoid A is the coast clutch's and C is the intermediate clutch's; the rest of the table comes from trade sources. According to those sources, it has turbine, intermediate and output speed sensors; Ford also mentions the fluid temperature (TFT) sensor and the external range (TR) sensor.
No drive after a delayed engagement: the coast clutch (P0751, P0730, P2700)
This is the failure Ford documents best. On 2009 to 2016 trucks with a transmission built on or before December 15, 2015, the weld on the coast clutch cylinder can fatigue. The warning signs are the check engine light with P0751, P0730 or P2700 and a delayed engagement; after that, the truck can stop moving, especially when pulling away from a stop. In the US, Ford recalled (19S20) 2009 to 2016 Econoline 5.4L vans built as school buses or ambulances.
Before pulling the transmission, Ford asks for a test: remove the solenoid body and apply 40 psi (276 kPa) of air to the coast clutch port. If you hear or feel a dull thud, the clutch applies and the fault is elsewhere; if you hear a hiss, the weld is leaking. Ford's repair replaces the coast clutch cylinder and the one-way clutch with a dual-engaging one. P0730 is an incorrect-ratio code: more on those codes in the P0731 to P0735 guide.
Slips from 1st to 3rd or no 2-3 upshift (P2702)
On some transmissions built from January to March 2012 and from November 2012 to February 2013, Ford found a rough intermediate clutch piston bore: it wears the seal lip and the transmission slips from 1st to 3rd or won't make the 2-3 upshift, with code P2702. It affects the E-Series, F-450/F-550 and the F-53 and F-59 chassis, and Ford replaces the complete center support so it doesn't come back.
Check engine light with P0710 or P0713: the temperature sensor
On transmissions built on or before August 1, 2010, Ford replaces the fluid temperature (TFT) sensor when P0713 or P0710 shows up. Its bulletin covers the 2008 to 2010 F-250 and F-350, the 2008 to 2011 E-350/E-450 and F-450/F-550, and the F-53 and F-59 chassis. More on these codes in the P0711 to P0713 guide.
No crank, with range sensor codes (6.0L diesel)
On the 2003 to 2007 Super Duty 6.0L, the Excursion and the diesel E-Series, Ford describes a no-crank condition, with or without P1705, P0706 or P0707: a shorted fan clutch circuit pulls down the 5 V reference that the range sensor shares with the speed sensors. Ford says to measure that reference at the range sensor and disconnect the fan clutch before touching the transmission, and not to replace the range sensor for this. More on this sensor in the range sensor guide.
Harsh, delayed or slipping shifts
Before blaming the transmission, Ford has bulletins that tie these symptoms to the engine: on the 6.0L diesel, cold start and EGR issues that cause harsh downshifts and bucking; on the 6.4L, a computer update that includes shift quality; on the 5.4L gas engine, code P2106; and on the E-Series 5.4L, lean codes (P0172 and P0175) with harsh engagement. It also has bulletins for harsh or slipping shifts fixed with the adaptive strategy, and one for low line pressure on trucks with a PTO because of incomplete wiring.
In the shop, trade sources also point to worn regulator valve bores in the pump (low line pressure and lock-up faults) and a worn manual valve (delayed engagement into D and R). Measuring line pressure takes a high-range gauge, especially in reverse with throttle.
No reverse or missing upper gears
Ford had a 2005 bulletin for reverse shudder, loss of reverse and fluid leaks on gas and 6.0L diesel Super Duty trucks built before December 13, 2004, and a 2004 program for low/reverse planet pinion shafts that could walk out and fill the transmission with metal. In an overhaul, trade sources first check the low/reverse snap ring lugs in the case, which high reverse pressure can break off (if they're broken, the case has to be replaced), and the center support: worn sealing rings or a walked sleeve leave no direct clutch, no reverse and no upper gears.
Clunks into P or D: normal according to Ford
Ford says clunks when shifting from D or R into P, when engaging D at 2 or 3 mph, or on the 2-3 upshift are a characteristic of powertrain mechanical lash, and that no repair should be attempted for them.
What to check before pulling the transmission
- Confirm it's a 5R110W: year, engine and transmission tag. From 2011, Super Duty pickups have the 6R140.
- Read the codes with a scan tool that reads the transmission. Many of its faults turn on the check engine light, and on a Super Duty a flashing Tow/Haul light also signals a fault (transmission warning lights).
- Check engine codes and computer updates (6.0L, 6.4L and 5.4L) before blaming the transmission.
- Fluid: the level on the correct dipstick and Ford's spec, originally MERCON SP; today Ford authorizes MERCON LV for top-off or a complete refill.
- Wiring and grounds: harness chafing, the engine ground (according to trade sources, a bad ground can damage the pump) and, on the 6.0L, the range sensor's 5 V reference.
- On trucks with a PTO, that the PTO wiring is complete.
- With P0751, P0730 or P2700: the transmission build date and the coast clutch air test.
- After the repair, reset the adaptive memory: Ford warns that shifts can feel firmer for a few days while it relearns.
Changes by year
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2003 | It arrives with the 6.0L diesel in the Super Duty and the Excursion. |
| 2005 | Every Super Duty engine gets it. According to trade sources, the solenoid body loses its pressure switches and the pump is redesigned: its halves don't mix with 2003 and 2004 parts. |
| 2008 | 6.4L diesel. According to trade sources, the external in-line filter goes away and the pump changes. |
| 2009 to 2015 | Transmissions with the welded coast clutch cylinder that Ford replaces (see above). |
| 2011 | Super Duty pickups move to the 6R140; the 5R110W stays in the 6.8L F-450 and F-550 chassis cab, the E-Series and the F-53 and F-59 chassis. |
| 2016 | Last years in the E-Series and the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab. |
TSS parts for the 5R110W
TSS has a gasket set, pistons, filters, plates and a speed sensor for the 5R110W. In an overhaul, trade sources recommend flushing the cooler (pre-2008 trucks have an external in-line filter) and not mixing pump parts from different years.
| Part | Detail |
|---|---|
| TSS Dorado gasket set | Without pistons (Rojo or Dorado?) |
| 8-piston set | For overhauls |
| 2003 to 2007 filter | Pan filter |
| 2008-on filter | Pan filter |
| Cartridge filter | For the 5R110W TorqShift |
| Bonded pan gasket | Also fits the E4OD and 4R100 |
| TSS reverse friction plate | Also fits the C6 and E4OD |
| Steel plate pack | 2005 on |
| Input speed sensor | Input shaft sensor |
| Pump support rear bushing | Also fits the C6, E4OD and 4R100 |
Juego De Pistones (8) 5R110W
Juego de Empaques TSS Dorado sin Pistones 5R110W
Filtro 5R110W TORQSHIFT 2008/UP
Disco Pasta Tss Reversa .078 [4-6] 72D C6 E4OD 5R110W 3C3Z-7B164-CA 1995-UP
Sensor de Velocidad Flecha Entrada 5R110W
Filtro 2003/07 Ford 5R110W
Pack Fe Discos de Acero 2005/UP 5R110W
Empaque de Carter Vulcanizado E4OD 4R100 5R110W
