Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Automatic Trans All sections

Automatic Transmission - 6R60: Overview Ford Explorer IV

Automatic Trans 2 illustrations ~436 words

Transmission Description

Note. Use this section of the workshop manual for the 6R60 6-speed transmission only. Do not substitute with other procedures regardless of similarities.

This transmission has an internal thermal bypass valve contained within the case. The thermal bypass valve will not allow the use of any type of transmission fluid exchange machine to be used on this transmission.

This transmission uses planetary gears with hydraulic electronic controls. The transmission control module (TCM) and the main control valve body units form a composite element that is installed as a single unit inside the automatic transmission.

This transmission has

  1. six forward speeds.
  2. torque converter with an integral converter clutch.
  3. electronic shift and pressure controls.
  4. single planetary gear set.
  5. double planetary gear set.
  6. two fixed multi-disc clutches.
  7. three multi-plate clutches.

All hydraulic functions are directed by electronic solenoids to control

  1. engagement feel.
  2. shift feel.
  3. shift scheduling.
  4. modulated torque converter clutch (TCC) applications.

This transmission has a mechatronic unit also referred to as a TCM which contains

  1. turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor.
  2. output shaft speed (OSS) sensor.
  3. an internal P, R, N, D selector shaft position sensor.
  4. transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor.

Engine power reaches the transmission by a torque converter with an integral converter clutch. The 6 forward gears and one reverse gear are obtained from single planetary sets.

This automatic transmission is a 6-speed electronically controlled transmission comprising the basic elements of a TCM, main control valve body unit, torque converter, one solenoid valve and 6 pressure regulators. Gear selection is achieved by the control of automatic transmission fluid flow to operate various internal clutches. The TCM operates the electrical components and provides for the control of gear selection shift pressure, which increases refinement and torque converter slip.

In the event of a system fault, the TCM also provides for failure mode effect management (FMEM) to maintain maximum functional operation of the transmission with a minimum reduction in driver, passenger or vehicle safety. In the event of a total loss of control or electrical power, the basic transmission functions P, R, N and D are retained. Also 3rd or 5th gear is retained by the hydraulic system. The gear retained is dependent upon the gear selected at the time of the failure.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

Identification Tags

The identification tag is located on the left side of the case just rearward of the manual control lever.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Identification Tags
ItemPart NumberDescription
1Part number
2Build date
3Serial number

Diagnostic Parameters Identification (PID) Chart

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent scan tool

PID NamePID DescriptionUnits
ECT TCMEngine coolant temperature (ECT) transmission control module (TCM)Degrees
VSSVehicle speedMph
TPThrottle positionPercent/Volts
VPWR TCMModule supply voltageVolts
APP1Accelerator pedal position sensor 1Percent
SSA_AMPCommanded current for shift solenoid AAmperes
SSB_AMPCommanded current for shift solenoid BAmperes
SSC_AMPCommanded current for shift solenoid CAmperes
SSD_AMPCommanded current for shift solenoid DAmperes
PCA AMPCommanded current for pressure control AAmperes
TCC AMPCommanded current for torque converter clutch pressure controlAmperes
SSEShift solenoid E duty cyclePercent
RPMEngine speedRpm
GEARGear commanded (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
TC_SLIPACTAbsolute value of slip across torque converterRpm
GR_RAT_CMDCurrent transmission gear ratio commandedRatio
GR_RAT_MESCurrent transmission gear ratio measured (input speed/output speed)Ratio
TFTTransmission fluid temperatureDegrees
OSS_SRCOutput shaft speed (OSS)Rpm
TSSTurbine shaft speed (TSS)Rpm
TRTransmission rangePark, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, 3, 2 1
BOOBrake On/OffOn or Off
PCA AMPCommanded pressure for pressure control solenoid A (VFS5)Amperage
OSSOutput shaft speed (OSS) sensorRpm
TCCTorque converter clutch modulatedLocked/Unlocked
BPABrake pressure applied switchOn/Off
ASTTime since startTime
CLRDISTDistance since diagnostic trouble code clearedMiles
DRIVETransmission range (drive verification position)Yes/No
DTC TCMContinuous codesDTC numbers
ENG LOADEngine loadPercent
GEAR_OSC#Gear commanded by output state controlMode number
MIL_DISThe distance traveled since the MIL was activatedMileage
NEUTRALGear lever position - neutralYes/No
REVERSEGear lever position - reverseYes/No
RPM TCMEngine revolutions per minuteRpm
SHFT_TYPEShifter positionMode number
TCC_OSC#Output state control of torque converterLocked/Unlocked
TORQUENet engine torqueTorque Nm
TSS_SRCUnfiltered turbine shaft speedRpm
WARMUPSNumber of warm-ups since DTCs clearedNumber
TCSOverdrive cancel switch/hold switch (transmission control [TC] switch)Depressed/Not depressed

OSC PARAMETERS AND ADDITIONAL PIDS