Automatic shifting really harshly in Sport mode

[merlin803]

So, just picked up the car and drove it home, about a 20 miles trip with a mix of freeway and side streets. It's raining, though, so I couldn't go crazy with it.

So, the transmission tech said he did an "accelerated break-in" process, which I think means that it reset the transmission tables. He said it would take a little while to work everything out and might still be harsh for a bit. But once it settles in and particularly learns my driving patterns, all should be good.

Interestingly, normal mode shifting is already smooth as silk. Night and day difference from before, and I'm certain it's not just placebo. Where it would shift harshly 1-2/3, 3-4, and especially 4-5, it's now entirely smooth. Almost like driving a new car.

In Sports mode at low throttle, it's still a bit rough at times. The only "bucking" shift I noticed, though, was 3-4 a few times, and I'm hoping that's just the learning process and it will balance out. Things were better at higher throttle, although again, it was raining so I took it pretty easy.

I think it's safe to say that if you have any problems with your transmission, the very first thing to do is get the fluid level checked. And the extra care the technician gave to the car was very appreciated.

My experience was exactly the same after getting the trans fluid topped off. It's almost like there was a learning process for each different mode and Sport/Sport+ didn't smooth out for a few driving cycles but it was like I had a different car after a few days.

I had just about given up on "normal" trans shifting in anything but normal mode before that.

It is crazy to think that these are coming from the factory a couple quarts low & like you I wonder what, if any, damage was done driving it like that (in my case for 8,000 miles).

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[wynand32]

My experience was exactly the same after getting the trans fluid topped off. It's almost like there was a learning process for each different mode and Sport/Sport+ didn't smooth out for a few driving cycles but it was like I had a different car after a few days.

I had just about given up on "normal" trans shifting in anything but normal mode before that.

It is crazy to think that these are coming from the factory a couple quarts low & like you I wonder what, if any, damage was done driving it like that (in my case for 8,000 miles).

According to the technician, and I'll give him all due respect, the fluid wasn't low enough to have caused any damage. Only if the fluid was low enough that it was causing (some part, can't remember the name) to make a noise would there be the potential for damage.

 

[Rodpwnz]

According to the technician, and I'll give him all due respect, the fluid wasn't low enough to have caused any damage. Only if the fluid was low enough that it was causing (some part, can't remember the name) to make a noise would there be the potential for damage.

Appreciate the updates - would be really helpful if you could share what that noise and part is that would cause potential damage with low fluid.

 

[wynand32]

Appreciate the updates - would be really helpful if you could share what that noise and part is that would cause potential damage with low fluid.

If I can manage to get that information from the tech, I'll post it.

 

[Coyote 2121]

Excellent information.
I bought my 2020 GT used with 2900 miles.
The trans has always done fine in normal after a little warm up.
But in Sport+ and or Sport I have always experienced some HARD shifts.
But interestingly not in all gears.
My 3-4 or 4-5, can't be sure because I'm letting the trans shift itself, man one of those shifts is violent enough to make the rear end break loose and kick out under only like 3/4 throttle.
After reading multiple threads I just figured it was normal.
Definitely gonna take in in for a fluid level check after reading y'all's experience of the "completely different car" thing!
Mine's only got 10k on it now so not too worried about damage.
Because it was used I also got 7 year 100k power train warranty, so screw it.
If it breaks it breaks.......
Thanks guys. Good info

 

[Qcman17]

My 2019 has always been a bit harsh in 3-4 and 4-5 in Sport etc. Normal is perfect.....The dealer supposedly checked my trans fluid a year or so ago and said it was okay. I have just under 20k miles on it.

I do believe these cars are not smooth shifters from everything I've read on here so the hard part is trying to figure out what is actually normal in that regard,

 

[Rapid Red]

Excellent information.
I bought my 2020 GT used with 2900 miles.
The trans has always done fine in normal after a little warm up.
But in Sport+ and or Sport I have always experienced some HARD shifts.
But interestingly not in all gears.
My 3-4 or 4-5, can't be sure because I'm letting the trans shift itself, man one of those shifts is violent enough to make the rear end break loose and kick out under only like 3/4 throttle.
After reading multiple threads I just figured it was normal.
Definitely gonna take in in for a fluid level check after reading y'all's experience of the "completely different car" thing!
Mine's only got 10k on it now so not too worried about damage.
Because it was used I also got 7 year 100k power train warranty, so screw it.
If it breaks it breaks.......
Thanks guys. Good info

The harder shifts are normal if you were to drop the pan of the passenger car automatic. Open the valve body, and install a shift kit B&M, it will shift harder than the stock slushbox.

The B&M kit has different springs that cause the valve body to shift, crisper/harder.

The Mustang has an electronically controlled shifting transmission, instead of springs, solenoids control the firmness of the shift.

This IS a general description of what is going on, the electronics of the mustang transmission internally I'm not aware of.

Worry all you like but the sport & track modes will make the car shift, tighter, and crisper, harder.

And definitely has nothing 100% to do with the ATF

 

[wynand32]

My 2019 has always been a bit harsh in 3-4 and 4-5 in Sport etc. Normal is perfect.....The dealer supposedly checked my trans fluid a year or so ago and said it was okay. I have just under 20k miles on it.

I do believe these cars are not smooth shifters from everything I've read on here so the hard part is trying to figure out what is actually normal in that regard,

I'll find out soon enough if that 3-4 shit in Sports mode is normal (my 4-5 shift seems fine). But do note that my Normal shifting was harsh as well, so if yours is perfect, then you might indeed have normal fluid level and that harsh Sports shifting might be normal.

 

[Qcman17]

I'll find out soon enough if that 3-4 shit in Sports mode is normal (my 4-5 shift seems fine). But do note that my Normal shifting was harsh as well, so if yours is perfect, then you might indeed have normal fluid level and that harsh Sports shifting might be normal.

Be good to hear what you find after this.....I also added an 8 year 50K warranty to mine this year so if the trans blows I'm covered in any case

 

[313_S550]

I have a 2020 GT and ever since the beginning, the transmission would do some weird things (harsh shifts, delayed shifts, bucking, etc.) until the car was fully warmed up.
Try driving around in normal mode for at least 15 minutes. Then, switch over to Sport Mode+.

I'm wondering if FORD changed the trans programming since 2020?

My 2020 GT shifts pretty harsh on almost all shifts until the trans fluid is at 90 degrees, once its above that its only the 3-4 and 7-8 shifts that have a small clunk.

 

[Rodpwnz]

If I can manage to get that information from the tech, I'll post it.

Would the part that gets damaged with low fluid be the output shaft? Still would be great to confirm and know what the sound would be as well. Thanks!

 

[Goodwood]

I posted this in the transmission forum as well, but I was hoping to highlight it a bit and get a quicker response. It's bugging me on this Thanksgiving Day (and a happy one to you!).

I just passed 1,000 miles and so thought I'd give Sports mode a try. While my transmission has been a little harsh in normal mode in downshifts when stopping and also at times around 45MPH, it's not been terrible.

However, in Sports mode, upshifts are brutal. They're harsh and clunky, to the point where the whole car shudders. My wife sitting in the passenger seat just said, "That's not right." I agree with her. The terrible shifts are 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, which is as far as I went before switching back to D.

What's everyone else's experience? I can't imaging this is normal, but then I'd expect to see more issues in Normal mode. The same happens when I keep the transmission in D and use to the switch to turn on Sports+ mode.

Edit: I suppose my specific question is, how harsh is too harsh?

Don't get me wrong, love my '22 GT, but it has the worst Auto Transmission I've ever experienced in my lifetime. Wanted to step away from a Manual this time, but this 10 speed auto is almost a deal breaker. (bought the car sight unseen). Why they didn't offer a true DCT, like what's on the GT 500 is beyond me.

 

[luca1290]

Why they didn't offer a true DCT, like what's on the GT 500 is beyond me.

Because it has more spaced gearing so it will use more fuel.
Not an issue if you sell a few cars, but for the larger volume GTs and EcoBoosts they needed something to keep the emissions number as low as possible.

Besides, I think that the 10R80 is in fact a great transmission. Did you check your oil level?
DCT are usually less smooth that a torque converter unit also.

 

[Rapid Red]

ATF

Yes, winter temps will affect the shifts before warmed. Thought that was common sense, forgot I was posting on a forum.

Just saying.

 

[Goodwood]

Because it has more spaced gearing so it will use more fuel.
Not an issue if you sell a few cars, but for the larger volume GTs and EcoBoosts they needed something to keep the emissions number as low as possible.

Besides, I think that the 10R80 is in fact a great transmission. Did you check your oil level?
DCT are usually less smooth that a torque converter unit also.

I just got a 2022 Acura TLX with a 10 speed Auto, and it's 100 times smoother and nicer than my Mustang's. Ford should put their tranny in the Mustang! Annd, no I haven't checked the oil level yet.

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