Ford Torque-Shift 5R110 5/6 speed transmission (notes)

October 28, 2011, 10:40:29 pm

I have the 5R110 transmission in our 2010 27' LD and now approaching 30,000-miles. Just before starting on a new trip that would exceed 30K miles I decided to have the trans fluid flushed (as I have always done with other past vehicles). This was done at a Ford dealer in the Tampa, FL area. Upon leaving on the trip from Fl to New Mexico, I double checked the fluid level in the trans (cold) and it was a little above the "Full" mark. I didn't realize at the time that this was not good. I learned that 70 miles east of Lubbock, TX in some hills on Texas Rt 114 when smoke started coming from under the coach. After stopping and looking under the coach, I found trans fluid dripping from the trans housing. Coach Net had the unit towed to McWhorter's Truck repair in Lubbock. They said it had to go to GENE MESSER FORD for the repair under warranty.
At MESSER FORD, Greg Moore, the Service Director took us under his very friendly wing and went far out of his way to see to our every need. Their long time transmission mechanic, John Zigenfuss (Ziggy), went to work diagnosing the problem. They felt that because we stopped as soon as there was a leak that we prevented total destruction of the unit. Ziggy said that any possible internal compromise would have been to the torque converter and pump. They immediately replaced both items and also found no debris in the pan or filter. Greg allowed us to stay in the coach including overnight inside the shop. He also took me in his vehicle to show where the best restaurants were in the area.
Ziggy explained that when filling the trans with fluid (COLD) the oil level should come to the BOTTOM of the 'fill/full' hash mark on the stick, or even better, up to only the 'hole' in the dip stick tip. When the oil warms it will rise to the top of the hash mark, but should NEVER go over. Also this transmission can ONLY take "MERCON LV" (XT-10QLV) synthetic fluid (19.2-qts in a totally empty system. This particular fluid is good for 60,000-miles and it will turn very dark after about 5K to 10K miles. THIS IS NORMAL! At the 60K-mile mark, the fluid should be flushed (including the cooler) and the internal snap out filter replaced. This should be repeated every subsequent 60K-miles.
Tow/Haul should be used in any hilly or mountain terrain if pulling any "Toad." This is optional necessary on flat roads.
I strongly recommend using Gene Messer Ford in Lubbock, TX as they have two truck lifts inside the shop that can handle any motorhome. The staff all go out of the way to see that their customers are well cared for.
We are now back on the road again wandering New Mexico again for a month.
Mike

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October 28, 2011, 10:40:29 pm

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