SelectShift is an automatic transmission with the possibility of manual control. Many Ford and Lincoln models are equipped with it. In its present design the transmission was launched in the early 2000s. However, the “SelectShift” name itself appeared quite earlier: In 1966 the Ford company used it for 3- and 4-speed automatic transmissions with low gears, namely the Ford C6 SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic and Ford C4.
Operating principle of SelectShift
The SelectShift transmission is a classic automatic gearbox with a hydraulic torque converter, which features the possibility to switch to the manual mode due to a special firmware. In order to activate it, move the gear selector into the Sport mode marked as “S” and then press “+” or “-” button for shifting up or down. In some versions, the driver can control the engine torque in a manual mode with the help of paddle shifters.
Popular SelectShift transmissions
| Transmission code | Number of speeds | Manufacturer | Max torque, N⋅m | Max engine capacity, l | Drive type | Production start | Car models equipped with this type of transmission |
| 5F31J (JF506E) | 5 | Jatco | 350 | 3.8 | FWD, AWD | 2000 | Ford Galaxy MkII; Ford Mondeo MkIII |
| 5R55E | 5 | Ford | 550 | 5.0 | RWD, AWD | 1997 | Ford Mustang; Ford Explorer; Lincoln LS; Ford Ranger; Ford Thunderbird; Lincoln Aviator |
| 6F35 | 6 | Ford/General Motors | 350 | 3.0 | FWD, AWD | 2008 | Ford Mondeo; Ford C-Max; Lincoln MKZ; Ford Escape; Ford Focus; Ford Fusion; Ford Kuga. |
| 6F55 | 6 | Ford/General Motors | 450 | 4.6 | FWD, AWD | 2007 | Ford Explorer; Lincoln MKS; Ford Taurus; Lincoln MKT |
| 6R80 (6HP26) | 6 | ZF | 600 | 6.0 | FWD, RWD, AWD | 2001 | Ford Explorer; Ford Expedition; Ford Mustang; Ford Territory |
Common malfunctions of SelectShift transmissions
| Malfunctions | Transmissions |
| The valve body and solenoids get clogged and break down quickly. | 5F31J (JF506E); 5R55E; 6R80 (6HP26); 6F55 |
| Even slightest overheating may cause transmission malfunctions. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| The flow control valve breaks down often. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| The input speed sensor has a short lifespan. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| Dynamic driving style can cause the brake bands to tear. | 5R55E |
| The pistons and the pump have a short lifespan. | 5R55E |
| Gears are shifted with jerks. | 6F35 |
| Sometimes, malfunctions of the electronic control unit occur. | 6F35 |
| The transmission bushes wear out quickly. | 6F55; 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The mechatronic unit often burns out, especially in hot weather. | 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The plastic pan gets deformed, and oil leaks occur. | 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The internal wiring harness of the transmission gets damaged. | 6R80 (6HP26) |
Comment