2020 F-150 Transmission Shudder? Here's How to Fix It

How to Fix Transmission Issues

Experiencing transmission problems with your 2020 Ford F-150 can be frustrating. Some owners have reported issues like rough shifting or shuddering. As one owner reported, "If you're having this issue, get to the dealer ASAP before warranty ends. Pro tip: the shudder is caused by the clutch packs in the transmission." (source) This guide will walk you through the potential symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and fixes, based on the experiences of other 2020 Ford F-150 owners.

Symptoms

Many 2020 Ford F-150 owners have reported various transmission-related symptoms. These range from subtle issues like shuddering to more severe problems like hard shifting. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.

A common symptom is a noticeable shudder, particularly during gear changes. This can feel like a vibration or shaking sensation. The shudder may be more pronounced at certain speeds or under specific driving conditions. It's important to pay attention to when the shudder occurs to help diagnose the underlying issue.

Rough or hard shifting is another symptom reported by owners. This manifests as a jerky or abrupt transition between gears. The shifts might feel delayed or unusually harsh. Some owners have specifically noted hard shifts on the 4th, 5th, and 8th upshifts. These hard shifts can also be accompanied by a "clunk" sound, especially when shifting into reverse when the engine is cold.

Transmission "issues" in general are a very broad category. It could include slipping, hesitation, or complete failure to engage a gear. While general, if you notice any deviation from the normal operation of your transmission, it's worth investigating. It's crucial to address these issues quickly to prevent them from escalating into more significant and expensive problems.

In some cases, owners have reported metallic debris in the transmission fluid during servicing. This indicates internal wear and potential damage to the transmission components. If you notice metallic particles during a fluid change, it's a sign that further inspection is necessary. This could potentially point towards clutch pack failure or other internal damages.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the most likely cause for transmission issues in the 2020 Ford F-150 is related to the transmission fluid and potential clutch pack issues. The 2020 F-150 is known to have a shuddering issue due to the transmission.

According to owner accounts, a transmission shudder is related to clutch packs. Clutch packs are an integral part of an automatic transmission. These components are responsible for engaging and disengaging different gears. Wear and tear of the clutch packs can lead to shuddering and rough shifting.

Some owners have found that a simple fluid flush with an updated Mercon ULV fluid can resolve the shuddering issue. This suggests that the original fluid may not be providing adequate lubrication or have the correct properties for the transmission. Using the updated fluid can restore the transmission's performance and eliminate the shudder.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing transmission issues in your 2020 Ford F-150 requires a systematic approach. You'll need to gather information about the symptoms and perform some basic checks. Here’s how you can start:

1. Note the Symptoms: Carefully document the specific symptoms you're experiencing, such as shuddering, hard shifting, or unusual noises. Record when these symptoms occur, such as during specific gear changes or at certain speeds.

2. Check the Transmission Fluid: Inspect the transmission fluid level and condition. Use the dipstick (if equipped) to check the fluid level according to your owner's manual. The fluid should be bright red and have a clean smell. If the fluid is dark, smells burnt, or contains metallic particles, it indicates a problem.

3. Visual Inspection: Inspect the transmission for any visible leaks or damage. Look for signs of fluid leakage around the transmission pan, seals, and connections.

4. OBD-II Scan: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). While not all transmission issues trigger a code, it can provide valuable clues about the problem.

5. Test Drive: Perform a test drive to evaluate the transmission's performance under different conditions. Pay attention to how the transmission shifts through each gear and note any unusual behavior.

6. Tools Required:

   • OBD-II scanner
   • Jack and jack stands (for inspecting underneath the vehicle)
   • Wrench or socket set (for checking fluid level and inspecting connections)
   • Gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step Fix

The recommended fix for transmission shudder involves replacing the transmission fluid with an updated Mercon ULV fluid. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Supplies: Purchase the correct Mercon ULV transmission fluid specified for your 2020 Ford F-150. You'll also need a new transmission pan gasket and a drain plug gasket (if applicable).

2. Prepare the Vehicle: Park your truck on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine and transmission to cool down completely before starting the fluid change.

3. Locate the Transmission Pan: Locate the transmission pan underneath the vehicle. It's typically a rectangular or square-shaped pan attached to the bottom of the transmission.

4. Drain the Old Fluid: Place a drain pan underneath the transmission pan. If your transmission pan has a drain plug, remove it to drain the old fluid. If there's no drain plug, carefully loosen the transmission pan bolts, starting from the rear, to allow the fluid to drain slowly.

5. Remove the Transmission Pan: Once the fluid has completely drained, remove the remaining transmission pan bolts. Carefully detach the pan and clean any residue from the mating surface.

6. Replace the Filter: Remove the old transmission filter and install the new one. Ensure that it's properly seated and secured.

7. Install the Pan: Install the new transmission pan gasket onto the transmission pan. Align the pan with the transmission and secure it with the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque using a torque wrench.

8. Add New Fluid: Locate the transmission fill tube. Use a funnel to pour the new Mercon ULV transmission fluid into the fill tube. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct fluid capacity.

9. Check the Fluid Level: Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Shift the transmission through each gear, pausing briefly in each position. Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick (if equipped). Add more fluid as needed to reach the correct level.

10. Test Drive: Perform a test drive to evaluate the transmission's performance. Check for any leaks and ensure that the transmission shifts smoothly through all gears.

As one owner shared: "Took my 2020 F-150 to dealer, cited TSB 19-2346 for transmission shudder. They did a complete fluid flush with the updated Mercon ULV fluid - FREE under warranty!" (source). If this fix doesn't solve the issue, consider getting an extended warranty as one owner mentioned "Mechanic said to buy an extended warranty, bought a 70k mile extended warranty from Ziegler for $1,480 good through 135k miles." (source).

Parts and Tools Needed

• Mercon ULV transmission fluid (part number varies based on specific transmission)
• Transmission pan gasket
• Transmission filter
• Drain plug gasket (if applicable)
• Socket set or wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Gloves and safety glasses

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing transmission issues in your 2020 Ford F-150 can vary depending on the severity of the problem and whether you choose to perform the repairs yourself or take it to a shop.

• DIY Fluid Change: A DIY transmission fluid change with the updated Mercon ULV fluid typically costs between $100 and $200. This includes the cost of the fluid, filter, and gasket.

• Professional Fluid Change: Having a shop perform a transmission fluid change can cost between $300 and $500. This includes the cost of the fluid, filter, gasket, and labor. As one owner stated, "Otherwise it’s $800 from shop. Idk you tell me" (source), indicating that some shops might charge even more.

• Extended Warranty: Purchasing an extended warranty can provide peace of mind and cover the cost of more extensive repairs. One owner mentioned, "Mechanic said to buy an extended warranty, bought a 70k mile extended warranty from Ziegler for $1,480 good through 135k miles." (source), highlighting the potential value of an extended warranty.

Prevention

Preventing transmission issues in your 2020 Ford F-150 involves regular maintenance and proactive care. Here are some tips to help keep your transmission in good condition:

• Regular Fluid Changes: Follow the recommended transmission fluid change intervals specified in your owner's manual. Regular fluid changes help maintain proper lubrication and prevent the buildup of contaminants.
• Proper Driving Habits: Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as hard acceleration and abrupt braking. These habits can put excessive stress on the transmission components.
• Avoid Overloading: Avoid overloading your truck beyond its rated capacity. Overloading can strain the transmission and lead to premature wear.
• Monitor Transmission Temperature: If you frequently tow or haul heavy loads, consider installing a transmission temperature gauge. Monitoring the transmission temperature can help you identify potential problems early on.
• Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any signs of transmission issues, such as shuddering or hard shifting, address them promptly. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"Took my 2020 F-150 to dealer, cited TSB 19-2346 for transmission shudder. They did a complete fluid flush with the updated Mercon ULV fluid - FREE under warranty!" — TSBFixedIt (source)

"Day two my transmission started rough shifting on 4,5 and 8 upshifts. Rather than dealing with the dealership and having it flashed, I purchased a Cobb access port." — UnknownUsername113 (source)

"Rather than dealing with the dealership and having it flashed, I purchased a Cobb access port. This seems to have helped tremendously but it’s still not perfect." — UnknownUsername113 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Engine, OTOH, will fry itself if I don't watch the temps like a hawk and feather the throttle getting up the hills. Better since I put in a 3rd party intercooler, but still something I have to watch out for." — compmanio36 (source)

⚠️ "Hey buddy I wish I could tell you more but I work at a trans shop doing R&R, we started replacing the engine thermostat on the ford 10 speeds we work on, when coolant gets that high it also heats your transmission fluid and can lead to transmission issues, i wish I knew more about what thermostat we run but it brings the temp down to about 195, basically thermostat opens sooner so fluid doesn’t have a chance to get that hot" — Colby_lee18 (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "If you're having this issue, get to the dealer ASAP before warranty ends. Pro tip: the shudder is caused by the clutch packs in the transmission." — TSBFixedIt (source)

Real Repair Costs

"At 65k miles (out of warranty) I serviced the tranny, lots of metallic. Mechanic said to buy an extended warranty, bought a 70k mile extended warranty from Ziegler for $1,480 good through 135k miles." — Evening-Guava-6446 (source)

"Mechanic said to buy an extended warranty, bought a 70k mile extended warranty from Ziegler for $1,480 good through 135k miles. Now at 82k miles, hard 4th shifts and clunk to reverse when cold and cam phaser noises." — Evening-Guava-6446 (source)

"Would it be fucked to use a transfer pump to gradually pull/replace the transmission fluid? Otherwise it’s $800 from shop." — FlipDaddy (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix transmission shudder?

A: A transmission fluid change to address shudder can take anywhere from 1-3 hours for a DIY repair, while a shop might take a similar amount of time, though you'll need to factor in drop off and pick up time.

Q: Can I drive with transmission shudder?

A: While it's possible to drive with transmission shudder, it's not recommended. Continuing to drive with the issue can cause further damage to the transmission and lead to more costly repairs. It's best to address the problem as soon as possible.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Ford F-150?

A: Based on owner reports, transmission shudder is a relatively common issue on the vehicle. Many owners have reported experiencing this problem, particularly in the earlier years of the vehicle's life.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Whether to perform a DIY repair or take your truck to a mechanic depends on your mechanical skills and experience. If you're comfortable performing basic maintenance tasks, such as fluid changes, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, if you're not experienced or the issue is more complex, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic. Some owners mentioned that dealers performed the fluid flush for free under warranty, suggesting that a trip to the dealership may be worth exploring.