6F50 Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Ford)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

About the Ford 6F50

The 6F50 is a six-speed automatic transaxle that Ford uses in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles with V6 engines. It came out of the same GM-Ford joint development program that produced GM’s 6T70, and Ford put it into production in the late 2000s. A higher-capacity version, the 6F55, is used with more powerful engines.

In the Phoenix area, the 6F50 is most common in the Ford Edge, the front-drive-based Explorer from the 2010s, the Flex and the Taurus, plus Lincoln crossovers and sedans like the MKX, MKT and MKS. Police Interceptor versions of the Explorer and Taurus also use transmissions from this family. Sun West Transmissions in Glendale handles diagnosis, repair and full 6F50 transmission rebuild service for all of them.

Big Crossovers, Big Demands

Many 6F50 vehicles are three-row family haulers or heavy midsize crossovers. A loaded Explorer or Flex heading to Rocky Point or up the Beeline Highway to Payson in July asks a lot of a front-drive transaxle. Heat from the engine, summer air and heavy loads combine to stress the fluid, clutches and solenoids. Towing, even within the vehicle’s rating, adds even more heat.

Fluid service intervals that work in milder climates may be too long for Arizona. A severe-service transmission service schedule is a simple way to reduce wear.

Common 6F50 Problems

• Harsh or delayed shifts. Harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, clunky downshifts and slow engagement can come from worn clutches, solenoid body issues, low fluid or outdated software.
• Slipping or flare. Engine speed rising between gears or under acceleration usually indicates clutch wear or pressure loss.
• Torque converter shudder. Vibration at steady speed may relate to the converter clutch or old fluid.
• Loss of gears or reverse. Internal clutch or hard part failures can cause missing gears.
• Leaks. Axle seals, cooler lines, the pan and case seals can leak.
• Warning lights and limp mode. Solenoid, sensor and wiring faults can trigger codes and protective modes.

Don’t Overlook the PTU

On all-wheel-drive Edges, Explorers, Flexes and Tauruses, the power transfer unit (PTU) sits next to the transmission and sends power to the rear axle. PTU fluid can break down from heat, leading to leaks, a burning smell, noise or failure. A failed PTU can feel or sound like a transmission problem, but the repair is different. We inspect the PTU during every 6F50 diagnosis on AWD vehicles so you don’t pay for the wrong repair. Our 4×4 and AWD service covers PTU and rear drive unit maintenance.

How We Diagnose a 6F50

1. Test drive to confirm when the symptom appears.
2. Scan for codes and review live data such as gear commands, slip and fluid temperature.
3. Check fluid level with the correct procedure and inspect fluid condition.
4. Check for software updates and service bulletins.
5. Inspect the PTU, rear drive unit, axles, mounts and wiring.

We’ll recommend the least invasive repair that fixes the problem, whether that’s a software update, solenoid body, PTU service or full rebuild.

Our 6F50 Rebuild

When internal damage is confirmed, our 6F50 transmission rebuild includes:

• Removing and fully disassembling the transaxle.
• Cleaning and inspecting every component, including the final drive and differential.
• Installing new clutches, steels, seals, gaskets and filter.
• Replacing worn bushings, bearings and damaged hard parts.
• Servicing the valve body and solenoid body.
• Evaluating and replacing the torque converter as needed.
• Reinstalling, filling to the correct level, updating software, performing relearns and road testing.

Former Police and Fleet Vehicles

Retired Police Interceptor Explorers and Tauruses are popular on the used market because they are affordable and well equipped. Keep in mind that many spent long hours idling and accelerating hard, which is tough on fluid and clutches. If you own one, an early fluid check and inspection is a smart way to catch wear before it becomes a failure.

6F50 Rebuild Cost

The cost of a 6F50 rebuild depends on the vehicle, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the internal damage, torque converter condition and whether control components need replacement. Transverse V6 installations in larger crossovers can involve significant labor. Call for a free quote. Our Ford transmission rebuild cost guide explains what affects pricing.

Qualifying rebuilds include our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs, and financing is available. See also our Ford Explorer and Ford Edge transmission repair pages.

6F50 Transmission FAQ

Is the 6F50 the same as the GM 6T70?

They share a common design, but controls, calibrations and some parts differ.

My Explorer smells like burning oil after driving. Is it the transmission?

It could be a transmission leak, but on AWD models the PTU is a common source. Have it inspected to find the cause.

Can I tow with a 6F50?

Yes, within your vehicle’s rating. Keep fluid fresh and consider added cooling for Arizona summers.