The 5R110W, sold as TorqShift, is Ford’s heavy-duty five-speed automatic used in Super Duty trucks from 2003, behind the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels and the 6.8L V10, until the 6R140 replaced it. The most commonly reported 5R110W problems are torque converter shudder and lockup failures, overheating when towing, solenoid body faults, harsh or flared shifts and, on some units, loss of reverse or of certain gears from internal clutch wear.
Common 5R110W problems
| Problem | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Torque converter | Shudder at light throttle, lockup slip; P0741; see torque converter shudder |
| Overheating | Burnt fluid, slipping when towing; see transmission overheating |
| Solenoid body | Harsh or erratic shifts, limp mode; see transmission solenoid symptoms |
| Loss of reverse or a gear | No reverse, or flare on a particular shift, with ratio codes such as P0730 |
| Leaks | Cooler line and pan leaks leading to low fluid |
Torque converter problems
Behind a diesel, the converter carries enormous torque, and worn converter clutches cause shudder, lockup slip and heat. Debris from a failing converter can damage the rest of the transmission, so replace or rebuild the converter with any overhaul and flush the cooler.
Reverse problems
A 5R110W that loses reverse but still drives forward usually has worn internal clutches or a pressure problem in the reverse circuit. Check fluid level first, then codes and line pressure; see transmission won’t go into reverse.
Check these first
- Fluid level and condition by the correct procedure; see how to check transmission fluid and transmission fluid color.
- Stored codes, including pending codes.
- Wiring and connectors at the transmission and the range sensor.
- Fluid temperature during the conditions that cause the problem.
Signs of internal damage
- Slipping or flare that gets worse over weeks, with ratio codes
- Metal particles or clutch material in the pan
- Dark, burnt-smelling fluid that returns soon after a change
- New whining or grinding noises; see transmission noise
At that point, fluid service or electrical repairs will not fix it, and the choice is between a rebuild and a replacement unit.
Fluid
The 5R110W is sensitive to fluid level and condition, and checking it correctly matters. Use the fluid Ford specifies for your model year, change it on the severe schedule if you tow, and replace the filter with the fluid.
Towing and heat
Heavy towing with diesel torque is hard on any automatic. Use tow/haul mode, watch transmission temperature, and service the fluid on the severe schedule. See transmission cooler.
Repair or replace
See transmission rebuild, transmission replacement cost and our 5R110W transmissions; its successor is covered in 6R140 problems.
More guides: 6.4 Power Stroke problems · 5R110W vs 6R140 · how long a 5R110W lasts.
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