Ford F150 has several transmission options compatible with specific model years, engine types, and trim levels. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the specific one using the code on the vehicle information sticker or the tag on the transmission itself.
1997-2003 models Ford F150 has transmission codes 4R100, 4R70W and M5R2-C. 2005 model has codes 4R70E, 4R75E and M5R2-C. 2009-2014 models has 6R80 and 2015-2020 models have 6R80 and 10R80 transmission identification codes.
We will discuss the methods to get information and where you can locate these codes on the vehicle. Another important aspect is the reasons why to look for these codes.
Location of Ford F150 transmission identification code
There are a few possible locations on your Ford F150 where you can locate the transmission identification code or its tag number to know its type and other specifications. You can expect slight variations according to the model year and trim level.
The first place is to look at the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb of your pickup truck.
It contains information about the VIN, tire size, transmission type, whether auto or manual, rim size, axle code, and safety compliance certificate, to name a few.
The next place to look for is the transmission itself. It has a metal tag or sticker on the top or bottom of its body. Depending on the transmission type, you can read it without removing the assembly.
Another place to look for the transmission type and its code is in the owner’s manual of your pickup truck.
If it is not available or ripped off, you can also check with Ford’s authorized dealership by telling them the VIN of the vehicle.
How to find Ford F150 transmission identification codes?
There are 2 sources to find the transmission identification codes on your F150 truck. The first one is in an alphabet mentioning its type on the sticker on the door jamb of the truck.
Each alphabet is specific for a type of transmission. While the second one is its identification tag on the transmission itself or in other documentation.
1990-1992 models of Ford F150 has codes “G” for C6 automatic, “U” for 4-speed automatic 4R70W, “M” for 5-speed manual with overdrive M5OD and “E” for automatic E4OD. 1997-2003 model has code “E” for 4-speed automatic with overdrive 4R100, “M” for 5-speed manual overdrive M5R2-C, and “U” for 4-speed automatic 4R70W.
The 2005 F150 has transmission codes “A”, “B” and “M” which stand for 4-speed automatic 4R70E, 4-speed automatic 4R75E, and 5-speed manual M5R2-C, respectively.
Identification code “Q” on the 2007 model of the truck is for a 4-speed automatic 4R75E. Therefore, you can expect different codes for the same transmission type and trim levels.
The 2010 model of the truck has code 4R75E for a 4-speed automatic, and the 2009-2014 models have 6R80 for 6-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed automatic transmission has code 10R80 for 2017-onwards models.
The transmission identification codes for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 are 6R80 and 10R80 for 6-speed and 10-speed automatic options.
These are compatible with engines like 3.3-liter and 3.5-liter V6, 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost, and 5.0-liter V8.
Due to variations and similar transmissions available with different engines, the best way to confirm the code for your specific vehicle would be to check its owner’s manual or to verify it from a Ford dealership.
Methods to identify the Ford F150 transmission type
There are several ways to identify the transmission type of a Ford F-150. The most reliable one is to check the tag attached to the metal body of the transmission assembly.
By decoding the tag number, you will be able to find out its type and other specifications. You can also check it in the vehicle’s paperwork, including its registration or title documents.
Another relatively easy method is to look in the truck’s owner’s manual. There are online forums available that give you information about the vehicle by entering its VIN. This way, you can find the transmission type and other relevant details.
Moreover, Ford dealerships have information about the Ford F150 pickup trucks sorted out by the VIN. You can call them and tell them the VIN of your vehicle, and they will guide you about the transmission type and its code.
Another not-so-easy way is to check it by yourself. However, you have to open it and look for the number of gears, bell housing, and bolt pattern.
Why do you need the transmission identification code of your truck?
Transmission identification code to find its type and design is imperative for several reasons. We will briefly summarize the few scenarios where this knowledge comes in handy.
Regular transmission maintenance requires knowledge of its type, code, and design. It will help the mechanic or workshop arrange for the specific parts, compatible fluids, and the necessary procedures to repair them.
Therefore, it will help save time and successfully rectify the problem. Furthermore, if you are planning to upgrade your transmission, knowing its identification code will help you find the compatible type for replacement.
If you are going to resell your Ford F150, potential buyers can ask you for the transmission type and its code. Therefore, you should know it beforehand to avoid any inconvenience later.
New models of the truck and maintenance plans come with specific terms and conditions for different systems.
Therefore, you need to know the code to assess whether it has coverage under the warranty, maintenance, or insurance plans.
Can we identify the Ford F150 transmission from its bolt pattern?
Most transmission types that are compatible have a specific bolt pattern. Therefore, you can use it as a last resort to identify its design, but it is not an easy or accurate method.
The reason can be variations between different model years and compatibility of various types with the same engine.
Moreover, some models with varying identification codes can also have the same bolt pattern. For example, 4R70W and 4R75W used in Ford F150 have the same bolt pattern despite their differences.
Therefore, it is not a definitive way to identify the transmission type. Moreover, transmission designs like the 4R70E and 4R70W have different bolt patterns despite having the same codes.
Therefore, I always recommend my friends to use multiple methods to identify it, especially the one with confirmation from the dealership using the VIN of the truck to ensure accurate results.
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