Even though close to 80% of heavy truck transmissions sold by Eaton are manual, there is still a demand for automatic transmissions. Eaton manufactures majority of the Class 8 manual transmissions for the United States and Canada with the exception of Mack whom use their own transmissions.

Ensuring the right gear at the right time, the 10-Speed Automatic Transmission with SelectShift® capability provides you with smooth performance by either using single-step shifts of multi-step shifts depending on conditions. Watch to learn more. Ten-speed automatic transmissions are just the latest iteration. I n model year 2017, General Motors and Ford introduced a jointly developed 10-speed gearbox.

There are three types of transmissions found in semi-truck tractors, which are automated manual transmission, automatic transmission, and manual transmission. This article will mainly explore automated manual transmissions which are also referred to as automated mechanical transmissions. Allison TC10 automatic transmission is the only automatic transmission available for trucks today. TC10 transmissions are not yet adept to highway/over-the-road trucks therefore will not be covered in this article as we aim to determine the best semi-truck automatic transmission.

What is an automatic manual transmission?

An automatic manual transmission (AMT) is a combination of the traditional manual and automatic transmissions. An AMT is when a mechanical transmission is automated through the addition of actuators, computers, and sensors to the shift clutch and fork. People in the industry will commonly refer to AMT’s as an automatic transmission but it is important to make the distinction especially as torque converter hydraulic automatic transmissions are beginning to enter the market. The electronic parts which give AMT’s its name include the driver interface, gear shift actuator, sensors, clutch actuator, driver display (speeds) base gearbox, electronic control unit, and a clutch or torque converter.

The main supplies of automated manual transmissions are Daimler’s Detroit Diesel, Eaton, and Volvo. The AMT works by using a computer control system to automatically shift the gearbox of a manual transmission. This process is supported with actuators for the clutch and shift forks. There are different power modes for different types of driving conditions including maximum grade-ability and low speed maneuverability. AMTs have two pedals and a shift pad in place of the gearshift lever.

If you want to get an idea of which truck manufacturer uses which transmission supplier with which engine supplier, then refer to the table below:

Benefits and Downsides

There are benefits and challenges associated with AMT’s as there are with all types of truck transmissions.

Benefit #1: Better fuel efficiency

Manual transmissions are prone to human error because shifting the gear at the right time is important if the truck is to maintain the correct torque and speed for the corresponding driving situation. By preventing inefficient shifting by a trucker, the computer is able to override the manual shifting to produce more accurate gear positions. That is not to say that AMTs do not require skill to operate. In fact, the level of fuel economy benefits a truck operation gets out of an AMT will depend upon the capability of the driver and how well they are trained to handle electronic transmissions. However, it can be firmly said that the skill level and attention to detail required to operate an AMT is less than a manual transmission. The average improvement in fuel economy for fleets is estimated at 2%.
Another way fuel economy is improved with AMTs is through the coupling of electronic transmissions with other powertrain parts such as engines that use an electronic diesel fuel injection control system. Lower RPM with high torque allows the engine to consume less fuel. Down-speeding or low speed gearing with AMT’s has been analyzed by Cummins to cause a reduction in fuel economy from 7.10 MPG (AMT) to 6.92 MPG (manual) during a 330-mile highway haul which utilized the same route.

Benefit #2: Better Driver Recruitment, Training, and Safety

The people who make up the trucking industry benefit from the use of AMTs. In 2015, the American Transportation Research Institute ranked driver shortage as the 3rd biggest issue concerning the trucking industry. Perhaps, the career description is not as appealing to younger people and women so the familiarity of automatic transmissions can improve driver recruitment with these demographics. Existing drivers have also reported that less effort is required with AMTs compared to manual transmissions.

There are also some downsides to using an AMT in your truck(s).

Downside #1: Higher upfront cost and lower resale value

On average, an automated manual transmission costs $3,000 – $5,000 more than a manual transmission and when it’s time to sell they will net you a $1,000 to $1,500 loss.

Downside #2: Maintenance costs are higher

Electronically controlled transmissions are made up of more parts so when it comes to repairs, the cost is expected to be higher than its counterpart. However, AMTs do not place as great of a load on the clutches which means the clutch will have a longer life and reliability level.

It should be kept in mind that automated manual transmissions have only recently begun picking up steam in terms of their use which means most AMTs are still in their initial warranty coverage period. As a result, there is a lack of concrete data to accurately determine maintenance cost averages.

Downside #3: The need to Spec a truck in a more integrated way

Electronic transmissions will probably require you to assess the overall parts of your semi-truck tractor to ensure they are compatible for the best performance. Therefore, evaluate the powertrain as a whole and see how a AMT will fit in with the other parts such as the engine and axles.

Detroit Transmission

Daimler, the parent company of Detroit introduced its first automated manual transmission to be sold in North America. Detroit launched the production of its DT12 AMT in 2013.

The DT12 does come in a smaller variation but the one for the standard sleeper highway semi-truck, is approved for 120,000 GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating).

The ECOAST mode automatically disengages the transmission when traveling downhill. As a result, engine RPMs will drop, momentum will be maintained, and fuel economy will go up. It also has skip shift mode which essentially skips unnecessary gears which help improve acceleration to get to the cruise speed more efficiently. The Common Powertrain Controller improves communication and operation efficiency throughout the power-train. It is one of the lightest class 8 truck transmissions which is mainly due to its

It is one of the lightest class 8 truck transmissions which is mainly due to its aluminum housing and single countershaft. Detroit has also recently added a power take-off feature to their engines which is especially useful for owner-operators that haul different types of goods.

Eaton Transmission

10-speed Automatic Transmission

Eaton has the largest market share in the heavy-duty truck transmission sector. It plays a similar role like Cummins does with its engines, being thatalmost every truck brand utilizes their product in their vehicles. However, Eaton transmissions are not featured in Mack trucks.

Eaton transmissions have been reported to perform well with Cummins’ engines.

Even though Eaton has made adjustments to its previous AMTs such as adding more aluminum, eliminating the external oil cooler, and reducing the number of hoses by 12 feet, the it is still a significant amount heavier than Volvo or Daimler transmissions.

Eaton’s Ultrashift PLUS series is available in 6 different models suitable for linehaul and vocational purposes. The Linehaul series for the UltraShift PLUS is built from the foundation of the Fuller 10-speed manual and utilizes an electronic clutch actuator to shift in a two-pedal method. It has no clutch pedals. The hill start aid will prevent your truck from rolling back. Skip shifting is featured to avoid unnecessary gears. Other features in the Eaton UltraShift Plus LSE are:

• Multiple operating modes including low, manual, and automatic
• Performs up with the highest torque capacity engines
• Engine overspeed protection
• Creep mode helps operator to curb, spread, and pave.

Volvo Transmission

Volvo manufactures its own transmissions for its own trucks under the I-Shift product line. Volvo does offer Eaton’s UltraShift PLUS. It may be of interest to you to know that Volvo is the parent company of Mack meaning they own the company. The I-Shift transmission is the same AMT used in

Mack Trucks but it is marketed under the name Mack mDRIVE which are paired with MP8 heavy-duty truck engines.

There are 4 types of I-Shift transmissions that vary based on software and mode. They are fuel economy basic, performance premium, comprehensive premium, and gentle-shift. The rock out and power launch features help truckers get their truck moving if it gets stuck in snow or mud.

Refer to this informative brochure for additional help regarding Volvo’s transmissions.

Factors to consider when evaluating the best semi-truck automatic transmission

Now we will discuss some key factors to consider when deciding which is the best semi-truck automatic transmission to buy.

• It should take little time to shift between gears
• Cost should be reasonable
• Power-take off operation should be included
• Good noise and handling
• No external cooler should be required
• Serviceable with reasonable maintenance costs
• Should not require special fluids
• Engine speed should be maintained at high levels when decelerating to maximize engine retardation.

Gear ratios will be covered in a future guide. For now, you should have enough basic information to be informed of the different automated manual transmission options and to have an idea of what specifications are relevant to you. Consult the respective AMT manufacturer’s websites for more information about their products.

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On any given vehicle there are about 30,000 parts that come together to make that car work. Some of them are definitely more integral to the overall functioning of the vehicle than others and one of the most important parts on any car or truck is the transmission. Ford introduced a 10-speed transmission called the 10R80 automatic transmission that you can find on their models such as the 2017 to 2020 F-150s that has proven to be one of the most problematic transmissions on the market today. Ford 10 speed transmission problems have largely been a result of this decision.

Ever since Ford introduced the transmission, it has been plagued with complaints and problems that many drivers have experienced. Ford has been slow to respond on some counts although there have been recalls issued in some instances. Let's take a look at all of the problems that the Ford 10-speed transmission has had, and what they've done to try to fix them.

Ford 10-Speed Transmission Overview

The 10R80 transmission is, obviously, a 10-speed transmission. It's a rear-wheel-drive transmission controlled by a PCM or a TCM. You can find this transmission in a variety of vehicles including the F-150, the Ford Mustang, the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator, the Ford Ranger, and the Ford Everest. Along with the 10 speeds there is one reverse speed, and they are all controlled by four planetary gear sets. There's one mechanical one-way clutch, six friction clutches, a two-piece valve body with 8 solenoids and the external PCM or TCM that we mentioned.

Obviously, there is a lot of technical stuff to know in there, but in basic terms as it relates to you as a driver you just need to know that the 10-speed transmission has 10 speeds and it's capable of skipping over gears when you get the vehicle going as part of the normal operating process. Ford calls this single step and double step shifting. The single step shifting is what you would expect such as going from 1st gear to 2nd gear to 3rd gear. The double step shifting will skip right over gear and go from 1st gear to 3rd gear, for instance. Overall, this allows for the transmission to provide you with better fuel efficiency as long as it's working properly.

2020 Ford 10-speed Transmission Lawsuit

In early 2020 a driver from Pennsylvania filed a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that Ford 10-speed transmission was defective and could shift harshly and erratically causing the vehicle to jerk, lunge, and hesitate between gears.

According to the lawsuit there was a design or manufacturing defect present in the transmission that could potentially lead to serious accidents or even a life-threatening injury. The suit went on to claim that Ford was not doing anything about it and therefore they should be held liable. It also brought up the fact that in 2019 Ford had issued 3 recalls for problems with their 6-speed transmission that affected well over 1.5 million F-150 models that have been produced between 2011 and 2013.

The response from Ford regarding the problem with the 10-speed transmission was not to issue a recall but they did produce technical service bulletins which are instructions that dealers and mechanics could follow when addressing concerns that some drivers have. According to the technical service bulletins issued for the 10-speed transmission the abrupt and harsh shifting that drivers experience was within normal operating parameters.

In Ford's words the trucks are equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy which allows the vehicle to learn the transmission’s unique parameters and improve shift quality. If the adaptive strategy was reset the computer would begin a relearning process and that would require harsher than normal upshifts or downshifts for several days.

Despite Ford's position that this was just normal procedure, most drivers who experience problems didn't have them disappear within a couple of days and their feeling was that the adaptive transmission shift strategy really had nothing to do with the overall problems they were experiencing with the transmission

The plaintiff also claimed that they took their truck into a Ford dealer for technicians to take a look at it since it was still under warranty. The plaintiff says the technicians would not fix the issue and claimed that every truck with the 10-speed transmission made the same noises as this one so there is nothing to fix.

2019 Ford 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Lawsuit

Months before the Pennsylvania lawsuit was filed another class action lawsuit was filed claiming that Ford's transmission caused life-threatening issues due to harsh shifting, jerking, hesitation and slipped gears. This one covered the 2017 to 2019 Ford F-150 models, simply because it was too early to catch the 2020 models.

One plaintiff in this lawsuit claimed their transmission started making noises after just six thousand miles and it would hold on to gears for too long, exhibit power loss when shifting or when cold. At another point the transmission failed completely and they weren't able to accelerate or shift. The dashboard displayed a message reading drive mode not available. This lawsuit also covered issues about drivers getting whiplash from the severely jerky motions caused by poor shifting.

Ford 10-Speed Transmission Recall

Automatic Transmission Motorcycles

By the spring of 2020 Ford had issued a safety recall on select models of the F-150, the Ranger, and the Expedition that were equipped with 10-speed automatic transmission exhibiting problems. In the vehicles affected by the recall, a clip that locks the gear shift cable to the transmission may not have been fully seated. That could lead to the partially seated clip causing the transmission to be in a gear state different from the gear shift position selected by the driver. Basically, what that means is you could shift your car into park and actually remove the key from the ignition, but the transmission will not have actually shifted you into park potentially leaving you still in drive or neutral. Without the parking brake engaged, that left your vehicle subject to rolling away.

The recall of these affected vehicles covered 55,000 Ford models in total.

Driver Complaints About Ford's 10-Speed Transmission

According to a number of drivers who have complained about it to places like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford 10-speed transmission is prone to producing loud clunking noises upon start-up. At least one driver claimed that their vehicle completely lost power as they tried to accelerate through an intersection and the transmission would no longer respond at all, whether to shift up or down. Other drivers claim that the transmission would stay in one particular gear essentially making them undrivable.

One of the more concerning reports that comes from several drivers is that the harsh shifting between gears that produces a jerking or lunging motion was so intense that it actually gave some drivers whiplash.

It has been recommended to some drivers that if they're having issues with erratic shifting, missed shifts and other related issues that they might want to look into replacing the valve body in their transmission. This would be the step you would take after trying to update any relevant software which could potentially have been the problem for some drivers or doing an adaptive learning drive cycle to try to get the transmission working properly again.

The valve body replacement could potentially cost you somewhere between $400 and $900 to get done.

Another similar issue to the one that prompted the recall from Ford in the spring of 2020 is that there is a pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission itself that may come out. When that happens, it can prevent the transmission from responding to movements from the shift lever, essentially locking you in whatever gear you're in when the pin pops out. This could be extremely dangerous if it happens while you were driving on the highway, for instance.

Another small but aggravating issue that some drivers experienced with the transmission was that the gear position indicator would not illuminate. This was a problem with F-150, F253, and F-254 trucks. The shift indicator on the display is supposed to light up and show you what gear you are transitioning into. However, in some of these models it simply did nothing or would turn off randomly.

This problem was exacerbated by the fact that there was no clear-cut solution for how to fix it since the reason it happened in the first place didn't make a lot of sense. Some drivers had success by turning off the power and all the lights and then turning things back on again. One driver even said that putting the windows down was what managed to get the indicator lights to turn back on again.

Is the 10-Speed Transmission Better Than the 6 Speed?

When it comes down to it, the 6-speed transmission that Ford offers is far smoother than the 10 speed. When the 10-speed is working properly it is more fuel efficient and will get you somewhere in the neighbourhood of five miles per gallon better efficiency overall. Unfortunately, this is just how things work on paper. As we’ve seen when it comes to the practical application of the 10-speed transmission, it really hasn't proven to be exceptionally reliable for most drivers.

Ford 10-Speed Transmission Repair Cost

Because Ford isn't covering problems with the 10-speed transmission under warranty, repairing any significant problems can be a little tricky. If the problem with your vehicle is so bad that you feel like you need to have the transmission repaired, you're looking at a fairly expensive repair bill. Any transmission is going to set you back quite a bit of money when something goes wrong with it. For an F150, for instance if you need to get your transmission replaced it could end up costing you somewhere in the neighborhood of about $5,000 including parts and labour.

Your best bet if there's a problem with your transmission and you need to get it fixed is to try to get a refurbished transmission which will defray some of the cost a little bit or, even better, is to find a salvaged transmission that's in good condition. The salvaged transmission can cost you several thousand dollars less. Unfortunately, if you're getting another 10-speed automatic transmission from a Ford, it may be subject to the exact same problems since Ford isn't acknowledging that there is a problem in the first place.

As you can see, the cost of replacing transmission in a Ford, or any vehicle for that matter, is extremely steep. Unfortunately, some of the issues that drivers have experienced with their transmission are the kind that can't simply be ignored or put off for too long. While it's possible that something will come of the class action lawsuits filed against Ford in the future, the fact is this kind of litigation tends to be a very long process. It could be years before everything is settled, and there's no guarantee that Ford will be held liable for any of the problems even when the lawsuits are finished.

The Bottom Line

10 Speed Automatic Transmissions

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in the world and has been so for many years now. Ford is the biggest automaker in the world for a reason. They make reliable vehicles that many drivers really enjoy. But when you produce vehicles at the volume that Ford does there are bound to be issues that crop up from time to time. Their 10-speed transmission is definitely something that came off the line with some defects in it and that will need to be addressed at some point in time. Unfortunately, the person who addresses it may not be Ford and it could just end up being your responsibility to take care of any issues at the end of the day.

10 Speed Automatic Transmission Publication

With that in mind, you may want to reconsider investing in a Ford truck that has a 10-speed transmission right now, at least until things get cleared up in terms of how Ford plans to proceed with future models and whether or not these lawsuits are going to play out in favor of the plaintiffs or the automaker.