SelectShift is an automatic transmission that can also be operated manually. Numerous Ford– and Lincoln models are equipped with it. The current version of the gearbox came onto the market in the early 2000s. However, the term “SelectShift” had appeared earlier: in 1966 the Ford group used it for 3- and 4-speed automatic transmissions with low gears, namely the Ford C6 SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic and Ford C4.
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How SelectShift works
The SelectShift transmission consists of a standard automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter that can be switched to manual mode via special firmware. To activate it, place the shifter in Sport mode, marked “S”, and now press the “+” or “-” button to shift up or down a gear. On certain versions, driver can control engine torque in manual mode using paddle shifters.
Popular SelectShift transmissions
| Index | Number of gears | Manufacturer | Max. Torque, N⋅m | Max. Displacement, l | Type of drive | Year of manufacture | Car models equipped with this type of gearbox | |
| 5F31J (JF506E) | 5 | Jatco | 350 | 3.8 | Front wheel, all-wheel | 2000 | Ford Galaxy II; Ford Mondeo III | |
| 5R55E | 5 | Ford | 550 | 5 ,0 | Rear wheel, all-wheel | 1997 | Ford Mustang; Ford Explorer; Lincoln LS; Ford Ranger; Ford Thunderbird; Lincoln Aviator | |
| 6F35 | 6 | Ford/General Motors | 350 | 3.0 | Front wheel, all-wheel | 2008 | Ford Mondeo; Ford C Max; Lincoln MKZ; Ford Escape; Ford Focus; Ford Fusion; Ford Kuga | |
| 6F55 | 6 | Ford/General Motors | 450 | td> | 4.6 | Front wheel, all-wheel | 2007 | Ford Explorer; Lincoln MKS; Ford Taurus; Lincoln MKT |
| 6R80 (6HP26) | 6 | ZF | 600 | 6.0 | Front wheel, rear wheel, all wheel | 2001 | Ford Explorer; Ford Expedition; Ford Mustang; Ford Territory |
Common defects in SelectShift transmissions
| Defects | Transmission |
| The valve body and solenoid valves clog and fail quickly. | 5F31J (JF506E); 5R55E; 6R80 (6HP26); 6F55 |
| Even the slightest overheating can lead to defects in the transmission. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| The flow control valve often breaks. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| The input speed sensor has a short lifespan. | 5F31J (JF506E) |
| On a sporty driving style can cause the brake bands to tear. | 5R55E |
| The pistons and the pump have a short service life. | 5R55E |
| Jerking when shifting gears. | 6F35 |
| Sometimes malfunctions in the electronic steering. | 6F35 |
| The bushings for the gearbox wear out quickly. | 6F55; 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The mechatronic unit can also often burn out, especially in hot weather. | 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The plastic pan may deform and oil will leak out. | 6R80 (6HP26) |
| The transmission's internal wiring harness is damaged. | 6R80 (6HP26) |