This procedure covers the removal, replacement, and installation of the valve body in the 10R80 automatic transmission found in 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve body assembly (10R80 transmission) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Valve body gasket kit × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge.
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove front skid plate if equipped (4WD models).
6. Place drain pan under transmission pan.
7. Verify you have complete valve body replacement kit with all gaskets and seals before beginning.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Place drain pan underneath and remove drain plug using appropriate socket. Allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 6-7 quarts will drain). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal damage. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Carefully lower the pan as residual fluid will remain. Inspect pan for metal shavings or debris. Clean magnet in pan and inspect material collected. Remove and discard old gasket from transmission case and pan mounting surface.
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter assembly attached to the valve body. Remove the filter mounting bolts and carefully pull filter straight down to disengage from valve body. Inspect filter for debris or contamination. Clean the filter mounting surface on valve body using lint-free rag and brake cleaner.
4. 4

   Disconnect valve body electrical connectors
   Locate all solenoid pack electrical connectors on the valve body. There are multiple connectors for various solenoids and sensors. Press release tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Take photos to document connector positions and routing. Use plastic tie removal tool if necessary to release any harness retainers.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; always grip the connector body when disconnecting to avoid damaging pins.
5. 5

   Remove valve body cover screws and sensors
   Remove all valve body cover screws using T30 Torx bit. Keep screws organized as some may be different lengths. Remove any external sensors attached to valve body housing, noting their positions. Label or photograph sensor locations before removal.
6. 6

   Remove valve body mounting bolts
   Support the valve body with one hand as it is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Remove all valve body mounting bolts in a specific sequence: start with perimeter bolts first, then internal bolts. The 10R80 valve body uses multiple bolt lengths and torque specifications - keep bolts organized by location. Carefully lower valve body while ensuring no check balls or springs fall out from separator plate area.
   ⚠The valve body is heavy and contains pressurized springs. Maintain control during removal to prevent dropping.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mating surfaces
   With valve body removed, inspect the transmission case separator plate area for check balls, springs, or debris. Note the position of any check balls (take photos). Clean all mating surfaces on transmission case using lint-free rags and brake cleaner. Remove all old gasket material using plastic scraper - do not use metal scrapers that could damage aluminum surfaces. Inspect transmission case for cracks or damage.
   ℹ️Check balls must be reinstalled in exact original positions. Refer to service manual diagram for check ball locations if any are dislodged.
8. 8

   Install new valve body gaskets and separator plate
   Install new separator plate gaskets per manufacturer instructions. Ensure all check balls are in their correct positions in the transmission case. Position new separator plate carefully, aligning all passages. Install upper gasket on separator plate. Verify all passages are aligned and no gasket material is blocking fluid passages.
9. 9

   Install replacement valve body
   Carefully position new or remanufactured valve body assembly onto separator plate, ensuring proper alignment with all dowel pins. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Install bolts in reverse order of removal, tightening in criss-cross pattern. Torque bolts to specification in multiple passes: first to 50% torque, then to final torque to ensure even gasket compression.
   ⚠There are two different torque specifications for valve body mounting bolts (23 lb-ft and 52 lb-ft) depending on location. Refer to service manual for specific bolt locations.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install sensors and reconnect electrical
    Reinstall all sensors to valve body in their original positions using new O-rings if provided in gasket kit. Torque sensor bolts to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors to their respective solenoids and sensors, ensuring each clicks into place securely. Verify connector locks are fully engaged. Reinstall any harness retainers or clips.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install valve body covers
    Install valve body cover plates with new gaskets if included in kit. Install all cover screws and torque in criss-cross pattern to ensure even compression and prevent warping.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new transmission filter
    Install new transmission filter with new seal or O-ring. Push filter firmly into position on valve body until fully seated. Install filter mounting bolts and torque to specification if separate from valve body mounting.
13. 13

    Install transmission pan
    Clean transmission pan thoroughly and install new gasket on pan or transmission case per gasket instructions. Position pan carefully to avoid displacing gasket. Start all pan bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in criss-cross pattern starting from center and working outward to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install drain plug and fill transmission
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Install drain plug and torque to specification. Remove transmission fill plug (located on side of transmission case). Using fluid transfer pump, add approximately 6 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through fill hole. Reinstall fill plug temporarily.
    ⚠Only use Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF. Use of incorrect fluid will cause transmission damage and void warranty.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final fluid fill and adaptation procedure
    Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and manual ranges), pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Check fluid level at fill plug with engine running - fluid should be at bottom of fill hole. Add additional fluid if needed to bring to proper level. The transmission control module will require an adaptation procedure using Ford IDS or equivalent scan tool to relearn shift points with new valve body.
    ℹ️A professional scan tool with Ford IDS software is required to perform transmission adaptive learning procedure for proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped, torquing bolts to specification.
2. Perform final check of all electrical connections and ensure no tools were left in work area.
3. Verify transmission pan and drain plug show no signs of leakage after initial startup.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster.
• Check for fluid leaks around transmission pan, drain plug, and all sensor locations.
• Perform road test including all gear ranges and verify smooth shifting operation.
• Re-check transmission fluid level after road test when fluid is at operating temperature (160-180°F).
• Use scan tool to verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present and all solenoids are functioning correctly.
• Monitor transmission operation for first 100 miles and re-check fluid level and leaks after initial break-in period.
• If shift quality issues persist, verify adaptive learning procedure was completed successfully using Ford IDS.

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