What Is the Difference Between Ford's Automatic Transmissions?
If your Ford is fitted with an automatic transmission , it will be one of the three following types. Information on each of the transmission types is found below. If you would like assistance on finding out which automatic transmission is fitted to your vehicle, please contact your local Ford dealer.
Conventional Automatic
A conventional automatic transmission is a hydraulically operated system based on a torque converter and a set of planetary gears. The basic principle relies on hydraulic fluid, under pressure, controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the coupling and decoupling of the gears. As the car accelerates, pressure changes in the hydraulic system forcing the transmission to shift upward through all gears in the system. The same pressure changes force downward shifting as the car slows.
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has two clutches at its disposal, enabling two gears to be partially engaged at the same time ensuring power is delivered throughout a shift. The two clutches, one for even gear numbers and the other for odd, are electronically controlled to accurately proportion the amount of power going through each gear during a gear change.
This new DCT provides several key benefits:
- Rapid gear changes for enhanced performance
- A versatile and responsive driving experience
- Enhanced fuel efficiency
Powershift Transmission
The PowerShift transmission uses a dual clutch system; this advanced gearbox pre-selects the next gear for you so you don’t lose power when you change. The first clutch handles gears one, three, and five; the second clutch handles gears two, four, and six. When the car is in first gear, for example, the second clutch is disengaged even though the second-gear cogs are engaged. Shifting into second gear disengages the first clutch, engages the second clutch, and engages the gear cogs of third gear.
Information on your vehicle can also be found in your Owner's Manual.
To locate your Owner's Manual in the FordPass App, please go to 'Vehicle Details > Vehicle Support' Section.
Additional Information:
What is the current update on the Ford Class Action?