Foreward
- ZF6HP26:Diagnostic Guide (Does Not Include Transmission Removal, Disassembly, or Rebuild Procedures) 2002 - 2018. DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE ZF6HP26. DND:Technical Manual Not Available 2002 - 2018. Transmission Info.
- Released by ZF in 2000 the 6HP26 transmission was the first 6 speed automatic to be used in production passenger cars. Normally reserved for high end luxury and sports cars it was in 2005 when Ford Australia released the transmission into there Falcon and Territory range of vehicles.
- The German manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG or who's more commonly known as just 'ZF', built the 6HP26 in the early 2000's for use in a wide variety of vehicle makes like BMW, Ford, Hundai, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lincoln. This transmission has an extremely unique design that allows the torque converter to lock in all gears except for reverse.
ZF6HP26, ZF6HP26X Bushing Kit 2002-Up / This kit comes with the following 14 bushings (All measurements are aproximate): / 1 x 63.08 x 59.78 x 7.98mm / 1 x 53.05 x 50.09 x 7.46mm / 2 x 37.04 x 34.09 x 11.52mm / 1 x 33.04 x 30.07 x 18.78mm / 1 x 31.03 x 28.06 x 16.48mm / 1 x 29.01 x 26.05 x 15.90mm / 2 x 27.03 x 24.27 x 11.47mm / 2 x 28.03 x 25.25 x 9.93mm / 1 x 26.03 x 23.09 x 16.42mm /.
Use the right fluid. ZF Lifeguard Fluid 6 (Shell M1375.4), or the proven equivalent Ford Mercon SP. It has been stated by RRPhil who rebuilds transmissions that is imperative to use ZF 6HP specific fluid. The easiest and cheapest option is to buy Mercon SP which is the Fluid Ford designated for use with the ZF 6HP derived transmissions in Ford vehicles. I have used Mercon SP for over 40,000 miles. Even with the right fluid it will be important to drive the car in such a manner for the transmission to learn the new friction properties. It is important to note that I do not neccisarily advocate for resetting adaptations it is still imperative to drive like you have for the transmission to process the parameters it measures with the new fluid.
Procedure
1)Remove Oil Filler Plug (T50)
2) Remove Oil Drain Plug and Replace Plug after all transmission oil runs out.
3) With the engine stopped and the transmission in Park position, remove the oil filler plug. Add
transmission fluid until a small stream of oil runs out.
4) Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand. Start the engine.
5) With the engine running, remove the oil filler plug and add transmission fluid until a small stream of oil
runs out . Insert the filler plug and tighten by hand.
6) The transmission fluid temperature must be between 30°C and 35°C before checking can begin.
Use test equipment to determine the trans temperature or use an infrared thermal gun aimed at the oil stream or bottom of pan
7) The vehicle must be level with engine running at idle speed and air conditioning turned on.
8) Step on the brakes firmly, apply parking brake f ully and shif t to D and R, bri efly pausing in each
position before shifting back to the Park position.
9) Wit h the engine running at idle speed and the selector in Park position, remove the filler plug. Monitor
the transmission temperature, if a small stream of oil runs out at 40°C, the fluid level is correct.
10) If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low and oil needs to be added
until it overflows.
11) With engine running, install the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque.
Shifting Adaptations:
Executing the following is highly recommended after a fluid change for improved shifting quality:
Zf6hp26 Repair Manual Pdf
- Vehicle should be at normal operating temperature, transmission shifter in normal mode not sports.
- Accelerate from a rest through the gears on a moderate throttleuntil 6thgear is engaged (about 55mph).
- 0001Release throttle and allow car to coast down almost to a halt, do not use the brake until the car is at walking pace (if the brake is used at any time whilst the transmission is above 2nd gear the adaption process for this cycle will be aborted).
- Note: using a slight uphill gradient will help the car slow much quicker. If traffic conditions necessitate the use of the brakes during theacceleration or coasting process the cycle will have to be repeated.
- Hold foot on brake for 15 seconds once car has come to a halt.
0001Repeat this process a total of 5 times
2-1 Tip in Thump
Zf 6hp26 Manual Pdf
- Vehicle should be at normal operating temperature, transmission shifter in normal mode not sports.
- accelerate gently to 15 MPH
- Briskly Decelerate using ample braking power until 1 MPH
- “Rapidly” Accelerate using 50%-75% throttle
- Repeat the process a total of 6 times
Checking Fluid without a thermal Gun:
Dave Tallant, who always did a great job on my 4.6, has put up the best explanation for at home mechanics/enthusiasts to check the ZF 6HP26 Transmission fluid level; which, has always been a bit lets say specific, official ZF 6HP26 fluid level checking procedure calls for filling the transmission between 40-50 degrees C, in other words no higher than 50.
Mercon SP is developed by ford for use in the Jaguar LR 6hp26, which is useful considering its available and cheap. Here is the LR3 Transmission Drain & Refill Procedure and a general ZF 6 speed trouble shooting guide
In Dave’s Words (but my formatting):
Zf6hp26 Rebuild Manual
“On the 6 speed, it can be done up to 50*C, but I prefer cooler. Best way to do it is just first thing in the morning, and be quick about it.
With the truck cold, go under and crack the fill plug loose, but don’t remove. Have fluid and some sort of pump ready in case you need to top off. Start the truck, let it idle for about a minute in P. Get under and remove the fill plug, there should be a small stream coming out. If not, top off until there is, and put the plug back in. Don’t take more then 5 minutes for the whole thing after starting it, as the fluid heats up pretty quickly.”
Dave Tallant has since moved to
Zf6hp26 Service Manual
301.656.5651