Latest NHTSA 6-Speed Complaints

The Feds have closed the investigation pertaining to the 2011-12 Ford
Mustang’s 6-speed manual transmission issues. For those unaware of
the investigation, the NHTSA opened an investigation back in August
after several 2011-12 Mustang owners reported problems with their 6-
speed manual transmissions including cold shifting issues, sticky
shifts, grinding gears and noise within the trans. In total the NHTSA
received 364 unique reports from various owners indicating shift
quality issues.

The NHTSA’s official response was “There is no indication of loss of
motive power or unreasonable safety risk associated with the alleged
defect in the subject vehicles.”

The official report below addresses the issues and what Ford did to
resolve them.

The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data
provided by Ford as well as complaints submitted to ODI from
consumers.

Ford responded to the NHTSA’s investigation by identifying several
factors that may contribute to the shifting issues including a cold
transmission, clutch stay-out at high engine speeds, gear clash or
grinding, and gradual loosening of clutch plate bolts in some early
production vehicles.

The largest percentage of complaints indicated higher than expected
shift efforts in cold ambient temperatures. These complaints were
related to transmission fluid viscosity and the higher shift efforts
resolved themselves with the drivetrain warming. Ford published
technical service bulletin TSB 11-3-18 to inform technicians that a
lower viscosity fluid was available for use to address the cold shift
issues.

The clutch stay-out condition typically occurs at engine speeds
greater than 4000 rpm. It does not prevent the selection of any gear,
but may delay clutch re-engagement depending on how long the driver
maintains the higher engine speed. Ford identified rotating inertia of
the clutch components as the root cause and replacement clutch pedal
parts were made available under Ford TSB 10-19-4.

A number of reports alleged increasing difficulty selecting gears
along with gear clash or grinding. Grinding or notchy gear shifts may
be caused by gradual loosening of clutch plate fasteners, which is
promoted by certain aggressive shifting. This condition is progressive
in nature and initially results in symptoms related to shift quality/
feel. Clutch plate bolt loosening will not result in inability to
select any gear unless the progressive symptoms are ignored until
complete clutch failure occurs.

ODI’s analysis identified only five complaints alleging an inability
to shift into gear due to loose clutch plate bolts. None of these
resulted in a stall and gear shifting could occur before engine start.
A revised fastener was designed and implemented in production and is
available for service through a special service message. There is no
indication of loss of motive power or unreasonable safety risk
associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. This
preliminary evaluation is closed.

Source: Ford and NHTSA

Patrick

" > wrote in message
...
The Feds have closed the investigation pertaining to the 2011-12 Ford
Mustang’s 6-speed manual transmission issues.

The largest percentage of complaints indicated higher than expected
shift efforts in cold ambient temperatures. These complaints were
related to transmission fluid viscosity and the higher shift efforts
resolved themselves with the drivetrain warming. Ford published
technical service bulletin TSB 11-3-18 to inform technicians that a
lower viscosity fluid was available for use to address the cold shift
issues.

Sweet!

Haven't been to this place in a long time. Straight away, I find
something useful.

Thanks for postin' that up. Been noticing that the cooler weather has
brought out a little more resistance to shifting when first getting
going. Wasn't going to bother taking it in, but I had wondered if a
change in lube might help things out. Will certainly look into that.

I see you've still got a 5.0, just not in the '93 Cobra.
Did you hang on to the Cobra?

--
John C.

On Dec 21, 6:16*pm, "John C." > wrote:
> " > wrote in message
>
> ...
> The Feds have closed the investigation pertaining to the 2011-12 Ford
> Mustang’s 6-speed manual transmission issues.
>
> The largest percentage of complaints indicated higher than expected
> shift efforts in cold ambient temperatures. These complaints were
> related to transmission fluid viscosity and the higher shift efforts
> resolved themselves with the drivetrain warming. Ford published
> technical service bulletin TSB 11-3-18 to inform technicians that a
> lower viscosity fluid was available for use to address the cold shift
> issues.
>
> Sweet!
>
> Haven't been to this place in a long time. Straight away, I find
> something useful.
>
> Thanks for postin' that up. Been noticing that the cooler weather has
> brought out a little more resistance to shifting when first getting
> going. Wasn't going to bother taking it in, but I had wondered if a
> change in lube might help things out. Will certainly look into that.
>
> I see you've still got a 5.0, *just not in the '93 Cobra. *
> Did you hang on to the Cobra?

John,

I kept it for about a year after I got the '11. (I kept it in a
friend's garage when the '11 came home.) But with only a two-slot
garage, it had to go -- I wasn't leaving it outside in the elements.
So now I'm Foxless -- It was a long run '87-'11.

What did you get?

Patrick

" > wrote in message
...

>I kept it for about a year after I got the '11. (I kept it in a
>friend's garage when the '11 came home.) But with only a two-slot
>garage, it had to go -- I wasn't leaving it outside in the elements.
>So now I'm Foxless -- It was a long run '87-'11.

>What did you get?


*_curse this newsreader_*

Well, I started out in the morning, on a mission to buy a pre-owned
Ridgeline.
I wasn't feelin' it. : /

On the way home I went past a dealership where I'd seen a few GTs back
in the fall of '10. Damned if there weren't still two there, buried
in the center of the lot.
$hit!! So much for being practical...

I got an '11 GT Premium. Kona Blue, Stone interior, 6-spd.
Zero options, other than what they call the "security package".
It has the small spoiler, but I can live with that.

Took delivery 4/2/2011. The '12s were coming , and they were offering
incentives. Good timing.

The other choice was a heavily optioned convertible.
I'm a convertible guy, but the hardtop looks *so* much better in this
body style.
IMHO, of course!

On Dec 22, 6:45*pm, "John C." > wrote:
> " > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> >I kept it for about a year after I got the '11. *(I kept it in a
> >friend's garage when the '11 came home.) *But with only a two-slot
> >garage, it had to go -- I wasn't leaving it outside in the elements.
> >So now I'm Foxless -- It was a long run '87-'11.
> >What did you get?
>
> *_curse this newsreader_*
>
> Well, I started out in the morning, on a mission to buy a pre-owned
> Ridgeline.
> I wasn't feelin' it. *: /

From Ridgeline to Mustang, yes, you certainly weren't feelin' it!
That's on the level of went out looking for a 4-door Camry, drove home
in a Corvette. :-)

> On the way home I went past a dealership where I'd seen a few GTs back
> in the fall of *'10. Damned if there weren't still two there, buried
> in the center of the lot.
> $hit!! So much for being practical...
>
> I got an '11 GT Premium. Kona Blue, Stone interior, 6-spd.
> Zero options, other than what they call the "security package".
> It has the small spoiler, but I can live with that.

I considered Kona blue. When I told my son I considered it, knowing
my tastes like he does, he said "it wouldn't have been you car." I
replied, yes, it's not me, but I do like the color though!

> Took delivery 4/2/2011. The '12s were coming , and they were offering
> incentives. Good timing.

I special ordered mine. It came in 08/2010. You can guess what mine
came with. (Hint: All performance.)

> The other choice was a heavily optioned convertible.
> I'm a convertible guy, but the hardtop looks *so* much better in this
> body style.
> IMHO, of course! *

I'd might rent a 'vert, but I'd never own one... again, just me.

I just love the look of these cars. The '05s-'09s were nice (and I
love ringing out that 4.6), but the '10s and up have a touch of
aggression while still looking somewhat pedestrian. Perfect!

Patrick

" > wrote in message
...
>I considered Kona blue. When I told my son I considered it, knowing
>my tastes like he does, he said "it wouldn't have been you car." I
>replied, yes, it's not me, but I do like the color though!

I hear ya! 8 of my last 9 new cars have been Black on Black! When I
saw the Kona in the sunlight, I says to myself; "Not too shabby at
all" haha!
Always got comments of "nice car!" on the Black ones,.. now just have
to get used to hearing "nice color" .

>I special ordered mine. It came in 08/2010. You can guess what mine
>came with. (Hint: All performance.)

Gotta have the big brakes! I'm guessing the 3.73's, too!

Definitely going to upgrade the brakes when the time comes, looking
around for some shiney 5-spokes that suit me. 19" is an odd size, more
selection in 20", but I hate to go that large. : / I'd love to find
some better binders to fit with an 18" wheel.

I'm on the fence with regard to the gears. How do you like the 3.73's
with this tranny?


>I'd might rent a 'vert, but I'd never own one... again, just me.

Replacing tops every 5-6 years gets old. But I _do_ love the topless
experience.

>I just love the look of these cars. The '05s-'09s were nice (and I
>love ringing out that 4.6), but the '10s and up have a touch of
>aggression while still looking somewhat pedestrian. Perfect!

Couldn't agree more. Nice _clean_ aggressive styling. I don't miss the
stick-on body mods of years past...at all.

I saw a post above where you got it dynoed. Been to the track?

On Dec 26, 8:59*am, "John C." > wrote:
> " > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> >I considered Kona blue. *When I told my son I considered it, knowing
> >my tastes like he does, he said "it wouldn't have been you car." *I
> >replied, yes, it's not me, but I do like the color though!
>
> I hear ya! 8 of my last 9 new cars have been Black on Black! When I
> saw the Kona in the sunlight, I says to myself; "Not too shabby at
> all" haha!
> Always got comments of "nice car!" on the Black ones,.. now just have
> to get used to hearing "nice color" .
>
> >I special ordered mine. *It came in 08/2010. *You can guess what mine
> >came with. *(Hint: All performance.)
>
> Gotta have the big brakes! I'm guessing the 3.73's, too! *

Yep, Brembos and 3.73s. I deleted the rear spoiler and picked the
standard interior.

> Definitely going to upgrade the brakes when the time comes, looking
> around for some shiney 5-spokes that suit me. 19" is an odd size, more
> selection in 20", but I hate to go that large. : / *I'd love to find
> some better binders to fit with an 18" wheel.

> I'm on the fence with regard to the gears. How do you like the 3.73's
> with this tranny?

To tell you the truth, to do it again, I'd opt for the 55s. (And for
those doing lots of highway driving, I'd pick the standard gear.) I
was thinking with the taller wheels and rev-happy motor that the 73s
would be the best match, but these motors pull so hard you don't need
the extra gearing.

> >I'd might rent a 'vert, but I'd never own one... again, just me.

> Replacing tops every 5-6 years gets old. But I _do_ love the topless
> experience. *

They are nice. They just put me in a different mood than a solid top
car. When I drive a 'vert I feel like I have all day to get there.
When I'm in a hardtop, I feel like the clock is ticking and the race
is on.

> >I just love the look of these cars. *The '05s-'09s were nice (and I
> >love ringing out that 4.6), but the '10s and up have a touch of
> >aggression while still looking somewhat pedestrian. *Perfect!

> Couldn't agree more. Nice _clean_ aggressive styling. I don't miss the
> stick-on body mods of years past...at all.

Yes, I hope a cleaner body persists.

> I saw a post above where you got it dynoed. Been to the track?

Not yet. I have a local track, but it's an 1/8 mile. Unless you're
running stickier tires an 1/8 mile track is sort of pointless.

Patrick

In article
>,
" > wrote:

> On Dec 26, 8:59*am, "John C." > wrote:
> > " > wrote in message
> >
> > ...
> >
----- Lil snip -----

> >
> > Gotta have the big brakes! I'm guessing the 3.73's, too! *
>
> Yep, Brembos and 3.73s. I deleted the rear spoiler and picked the
> standard interior.
>
> > Definitely going to upgrade the brakes when the time comes, looking
> > around for some shiney 5-spokes that suit me. 19" is an odd size, more
> > selection in 20", but I hate to go that large. : / *I'd love to find
> > some better binders to fit with an 18" wheel.
>
> > I'm on the fence with regard to the gears. How do you like the 3.73's
> > with this tranny?
>
> To tell you the truth, to do it again, I'd opt for the 55s. (And for
> those doing lots of highway driving, I'd pick the standard gear.) I
> was thinking with the taller wheels and rev-happy motor that the 73s
> would be the best match, but these motors pull so hard you don't need
> the extra gearing.

Speaking of rears and gears. I'm putting mine off again, had to take out
a couple of trees before they took out my house this freezing rain
season. That set me back $900. Crap, save a dollar, spend two.

I have an '09 v6 with the 3.32, and of course, one wheel drive. Auto
trans. I had planned on the 8" 3.73, and limited slip. But after reading
a few forums I'm wondering if the 3.55 gears will be better.

I drive to work every day, about 20 miles on the interstate. I also plan
on doing some interstate sight seeing a couple of times a year. I'd like
the low gears for get up and go, but will there be much of a difference
in MPG and acceleration between the 2 gears?

Plus, with the 3.55 gears I can use my 7" axel, saving a little money.
Or is that a bad idea? I understand I could break a 3.73 pinion on a 7"
axel with a v6. Is that right? It's not like I'll ever be near 300 hp
with his car.

I'm still leaning toward the 8" 3.73. I'm just fishing for opinions.
Thanks.

--
For all you know this message was...
Sent via an exclusive network, on a snobby portable computing device.

"twk" > wrote in message
...
> In article
> >,
> " > wrote:
>
>> On Dec 26, 8:59 am, "John C." > wrote:
>> > " > wrote in message
>> >
>> > ...
>> >
> ----- Lil snip -----
>
>> >
>> > Gotta have the big brakes! I'm guessing the 3.73's, too!
>>
>> Yep, Brembos and 3.73s. I deleted the rear spoiler and picked the
>> standard interior.
>>
>> > Definitely going to upgrade the brakes when the time comes, looking
>> > around for some shiney 5-spokes that suit me. 19" is an odd size, more
>> > selection in 20", but I hate to go that large. : / I'd love to find
>> > some better binders to fit with an 18" wheel.
>>
>> > I'm on the fence with regard to the gears. How do you like the 3.73's
>> > with this tranny?
>>
>> To tell you the truth, to do it again, I'd opt for the 55s. (And for
>> those doing lots of highway driving, I'd pick the standard gear.) I
>> was thinking with the taller wheels and rev-happy motor that the 73s
>> would be the best match, but these motors pull so hard you don't need
>> the extra gearing.
>
> Speaking of rears and gears. I'm putting mine off again, had to take out
> a couple of trees before they took out my house this freezing rain
> season. That set me back $900. Crap, save a dollar, spend two.
>
> I have an '09 v6 with the 3.32, and of course, one wheel drive. Auto
> trans. I had planned on the 8" 3.73, and limited slip. But after reading
> a few forums I'm wondering if the 3.55 gears will be better.
>
> I drive to work every day, about 20 miles on the interstate. I also plan
> on doing some interstate sight seeing a couple of times a year. I'd like
> the low gears for get up and go, but will there be much of a difference
> in MPG and acceleration between the 2 gears?
>
> Plus, with the 3.55 gears I can use my 7" axel, saving a little money.
> Or is that a bad idea? I understand I could break a 3.73 pinion on a 7"
> axel with a v6. Is that right? It's not like I'll ever be near 300 hp
> with his car.
>
> I'm still leaning toward the 8" 3.73. I'm just fishing for opinions.
> Thanks.
>

torque increase is 3.73 / 3.55 = 1.0507 or 5.1%
if you go 70 mph, your engine will rev higher by 1.0507 or 5.1%

MPG would go down with 3.73 some.

I think the Tires would have more of an effect, summer performance tires
grip great when warm, winter tires, or plane tires are hard and slip too
much.

On Dec 27, 12:00*pm, twk > wrote:
> In article
> >,
>
> " > wrote:
> > On Dec 26, 8:59*am, "John C." > wrote:
> > > " > wrote in message
>
> > ....
>
> * * * *----- *Lil snip *-----
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > Gotta have the big brakes! I'm guessing the 3.73's, too! *
>
> > Yep, Brembos and 3.73s. *I deleted the rear spoiler and picked the
> > standard interior.
>
> > > Definitely going to upgrade the brakes when the time comes, looking
> > > around for some shiney 5-spokes that suit me. 19" is an odd size, more
> > > selection in 20", but I hate to go that large. : / *I'd love to find
> > > some better binders to fit with an 18" wheel.
>
> > > I'm on the fence with regard to the gears. How do you like the 3.73's
> > > with this tranny?
>
> > To tell you the truth, to do it again, I'd opt for the 55s. *(And for
> > those doing lots of highway driving, I'd pick the standard gear.) *I
> > was thinking with the taller wheels and rev-happy motor that the 73s
> > would be the best match, but these motors pull so hard you don't need
> > the extra gearing.
>
> Speaking of rears and gears. I'm putting mine off again, had to take out
> a couple of trees before they took out my house this freezing rain
> season. That set me back $900. Crap, save a dollar, spend two.
>
> I have an '09 v6 with the 3.32, and of course, one wheel drive. Auto
> trans. I had planned on the 8" 3.73, and limited slip. But after reading
> a few forums I'm wondering if the 3.55 gears will be better.
>
> I drive to work every day, about 20 miles on the interstate. I also plan
> on doing some interstate sight seeing a couple of times a year. I'd like
> the low gears for get up and go, but will there be much of a difference
> in MPG and acceleration between the 2 gears?
>
> Plus, with the 3.55 gears I can use my 7" axle, saving a little money.
> Or is that a bad idea? I understand I could break a 3.73 pinion on a 7"
> axle with a v6. Is that right? It's not like I'll ever be near 300 hp
> with his car.

> I'm still leaning toward the 8" 3.73. I'm just fishing for opinions.
> Thanks.

3.55 is considered an aggressive street gear.
3.73 is considered a street/strip gear.

For lower reving and/or pushrod motors I'd follow this rule to a tee.
For smoother, higher reving and/or OHV motors you can get away with
going more aggressive.


The use you describe for your car I wouldn't advise anything more than
55s.

Patrick