Are Ford 6AT and GM 6AT the Same?
2 Answers
Ford 6AT and GM 6AT are the same because they were jointly developed, sharing identical product technology. A transmission is a device that changes speed ratios and the direction of motion. It is used in automobiles, tractors, ships, machine tools, and various machinery to alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. A gear-driven transmission typically consists of a housing and multiple gear pairs. Below are common transmission faults: 1. Oil leakage: Oil seeping from the transmission housing or oil pan can be caused by aging seals leading to poor sealing or manufacturing defects resulting in porosity in the housing. 2. Engine stalling when shifting into gear: Stalling when shifting into D or R may be due to a faulty lock-up solenoid valve or a stuck lock-up control valve. 3. Locked gear: This occurs when the transmission's input or output signals are incorrect or due to poor component or wiring conditions. Sometimes, it can also result from communication issues between the transmission control module and other system modules. 4. No response when shifting into gear: The vehicle does not move after shifting into D or R and releasing the brake. This is often caused by damage to the input shaft or reverse clutch, or a faulty D/R brake. 5. Abnormal noise: Unusual sounds from the transmission area during driving are usually caused by worn components or improper installation of the transmission.
I previously drove Ford's F-150 and GM's Chevrolet Silverado, both equipped with 6AT transmissions. The Ford shifted quickly and had strong power, especially in manual mode where the response was quite satisfying; the GM, on the other hand, was smoother and more fuel-efficient but sometimes developed vibrations over time. They are not the same—Ford used its self-developed 6F series, like the 6F35 in the Edge, while GM used the 6L80 series, with different internal components such as the number of clutch plates. In terms of manufacturing, Ford collaborated partly with ZF, whereas GM relied entirely on in-house development. The engine tuning also differs significantly, with Ford leaning towards sportiness and GM towards comfort. In terms of reliability, GM had early issues with shuddering, while Ford might have risks of oil leaks. I recommend test-driving both to feel the differences when choosing a car.
