TF-81SC Shift Kit 2005-2006, new and ready to install. Fits the TF-81SC. Ships fast from the USA.
A 2005 or 2006 Ford Fusion, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego or Mazda 6, or a 2006 Mercury Milan or Lincoln Zephyr with the Aisin six-speed often comes in with the same list: a bump-bump feel on downshifts above about 30 mph once it is warm, flares on the upshifts, a bang on part-throttle kickdown and a converter that shudders. Shops that open these units are often surprised how clean the fluid and clutches are. That is because the wear is in the valve body, and this TransGo SK AWF21 shift kit is built to repair it. Ford calls the unit the AWF21, Mazda calls it the AW6A-EL, and Aisin calls it the TF-81SC.
The TF-81SC is a transverse six-speed with an electronic valve body. Linear pressure control solenoids do not move clutches by themselves; they send a signal to regulator valves, and those valves set how fast and how hard each clutch applies. A solenoid modulator valve feeds clean, steady supply oil to those solenoids. After enough heat cycles the aluminum bores around these valves wear, and the oil that should hold a signal leaks away. The computer commands a smooth shift, but the clutch sees a soft, late or double apply, which is the bump-bump and flare drivers notice.
TransGo's SK AWF21 targets that circuit. Per TransGo, the kit includes two drop-in solenoid regulator valve assemblies, a drop-in TCC (lock-up) boost valve assembly, and parts to renew the pressure control solenoids. Drop-in valve assemblies carry their own sleeves, so a worn bore stops leaking without the valve body being reamed. The TCC boost valve addresses the lock-up slip and shudder these units are known for.
Rule out the inexpensive things first. Check the fluid level at the check plug with the fluid hot, clean the case connector, and measure the solenoids; our solenoid multimeter test guide shows how. If a linear solenoid is out of range, replace solenoids along with the kit. Next, decide whether you have a flare or a true slip. A flare shows up only during the shift change, while a slip continues in gear; our flare versus slip guide explains how to tell them apart on a road test. Flares, bump downshifts and lock-up shudder on clean fluid point at the valve body and this kit. Slipping in gear with dark, burnt fluid points at clutches.
This is the 2005-2006 application. TransGo's vehicle list for the SK AWF21 is the 2005-2006 Ford Fusion and Five Hundred, 2005-2006 Mazda 6, 2005-2006 Mercury Montego, and the 2006 Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. TransGo describes the kit as fitting first-generation TF-81SC units from 2005 to 2009 with a 1.100 inch solenoid can outside diameter. If you have a 2007 or later vehicle, pull a solenoid and measure the can before ordering, since later valve bodies changed. Not sure which you have? Send us the year and VIN. Our Aisin transmission parts page lists everything we stock for this family, including the TF-81SC shift kit for other years.
TransGo states that the kit installs without removing the transmission. Professional installation is recommended. Drain the fluid, remove the pan and filter, disconnect the solenoid harness, and lower the valve body. Work one section at a time and keep every valve, spring and retainer in order, because the instructions call out each bore by location. If testing showed a weak linear solenoid, install a new 8-piece solenoid set while the valve body is out. If the castings are cracked or the bores too far gone, a replacement TF-81SC valve body is the better path. Use a new filter and pan gasket, refill with the JWS 3309-type ATF your owner's manual specifies, and set the level hot at the check plug. Reset the adaptive values with a scan tool and complete a relearn drive; our adaptive relearn guide covers the process. If you skip it, the first few days of shifting can feel worse instead of better.
| Fits | TF-81SC 2005-2006 |
| Part type | Shift Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | TransGo |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
TransGo lists the 2005-2006 Ford Fusion and Five Hundred, 2005-2006 Mazda 6, 2005-2006 Mercury Montego, and the 2006 Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr with the Aisin six-speed automatic (Ford AWF21, Mazda AW6A-EL).
TransGo says the kit fits first-generation TF-81SC units from 2005-2009 with a 1.100 inch solenoid can outside diameter. Measure a solenoid can before ordering for a 2007-up car, or send us your VIN and we will check.
No. TransGo states the kit does not require transmission removal. The valve body comes out from underneath after the pan, filter and solenoid harness are removed. Professional installation is still recommended.
It can, when the shudder comes from lock-up pressure leakage. The kit includes a drop-in TCC boost valve assembly for TCC slip and shudder. Shudder from a damaged converter clutch or old fluid also needs the converter or fluid addressed.
Use the JWS 3309-type ATF your owner's manual specifies, with a new filter and pan gasket. Set the level hot at the check plug, then reset adaptives and complete a relearn drive.
Test them first. The kit includes parts to renew the pressure control solenoids, but a linear solenoid that measures out of range should be replaced while the valve body is out.
