Complete eight-solenoid set for the Aisin TF-81SC/TF-80SC/AF40-6 six-speed - cures harsh shifts, flare, lockup shudder and limp mode.
Owners of a Mazda CX-9, Mazda 6, Ford Fusion or Mondeo, Volvo XC60 or Saab 9-5 with the Aisin six-speed usually land here after the same chain of events: a bang on the 1-2 or 2-3, a lazy flare between gears, a shudder at 40-50 mph, and finally a solenoid code with the car stuck in one gear. This kit is all eight valve body solenoids for the Aisin TF-81SC, which Ford catalogs as the AF21 and Mazda as the AW6A-EL, so the whole electrical side of the valve body is renewed in one pan drop.
Sonnax's identification chart for the TF-81SC lists the eight solenoids by name and connector: two on/off shift solenoids (SSA and SSB) and six linear solenoids, including the lock-up and line pressure units. The on/off pair moves the shift valves; the linear units set how hard each clutch applies and when the converter clutch locks. Sonnax notes the two on/off solenoids are interchangeable with each other, while the linear ones are not, so each needs to go back where it came from.
The solenoids are fed by a modulator valve in the valve body. Sonnax sells an oversized modulator valve kit for this family because a worn modulator bore lets solenoid feed pressure wander, which produces the same complaints as a weak solenoid. That is worth knowing before you spend money.
Check the fluid level and condition first; low or burnt fluid mimics every symptom above. Pull codes with a scan tool that reads the transmission module, not just generic engine codes. Then measure each solenoid at the connector. Per Sonnax, SSA and SSB read roughly 11 to 15 ohms, and the linear solenoids read around 5 to 7 ohms. Our solenoid multimeter test guide shows how, and shift flare vs. slip helps you tell a control problem from worn clutches. If the clutches are slipping, solenoids alone will not fix it.
The listing covers 2005-2016 Ford Mondeo and Fusion, Mazda 6 and CX-9, Volvo S40, S60, S80, XC60 and XC70, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Peugeot 307, 407 and 607, Citroen C4, C5 and C6, Fiat Croma and Renault Laguna, with OEM references TF80-SC, TF81-SC and AF40-6. Not every trim of those models got this transmission; many four-cylinder versions used a different gearbox. Confirm the transmission tag says TF-81SC, AF21 or AW6A-EL, or send us your year and VIN. More parts for this unit are on our Aisin parts page.
If the car also shudders on lock-up after the swap, the converter clutch control circuit may need attention; the separate TF-81SC TCC solenoid is listed for that job. For worn valve body bores, the TF-81SC shift kit or a complete valve body is the longer-lasting repair.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
They are names for the same Aisin six-speed family. Ford uses AF21 and Mazda uses AW6A-EL, and Sonnax lists the same valve body parts across them. Still check your transmission tag before ordering.
It can, if the lock-up solenoid is the cause. If shudder continues with new solenoids and fresh fluid, the converter clutch itself or the lock-up control valve is the next suspect.
The two on/off shift solenoids are interchangeable with each other. The six linear solenoids are not, so keep each in its original bore.
It was built for Aisin JWS 3309-type fluid, but carmakers list their own part numbers. Use the fluid in your owner's manual and set the level hot.
Yes. Clear codes and reset the transmission adaptations, then drive the car so the module relearns its shift timing.
