Full synthetic ultra-low-viscosity ATF, six quarts to a case, for Ford 10R80 and GM 10L80 automatics that call for a ULV-spec fluid.
Doing a fluid service on a 2017-up F-150, Expedition, Navigator or Ranger with the Ford 10R80, or on a GM 10L80 truck that calls for an ultra-low-viscosity fluid? This is a case of six one-quart bottles of Valvoline ULV, a full synthetic ATF built for the thin-fluid ten-speeds. Quarts are the practical package for these units: you are pumping fluid in from underneath, and a quart bottle lets you count exactly how much went in, which matters on a transmission that overheats and vents when it is overfilled by as little as one quart.
Ford and GM developed the ten-speed together, and both versions shift clutch-to-clutch with no bands. The fluid applies every clutch, controls the converter clutch, lubricates the planetary sets and carries heat to the cooler. Both companies calibrated their shift timing around a ULV fluid. The TCM learns how long each clutch takes to fill, and a thicker fluid like Mercon LV makes those fills slow. The result is delayed engagement, a harsh 1-2 and a converter clutch that shudders once the fluid is warm. Valvoline formulates this fluid with anti-shudder friction modifiers aimed at that converter clutch apply and release cycle.
Check for codes first. Solenoid, pressure or ratio codes point to hardware, and the ten-speed shift solenoid guide covers how to test them. If the unit is venting after a recent repair, Sonnax's advice is to check the level before anything else, because a unit filled cold on the lift often ends up about a quart high once it gets hot. Our 10-speed fluid and capacity guide explains the pan-tube level system both versions share.
This case is for the ULV-spec ten-speeds: Ford 10R60 and 10R80 and GM 10L80 and 10L90. It is not for the Ford 6R80 or GM 6L80 and 8L90, which take Mercon LV or DEXRON VI or HP. Model year alone is not enough, since several trucks offered more than one transmission in the same year. Confirm your owner's manual calls for MERCON ULV or DEXRON ULV, or send us the year and VIN and we will check it for you. GM and Ford each name their own licensed ULV fluid, so if your truck is under a powertrain warranty, keep your receipt. Ten-speed parts are listed on our 10L80 and ten-speed parts page.
Six quarts is enough for a drain-and-fill, not a dry fill. A pan drop leaves fluid in the converter and cooler, so most techs drain and refill once, drive, then repeat a few thousand miles later to dilute the rest. For a rebuilt unit, Sonnax gives 13.0 quarts for a 2020 F-150 10R80 filled dry, so buy three cases. Fill through the pan plug with a pump. On the Ford side, check the level at normal operating temperature, which Sonnax lists as 96-101 C (206-215 F), with the truck level. GM's procedure for the 10L80 uses its own window, so follow your service information. If the old fluid shows clutch material, plan for internal parts like the 10R80 friction clutch module kit. If the unit has been running hot, inspect the ten-speed transmission cooler for restriction before you blame the new fluid.
| Volume | |
| Fluid type | |
| Applications | |
| Base oil | |
| Shipping weight |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
For a drain-and-fill, yes. A pan drop typically pulls six to seven quarts because the converter and cooler hold the rest. For a pan and filter job with a full refill, or a rebuilt unit, plan on more: a dry 2020 F-150 10R80 takes about 13 quarts.
No. Those six-speeds call for Mercon LV or DEXRON VI, which are thicker. ULV fluid in a unit designed for those grades can cause soft shifts and slipping. Use it only where the manual says MERCON ULV or DEXRON ULV.
The most common cause is overfill. If the level is set cold, the fluid expands at operating temperature and can end up about a quart high, which causes both venting and overheating. Recheck the level hot at the fill plug and drain the excess.
It is good practice with any ULV fluid. GM's own instructions for its DEXRON ULV tell techs to shake the bottles so the additives are mixed back in. It costs a few seconds per quart.
It helps. Clearing the adaptive shift tables and running a relearn lets the TCM learn the new fluid's fill times right away instead of over many drive cycles. Ford and GM both support a relearn through a capable scan tool.
