How can I tell what transmission is in my Ford Explorer?
The quickest way to know is to check official vehicle documentation or the VIN, but you can also confirm by inspecting the transmission itself. In general, Explorers built before 2020 mostly use a 6-speed automatic, while 2020 and newer models commonly use a 10-speed automatic. Here’s how to verify yours with reliable methods and practical checks.
Official sources and documentation
Relying on the car’s paperwork is usually the most reliable starting point. The following sources typically list the exact transmission installed on your vehicle.
- Window sticker (Monroney label): Look for a line that reads “Transmission” or “Drivetrain.” It will typically say “6-Speed Automatic” or “10-Speed Automatic.”
- Owner’s manual or the vehicle’s specification page in the manual: These documents often include the drivetrain details.
- Purchase invoice, build sheet, or dealer documentation: Factory data pages and RPO/build sheets usually specify the transmission model.
- Dealer or Ford official VIN lookup: A dealer can pull the exact drivetrain configuration from Ford’s system using your VIN and confirm the transmission type and code (for example, 6F35, 6F50, or 10R80).
These official sources provide the most dependable confirmation of which transmission your Explorer uses. If you don’t have the sticker or paperwork handy, move to VIN-based methods or a dealer inquiry for verification.
VIN decoding and dealer resources
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the authoritative identity for your car. Most Explorer VINs can be decoded to reveal the drivetrain and transmission information, though some third-party decoders may vary in depth. When in doubt, a dealer can pull the exact factory configuration from Ford’s records using the VIN.
- Find the 17-digit VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb.
- Enter the VIN into Ford’s official VIN decoder or provide it to a Ford dealer. The result should indicate the transmission type or the exact transmission code (for example, 6F35, 6F50, or 10R80).
- If a consumer VIN tool does not show the transmission, ask the dealer to retrieve the factory build data or order-specific drivetrain information tied to your VIN.
- You can also sign in to Ford’s owner portal or contact customer service for a vehicle specification page that may include the transmission detail.
Using the VIN link to official sources is the most robust approach for a precise answer, especially for used Explorers where paperwork may be missing or incomplete.
Hands-on checks and model-year patterns
If you’re comfortable with a physical check and want to corroborate the documentation, these practical clues can help, though they’re best used in combination with the sources above.
- Look for a transmission model stamp or label on the transmission itself (often on the pan or an identification tag). Common codes include 6F35, 6F50 for six-speed automatics, and 10R80 for the 10-speed transmission. Access may require raising the vehicle or removing a panel, and should be performed by a qualified technician if you’re unsure.
- Observe the gear selector and the number of available gears and shift stages. A selector with many gears or a digital readout that shows 10 speeds suggests a 10-speed automatic; a simpler PRNDL with fewer positions is more typical of a 6-speed.
- Note model-year patterns: Explorers built prior to 2020 predominantly used a 6-speed automatic (with engine-specific variants like 6F35 or 6F50). Starting with the 2020 model year, Ford introduced a 10-speed automatic (10R80) on most trims.
Physical checks can provide corroboration, but they’re most effective when paired with documentation or VIN-based confirmation to avoid ambiguity.
Next steps and caveats
If you still aren’t sure after checking the paperwork, VIN, and a cautious physical inspection, contact a Ford dealer or a trusted technician with your VIN. They can pull the exact factory configuration from Ford’s systems and confirm the transmission model and related components. This is particularly helpful for secondhand buyers preparing a maintenance plan or for owners troubleshooting transmission-specific service notes.
Summary
To determine which transmission is in your Ford Explorer, start with the official sources: the window sticker, owner’s manual, build sheets, or a dealer VIN lookup. If those aren’t available, use the 17-digit VIN to access Ford’s decoder or have a dealer retrieve the factory data. In general, pre-2020 Explorers use a 6-speed automatic (with 6F35 or 6F50 variants), while 2020 and later models predominantly use a 10-speed automatic (10R80). A cautious physical check (transmission code on the pan or side tag and a close look at the gear selector) can provide corroboration, but the most reliable answer comes from official documentation or a dealer confirmation.
