6-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Six-speed SelectShift on 2017–2023 EcoBlue Transit Custom models uses conventional torque-converter and hydraulic control, making pressure, solenoids, valve body and converter behaviour important.
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The Ford Transit Custom has become increasingly complex as the range has moved from six-speed SelectShift to a new eight-speed automatic, available alongside AWD on relevant derivatives, while PHEV and E-Transit Custom use electrified drivetrains.
For a working van, a hesitation into Drive or a harsh shift can quickly become a downtime problem. We identify whether the fault is inside the conventional automatic, linked to AWD or part of an electrified system before recommending repair.
Transit Custom automatic applications include six-speed SelectShift across later first-generation EcoBlue vans, an eight-speed automatic on the all-new diesel model and distinct PHEV/electric drivetrains on current electrified versions.
| Transit Custom generation / type | Typical UK versions | Automatic gearbox | What owners often search for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Custom, 2012–2016 | Early 2.2 TDCi models | Primarily manual; automatic availability limited by market/specification | Transit Custom gearbox fault, van transmission issue |
| Transit Custom EcoBlue, 2017–2023 | 2.0 EcoBlue 130/170 PS and related automatic versions | 6-speed SelectShift automatic | Transit Custom 6-speed auto fault, delayed Drive, harsh shifts |
| All-new Transit Custom, 2024–present diesel | 136 PS and 170 PS EcoBlue automatic versions | 8-speed automatic; intelligent AWD available with automatic | New Transit Custom 8-speed gearbox fault, AWD transmission warning |
| Transit Custom PHEV / E-Transit Custom | Plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants | Electrified drivetrains; not the same conventional diesel 6/8-speed automatic | Transit Custom PHEV transmission warning, E-Transit drive fault |
Six-speed SelectShift on 2017–2023 EcoBlue Transit Custom models uses conventional torque-converter and hydraulic control, making pressure, solenoids, valve body and converter behaviour important.
The all-new diesel Transit Custom uses an eight-speed automatic on relevant 136/170 PS versions, with intelligent AWD available on some automatic configurations.
PHEV and E-Transit Custom use electrified drive systems rather than the same conventional six-/eight-speed automatic arrangement, so diagnosis must include hybrid or EV control systems.
Transit Custom owners often search for '6-speed automatic fault', 'new 8-speed gearbox problem', 'delayed Drive', 'harsh shifting' or 'PHEV transmission warning'. The van's generation and drivetrain decide which of those terms is relevant.
Delayed engagement on a six-/eight-speed automatic can come from hydraulic pressure, valve-body operation, converter fill or internal clutch application.
Harsh shifts may result from solenoid control, adaptation, pressure regulation or internal wear, especially on vans used in repeated stop-start work.
Converter shudder can appear at steady road speed and may be confused with driveshaft, AWD or wheel-related vibration.
RPM flare under load indicates unwanted internal slip and should be investigated before commercial use accelerates the damage.
An AWD or PHEV warning may involve systems outside the conventional automatic gearbox and should be diagnosed across the relevant modules.
Whining or clunks can come from transmission bearings, differential, driveshafts, AWD components, mounts or wheel bearings.
Tell us whether the Transit Custom fault appears while loaded, during urban stop-start work, on a steady motorway run or when AWD/PHEV operation changes. That context helps reproduce the problem efficiently.
| What you notice | How drivers describe it | Possible areas to investigate |
|---|---|---|
| Delay selecting Drive | “I select D and the van takes a moment to move.” | Hydraulic pressure, valve body, clutch application or seals |
| Hard shift when loaded | “It changes much harder with weight in the van.” | Pressure control, valve body, mounts or internal clutch wear |
| RPM flare on hills | “The revs rise but road speed does not.” | Internal clutch slip, converter/control or hydraulic pressure loss |
| Shudder under light throttle | “It vibrates when the gearbox settles into a higher gear.” | Converter lock-up, valve body, fluid condition or driveline vibration |
| Whine with road speed | “The noise gets louder the faster I drive.” | Transmission bearings, differential, propshaft or wheel bearing |
| Warning after long run | “The transmission warning appears when the van is hot.” | Temperature/pressure control, sensor data, internal wear or protection mode |
Transit Custom codes need generation-specific interpretation. Six-speed and eight-speed hydraulic data differs, while PHEV and electric faults require electrified powertrain diagnostics rather than conventional gearbox assumptions.
| Fault code | What it broadly relates to | What may need checking |
|---|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission control system warning request | Read the Ford transmission control module for the underlying gearbox-specific DTCs |
| P0715 | Input / turbine speed sensor circuit | Speed-sensor signal, wiring, control data and internal transmission operation |
| P0722 | Output speed sensor signal fault | Output-speed signal, wiring, sensor data and transmission control |
| P0730 | Incorrect gear ratio | Commanded versus actual ratio, clutch application, hydraulic pressure and internal wear |
| P0741 | Torque-converter clutch performance on applicable conventional automatics | Converter lock-up, valve body, hydraulic pressure and fluid condition |
Current Transit Custom diesel, AWD, PHEV and electric versions do not share one transmission architecture.
Transit Custom repair cost ranges from valve-body and converter work to full six-speed reconditioning, while the newer eight-speed, AWD and PHEV systems are quoted after diagnosis.
| Ford Transit Custom gearbox work | Typical guide range | What can change the price? |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan and road test | From £30 | Generation, AWD and working conditions |
| Valve-body / solenoid repair | Approx. £900 - £1,700 | Six-/eight-speed automatic and hydraulic wear |
| Converter related repair | Approx. £900 - £1,800+ | Converter condition and removal labour |
| 6-speed full repair / reconditioning | Approx. £2.5k - £4.5k+ | Internal damage and commercial-duty parts |
| New 8-speed / AWD / PHEV work | Diagnosis required | Latest platform, AWD or electrified integration |
We confirm Transit Custom generation, engine, automatic, AWD and PHEV/EV specification.
Ford-compatible diagnostics are used to inspect the conventional transmission or electrified drivetrain fitted.
The van is tested under the work pattern and load condition where the fault appears.
We then quote the hydraulic, converter, internal, AWD or electrified-system repair supported by the diagnosis.
Tell us the Transit Custom year, diesel/PHEV/EV status and whether the fault is delayed Drive, harsh shifts, shudder, slipping or a drivetrain warning.
Service4Service South-East provides Ford Transit Custom automatic gearbox diagnostics and repair across the South East, including six-speed, newer eight-speed and AWD-related transmission work.
Bespoke collection and delivery can be discussed where a van should not be driven, with regional service pages helping commercial customers find the relevant South-East support.
More Ford gearbox guides:
For the wider Ford transmission range, visit our Ford gearbox repair page for the South East.
On conventional six- or eight-speed automatics, hydraulic pressure loss, valve-body control, converter fill and internal clutch application are common areas to investigate.
Solenoid operation, adaptation, hydraulic pressure, converter behaviour and internal wear can all affect shift quality, especially when the van is hot or loaded.
Yes. Relevant all-new diesel Transit Custom derivatives use an eight-speed automatic, while AWD is available on certain automatic versions.
No. The plug-in hybrid uses an electrified drivetrain, so faults need hybrid-system diagnosis rather than applying six- or eight-speed diesel automatic assumptions.
The guide table lists valve-body and converter work separately from six-speed full reconditioning. New eight-speed, AWD and PHEV repairs require vehicle-specific diagnosis.
Commercial use should be minimised if the transmission is flaring or losing drive because payload and heat can accelerate clutch and internal transmission damage.
Transit Custom diagnosis starts by separating six-speed, newer eight-speed, AWD and electrified variants before deciding where the fault actually sits.