G0000089 – DPS6 Clutch Adaptive Learn Tips And Error Resolution – Ford

General Service Bulletin (GSB):	DPS6 Clutch Adaptive Learn Tips And Error Resolution
GSB Overview:	This bulletin is intended to provide tips for completing the clutch adaptive relearn procedure, as well as information on resolving errors.
NOTE:  This information is not intended to replace or supersede any warranty, parts and service policy, Work Shop Manual (WSM) procedures or technical training or wiring diagram information.

 

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Note: While this article will cover many of the common faults associated with the DPS6 clutch adaptive learn procedure, it does not cover all possible faults. Furthermore the software associated with the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and IDS may change or be updated, always refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) for additional information.

 

Introduction

Accessing the Tool Functions within the IDS menu Structure:

Toolbox > Powertrain > Transmission > TCM Adaptive Learning

 

Routine Selection Description

• The TR Sensor Learn: Used to calibrate the transmission range sensor to the selected shifter detent positions. This operation must be performed in the event of replacement or removal/installation of the following components:
  • Transmission Assembly – this would include removal, replacement or internal transmission service
  • Removal or replacement of the transmission TR sensor
  • Removal or replacement of the shifter cable or shifter handle assembly
  • Replacement of the Transmission Control Module (TCM)

 

• Shift Drum Learn: Used to calibrate the TCM shift drum actuators so that the TCM can identify the proper shift drum angle to gear position.
  • Tool is NOT directly required to be used for every transmission service operation, as the Shift drum learn is included within the Clutch Adaptive learn Function.
  • This function can be used in the event that the shift drum portion does not complete during the clutch adaptive learn routine.
  • This would allow the tool user to focus their attention towards the Shift drum mechanisms themselves without the need of relearning all of the clutch parameters. (used for shift drum diagnostics only)

 

• Clutch Adaptive Learn: Used to clear and relearn basic mandatory clutch functions. Routine also includes Shift Drum Adaptive learn as part of the process.
  • Routine is required any time that the TCM, transmission assembly, clutch, clutch actuator, or any component related to the clutch engagement system is serviced or replaced. Routine will also be required by workshop manual or TSB procedure.
  • This routine will be the focus of this document.

 

Functionality of the Clutch Adaptive Learn Routine (Behind the scenes)

• The Clutch Adaptive Learn Routine can be viewed as three separate parts or phases. Phase one is for the adaptive memory clear, preliminary learn activities and the Clutch Travel Test. Phase two is for the clutch pressure plate adjustment and Phase three is the Clutch Touch Point Learn process. Each of the three phases will be described in detail in this document.

Phase One: TCM Module Resets
	Phase Two: Initial Clutch Adjustment
		Phase Three: Clutch Touch Point Adaptive Learn.

 

PHASE ONE: Memory Reset and Preliminary Learn 

• Touch Point Adaptive tables for clutches A+B are reset
• Friction General Coefficients A+B are reset
• Friction Shape Coefficients A+B are reset
• Clutch Actuator Closing Compensation reset
• Clutch Position Hysteresis Compensation reset
• Clutch Torque Hysteresis Compensation reset

 

Following verification by the TCM that the memory reset steps have been performed, the scan tool (IDS) will initiate some basic learn functions. This includes the following tasks:

• Clutch Teach-In: (Reference Clutch Position). This is when the TCM establishes the starting point for clutch throw-out actuators. Provides point of origin for clutch throw-out stepper motor actuators.
• Shift Drum Teach-In. TCM performs the operations required to establish the exact positioning of shift drums A and B.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is why a technician does not need to perform all three transmission Learn Functions found in the IDS Learn menu (TR learn, Shift Drum and Clutch Adaptive Learn).  The Clutch Adaptive Learn will perform the Shift Drum Learn automatically.

• Gear Command for Neutral State for Both Transmission Shafts. (audible to user)
• Clutch Travel Test. (audible to user). This test verifies that the TCM can move the clutch throw-out mechanisms through a full range of travel. Test will fail if the actuators are jammed or if throw-out components do not meet a calibrated travel range. This is an important tool that will help the technician know whether or not something is broken, failed or improperly assembled within the transaxle clutch system.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible to have an engagement bearing out of position or a clutch retainer snap ring left out and still pass the clutch travel test. Such errors typically cause abnormally low learned touch Point travel ranges. Learned travel ranges will be explained later in this document.

• Error Storage Deletion.
• Green Clutch Flag Reset (Not Listed on IDS Application screen) TCM flag reset is used to aid in clutch break-in/burnishing. This function will allow additional clutch slip during vehicle operation to aid in burnishing/break-in of new clutch assemblies. The green clutch process duration is mileage and driving style dependent. (Prolonged highway driving will increase the duration of the burnishing process.)

 

Clutch Adaptive Learn Phase One Errors

If the reset/learn commands to the TCM are successful, no user notification will be present. However, if the TCM responds back to the IDS with an unsuccessful response for the “Reset Clutch Friction General Coefficients”, the failed step will be indicated with a RED failed indicator box. Any steps prior to the failed step will be reported as successful.  

 

• Phase One Part 1: Module Reset faults
  • Module Adaptive memory unable to complete. Shut the vehicle off and allow it to power down for more than 30 seconds. If vehicle power down does not help the module reset process, restart the laptop and communications device (VCM1 or II) and reattempt (laptop software may be influencing the routine functions). If this procedure is still unsuccessful, disconnect the negative battery cable for 10 minutes to reset the TCM.

 

• Phase One Part 2: Performing Functions Errors

 

• Subroutine: Reference Clutch Position
  • Error: IDS indicates that TCM cannot identify the open position of one or both of the clutch actuators.
  • Action: Restart laptop and IDS software and power down vehicle for 30 seconds or greater and retest. Ensure brake pedal is held consistently, transmission range state is steady, and vehicle is in KOEO state.

 

• Subroutine: Shift Drum Adaptive Learn
  • Error: Fails to complete shift drum learn from TCM Adaptive Learning menu.
    • It is critical that the vehicle battery be at good charge level as the TCM uses a large amount of amperage to operate the shift motors.
    • Poor grounds have also been identified to cause this subroutine to fail (poor main TCM ground or poor transmission to chassis ground).
  • Action: Perform Shift Drum Adaptive Learn from TCM Adaptive Learning menu
    • Will the Shift Drum Adaptive Learn complete by itself?
    • Yes: Power vehicle off for 30 seconds and re-perform Clutch Adaptive Learn process.
    • No: Restart Laptop and IDS Software, power down vehicle for 30 seconds or greater and retest. If the Shift Drum Learn is still unsuccessful, there is likely a fault within the shift drum system. This could include:
      • Damaged faulty shift actuators (TCM)
      • Damaged shift actuator gear-train
      • Damaged/worn/binding shift forks, shift drums, gear synchronizers

 

• Subroutine: Select Gears (neutral state)
  • Error: Failure to obtain neutral state for both shafts.
  • Action: Restart laptop and IDS Software, power down vehicle for 30 seconds or greater and retest.
  • Further Information: TCM is attempting to shift transmission into neutral state for both main shafts; error in this stage indicates that transmission is unable to establish gear position.
    • Error should not occur unless intermittent binding is present in transaxle shifting components (shift drum learning has already occurred). Attempt to verify shift drum position within data logger when moving shifter lever. Workshop manual (307-01 under specifications) will indicate shift drum angle degrees to gear range selected (1^st, 2^nd, reverse, etc.) and PIDs to view.  

 

• Clutch Travel Test (available separately from clutch adaptive learn)
  • This function verifies that the TCM can operate the clutch engagement system (clutch actuators, actuator motor, engagement bearings, and guide sleeve) through their full range of travel. Failure within this test step indicates that the clutch actuators, jackscrews, fork ramp assembly, or engagement bearing are seized/nonfunctional. This error can also be caused by faulted circuits to either of the clutch actuator motors.
  • Before any diagnosis is performed, power down vehicle for 30-60 seconds. Enter Clutch Test from the IDS Transmission menu. This test has additional clutch diagnostic capability not currently enabled within the Clutch Adaptive Routine. If this test fails, the vehicle does have a clutch engagement component (clutch actuator, actuator motor, engagement bearing, and guide sleeve) fault.

 

• Clutch Assembly Function (available separately from clutch adaptive learn)
  • Routine uses both clutch actuators to push against pressure plate diaphragm fingers at the same time. This will ensure that the clutch pressure plate is properly seated against clutch to input shaft retaining ring.
  • Before any diagnosis is performed, power down vehicle for 30-60 seconds. Enter the Clutch Test from the IDS Transmission menu. This test has additional clutch diagnostic capability not currently enabled within the Clutch Adaptive Routine. If this test fails, the vehicle does have a clutch engagement component (clutch actuator, actuator motor, engagement bearing, and guide sleeve) fault. If the test is successful, power the vehicle down and wait 30-60 seconds, re-perform Clutch Adaptive Learn.

 

PHASE TWO: Initial Clutch Adjustment

Phase two is required to ratchet/adjust the clutch pressure plate wear adjusters out of the full open state and down to the proper friction disc to pressure plate clearance.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The scan tool is making the assumption that a recently unlocked clutch (new or seasoned) has been installed. All clutches have the wear adjusters set to the full open position during the clutch locking and installation process.

 

Phase two entry will be indicated by the IDS prompting for the engine to be started. Once the run state is confirmed, the IDS will shift both shafts

A/B into the neutral state and then will prompt for the user to hold the accelerator pedal to the Wide Open Throttle (WOT) state. During this high

RPM condition (3000-3500 RPM), the TCM will rapidly cycle each clutch engagement assemblies 3-4 times to engage, release, engage clutches A+B.  This rapid clutch cycling will enable the wear adjusters to reduce the excess clutch clearance. Confirmation to the user that clutch adjustment is in process is that the initial engagement for each clutch can be identified by a momentary drop in engine RPM as the transmission gear-train is brought up to engine speed.

 

Clutch Adaptive Routine Phase Two Errors

• Phase Two: Initial Clutch Adjustment
  • Routine abortion can occur for these reasons:
  • User failed to start engine when requested by scan tool.
    • Certain remote start systems will prevent engine startup following a prolonged KOEO state (greater than 10 seconds). In this situation, if the ignition is cycled to allow the vehicle to start, the PCM/TCM will exit learning/diagnostic mode. Locate and remove any aftermarket remote start systems or GPS trackers to alleviate the need to cycle the key resulting in abortion of the adaptive learn procedure.
  • User failure to bring engine to WOT state. (may also be serious engine performance concern) Ø User failure to maintain brake pedal application or inconsistent module input
  • IDS communication loss
  • Transmission unable to shift into neutral state
  • Potential for intermittent circuit, mechanical binding or actuator concerns
  • Transmission range status change: Erroneous trans range input or user error
  • NOTICE: It has been verified that add on vehicle accessories such as GPS tracking devices (typically seen on fleet vehicles) will commonly cause failures in this phase.
    • This is due to unexpected network traffic that interferes with the IDS/vehicle communication.

 

PHASE THREE: Clutch Adaptive Touch-Point Learn

Phase three intent is to perform the Clutch Touch Point Learn so the TCM can identify the exact clutch stepper actuator travel required to provide a zero clearance state within both clutches A+B. The identification of this friction point eliminates the need for the previously mandatory adaptive drive cycle.

During this phase of the transmission service function, the IDS will request a specific RPM idle target from the PCM.  (Note: This idle target can be different based on vehicle, engine, and calibration type). Once the vehicle PCM acknowledges that the RPM target has been achieved, the IDS will perform an idle stabilization process. In some cases, slight idle hunting can occur immediately following the idle speed request.  This stabilization period provides time for the engine to settle into the commanded RPM and should eliminate the idle fluctuation.

Immediately following the completion of the idle stabilization timer, the IDS will request gear changes on transmission main shafts A+B. Brake pedal must be held consistently during the course of this routine as requested by the IDS directions. For Touch Point Learning for clutch A, main shaft A is shifted into 5^th while main shaft B is shifted into neutral. As in the previous steps, when the TCM reports back to the IDS that the shift operations are successful, the touch point for A clutch request is made and the process is initiated. To perform the learning on clutch B, main shaft A is shifted into neutral and shaft B is shifted into 6^th. Once shifting is confirmed, touch point for clutch B is started.

The TCM will begin to increment the stepper motor (for clutch A) in a slow counter-clockwise direction which will push the throw-out ramp roller against the engagement fork (actuator). During this period the TCM is monitoring the engine calculated torque value sent from the PCM. When the clutch friction contact point is achieved, the engine torque value will increase from the frictional load. For the DPS6, the TCM is looking for a torque increase over the filtered no load idle state. When the proper torque value is achieved, it will be held for 5-6 seconds. If the load is stable, the clutch actuator travel is stored within the TCM for clutch A. The process is then repeated for clutch B after shifting into 6^th gear.

If the touch point processes are successful, the IDS will display the travel ranges for clutches A+B in millimeters. Typical travel ranges will be 914mm.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These reported travel ranges can be helpful in identifying clutch faults. Such an example would include cases where the clutch retaining ring was left out or broken. When this occurs, the clutch travel ranges will be abnormally low and may also exhibit severe variation from routine completion to routine completion. It is important to note that not all vehicles will report travel ranges as some TCMs do not support this feature. This does not indicate a fault with either the IDS or the TCM.

 

Routine aborts that can occur for PHASE 3: Touch Point Learn

In the event that the touch point does not pass, it will signal an abort error back to the scan tool. This abortion is not triggered by the scan tool (IDS), but triggered by the vehicle itself. When the abort response is sent to the IDS, the IDS will indicate: “Clutch Touch Point Learn is Unsuccessful”.

IMPORTANT NOTE: IDS release 89.01 and later will provide the error response reported by the TCM to aid the servicing technician in identifying why the TCM aborted the learn process. Termination error response example identified in red as seen in the illustration below.

 

Clutch Adaptive Routine Phase Three Errors

When Phase three is iniated, the first action taken by the IDS is to request a specific idle speed from the PCM/ECM. RPM request again will be dependent on vehicle and engine type. The PCM will acknowlege the IDS request following receipt of the message from the scan tool. In some cases, this process can be disturbed. The following are possible causes for errors during Phase 3:

• IDS connectivity (this includes USB and or DLC cable or pin fit concerns)
• Tool user has provided some APP input
• The TCM sees a gear engagement request
• Powertrain sees a vehicle speed input: Although vehicle may be stationary in bay, ABS faults may create inaccurate VSS information Ø Poor ETC/electronic throttle control
• Failure to maintain brake pedal application (User Error or potential input failure)
• Engine NOT running (User error or severe engine performance concern)
• Inactive Clutch Operation (Mechanical binding/failed actuator motor, defective clutch, failed clutch actuator and/or related circuits)
• Clutch did not open (Mechanical binding/failed clutch engagement drive, defective clutch)
• Accelerator Pedal Depressed (User Error or signal irregularity in APP sensor/circuits)
• Gear Not Engaged (Internal transmission/shift actuator, damaged gear-train, damaged shift fork/synchronizer)
• Gear Changed (Transmission Gear State changed during the routine from driver input, failed TCM)
• No Position Confidence (Failed TCM/Actuator, intermittent binding in clutch throw-out mechanism)
• Engine Torque not Plausible (damaged clutch, engine load calculation error due to PCM/TCM input signals)
• Touch Point Out of Range (actuator, clutch engagement assembly, improper assembly)
• Engine Torque Disturbance (Most likely vehicle induced failure. Examples include AC compressor cycling, radiator fan cycling, APP command, sudden significant electrical loads, MAF signal disruption, poor engine performance, poor throttle control)

 

• Engine Torque Disturbed is likely the most common and potentially frustrating routine abortion error that the field user will experience.
  • Error is caused by a fluctuation in the calculated engine torque during the Touch Point Learn process (Phase 3)
    • Calculated load has to be inconsistent to cause routine abortion. For example, leaving headlamps on is a steady load, not likely triggering a torque disturbance response from the TCM.

 

• Torque fluctuations can be caused by:
  • Running routine on cold engines which can exhibit an unstable idle (gasoline direct injection engines are more susceptible)
  • Leaving the AC/HVAC system on
  • Sudden activation or deactivation of high current electrical loads (This includes seat heaters, rear defrost grid, radiator fan cycling, operating power steering (EPAS), etc. during touch point)
  • Poor engine performance (includes poor throttle control, vacuum leaks, etc. creating idle fluctuation)
  • Fluctuating PCM inputs used for load calculations (MAF, IAT, EOT, RPM, Electronic throttle control)
  • Pumping the brakes against the brake booster. Booster vacuum recharging can influence airflow across the MAF
  • Physical binding/severe shudder of clutch during engagement. This can occur if severe oil contamination is present

 

• Recommendations to help alleviate Torque Disturbance errors:
  • Warm engine to operating temp before the routine is attempted. Usually running the routine at ⅓ to ½ on temp gauge is adequate. Technician/tool user needs to be careful not to allow the engine to run too long as excessive engine heat will cause radiator fan cycling. Fan cycling will induce significant load transients to the powertrain due to the alternator reacting to the electrical loading.
    • Preferred Method: Upon a cold start (following a transmission repair and vehicle is fully assembled), connect the scan tool, ID vehicle and start engine. With engine running, Apply WOT to the APP and let engine run at 30003500 rpm until temp gauge reaches ⅓ to ½ on the Instrument cluster (this temperature range will prevent cycling of the cooling fan). Return to KOEO and initiate the routine.
      • Revving the engine can help clear potential engine carbon and potentially improve injection response.
  • Remain steady on the brake pedal, as varying the brake pedal force will cause airflow transients across the MAF as the brake booster vacuum is recharged.
  • If touch point fails on the first attempt, the scan tool will automatically attempt a 2^nd and 3^rd attempt if required. When the IDS tools prompts for an engine restart, it will then indicate that it is setting RPM to a calibrated value. Immediately following the RPM output state control, the tool will then allow for a 15 second idle stabilization period. At this time, the technician/user should turn the headlights on (high beams); turn the rear window defroster on and both front seat heaters (if equipped). Adding these loads will often dampen the torque fluctuations exhibited by some vehicles. Following the idle stabilization, remain steady on the brake pedal and leave the electrical loads on.

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G0000089

 

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Last update on 2026-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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