6HP is ZF Friedrichshafen AG's trademark name for its six-speed automatic transmission models for longitudinal engine applications, designed and built by ZF's subsidiary in Saarbrücken. Released as the 6HP26 in 2000, it was the first six-speed automatic transmission in a production passenger car. Other variations of the first generation 6HP in addition to the 6HP26, were 6HP19, and 6HP32 having lower and higher torque capacity, respectively. In 2007, the second generation of the 6HP series was introduced, with models 6HP21 and 6HP28. A 6HP34 was planned, but never went into production. The 6HP uses a Lepelletierepicyclic/planetary gearset, which can provide more gear ratios with significantly fewer components. This means the 6HP26 is actually lighter than its five-speed 5HP predecessors. It also has the capability to achieve torque converter lock-up on all six forward gears, and disengage it completely when at a standstill, dramatically closing the fuel efficiency gap between automatic and manual transmissions. The last 6HP automatic transmission was produced by the Saarbrücken plant in March 2014 after 7,050,232 units were produced. The ZF plant in Shanghai continued to produce the 6HP for the Chinese market.
Specifications
Preliminary Note
All ZF 6HP gearboxes have the same gear ratios as the 6R60 and 6R80 gearboxes for passenger cars from Ford have. Deviant gear ratios indicate another manufacturer as shown in the template.
New Paradigm
The 6HP is the first transmission designed according to ZF's new paradigm. After gaining additional gear ratios only with additional components, this time the number of components has to decrease for the first time in spite of the necessity of even more ratios. Coming from 5 gear ratios made of 10 main components to the 6 made of 8 now reflects, what major progress the Lepelletier gear mechanism means compared to conventional designs like the 5HP-family.
Technical Data
Technical imperfections
Problems with this transmission are well known. This transmission locks up the torque converter in all gears, increasing wear. Combined with a sealed transmission pan and "lifetime fluid", some people have experienced catastrophic transmission failure. Owners report shift issues when oil begins breaking down beyond 50K miles, hence shifting issues are common. There are also problems with the valve block and solenoids. When this failure starts to occur, shift quality and speed, torque transfer and even loss of ability to engage gears can occur. These problems led Volkswagen AG to extend the warranty on all of their vehicles equipped with this transmission to 100,000 miles or 10 years.
First generation
6HP19
The 6HP19 transmission was a development of the original 6HP26, but was downgraded for less demanding applications. As such, the 6HP19 is rated at of torque. Applications Rear-wheel drive cars:
The 6HP26 was the original variation of the 6HP, released in 2000. It was rated for a maximum input torque of. It was first used by the BMW 7 Series in 2001. Initially reserved for high end luxury and sports cars, ZF made the 6HP26 available to Hyundai for use on its 2009 model year V8 Genesis. Several versions of the 6HP26 are available depending on application and brand: 6HP26, 6HP26A and 6HP26X. Applications Ford has developed their own versions based on the 6HP26. Therefore, certain Ford vehicles will not be listed. Two-wheel drive version:
2001–2008 BMW 7 Series 735i, 745i, 760i, 730d and 740d
2005–2016 Ford Falcon Although production of the transmission ended in 2014, Ford retained sufficient inventory to last until end of Falcon production in 2016.
The 6HP26A is a variation of the 6HP26 for four-wheel drive applications. It was used by the Volkswagen Group for some permanent four-wheel drive models. Applications
The 6HP26X and 6HP26Z is another variation of the 6HP26, also for four-wheel drive applications. This transmission is suitable for 4WDs with a separate transfer box. Applications
2006–2013 Range Rover, all with Jaguar type engines or TDV8
