1996 Exploder 4.0 Trans prob. Shift Solenoid

[choochoo]

The "o/d off" light started blinking on my 141K miles 1996 Exploder. I changed the tranny fluid and filter but that didn't help. The parts store did a diagnostics on it and it read a shift solenoid was malfunctioning. If I turn off the key and restart it, it goes off but not for long. Sometimes it slips from a stop light for a second or two before it engages.

Will the solenoid affect low gear shifting or does the solenoid only control O/D shifting?
Is it located in the pan?
Is it easy to change once the pan is dropped?
Is it a dealer item?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!

Ah-Choo

 

[putnamrg]

I wish someone would answer this question as I believe I have the same problem. Replaced a solenoid, helped a little bit but did not fix the problem, around 60-65 MPH RPM's go from high to low continuously and the OD light flashes.