Hello and Help!?

[tonyk72]

After spending so much time on the 'vette forums, I think my Explorer got a little jealous and decided she'd give me shifting problems to get my attention...So I hope I can get some good advice her on how to fix her up...
The other day I noticed that my '96 w/ auto was having trouble upshifting...I took it out for a short highway run and the O/D light starts to flash...
It will shift up if I lay off the gas...
any ideas?

Thanks,
Tony

 

[Jason_25]

Could be the shift solenoid. It's a fairly easy fix. First things first, get the codes scanned so you know exactly what's wrong.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Yes, if you can get a cheap code reader from any auto store. Once we know the codes we can help you more. There are a lot of people on here with a wealth of knowledge!

 

[tonyk72]

OK guys, I got the codes...I went to a local AutoZone and they pulled a P0756, shift sol. B CKT perf. or stuck off.
What does that mean?
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Jason_25]

Yep it's the shift solenoid. It will need to be replaced. I advise having Ford do it since it's tranny work.

 

[Bashman]

Welcome to the site. We do have a couple tranny experts here. I know Operahouse is one of them. If you want to find out what's invovled in changing it, you can PM/e-mail him.

 

[ShadowA2J]

Welcome to the site! You said you spend a lot of time on the 'Vette forums, what year 'Vette do you have?

 

[dogfriend]

Code P0756

Originally posted by tonyk72
OK guys, I got the codes...I went to a local AutoZone and they pulled a P0756, shift sol. B CKT perf. or stuck off.
What does that mean?
Thanks,
Tony

My 97 Service Manual says:

Four-Digit DTC
P0756

Component
SS2

Description
Shift solenoid 2 functional failure

Condition
Mechanical or hydralic failure of the shift solenoid

Symptoms
Improper gear selection depending upon the failure mode and manual lever position

Action
Refer to solenoid on/off chart. Refer to Pinpoint Test A.


The summary of Pinpoint Test A is:

Verify Electronics (wiring , connectors and voltage)

Check Solenoid Function using NGS scan tool

Check Solenoid (s) for resistance(22-48ohms) and for short to ground

 

[tonyk72]

thanks for all the help!

Thanks guys, anybody know if this is gonna require a lot of $$$ to get fixed? Is this something a do-it-yourselfer can tackle? How much does this part cost?
Shadow, the 'vette is a '72 LT-1...right now it consumes 99% of my time even though I only spend 1% of my time driving it...

 

[dogfriend]

Depends on how adventurous you are

My 97 CD manual says that the solenoids can be serviced without removing the valve body as an "in vehicle" procedure. I think that you have the 4R55E trans which is very similar to the 5R55E. I have pasted the procedure for the 5R55E below:

Solenoid Service

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. WARNING:
THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY TO THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MUST BE SHUT OFF PRIOR TO HOISTING, JACKING OR TOWING AN AIR SUSPENSION VEHICLE. THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY TURNING OFF THE AIR SUSPENSION SWITCH LOCATED IN THE REAR JACK STORAGE AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN UNEXPECTED INFLATION OR DEFLATION OF THE AIR SPRINGS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SHIFTING OF THE VEHICLE DURING THESE OPERATIONS.

Raise and support the vehicle.

3. Drain the transmission fluid. Refer to the procedure in this section.

4. Remove the transmission fluid filter.

1 Remove the transmission fluid filter bolt.

2 Remove the transmission fluid filter.

5. Note:
Main control assembly does not need to be removed for solenoid service.

Remove wire loom guide and protector.

Carefully lift up on wire loom guide and protector and disengage the retaining pins from the solenoid clamps.

6. Disconnect the appropriate solenoid electrical connector.

1 Disconnect shift solenoids electrical connectors.

2 Disconnect the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid electrical connector.

3 Disconnect the electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid electrical connector.

7. CAUTION:
The TCC solenoid and converter modulator valve may pop out of its bore. This may damage the solenoid or converter modulator valve.

CAUTION:
Shift solenoid (SS3) may pop out of its bore. This may damage the solenoid.

Remove the shift solenoids (7G484).

1 Remove the wire harness.

2 Remove the solenoid clamp bolts.

3 Remove the solenoid clamp.

4 Remove the appropriate solenoid(s).


Installation

1. Install the new solenoid(s).

2. CAUTION:
The solenoid clamp must be installed in the TCC and EPC solenoid grooves, shift solenoid pockets and the No. 204 plug.

Install the solenoid clamp.

1 Position the solenoid clamp on the main control valve body.

2 Install the solenoid clamp bolts.

3. Connect the six solenoid electrical connectors.

1 Connect shift solenoid SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4 electrical connectors.

2 Connect the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid electrical connector.

3 Connect the electrical pressure control (EPC) solenoid electrical connector.

4. CAUTION:
Excessive pressure may break the retaining pins.

Install the main control valve body wire loom.

Align the retaining pins to the holes in the solenoid clamps and gently press in the main control valve body wire loom guide and protector.

5. Install the transmission fluid filter.

1 Install the transmission fluid filter.

2 Install the transmission fluid filter bolt.

6. Install the transmission fluid pan.

1 Position a new transmission fluid pan gasket on the transmission fluid pan.

2 Align and install the transmission fluid pan.

Loosely install the 18 transmission fluid pan bolts.

7. Tighten the transmission fluid pan bolts.

8. Note:
If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

Lower the vehicle.

9. Connect battery ground cable.

10. Fill the transmission to the proper fluid level and check for proper transmission operation.

If you want to tackle it yourself, I would suggest getting the Ford CD service manual from Ebay
Dead Link Removed and possibly the Auto Trans technical manual4R55E technical manual

 

[tonyk72]

ouch!

Brought her in to "Freddies Transmission" today...
$2800 for a rebuilt tranny installed...
The tech said 2nd gear is "gone"
Going to get a 2nd opinion tomorrow...
and if, necessary a 3rd...

thinking 'bout saying bye-bye to her if thats the case...

driving around, I decided to test Freddies theory...
started off in 1st gear, then hit 2000 RPM's and tried shifting into 2nd....nothing...feels like I never left 1st.

Could Freddy be right?

 

[Jason_25]

No! Do not give into the rebuild!

What basis does he have for saying second gear is gone?

I'm telling you the shift solenoid probably just needs to be replaced.

 

[dogfriend]

Re: ouch!

Originally posted by tonyk72
Could Freddy be right?

Yes, but Freddy could just be too fricken lazy to diagose it properly.

I would definately get a second opinion, particularly because you already have a code that indicates that the solenoid is the problem. Replacing the solenoid would be a lot cheaper than $2800!

 

[tonyk72]

Well, my 2nd opinion discovered metal shavings in the trans pan...is this normal for a truck with 117k miles. He said it would need to be rebuilt...$1800, better, but not what I wanted to hear...