Shifting issues... Solenoids maybe?

[gasetter]

Hi all. I've been searching for an answer to no avail so I figured I'd make a quick post.

My 03 explorer v8 has been acting goofy lately. It started with a delayed shift from 1-2 (As if it was slow to release the clutch if it was a manual) until I would begin to let off the gas. Also it gives the occasional tough shift from 1-2 when gently accelerating (1-2 solenoid?)

Now as of two days ago, when I slow down to a stop, my rpms will drop to almost 400, and then all of a sudden it will lunge and jump to about 1000.

I've been reading that the IAC is a problem occasionally for the second issue, but I was thinking it could be the Torque Converter not dis-engaging properly on slow speeds and then when it does it jumps.

My gut is to drop the trans pan and replace the solenoid pack and possibly the valve body gaskets while I'm there. What do you guys think. The dash isn't throwing any trouble codes, but I plan to get it check anyways at AutoZone tomorrow.

 

[rocco123]

Look thru posts by glacier991. I bet he already covered it.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

It actually sounds more like the torque converter going bad.

 

[gasetter]

So I chatted with the transmission guys near my house. They advised to definitely start with the solenoid pack and the tcc valve bushing. Fill it with fluid and see what it does. If that doesn't work, then out comes the tranny to inspect the crap further. I took it to AutoZone, no codes at all. As I type, the truck sits in my garage with the trans drain plug out draining the fluid to rip into things tomorrow. I will def post what my findings are at that point.

 

[gasetter]

Frustrated.........

I dropped the trans pan, swapped out the solenoid pack, replaced the TCC valve in the valve body and reassembled everything being extremely cautious as I did it.

Filled it with fluid until it began to seep out of the fill plug (I know it needs to be warm to fully top it off, but this was just to get fluid through the lines) and then re-connected the battery and fired her up.

Same issue going on, except this time the "O/D off" light is flashing, the check engine light is on, and the digital dash says "Check Transmission".

Any hints as to what it could be at this point or if I just missed a step in the process?

Thanks in advance guys!

Edit: It is still up on the jack stands and I haven't taken it to AutoZone to get the new code pulled yet.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

The connection to the solenoid block might be loose. It is tough to get to that 10mm connection, and I have not tightened it enough before too. I actually cut down a ratcheting 10mm just for that connector.

 

[gasetter]

So I babied it up to AutoZone to get the codes pulled. Here are the 4 results: P0743, P0740, P0796 and P0713.

I tried pushing the electrical connector in tighter to the socket and it didn't budge. I didn't want to over tighten the bolt on the connector, but I will try to tighten it up a bit again before tearing into things.

I think my next step after that would be bringing the pan and valve body back down and cleaning it thoroughly and checking for jammed or broken parts inside there (maybe a spring or something?)

Anything else you guys can think of other than a new torque converter? The trans still shifts fine (just a little hard since I have to hold the gas a bit to keep it from stalling).

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Where did the replacement solenoid pack come from?

 

[gasetter]

Truck is back on jack stands. I tightened up the bolt holding the solenoid pack on and the codes now went away. The truck still will not unlock the torque converter. I am going to drop the pan back down and check out the TCC Modulator valve and check to see if everything is kosher. Will repost with updates. Thanks guys for the help.

JoshMcMadMac, I got the solenoid from a reputable trans place near my house. Gordon Automotive. They've been doing trans work for 50 yrs. Seems like the solenoid is alright and working like it should but there is a fluid block issue somewhere.

 

[gasetter]

Update... Pulled the valve body again and took it completely apart (all valves and springs out) and put everything back together and no change.

Now, I dropped the trans out completely and pulled the torque converter out. I read that you should be able to spin the bottom spline freely clockwise and counterclockwise. Well, it won't budge!

Off to the trans shop for a new TC. I'll update when its all back together with the status!