Transmission problems

[Badmouth67]

I was given a 96 Explorer. Has a healthy motor but the transmission doesn't shift right. The check engine light is on so we hooked it up to a diagnostic and it comes up solenoid pack b stuck and solenoid c not working. Where would these be located at and are they easy to replace? Don't know much about automatic transmission so anything would help

 

[410Fortune]

Welcome!!

96 is a very good year for the explorer, I wish I was given a free one! You beat me the cheapest explorer I have gotten was $75!!
shift solenoids are inside the transmissions valve body, you just have to drop the transmission pan and filter to access

Im guessing your 96 is a 4.0 V6? If so you have the 4r55e automatic transmission

Before you go dropping the transmission pan check your fuses, check all wiring outside the transmission make sure everything is plugged in
I did a quick google search for "explorer 4r55e shift solenoids" and a bunch of threads came up right here on the explorer forum........

Google Search

 

[Badmouth67]

Welcome!!

96 is a very good year for the explorer, I wish I was given a free one! You beat me the cheapest explorer I have gotten was $75!!
shift solenoids are inside the transmissions valve body, you just have to drop the transmission pan and filter to access

Im guessing your 96 is a 4.0 V6? If so you have the 4r55e automatic transmission

Before you go dropping the transmission pan check your fuses, check all wiring outside the transmission make sure everything is plugged in
I did a quick google search for "explorer 4r55e shift solenoids" and a bunch of threads came up right here on the explorer forum........

Google Search

I believe that is the

Welcome!!

96 is a very good year for the explorer, I wish I was given a free one! You beat me the cheapest explorer I have gotten was $75!!
shift solenoids are inside the transmissions valve body, you just have to drop the transmission pan and filter to access

Im guessing your 96 is a 4.0 V6? If so you have the 4r55e automatic transmission

Before you go dropping the transmission pan check your fuses, check all wiring outside the transmission make sure everything is plugged in
I did a quick google search for "explorer 4r55e shift solenoids" and a bunch of threads came up right here on the explorer forum........

Google Search

It does have the v6 and I believe that is the right tranny to. Already checked the fuses and wires. With my luck I'll have to drop the pan. Unfortunately that means down time and really can't afford that neither. But it definitely needs to be fixed. Thank you

 

[410Fortune]

before you drop the pan you can OHM test your shift solenoids from OUTSIDE the transmission
ALSO
With a good OBD2 scanner you can watch the drivetrain computer command the shift solenoids to shift and see how the trans responds

these two things can help diagnose the issue before the parts are ordered or pan is dropped
If you do replace the solenoids REPLACE THE WHOLE solenoid pack and wiring!!! (4-5 solenoids in a 4r55e I believe)
The 4r is a interesting complex automatic transmission, know what you are getting into, knowledge is power...so good idea to do a bunch of reading on this issue

Your transmission uses MERCON V fluid.....DO NOT use anything else in there

 

[Badmouth67]

before you drop the pan you can OHM test your shift solenoids from OUTSIDE the transmission
ALSO
With a good OBD2 scanner you can watch the drivetrain computer command the shift solenoids to shift and see how the trans responds

these two things can help diagnose the issue before the parts are ordered or pan is dropped
If you do replace the solenoids REPLACE THE WHOLE solenoid pack and wiring!!! (4-5 solenoids in a 4r55e I believe)
The 4r is a interesting complex automatic transmission, know what you are getting into, knowledge is power...so good idea to do a bunch of reading on this issue

Your transmission uses MERCON V fluid.....DO NOT use anything else in there

I'll definitely do that first. Best part is I have access to a mechanic shop with lift and tools. Unfortunately none of the mechanics are willing to stay and help

before you drop the pan you can OHM test your shift solenoids from OUTSIDE the transmission
ALSO
With a good OBD2 scanner you can watch the drivetrain computer command the shift solenoids to shift and see how the trans responds

these two things can help diagnose the issue before the parts are ordered or pan is dropped
If you do replace the solenoids REPLACE THE WHOLE solenoid pack and wiring!!! (4-5 solenoids in a 4r55e I believe)
The 4r is a interesting complex automatic transmission, know what you are getting into, knowledge is power...so good idea to do a bunch of reading on this issue

Your transmission uses MERCON V fluid.....DO NOT use anything else in there

 

[C420sailor]

If it’s in fact a bad solenoid(s), that’s an easy day, especially on the OHV. Couple hours, tops.

 

[Badmouth67]

If it’s in fact a bad solenoid(s), that’s an easy day, especially on the OHV. Couple hours, tops.

I definitely like hearing that. But with my luck no one will have what I need in stock so I'll have to wait a few days to get them in. Thank you guys for the help

 

[410Fortune]

local transmission shops may carry the solenoid pack/parts look for a sonnax dealer in your area

With Youtube you don't need any mechanics to stick around and help LOL and if you do just buy some beer