Always Fixing - The Dreaded "E"

myfirstlincoln

myfirstlincoln

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So I've been in the processing of "fixing up" the LS. I recently did plugs and coils (Visteons), changed the oil with Mobil 1 and Wix filter, installed new rear LCA's and some other suspension components, etc.

Unfortunately, on my way home from work I got the dreaded "E" and "Check Transmission."

The car runs fine, seems to shift okay (expect for a kinda sloppy 2-3 shift although I know these transmissions are kinda notorious for that), seems to cycle through all the gears properly, and doesn't really jerk going from Park to Drive or Reverse.
also, the light only comes on after about 30 mins of driving.
After some searching, I assume it's time for a new solenoid pack. I looked on Tasca but can't seem to find the right part. I also saw that some people had trouble ordering from other companies so I don't want to go this route.

Anyone know the part number? I'd like to order it soon.
Also, if the car seems to be shifting ok, is it ok to drive for about an hour a day until the part gets delivered?
I have a 2003 Lincoln LS V8.
 
I'd pull the codes and troubleshoot before I threw a $300/$400 part at it.
 
I haven't checked the trans fluid although my first thought was possibly low fluid. It sucks these cars make it such a process to check trans fluid.

I will take it to the dealer to have he code read in the near future and for the fix but I just don't have the time right now and I don't want to take it to a dealer, be told its the solenoid then have to order from them or order it online at that point and have to wait for the part while my car sits there...it will obviously be much cheaper if I get the part from tasca but like you said, not cost effective to just throw money at it if its not the solenoid.
 
Last edited:
myfirstlincoln said:
I haven't checked the trans fluid although my first thought was possibly low fluid. It sucks these cars make it such a process to check trans fluid.

I will take it to the dealer to have he code read in the near future and for the fix but I just don't have the time right now and I don't want to take it to a dealer, be told its the solenoid then have to order from them or order it online at that point and have to wait for the part while my car sits there...it will obviously be much cheaper if I get the part from tasca but like you said, not cost effective to just throw money at it if its not the solenoid.
Click to expand...

They do not need to pull anything apart to diagnose the solenoid pack, so you could still drive it while the part is on order...not that I would recommend it.
 
I just had my solenoids changed. Took 1 day to get the part, and 1 day to do the work at the dealer. I had 2 days of warranty left, so I dont know how much it would have cost.
 
So it went in today and the tech at the dealer just called me. He said the trans needs a new valve body and solenoid. According to him, the parts are over $1000 and with labor and a trans flush, I'm looking at around $1600...and that's as long as nothing else in the trans is broken...Now I'm not sure what to do. I assumed it would be the solenoid but I didn't think it would be the valve body as well. Furthermore, even if I order the parts online, have them installed at the dealer, and then they find out it needs something else, I'm into the trans for 1500-2000. What does a brand new trans cost? I don't want to keep driving it and risk damaging it further...Any advice would be appreciated. That just ruined my long weekend.
 
Apparently, about 3K

"I caught some critisism for how i handled my tranny issue. Rather than replacing part by part and hoping that solved the problem only to have another issue down the line i went ahead and had the dealer install a new (not rebuilt) tranny for just under $3k. Came with warranty and everything. Depends on the funds available and the peace of mind your looking for. "

(Quote from this thread: http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=84955 )

I think I'd do that since you are already in for almost 2K, and there are bound to be other worn parts in the transmission.
 
How many solenoids does our trans have? I've been having some issues with mine shifting hard and seems to not have power behind it sometimes. When driving the car doesn't seem to want to take off when I step on the gas, it doesn't have that spunk pick up and go, it lags and then it might kick in or the next time I turn the car off it will go back to normal. Also it acts like I'm driving a manual instead of an automatic.

Could the solenoid cause these issues?
 
I definitely agree with you Joe...Guess I'll start saving a bit. I sucks though because my trans was rebuilt at 50,000 (yes, by a Ford dealer). Currently, I'm just about at 120,000 miles. I didn't pay anything for the first rebuild because it was under warranty but it's pretty annoying it only lasted for 70,000 miles. I don't even use SST or drive like an idiot...it's pretty much all highway driving (to and from work).
 
HighRule said:
How many solenoids does our trans have? I've been having some issues with mine shifting hard and seems to not have power behind it sometimes. When driving the car doesn't seem to want to take off when I step on the gas, it doesn't have that spunk pick up and go, it lags and then it might kick in or the next time I turn the car off it will go back to normal. Also it acts like I'm driving a manual instead of an automatic.

Could the solenoid cause these issues?
Click to expand...

It looks like there are five. I assume all are in the solenoid assembly.

The service manual describes the transmission this way.

This transmission has:

five forward speeds.
electronic shift, pressure and torque converter clutch controls.
three compound planetary gearsets.
three bands.
three multi-plate clutches.
two one-way clutches.

All hydraulic functions are directed by electronic solenoids. The solenoids control:

static engagement feel.
shift feel.
shift scheduling.
moded torque converter clutch (TCC) applications.
engine braking utilizing the coast clutch and band.
manual first and second timing.
reverse inhibit timing.

However, your symptoms sound like they could be caused by marginal COPs.
 
joegr said:
It looks like there are five. I assume all are in the solenoid assembly.

The service manual describes the transmission this way.

This transmission has:

five forward speeds.
electronic shift, pressure and torque converter clutch controls.
three compound planetary gearsets.
three bands.
three multi-plate clutches.
two one-way clutches.

All hydraulic functions are directed by electronic solenoids. The solenoids control:

static engagement feel.
shift feel.
shift scheduling.
moded torque converter clutch (TCC) applications.
engine braking utilizing the coast clutch and band.
manual first and second timing.
reverse inhibit timing.

However, your symptoms sound like they could be caused by marginal COPs.
Click to expand...

Ok cool, all contained in 1 solenoid assembly. Thanks Joe.

I replaced all my coils and plugs about a year ago (AIP $100's for all 8) might be the coils since they're a cheaper set and at the time I really didn't have the cash for the better ones.

I'm not throwing any codes (except for drivers cat) and there's not any hick-ups while idling or anything. How can I find out if it is caused by marginal COP's? I also had all my valve gaskets changed at the same time I replaced the coils and plugs.
 
HighRule said:
... How can I find out if it is caused by marginal COP's? I also had all my valve gaskets changed at the same time I replaced the coils and plugs.
Click to expand...

Stress testing (scoping the coils) or replacement of the coils.
 
Anyone know why when I put in 2003 Lincoln LS on Tasca's website, a new trans comes up as saying:

TRANSMISSION LS8; From 10/12/01
MSRP $2,662.67
Core ? $1,000.00
Online Price $2,196.70

What's the deal with the 10/12/01?
 
Bringing this back from the dead because I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new trans. I've been driving the car (and it's actually shifting well) figuring I would either get a complete rebuild or buy a new trans anyway. My biggest issue is that I don't have OD.

Anyway, does anyone know where I can get a new trans from or what Tasca means when it says "TRANSMISSION LS8; From 10/12/01"
 
where you been, man? I need a headlight restoration lol

sucks to see you're still having problems.
 
I'm a teacher and I coach sports so I'm at school from about 6:30am and don't get home until about 7:00pm. Fall sports are over now though so I have some time to get the Lincoln back into better shape. I don't even remember the last time I was on...

Any new updates on the ride Mlara? I see in your sig pic it's looking as bada$$ as ever
 
Do you have a camera? I think I've only ever seen 3 pictures of your car and I'd like to see alot more haha. I like the wheels. Take a photo shoot sometime! I took one today it only takes a few minutes.
 
Thanks T-Money - I take that you wanna see more of my car as a compliment. It looks very different at this point. The wheels are black (plastidip) and I've done the LSE front bumper conversion.

I've always wanted to do a legit photo shoot but I just haven't gotten around to it - In fact, I ordered some chemical guys and a bunch of car care products a while ago but haven't even gotten around to using them and with Sandy and all the rain we've been having, washing my car isn't on the top of my list. I would love to get it back to 100% as far as the trans goes - that way, I'll feel better about dropping more into it even if it is for general maintenance.
 
According to AllDataDIY, the part number for the 5R55S is 6w4z7000aa, but it looks like it was superseded by 4W4Z-7000-ABRM. Both part numbers go back to that same transmission, but I'm not sure why it shows that date. There are plenty of oddities in the parts catalog, and that could be one of them; your best bet for getting an answer would be to call someone who works a Ford Parts desk.
 
not much new on my part...just gen 1 LSE grille and put the front plate back on. I have a gen 1 LSE sideskirt on my sig pic, but i dont want to talk about it lol

Def need pics of your car ASAP with that LSE conversion!

About the tranny, you're considering paying $2100 for a new tranny?

FWIW i replaced my tranny with a used one off an 06 with 69K with one year warranty from ebay for around $1100 with labor. No issues after around 10K. Depending on how long you plan on keeping the car, it may be something to consider...
 
myfirstlincoln said:
Thanks T-Money - I take that you wanna see more of my car as a compliment. It looks very different at this point. The wheels are black (plastidip) and I've done the LSE front bumper conversion.

I've always wanted to do a legit photo shoot but I just haven't gotten around to it - In fact, I ordered some chemical guys and a bunch of car care products a while ago but haven't even gotten around to using them and with Sandy and all the rain we've been having, washing my car isn't on the top of my list. I would love to get it back to 100% as far as the trans goes - that way, I'll feel better about dropping more into it even if it is for general maintenance.
Click to expand...

Haha I take it back. I'm not into black wheels.

Lol Jk I'd still like to see pics, even though I am truthful when I say I'm not fond of black wheels, especially when the chrome looked so good on the color of your car.
 
mlara1129 said:
not much new on my part...just gen 1 LSE grille and put the front plate back on. I have a gen 1 LSE sideskirt on my sig pic, but i dont want to talk about it lol
Click to expand...



What. Did something happen to the skirts lol. Cuz they do look badass in you sig. If someone stole em it wasn't me haha
 
I plan to keep the car for a while. It's still in good shape and to be honest, if I were to buy a "new" car, I would get a 2006 LS (with a black interior). At this point, I still love my LS...I'm sure you know that helpless feeling haha

I definitely have been looking around a bit at a used trans but it kinda scares me. Do you mind me asking where you got yours and where you got it installed? Was it in PA? I've also been considering having mine rebuilt w a transgo kit. It's not like I have money to just throw around, but the trans in it now was rebuilt at 60k by a dealer and now I'm told it needs another rebuild. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but there seems to be a bigger problem with this trans that even a complete rebuild didn't fix - I mean it should last more than 50k miles. So I kinda wanna get this trans out of the car and start over...
 
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