Here we go!

[jmtiseo]

So I finally built up the courage and funds to take in the ol' gal to get my tranny checked. Came back no codes and the tech suggested to change the solenoid body, (as expected thanks to you chaps on here).

Quoted it at $750 including the solenoid body, fluid, and filter. I asked if they flash/update the pcm afterwards and they stated it's not a part of the process but they will do it for free. I thought it had to be done so it can relearn shift patterns and points? This was at the ever popular Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealer where I plan on having it done.

Sound about right, right? Seems like a pretty straight forward process and I'm thinking this is the best thing for me since it includes a warranty on the work. Just wondering if anyone else out there had any opinions on it, not really needing them just seeing if anyone out there wants to be heard.

 

[oddball]

You don't need to flash the PCM for it to relearn shifts. Lots of folks talk about simply disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. This also clears out the fuel table tuning, so the engine and tranny re-learn.
There's also mention that the tranny continually re-learns.

In the end, don't sweat it.

I haven't pulled the pan on mine yet. Several folks have done the solenoid themselves, sounds like you need several 8mm ratcheting wrenches (and be willing to modify one) and lots of patience.

Maybe a bit steep on the price, but not much for a dealership job.

 

[jmtiseo]

I'm down working a co-op if I was back home I would so tear into this and get to work one weekend. It's my only car, can't work on the car in the garage I have, don't have the tools here, yada, yada, yada.

I didn't think so I just read on here that sometimes the problem lies in the pcm or the other computer that runs the trans so I thought maybe they would update it or what have you. Probably be late October early November to get this done. Still have to pay off those bloody control arms.

Thanks.

 

[LS4me]

So I finally built up the courage and funds to take in the ol' gal to get my tranny checked. Came back no codes and the tech suggested to change the solenoid body, (as expected thanks to you chaps on here).

Quoted it at $750 including the solenoid body, fluid, and filter. I asked if they flash/update the pcm afterwards and they stated it's not a part of the process but they will do it for free. I thought it had to be done so it can relearn shift patterns and points? This was at the ever popular Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealer where I plan on having it done.

Sound about right, right? Seems like a pretty straight forward process and I'm thinking this is the best thing for me since it includes a warranty on the work. Just wondering if anyone else out there had any opinions on it, not really needing them just seeing if anyone out there wants to be heard.

Sounds fair. IIRC, the solenoid pack is ~$200, that leaves ~$550 for fluid, labor and the filter. It would definitely be worth it for me! I did it myself and even with access to a lift it was quite a bear!

 

[THIAGO]

Amazon.com: Gear Wrench 9510 10mm Stubby Combination Ratcheting Wrench: Home Improvement

After Trial and error, this tool proves to be the best tool for the job. There is a tight bolt located on the transmission that is very hard to get to.


This is an easy job. If you are going to be doing this yourself, i highly suggest this tool for the bolt that attaches the solenoid to the transmission. I have done this job myself and it isn't to hard to do. in a few days i will make a "how to solenoids, Valve body Replacement" Post.

 

[manoli]

750 Is not bad for the dealer price IMO if you were to take the care else where like other transmission shops they would probably charge more or miss diagnose the issue.

 

[jmtiseo]

Sounds fair. IIRC, the solenoid pack is ~$200, that leaves ~$550 for fluid, labor and the filter. It would definitely be worth it for me! I did it myself and even with access to a lift it was quite a bear!

That's what I figured. My bro and I put a shift kit in my truck, think it was Ford's 4r70w trans IIRC and it wasn't that bad to just drop the valve body. This is a whole different animal. I thought you said that it was quite a beer btw, and it's only 8am.

I think they said around 3 for the solenoid body, fluid and filter were around 80 or so. it's about 3 hours of labor so it all fits right.

 

[jmtiseo]

750 Is not bad for the dealer price IMO if you were to take the care else where like other transmission shops they would probably charge more or miss diagnose the issue.

It threw no codes so he took it on a little test drive. If he suggests just the solenoid body I'm happy. I was worried that it may have been my torque converter slipping at times. Now I play the waiting game. Need a few pay checks lol.

 

[LS4me]

That's what I figured. My bro and I put a shift kit in my truck, think it was Ford's 4r70w trans IIRC and it wasn't that bad to just drop the valve body. This is a whole different animal. I thought you said that it was quite a beer btw, and it's only 8am.

I think they said around 3 for the solenoid body, fluid and filter were around 80 or so. it's about 3 hours of labor so it all fits right.

The messiest part is dealing with the old fluid. After dealing with that one bolt, the "hardest part" is refilling the trans to the correct level. The procedure almost requires a lift. I don't remember it me taking 3 hours, but book time is generous. Max may be able to get the part for you cheaper and just have a competent mechanic do the grunt work.

 

[jmtiseo]

One thing that scares me is stripping threads on anything in there. Assuming that it is all aluminum I'm bound to screw that up. I don't mean to gorilla tighten everything it just kinda happens. Once these bills are caught up and I can pay this with cash she's going under the knife to get the fluid, filter, and solenoid body changed. I guess the dealer is the best thing then.

On a lift it shouldn't take 3 hours. Especially with a wide variety of tools, space, and technical know how this should be able to get done in an 1.5 hrs my estimate.

I even asked if I can get the parts from a different dealer because I can get them 25% off back home, they said yeh, but they won't be warrantied.

 

[LS4me]

Disregard........

 

[01continental]

A reflash may not help your shift points but it WILL bring the trans. software up to date. You should have them do it for free since you are having the other work done. It will only take 5 min. for them to do it. At my last visit to the dealer for repairs, I gave them a blank key and they cut and programmed it for free. I did have to ask though. So, if they do it for free you have nothing to lose and, who knows, there may have been a fluid pressure change or something of that nature.

 

[HyeLifeLS]

I think i paid about $900 to the dealer for the same job 6 years ago. You could probably do it yourself for much cheaper or if you find a good shop.

I avoid dealers now with all my cars.

 

[jmtiseo]

I think it needs to be updated. I assume the previous 2 owners never had it updated and it doesn't show it in the Oasis Report I have for it. So, they need a blank key to cut and reprogram it?