Failing solenoid??

[Chubbs765]

Are there any symptoms you guys know of for a failing transmission solenoid? The car is shifting very weird, almost sluggish like. Almost like it's confused on what it should do. Recently I unhooked the negative battery cable to put an intake on. Hoping that it could be that the transmission just needs to relearn my driving habits? Any codes thrown for failing noid?

 

[joegr]

Are there any symptoms you guys know of for a failing transmission solenoid? The car is shifting very weird, almost sluggish like. Almost like it's confused on what it should do. Recently I unhooked the negative battery cable to put an intake on. Hoping that it could be that the transmission just needs to relearn my driving habits? Any codes thrown for failing noid?

There are quite a few threads on here about the classic symptoms of a failing solenoid assembly. (Sorry, but you can search as well as I can.)

Your symptoms don't sound like the classic symptoms, but that doesn't mean you might not have a different solenoid in the assembly failing. (One of the classics is harsh engagement of reverse.)

 

[02LincLS]

I have occasional harsh engagement of reverse but no other issues. Should I replace it or keep on going until it quits- any risk to the rest of the transmission by putting off repair?

Looked on ebay just for part cost estimate, looks like about $200.

 

[joegr]

I have occasional harsh engagement of reverse but no other issues. Should I replace it or keep on going until it quits- any risk to the rest of the transmission by putting off repair?

Looked on ebay just for part cost estimate, looks like about $200.

Fix it now. You are doing damage to the rest of the transmission. There's been several bad experiences with cheap parts. I'd make sure I was getting a high quality new part.

 

[02LincLS]

Not doubting your answer, just want to understand more, what is the risk? Wear to the bands when it is engaging harshly?

Slightly off topic- Automatic shift firmness has not softened too much over time but "manual" changes used to chirp the tires. Its still a fairly nice quick shift, but not like before (which I guess would be normal after the 130K miles I have put on it). From what I can gather, the bands in these transmissions are really good. Is it safe to assume it is valve body and/or solenoid pack? Or a collection of everything? Seems like it could be as "simple" as putting new springs in the valve body.

Want to get a good grasp so I know what to expect and whether to laugh at the ford dealer and go somewhere else.

 

[joegr]

Not doubting your answer, just want to understand more, what is the risk? Wear to the bands when it is engaging harshly?...

AFAIK, the issue is wear caused when not enough hydraulic pressure is applied quickly enough and the transmission slips. Depending on the fault, you may or may not be having this.