Are
you referring to a transmission shift solenoid, or the shifter lockout
solenoid? The shift solenoids, that control the shifting of the
transmission, are located internally in the trans, specifically in the
valve body. The shifter lockout solenoid, which is the solenoid that
prevents you from shifting out of park, without depressing the brake
pedal, is located in the shifter assembly itself, below the
center console.
The transmission solenoids are located just inside the fluid pan. Here
is some info for replacing them. It is acually pretty easy.
The first time this issue happened (at 60k miles) I paid a
'''transmission shop $600 to fix it. It just happened again (at 100k
miles) and I fixed it myself for about $50. It's a fairly common
problem, so I'm posting the symptoms, codes and instructions here to
help others.
I own a 2002 '''Ford '''Focus with automatic
'''transmission. The symptoms are that the '''transmission disengages
(slips out of gear) when it goes into 3rd gear. When the
car
slows down to 20 miles an hour or so (or when you stop) it re-engages.
You can drive the car in 1st or 2nd gear generally. The '''transmission
light comes on. There are no noises associated with this problem. If you
have this problem then it's probably the "A" '''Solenoid that needs to
be replaced. Here's how you make sure that's the case and fix it for
$50.
1. You need to pull the diagnostic
computer
codes. '''Ford will pull them for you for $100. But, you can do it for
free by going to AutoZone. They have a loaner computer diagnostic code
puller. If you bring the car they'll just do it for you in the parking
lot. If you want to borrow the tool then they will want a $200 security
deposit. I recommend that you bring the car to them if you it's close.
Also, there are lots of small shops that will pull the code for you for
free. There's no reason to pay a "diagnostic fee" to pull the computer
repair code. This code will tell you Exactly which '''solenoid to
replace. It's typically the "A" '''solenoid, though.
2. Once you get the code you need to know which '''solenoid to replace. Here is a list of diagnostic '''solenoid codes:
P0750 SSA SSA '''solenoid circuit failure SSA circuit failed to provide
voltage drop across '''solenoid. Circuit open or shorted or PCM driver
failure during on-board diagnostic. No reverse gear (short) or no fourth
gear (open). Refer to Pinpoint Test A.
P0751 SSA SSA
functional
failure Mechanical or hydraulic failure of the shift '''solenoid. Not
all gears present. REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom (307-01 , DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
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