Signs That you May Have Faulty Shift Solenoids

In this article we will be looking specifically at the shift solenoid to explain what this part does, what signs you see when it starts to fail and how much it can cost to repair or replace. Recognizing the symptoms of a specific issue can help you identify and fix the problem more quickly.

What Is A Shift Solenoid?

The best place to start our discussion regarding the shift solenoid is by first explaining what it is and what it in fact does. This is an electromagnet component of an automatic or semi-automatic transmission. It controls the flow of fluid to the change gears as well as some more minor functions of the transmission.

The way the system works is that the transmission control unit collects information from the engine. This data comes from vehicle speed sensors as well as other associated sensors. Using these parameters the transmission control unit calculates the correct time to shift gears.

When the moment for shifting arrives the transmission control unit will send out power or ground to the correct shift solenoid. This will cause the solenoid to open and allow transmission oil to flow into the valve body. This ensures that it is sufficiently lubricated to shift smoothly.

Signs of a Bad Shift Solenoid

Many signs that you may have a shift solenoid issue include obvious indications of shifting issues from the gearbox. This could be sticking gears, rough shifting or locked gears. In this section we will look more closely at some important symptoms to look out for when trying to diagnose a faulty shift solenoid.

Dashboard Warning Lights

These are always handy, the good old dashboard warning lights. We dread to see them but without them a minor issue can quickly become major. In the event that you get a check engine light you may have one of many potential issues.

Using an OBD2 scanner tool you can help confirm more accurately where the problem is based on the error codes stored in the Electronic Control Module (ECM). Another good indicator that the check engine light refers to the transmission and possibly the shift solenoids is a transmission warning light on the dashboard as well.

Shifting Delays

When an automatic transmission is working correctly you should have almost seamless shifting. If a shift solenoid is not performing correctly this can cause noticeable delay. This will affect gear changes in both directions.

Missing Gears

Again the shifting should be smooth and seamless but if a shift solenoid is not working correctly you may also notice a skipped gear. One of the gears may not be able to engage due to the solenoid. Obviously this is a big indication that there may be a shift solenoid at fault.

Each gear has a few shift solenoids associated with it and if even one fails to perform it can cause the transmission to skip over this gear and on to the next.

Stuck in Gear

A very obvious sign of a problem with an automatic transmission is not being able to change to a different gear. If the damage to the solenoid occurred while you were in that specific gear the transmission may remain stuck in that gear.

This can be fixed temporarily if you know how to give the shift solenoid external power to allow it to release from the gear. The damage will still exist however and you will need to fix it as the transmission will now likely skip that gear.

Issues With Downshifts and Upshifts

You may experience intermittent problems with transmission shift solenoids that will create shifting issues. The result may be hard shifting or mistimed shifting that occurs at too low or too high RPMs.

Getting Bumped Into Limp Mode

In some more modern vehicles you will find that the ECM has the ability to slow or stop the engine in the event that a potentially damaging fault is recorded. This can happen with a shift solenoid fault and result in a limit being put on the RPMs. A sudden limit of 2500 – 3500 RPMs may indicate that there is a shift solenoid issue and the transmission can not shift correctly.

This limiting will be accompanied by a warning light for Limp Mode. This is the message to tell you that you need to drive carefully to a mechanic and get this issue resolved

Where Can You Find the Shift Solenoid?

You will usually find the shift solenoids in the valve body of your transmission. They are integrated into the valve body on some models and you can often see the solenoids without removing it. In other models you will have to remove the valve body to access the shift solenoids.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Shift Solenoids?

If you have a single solenoid at fault you may only need to replace that and it may cost between $100 - $150. If you have to replace them all you will need a whole solenoid pack and this can cost between $400 - $700 to replace.

The general cost will depend greatly on the vehicle you have and of course whether you can change just the damaged solenoid or if you have to change them all. In some vehicles you have no choice and will have to change them all even if it is just one unit at fault.

You will also additionally have to replace the transmission fluid and filter at the same time to make sure you do not have any extra issues. The quality of your replacement parts may also impact price as obviously you can choose inexpensive replacements or go for a more quality brand.

List of OBD2 Scanner Codes Relating to Shift Solenoids

If you happen to have an OBD2 scanner tool and know how to use it you may be able to diagnose a shift solenoid issue yourself. The following list includes some of the common codes you may find if you have a solenoid issue.

  • P0750 – Shift Solenoid A
  • P0752 – Shift Solenoid A – Stuck Solenoid ON
  • P0753 – Transmission 3-4 Shift Solenoid – Relay Circuits
  • P0754 – Shift Solenoid A – Intermittent fault
  • P0755 – Shift Solenoid B
  • P0756 – AW4 Shift Sol B (2-3) – Functional Failure
  • P0757 – Shift Solenoid B – Stuck Solenoid ON
  • P0758 – Shift Solenoid B – Electrical
  • P0759 – Shift Solenoid B – Intermittent fault
  • P0760 – Shift Solenoid C
  • P0761 – Shift Solenoid C – Performance or Stuck Off
  • P0762 – Shift Solenoid C – Stuck Solenoid ON
  • P0763 – Shift Solenoid C – Electrical
  • P0764 – Shift Solenoid C – Intermittent fault
  • P0765 – Shift Solenoid D
  • P0766 – Shift Solenoid D – Performance or Stuck Off
  • P0767 – Shift Solenoid D – Stuck Solenoid ON
  • P0768 – Shift Solenoid D – Electrical
  • P0769 – Shift Solenoid D – Intermittent Fault
  • P0770 – Shift Solenoid E
  • P0771 – Shift Solenoid E – Performance or Stuck Off
  • P0772 – Shift Solenoid E – Stuck Solenoid ON
  • P0773 – Shift Solenoid E – Electrical
  • P0774 – Shift Solenoid E – Intermittent fault

Conclusion

There are several symptoms that might point to a shift solenoid issue and there are also a lot of potential problems you might encounter with this part. It is not a very cheap problem to fix but it is important to do so as it being broken can cause damage to your transmission.

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