Go With the Pack
Imagine your customer came in to your shop with their 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0L, and the transmission is erratically shifting. The customer says they have noticed the check engine light is on. However, you know that a check engine can be caused by a number of problems. Where do you start? Let’s take a look at this scenario, encountered by a SureTrack community member, and the solution.
Diagnosis
To find the issue, the technician tried a series of tests to try to find a solution. He started by connecting a scan tool and found code P1717 – SSD Inductive Signature Malfunction. Then he continued scanning as he test drove the vehicle to monitor the live data and was able to confirm that the transmission shifts were really erratic. He then inspected the transmission wiring harness and connectors and found no visible faults. The fluid was even clean and at the proper level. Still searching for the cause, he disconnected the automatic transmission shift solenoid wiring harness connector, inspected the terminals, and still found no faults.
Using a multi-meter, he checked for shorts in the automatic transmission shift solenoid circuits and the presence of any battery power in its wiring harness connector. Battery power was still present and no shorts were to blame. Finally, while checking the continuity of the automatic transmission shift solenoids, he saw that solenoid “D” was intermittently electrically open when it was tapped on to simulate road shock. This indicated that the solenoid was faulty.
Fix
Because solenoid “D” is integrated into the solenoid pack it is replaced as an entire unit. This is exactly what the technician did. That solved the issue and he was able to return a healthy car back to the customer. Read the Real Fix in the Mitchell 1 ShopConnection blog.
