97 Ford Ranger 3.0 OHV - TCC Solenoid problem

[ricer333]

Getting a P1744 code thrown on my g/f's 97 Ford Ranger 2WD. Just trying to get an idea of how to replace the solenoid to see if that fixes the problem or if the transmission is in need of an overhaul.

Thanks!

[glock20man]

Originally Posted by ricer333

Getting a P1744 code thrown on my g/f's 97 Ford Ranger 2WD. Just trying to get an idea of how to replace the solenoid to see if that fixes the problem or if the transmission is in need of an overhaul.

Thanks!

do you have a dragging and or whinning sound when driving?

[ricer333]

Originally Posted by glock20man

do you have a dragging and or whinning sound when driving?

I haven't driven it yet. All I know is that the g/f was mentioning that it was 'bucking' the other day. I'm not sure at what speeds.

If I go to check for a whining/dragging sound while driving, what speeds should I be listening to?

I can also try to get some of these sounds on video and upload to YouTube and post a link.

Just let me know what type of test I should be doing and I'll get it on video.

[danhasenauer]

If it's bucking on deceleration, the TCC solenoid is not releasing when it should, a common failure with age. You can unplug it and drive around (no OD, that's all) to see if the problem goes away.

[ricer333]

Originally Posted by danhasenauer

If it's bucking on deceleration, the TCC solenoid is not releasing when it should, a common failure with age. You can unplug it and drive around (no OD, that's all) to see if the problem goes away.

Thank you for this. Any insight to what I have to unplug? Any pics you can share to help me out in this venture?

By unplugging the TCC Solenoid, OD is not available by that's all? If the problem does go away, does that point to a bad solenoid, torque converter, or both? Any way to rule one out? Thanks so far, the TCCA forum has offered more knowledge quicker than others out there! I knew I could count on you all.

[danhasenauer]

Not sure about a Ranger, but on a Taurus it is right on the transaxle case. With it unplugged, there is no OD lockup available, that is all. Completely safe test to do, it points to a bad TCC solenoid needing replacement. A failing TCC solenoid will not let the trans downshift when it wants to on deceleration, kind of like pulling up to a stop in 5th gear with a standard trans, the vehicle can shudder, shake and even stall sometimes.

[ricer333]

Originally Posted by danhasenauer

Not sure about a Ranger, but on a Taurus it is right on the transaxle case. With it unplugged, there is no OD lockup available, that is all. Completely safe test to do, it points to a bad TCC solenoid needing replacement. A failing TCC solenoid will not let the trans downshift when it wants to on deceleration, kind of like pulling up to a stop in 5th gear with a standard trans, the vehicle can shudder, shake and even stall sometimes.

I took the ol' Ranger out for a spin along with the g/f and a camera. We couldn't get it to replicate the bucking but there is a distinctive sound when the transmission is in R, D, D2, D1. I've recorded this from outside and under the hood and under the truck itself.

Also, another point, the g/f says that the bucking/clunking seemed to happen around the 1st/2nd gears on decel. Does this still sound like a TCC solenoid issue?

If you can help by watching the video and if you see the area that I should be looking for to pull the TCC solenoid, please point it out. Thanks!

Link: 1997 Ford Ranger Transmission Grinding Noise when in gear - YouTube

[glock20man]

I watch the video and that doesn't sound to good, I think your torque converter is shot...I got the p1744 code on my car also, it doesn't sound as bad as yours. mine has like a growling/humming sound when driving, nothing at idle. A torque converter is not that expensive($200 or less) that's if you do the work yourself.......

[ricer333]

Originally Posted by glock20man

I watch the video and that doesn't sound to good, I think your torque converter is shot...I got the p1744 code on my car also, it doesn't sound as bad as yours. mine has like a growling/humming sound when driving, nothing at idle. A torque converter is not that expensive($200 or less) that's if you do the work yourself.......

I'm not too familiar with how Auto Transmissions work. Question I have is these:

1) Is there a procedure that someone can point me to on the R&R for a Torque Converter for this truck's transmission? According to RockAuto the transmission in this 3.0L OHV truck is the 4R44E.

2) The transmission right now is at 216,000+ miles. Is the torque converter worth the 'trial' at this point or are these type of things lost causes.

Thanks again all! I'm trying to get in touch with my local shadetree guy to get his thoughts as well. Between the two of us, and a good procedure, I'm hoping we could knock this out and breath a little life into the ol' boy.

Oh yeah, lastly, will driving around with this type of thing cause serious issues?

~matt

P.S. Happy New Year's all!

[glock20man]

Originally Posted by ricer333

I'm not too familiar with how Auto Transmissions work. Question I have is these:

1) Is there a procedure that someone can point me to on the R&R for a Torque Converter for this truck's transmission? According to RockAuto the transmission in this 3.0L OHV truck is the 4R44E.

2) The transmission right now is at 216,000+ miles. Is the torque converter worth the 'trial' at this point or are these type of things lost causes.

Thanks again all! I'm trying to get in touch with my local shadetree guy to get his thoughts as well. Between the two of us, and a good procedure, I'm hoping we could knock this out and breath a little life into the ol' boy.

Oh yeah, lastly, will driving around with this type of thing cause serious issues?

~matt

P.S. Happy New Year's all!

well, I have been driving around in mine for a while and she still holding out...question 1. I guess you can get a repair manual or google it on the internet if your going to tackle it yourself. #2. you got a **** load of miles on the transmission, yor gonna have to drop the tranny anyway to replace the torque converter, might want to put a rebuilt transmission in or get one at a junkyard, it all depends on how much $$$ you got.