I have a 2003 Ford F250 5.4L with a 4R100 transmission.

Is that automatically PWM? I'm gonna be attempting to replace the Solenoid pack.

Also other than buying a new pack is there anything else I should consider replacing while I'm in there? I've ready about wiring harnesses but that was for earlier model transmissions where you could just replace the TCC Solenoid.

Thanks in advance for any help. It's much appreciated.

 

Also if I'm driving the truck with a P1744 error code am I risking doing irreparable damage to the Transmission? I'm not towing anything right now.

 

It is a PWM solenoid.

Have you done any diagnostics or are you replacing the solenoid because of this code?

Driving with that code won't do any harm to the trans unless you overheat it. That isn't likely unless the truck is loaded to the maximum.

 

I was gonna replace based on that code. Is that not a good idea?

I read that it could simply be the wiring. I just am leery about taking it to a Tranny shop and having them come back with a rag full of dirty oil telling me I need a new Transmission.

 

On other Fords, a P1744 usually meant the TC clutches were slipping and they were usually toast, requiring the converter to be replaced along with whatever originally failed.

Mark can probably tell us if the behavior is similar on the 4R100.

 

The code means the torque converter is not locking when the PCM is commanding it to lock.

That could be a failed solenoid, a failed torque converter, a stuck valve in the valve body, or a failed seal in the torque converter circuit. If it were a wiring problem there would also be a code for an electrical problem with the circuit.

If you were to get a wiring diagram of the connector on the trans you could put +12 across the TCC solenoid and listen for a loud click when you apply or remove the voltage. While that is not a 100% guarantee that the solenoid is good, it is pretty reliable.

 

well dadgummit. Looks like I'm going to have to get references to a Tranny shop and have them look at it. I was hoping I could save the headache and money and simply change out that solenoid pack. Oh well.

 

would it be more cost effective to purchase a shift kit and solenoid pack first then if that doesn't work take it to a shop? I'm not ready to replace a torque converter, but I feel like I could install a valve body shift kit and solenoid pack.

 

It depends on a lot of factors, like how much do the parts cost, what is the labor rate at the shop. While we can't answer the question specifically, I can say categorically that it is NEVER cost effective to replace parts that work. If you spend $35 to find out a solenoid pack you replaced did not need replacing, you wasted $35.

 

You could do that. The shift kit won't help this, the solenoid might. You might be spending a bunch of money to change a good part. Your call.

 

Great idea!

Mark, do you know if the pin out (wiring diagram) for the 4R100 is the same no matter which engine is installed? If so, then here is the info from my 7.3 manual...
(hope this helps...)

 

Yes, it doesn't matter which engine, they are all the same.