A friend sent sent me a known-good solenoid pack for my 93's tranny, so I decided to tear into it this afternoon. I started by plugging the new pack into the wiring harness and testing for error codes. All I got, was code 11.

Once I got the pan off (Only spilled about one quart on the garage floor!) I took the torx bolts and the nut off the old pack. I've heard that getting the connector through the hole can be a royal pain and I was expecting the same. It didn't take much effort and the pack came down pretty easy.. It was then, that I saw the problem... The connector itself, was still in the hole!

It turns out, that the connections had come un-soldered somehow. I know FOR SURE that I didn't put enough force on the connector, to have pulled the solder connections apart.

I've got the new pack in and the mating surfaces cleaned up, but have to wait until tomorrow, to finish the job. The only torque wrench I have, is broken.. Any ideas on how to get the pan bolts tight, but not too tight?

Also.. From the looks of the old pack, I think I could possibly re-solder the connector into the pack.. Has this ever been successfully accomplished?

Gary

 

The solenoid pack torque specs are.......80-100 INCH POUNDS

Oil pan to case torque specs are........10-12 FOOT POUNDS or just snugg.

 

How do you think they make the "reconditioned" solenoid packs? Yes you could try and repair the solenoid pack, all it takes is time. Seems to me the pack you had was improperly assembled. Solder joints should not come apart that easy.

I had to completely tear down 2 solenoid bodies and make a good one between the two. The "new" on I got off of Ebay had a short in one of the shift solenoids causing a wrong gear start. Would have taken too long to get another replacement. They are not supposed to be serviced except as an assembly, but anything that was put together can be taken apart again with enough patience.

I believe the manual calls for 10-12 ft/lbs on the pan bolts. The aluminum case threads strip rather easily. Use a smaller wrench (3/8" drive), and tighten the bolts slowly and gradually. You will begin to feel when the resistance starts to increace, go another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and stop. At the same time you should see gasket getting compressed. The bolts may need to be rechecked after a couple days of running if you use a new gasket.

Glad you finally have some answers

 

I got the pack installed, as well as a new filter and rubber gasket

I used a 1/4" ratchet to torque the pan bolts, stopping when the gasket started squeezing out. I had only bought 4 quarts of ATF, to replace what was in the pan.. OOPS! Luckily, it was enough for me to take it for a test drive. While I was turning around in my driveway, I could tell it was a lot different! For the first time, I actually had 1st gear! It does seem a bit slow going into reverse, but I now have 4 forward gears!!!! The shifting is very firm, but not too-much so. I also haven't yet felt the T/C lock up, so I'll have to look into that. Also, the overdrive-off light does not come on. The button itself does work though.

Took my test drive to Flying J, to fuel up ($3.80 a gallon!) and get a couple more quarts of ATF for it. Put the 2 quarts of ATF in and it brought the level to the bottom of the stick. I'll get it full tomorrow.

I want to thank you guys for all the help you've given me on this problem! You guys are the greatest!!

Thank you Ford Trans Tech, David85 and PLC7.3 for all your help and suggestions/info!!!!

A special thanks to GenLightening, for sending me a PCM, to help me troubleshoot with!!

Gary

 

How long was your test drive?

The TC will not engage unless the transmission heats up to 100F. Usually takes 2-3 miles with mine. Don't forget to check those bolts after a few days of running it.

Glad its working for you again.

 

it was what i was expecting after you verified power to the trans connector
the failed solder joint i have seen a few times over the years it is rare though
and you can resolder the old one , if you want to keep it for a spare
if you want it to last though soak it with new atf and place it in several plastic bags to prevent rust or contamination
remember , anytime you have multiple solenoid codes there is usually a power interuption

 

My test drive was about 15 miles.. Plenty of time for the tranny to warm up. I was still pulling around 2400RPM's at 70MPH, so I doubt the TC ever locked up.

Gary

 

if you have 4:10,s its working