4r44e Should i replace all transmission solenoids?

[joegreen]

1998 ford ranger with 240,000 miles. Original transmission. Recently the shifts have started to become softer than I like. If it shifts below 3000 rpm the shifts feel more like they slide into gear than bump into gear. If it shifts above 3000 rpm it has a nice solid feel of engaging the next gear. With the torque converter lockup if im in 4th and very light on the throttle it will flare 100-200 rpm when the converter locks up. I have new oem fluid, filter, gasket. I bought a new oem epc solenoid and a sonnax zip kit. I havent installed anything yet. There are 6 solenoids on the valve body. Besides the epc solenoid it looks like there are 4 shift solenoids and a tcc lockup solenoid. I didnt really see anywhere online where people suggest changing out all of the solenoids just the epc solenoid but i was wondering from some transmission people what your thoughts are on changing all of the solenoids vs just the epc solenoid? Its about $200 for the extra solenoids and i would prefer not to replace them if its not needed.

 

[crashz]

I'm no expert by any means but I'll share want I understand. The solenoids are an electric switch that controls the shift by moving a valve. If the shifts are improved with more RPM, is sounds as if the fluid pressure is getting low. There could be many things that cause this, from pump wear to something as simple as an accumulator seal leaking.

So to me, it seems like the solenoids are working but something is impeding the pressure or flow in the circuits.

 

[zzyzzx]

I also think that your transmission oil pressure is low. Is it adjustable via a cable?

 

[joegreen]

I also think that your transmission oil pressure is low. Is it adjustable via a cable?

No its all electronically controlled. The epc solenoid controls line pressure. The sonnax zip kit and new epc solenoid should help address internal valve body leaks.

 

[ctechbob]

@clinebarger can probably point you in the right direction.

 

[clinebarger]

The shift solenoids are pretty reliable, A Zip Kit & new EPC is a good start.
Use the higher weight pressure regulator spring.

 

[joegreen]

The shift solenoids are pretty reliable, A Zip Kit & new EPC is a good start.
Use the higher weight pressure regulator spring.

I was hoping you would reply. I’ll go with just the epc solenoid. I read through the kit and plan on doing every upgrade included with it and using the stronger springs and removing a spring from the tcc valve for a firmer tcc apply. Thanks