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Help assessing atx damage

9

95Mike

CEG'er
Joined
Feb 28, 2001
Messages
168
Location
Baka Laka Daka Street
Here's a little history: at 70k the tcc problem cel p1744 showed up. At first it was only after long drives, but came more and more frequently. after 1.5 years it was solid for a while and we decided to have it fixed by a tranny shop that was owned by someone we know. Mileage was 97k. At first they replaced the valve body, shift kit and solonoid valve for $1400 (not a good deal). But they gave us a 12k mile/ 1 year warranty. We passed emissions testing, but after about 300 miles the cel came back. We returned the car and they pulled the atx out and did a "complete rebuild." At the time I didn't ask any details. After close to 1000 miles the cel came back. they inspected it and decided it was electrical. I replaced the computer under their recommendation, but the cel came right back. I decided they cannot fix the problem and would not return the car to them. that was 1.5 years ago.

Now the car has 115k on it and my emissions are due in May. I've decided to fix it myself, but have a question about diagnosing the valve body through the side pan without pulling the atx out. I'm assuming they did not replace the torque converter and that is why the cel came back so soon. How do I test or visually inspect the valve body to see if it is sound? If it is good I will just buy a rebuilt tcc. If it is bad I will buy the tcc and a rebuilt valve body with the sonnax stuff. Both are available on ebay from the same place for $477 shipped ($300 valve body, $180 tcc). Any help would be appreciated.
 
What are your complete current symptoms?

The lack of certainty about whether the TC was replaced is a major concern. Based on whatever your current symptoms might be, it should be considered suspect.

Fill in some more details, please.

Steve
 
Yeah, if they didn't replace the TC when performing the "complete" rebuild then you should replace it or have it replaced. TC's use a metal clutch surface, so after it slips it will become damaged to point of no return and must be replaced.

As for testing the valve body - I don't have the information anymore. I actually used to have one of the Ford service manuals for our cars, but it was damaged, so... :shrug: But, I do remember that there are three ports on the side of the valve body. They are closed off by small threaded bolts with square heads. IIRC, they are on the driver side of the valve body. Anyway, these ports are used to measure your fluid pressures under different conditions. You simply take a fluid pressure gauge and screw it into the selected port. Put the car in the right condition, such as Drive or Reverse and take the reading. If the readings are out of spec, then you know that part of the valve body is not working properly. If they are and things inside the tranny are not working, then you know you have a mechanical issue.

As far as the TC... check around at the some of the local part stores. I have seem them had for closer to $100. Worth checking into anyway. As for the valve body, well... you shouldn't have to buy a rebuilt one. I mean, yeah it would rule it out. I guess, if you can afford it, then I would say go ahead. It surely can't hurt anything. Most of the people here that have had this problem have resolved it by replacing their TC and valve body at the same time. So if you are not confident that the shop did a good enough job installing the shift kit the first time, then yeah, install a rebuilt valve body.

Alright... I think that's everything. Any other questions, you where to post. :cool:
 
Thank you very much. My current symptoms are the cel and the bang shift after long trips (50 miles or more). I'll try to find some more info on the factory specs of those test ports.

Mike
 
Yeah, all too common.....

Replace your TC. If the VB wasn't rebuild with Sonnax valves, replace that also with one that has them. Axiom or Valve Body Express for the VB if needed. Your current TC needs to be pulled and the code letter on the pilot end needs to be checked to verify the correct replacement. A local tranny shop supplier can be a big help, however, many of them only work with shops and won't work with owners.

BTDT...... If you want to read my history, you can search for P1744 here and on the "old" forums.......

Steve
 
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