e4od shows "B solenoid open" on startup, what's up?

[nelstomlinson]

I have a '94 E350 with an e4od and a US Shift controller. When I start it cold and put it in gear, I often get a "solenoid circuit open" error. Usually it's the B circuit, sometimes the coast clutch circuit. Because this is the US Shift controller, I can read the error right on the display, no doing magic tricks and counting flashing lights. Shutting off the engine and restarting clears the error, and it usually doesn't return unless I let it sit long enough to cool to ambient temperature.

It seems to be doing it more now that the temps are below freezing, but it was doing it occasionally in the summer. I have already wiggled the connectors on both ends of the cable leading from controller to trans, and they are new wires which came with the new controller.

Does anyone have any experience with the US Shift controllers? Could this be some kind of voltage or ground issue in the controller? Is this kind of intermittent open (or maybe just high resistance?) a known thing with the e4od solenoid packs?

 

[david85]

No experience with that shift controller. I'm still running the original Baumannator TCS after 10 years and it just won't die.

Your problem sounds like a poor connection at the bulkhead connector, or perhaps in the transmission wiring harness.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Baumann is the maker of the USShift brand.

There is a bundle of wires running from the solenoid connector on the transmission to a connector on the controller box. Those are new wires not flaky Ford originals, part of the wiring harness that came with the controller.

I have unplugged both ends, and put dielectric grease on the transmission end to help keep out water. That did seem to help, I've gone several days without an issue, so you're probably right.