2002 FE VT Transmission Problems

[adhocsock]

Hi.

I've taken my car to a mechanic friend and he's diagnosed it with a dying transmission. He has told me there is nothing to do about it but basically let it go until it dies. He is an ex-Ford service person and generally very knowledgeable so I'm not completely refuting him but hoping maybe there are other opinions out there.

My OBD reader is spitting out P0775 (Google reports "Pressure Control Solenoid "B"). It seems to be a transmission related code but that's where my knowledge stops.

Symptoms:

Transmission shifting terribly bad ("kicking in" to gear). Sometimes it's very loud and abrupt and a little scary (usually when I'm going slower). Sometimes the engine revs up while driving on the highway and then "pops" into the right gear (it's smooth but still a bit spooky). Transmission will "kick" almost always if coming from reverse into drive. Sometimes the car will drive fine for days. If I "stress" the car out (e.g. drive it normally as I'm treating it very very nicely lately) the transmission will operate much worse more frequently. I'm not completely sure if this is related but we had a first very warm day (mid 80's) last week and it seemed the transmission didn't appreciate it.

The other thing which may have relevance is that the OD/off light flickers on and off a lot on occasion.

I have asked my mechanic about a transmission flush or perhaps some off the shelf product but he swears it won't make any difference (in fact he said that sometimes flushing the transmission can cause even more problems if problems already exist).

Part of me thinks the transmission is just confused. I find it hard to believe (or rather, would like to find it hard to believe) that a six year old car has a failing transmission. I've driven it hard over the years but not recklessly.

The rest of the car, dare I say, is in mint condition. My mechanic also tells me if the transmission goes it's going to be a ton of $$$ to replace it (I think he guessed thousands including labor).

I really love this truck and I did not plan on having to put in a ton (more) money into it.

Any suggestions or ideas would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[PaulS]

First, unplug and plug in each of the connectors to your transmission a few times. Spray them with WD-40 to get rid of any moisture or corrosion. If that doesn't work you can try changing the fluid, filter and the pressure control solenoid(s). I would recommend getting the ATSG manual for your transmission before attempting the change. It will show the location of the solenoids and have a fairly good "how to" section.
NOTE: the transmission is computer controlled and it is unlikely that what I have recommended will fix it. It is possible that the best thing for the money that you can do is let it die or get a replacement transmission and put it in BEFORE yours leaves you stranded on the road someplace.