4L30E Pressure Control Solenoid 1994-1998, new and ready to install. Fits the 4L30E. Ships fast from the USA.
The 1994 to 1998 model years cover the busiest stretch of 4L30E production: the Isuzu Trooper and Rodeo, the Honda Passport twin, the first Cadillac Catera in 1997, the 1998 Isuzu Amigo, and BMW's E36 3 Series, E34 and early E39 5 Series and the Z3. If one of those is banging into gear, shifting long and soft once warm, or stuck in a single gear with a warning light, this new 4L30E pressure control solenoid is the part to test first. It is the GM force motor style: a black cylindrical can with two blade terminals on its end and a spool valve on the nose, matching the photo.
Instead of a throttle cable, the 4L30E controller regulates line pressure by sending a variable current through this solenoid. The force motor converts that current into a signal pressure that pushes on the pressure regulator valve, and line pressure follows. The relationship is inverse: more current, lower pressure. That fail-safe design means an open circuit gives you maximum line pressure and harsh shifts instead of a slipping band. Shift timing is handled by the separate shift solenoids and the band apply solenoid, so a force motor fault shows up as shift quality, not as a missing gear.
Not every 4L30E complaint is pressure related. Reverse problems on these units often trace to the reverse clutch or the center support, so a new solenoid will not fix a no-reverse condition by itself.
The 1994-95 Isuzu-built models need a code reader that talks to their own system, or the flash-code procedure in the factory manual; generic OBD-II tools will not see those codes. On any year, check fluid condition first, then measure the solenoid circuit at the case connector. Our guide to testing solenoids without a factory scan tool is written for exactly this situation, and the bench testing guide shows how to check that a removed solenoid actually moves its spool. A gauge on the line pressure port while the engine idles and revs settles whether pressure is following the command.
This listing covers the 4L30E in 1994-1998 vehicles. Transtar's catalog places the same 1.5 inch force motor on the 4L30E from 1990 through 1999, including the Trooper, Rodeo, Passport, Catera, Z3 and BMW 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 525i and 528i automatics in their 4L30E years. The 2000 model year moved to a different solenoid, so later vehicles are not covered. Because the 4L30E was supplied to several automakers with their own cases and harnesses, compare your old solenoid's can size, terminal layout and spool with the photo, or send your year and VIN and we will confirm it. Our other 4L30E listing, the 1991-2003 4L30E pressure control solenoid, is the alternative if you prefer that version.
Access is through the oil pan; the force motor is held to the valve body by a bracket. After removing it, inspect the valve body bore and the old spool for wear and varnish, and clean the bore if needed; our valve body inspection guide covers what to look for. Fit the new solenoid with its O-ring lubricated in ATF. Replace the filter and gasket while the pan is off, using the 4L30E filter and pan gasket kit, and refill with the fluid your owner's manual calls for. A high-mileage unit with burnt fluid usually needs more than a solenoid; the 4L30E master rebuild kit covers a full overhaul.
| Fits | 4L30E 1994-1998 |
| Part type | Pressure Control Solenoid |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
The same force motor style is listed for 1999 4L30E units. It does not fit 2000 and later, which use a different pressure control solenoid.
The 1994-95 Trooper, Rodeo and Passport store their own pre-OBD-II transmission codes. You need a tool that supports that system or the factory flash-code procedure.
Usually not. Reverse complaints on the 4L30E commonly come from the reverse clutch or center support. A pressure solenoid fault affects all gears, not just reverse.
At minimum the filter and pan gasket and fresh fluid. If testing shows other solenoid circuits failing, the 1990-99 4L30E solenoid kit includes all five solenoids.
Engagements and shifts should be smooth and consistent hot and cold, codes should not return, and line pressure should rise and fall with throttle when checked with a gauge.
