4R55E Pressure Control Solenoid 1995-2012, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R55E. Ships fast from the USA.
When a mid-1990s 4.0L Explorer or Ranger with the 4R55E shifts soft and flares, or bangs into gear with the check engine light on, the electronic pressure control solenoid is one of the first parts to look at. This is a new EPC solenoid with a silver coil body, a slotted mounting tab and a red-screened nose. The wide 1995-2012 range in the title reflects how long Ford used this style of solenoid across the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E family. The 4R55E itself only lived from 1995 into the 1997 model year, so the honest way to use this page is to read it for your truck, not for the date range.
The 4R55E was the electronic successor to the A4LD, and its line pressure is set entirely by the PCM. The computer varies current to the EPC solenoid, the solenoid output works on the boost valve assembly, and the boost valve scales that signal up at the pressure regulator into mainline. A little error at the solenoid becomes a large error at the bands and clutches, which is why shift feel changes so much when one starts to stick or leak.
This family is known for valve body wear that mimics a bad solenoid, and Sonnax's vacuum test guide sorts the complaints by circuit:
A failing solenoid tends to show itself electrically or with a pressure reading that will not follow the command. Typical signs are a pressure control circuit code such as P0748, harsh shifts across every gear after the code sets, or shifts that soften as the fluid gets hot.
Read codes, check the fluid, and inspect the case connector for ATF wicking. Bench test the old solenoid as described in our solenoid bench testing guide: resistance in range and a clean click with power applied rules out an electrical failure but not a sticking valve. Then put a gauge on the line tap and command EPC with a scan tool. If pressure tracks, the problem is hydraulic, and our harsh and delayed shift walkthrough covers what to check next in this valve body family.
The 4R55E was used behind the 4.0L V6 in 1995-1996 Ford Explorer and Ranger and the matching Mazda B4000, before the 5R55E replaced it. The same EPC design continued through the 5R55E and 5R44E Rangers and B-Series trucks, and the last of those were 2011 models, so treat the 2012 end of the title as the outer edge of the range. Ford made plate and solenoid changes along the way, so line up the tab, the two-blade connector and the nose screen against your original, or send us your year and VIN. A 2002-up 5R55W or 5R55S does not use this part. Browse the rest of this family on our 5R55 parts page.
Since the 4R55E is now about 30 years old, many of these trucks are due for more than one part. A 1995 4R55E TCC solenoid is the companion part when lockup is also a complaint, and if testing points to worn bores, a remanufactured 4R55E valve body solves the hydraulic side in one step.
| Fits | 4R55E 1995-2012 |
| Part type | Pressure Control Solenoid |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
A 1995-1996 Explorer with the 4.0L and the four-speed automatic uses the 4R55E, which takes this style of EPC solenoid. Check the tag on the transmission and compare the tab and connector to your old part, or send us your VIN.
The range covers how long this solenoid style was used across the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E family. The 4R55E itself ended during the 1997 model year and the last 5R55E/5R44E trucks were 2011 models.
Do a line pressure test. If pressure follows the EPC command but is low, the boost valve, pressure regulator or other valve body bores are worn, which is very common in this family. A Sonnax repair kit or rebuilt valve body is the fix.
Use the MERCON-family fluid listed in your owner's manual or on the dipstick, and check the level hot with the engine running in Park.
There is no special tool relearn. Clear the codes, and the PCM adapts shift feel over normal driving.
