5R110W Pressure Control Solenoid

A 5R110W that shifts like it is being hit with a hammer, or one that feels lazy and slips when the trailer is hooked up, often comes back to line pressure. This is a new 5R110W pressure control solenoid, the PC-A position in the solenoid body, listed with reference A136431A. The 5R110W TorqShift was used in Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty, Excursion and E-Series trucks behind the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke and the gas V8 and V10.

How the PC-A solenoid controls a TorqShift

Most older automatics use a solenoid to move a valve, and the valve does the real work. The 5R110W skips that step. Each clutch has its own variable-force solenoid that meters oil to it, and the PC-A sits upstream of all of them by setting main line pressure. The PCM drives it between 0 and 1 amp, and because PC-A is inversely proportional, 0 amps equals full pressure. So the solenoid is constantly trimming pressure down for smooth shifts at light throttle and letting it climb under load. When it wears, every clutch in the unit feels it.

Symptoms that point at the pressure control solenoid

• Every gear change feels too firm, including the engagement into Drive and Reverse
• Slipping or flare on upshifts when towing or climbing
• Shift feel that changes as the fluid warms up
• Pressure control codes such as P0748 or P0960, often followed by apply-time codes P2700 through P2704
• The truck dropping into limp mode

Check these things first

Read fluid temperature on a scan tool before anything else. The 5R110W runs a different shift schedule when the fluid is below about 5F, so an odd shift pattern on a cold morning can be normal. Next, inspect the wiring. On 6.0L trucks a leaking water-in-fuel sensor has been documented sending diesel up the harness into the PCM, setting a whole set of pressure control faults with nothing wrong in the transmission. If the circuit checks out, pull the solenoid and test it: about 4.5 ohms is normal, and the snout valve should move freely when shaken. The 5R110 TorqShift service guide covers the basics, and our solenoid symptoms and testing guide lists every code by solenoid.

Fitment

This listing is not tied to one year. The 5R110W was built over a long run and the solenoid body changed along the way, including the late-2004 removal of the pressure switches. Compare the reference number A136431A, the snout marks (centered, with a stepped back for the PC-A) and the connector on your old part before ordering, or send us your year and VIN to confirm. For a 2003 truck, see our 2003 5R110W pressure control solenoid. All parts for this transmission are on the 5R110W collection page.

Install notes

• Drain the pan, remove the solenoid body, and swap only the PC-A. The bores are keyed, so it will not fit another position.
• Use new O-rings and inspect the bore. Never adjust the calibration screw at the snout tip.
• Replace the pan filter, and the inline filter as well. Trucks built from roughly late 2006 use a sealed inline filter under the bellhousing that must be replaced as a unit.
• Fill with the Ford-specified fluid for your VIN; the unit launched on MERCON SP.
• Check line pressure with a gauge, then perform the four-step engagement relearn at 130F fluid temperature.

A pump that cannot make pressure will look like a weak solenoid. If line pressure stays low with a new PC-A, inspect the pump, such as our 5R110W pump for 2005-2010, and check the internal wiring harness for cracked insulation or oil wicking.

Which trucks use this 5R110W pressure control solenoid?

The 5R110W TorqShift was used in Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty, Excursion and E-Series vehicles with the 6.0L or 6.4L Power Stroke and gas V8/V10 engines. Match reference A136431A or send us your VIN to confirm.

Should I replace just the PC-A or all seven solenoids?

If testing shows only the PC-A is out of spec or sticking, replacing it alone is a valid repair. If several solenoids are failing the shake test or the truck has high mileage on original solenoids, a full set may make more sense.

What resistance should a good 5R110W solenoid read?

Per ATRA's Gears Magazine, all seven 5R110W solenoids should read around 4.5 ohms. A solenoid can still have a stuck valve at that reading, so do the shake test too.

My codes say pressure control solenoid but the truck is a 6.0L. Could it be something else?

Yes. A documented case had diesel from a leaking water-in-fuel sensor travel up the harness into the PCM and set pressure control solenoid codes. Inspect the harness and PCM connectors before replacing parts.

Is a relearn needed after replacement?

Yes. With fluid at 130F, run five Park-Reverse, five Drive-Reverse, five Reverse-Drive and five Neutral-Drive engagements, five seconds apart.

• 5R110 TorqShift Shift Solenoid Symptoms, Testing and Replacement
• Ford 5R110 TorqShift Service Guide: What Every Super Duty Tech Needs to Know
• 5R110 TorqShift Rebuild Guide: Known Wear Points and Upgrades