5R44E Shift Kit 1995

If you searched for a 5R44E shift kit because your Ford Ranger or Mazda B-Series shifts lazily, flares between gears or sets a lockup code, read this before you order. This listing is not a bag of TransGo springs and valves. What ships is a remanufactured set of OEM transmission solenoids, the EPC, shift and torque converter clutch solenoids, inspected for proper operation and catalogued for the Ford and Mazda small rear-drive family from 1995 on: the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E. A worn solenoid often causes the very symptoms people expect a shift kit to cure, so for many trucks this is the cheaper and more direct fix. If you do want the hydraulic kit to install in your own valve body, we stock the 5R44E shift kit for 1994-07 separately.

What these solenoids do in a 5R44E

The 5R44E is the lighter-duty five-speed member of a family that started when the 4R44E and 4R55E replaced the A4LD for 1995, and all four units share one valve body design. The PCM does the shifting electrically. It switches the shift solenoids on and off to move the shift valves, and it varies current to the electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid, which works through the boost valve to set line pressure. Line pressure is what decides how firmly each band and clutch is squeezed during a shift. When the EPC solenoid drifts, pressure comes up short in every gear, and the transmission feels soft everywhere. The TCC solenoid sends a signal to the converter clutch regulator so the converter locks up at cruise. Shift feel on this unit comes as much from the electrical parts as from the springs a shift kit replaces.

Symptoms that point to the solenoids

• Soft or slow upshifts that get worse as the fluid heats up
• A flare on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift, the five-speed pattern Sonnax lists for this family
• Starting off in second, or the truck holding a single gear with the check engine light on
• Shift solenoid circuit codes in the P0750, P0755 and P0760 range, or an EPC code
• No converter lockup, lockup that cycles in and out, or P0741 stored; older trucks may show Ford code 628 or 1741 instead

How to confirm it before you buy

Check the fluid first. Dark, burnt fluid and a pan magnet thick with friction material mean the bands or clutches are already damaged, and no solenoid set or shift kit will bring the unit back; that truck needs a rebuild. With clean red fluid, read the codes and measure line pressure with a gauge. Low pressure that does not rise when the PCM commands more EPC current points at the EPC solenoid or a worn boost valve bore. Also keep in mind that Sonnax ties some of the same complaints, such as delayed forward and P0741, to worn EPC and engagement valves in the casting itself, which a solenoid set cannot fix. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shifts walkthrough covers the test order, and the converter clutch shudder guide helps when the main complaint is lockup.

Fitment

The set is listed for 1995 and later 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E transmissions in Ford and Mazda applications. Be aware that no truck had a 5R44E in 1995. The Ranger Station's transmission chart shows the 4R44E behind the 2.3L and 3.0L from 1995 to 2000, then the 5R44E behind the same engines from 2001 to 2009, while the 4.0L trucks used the 4R55E and later the 5R55E. The 1995 date marks where this solenoid family begins, not the 5R44E itself. Solenoid connectors and the EPC part changed over that span, so compare your old parts with the photos, or send us your year and VIN before you order and we will confirm the correct set. Every part we carry for these units is on the 5R55 family collection page.

Install notes

• Drop the pan, drain the fluid and fit a new filter so old debris does not reach the new solenoids.
• Change one solenoid at a time so each goes back in its own bore and plug, with fresh O-rings lubricated in clean fluid.
• Torque the solenoid and valve body bolts to the factory figure in steps; these castings warp if a bolt is overtightened.
• Refill with the Mercon-type fluid your owner's guide specifies, Mercon V on most of these trucks, and check the level hot.
• If the EPC solenoid is the only suspect, the separate 1995-2012 pressure control solenoid is an option, but a full set costs less than a second pan drop.
• Clear codes and let the PCM relearn shift pressures over several days of normal driving before you judge the result.

Is this a TransGo-style shift kit?

No. This listing is a remanufactured OEM solenoid set covering the EPC, shift and TCC solenoids. Worn solenoids cause many of the soft-shift and flare complaints people buy shift kits for. If you want the hydraulic spring and valve kit, see our separate 5R44E shift kit listing for 1994-07.

Will it fit my 1995 Ranger?

A 1995 Ranger automatic has a 4R44E (2.3L or 3.0L) or a 4R55E (4.0L), not a 5R44E. Those units are covered by this solenoid family. Because connectors and EPC parts changed over the years, send us your year and VIN and we will confirm the correct set before it ships.

Can new solenoids fix slipping?

Only if the slip comes from low line pressure caused by a weak EPC solenoid. If the fluid is burnt and there is friction material in the pan, the bands or clutches are worn and the transmission needs a rebuild.

What fluid should I use after the install?

Use the fluid your owner's guide calls for, which is Mercon V on most of these Ford and Mazda trucks, and check the level with the transmission at operating temperature.

Do I need to reset anything after replacing the solenoids?

Clear the stored codes, then drive normally. The PCM adapts shift pressures over several drive cycles, so shift feel can keep improving for a few days.

Which codes suggest the solenoids are bad?

Shift solenoid circuit codes in the P0750, P0755 and P0760 range, EPC circuit codes, and converter clutch codes such as P0741 are the usual ones. Earlier trucks may report Ford codes such as 628 or 1741 for converter clutch problems.

• 5R55 Harsh or Delayed Shifts: A Diagnostic Walkthrough
• Torque Converter Clutch Shudder Diagnosis
• Torque Converter Stall Test and Lockup Diagnosis