5R44E Solenoid Kit 1997-2011

If your Ford Ranger or Mazda B2300, B2500 or B4000 with the 5R44E five-speed automatic has started skipping gears, starting out in the wrong gear, or dropping into limp mode with shift solenoid codes, the solenoids are a sensible place to start. This kit replaces the full electrical side of the valve body in one order: four shift solenoids, one EPC (electronic pressure control) solenoid and one TCC lockup solenoid. It is listed for the 5R44E from 1997 through 2011 and carries reference A56420K. Swapping the whole set at once means you are not left wondering which of the old coils is next to fail.

What the solenoids do in a 5R44E

The 5R44E grew out of Ford's 4R44E four-speed and shares its valve body design with the 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E. The PCM decides every shift and carries it out through these solenoids. The on/off shift solenoids send oil to the shift valves to select each gear. The EPC solenoid feeds the boost valve, which sets mainline pressure and how firm each shift and engagement feels. The TCC solenoid applies the converter clutch at cruise. If one shift solenoid sticks, the computer loses a gear or picks the wrong one. A weak EPC solenoid makes every shift soft or harsh. A tired TCC solenoid brings lockup shudder or slip.

Symptoms that point to the solenoids

• Stuck in one gear (failsafe) with the check engine light on
• Wrong-gear starts, such as pulling away in second
• Shift solenoid circuit or performance codes, or a gear ratio code that only shows up hot
• Firm, banging engagements or flared 2-3 and 3-4 shifts, which point to EPC pressure control
• Converter clutch slip or shudder at highway speed, with code P0741
• Slipping in upper gears with P0735. A worn band or leaking servo can set that code too, so do not assume it is a solenoid

How to confirm before you buy

Pull codes first, then unplug the case connector and look for transmission fluid wicking into the pins. Fluid or corrosion there can set solenoid codes on good parts. Check each solenoid's resistance at the connector against the service manual, and put a pressure gauge on the line tap to see if pressure rises when EPC is commanded. Sonnax notes that a worn solenoid regulator valve bore in this valve body can cause wrong-gear starts, solenoid performance codes and TCC codes even after new solenoids are fitted, so a vacuum test of the valve body is worth doing if the codes have come back before. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shift walkthrough explains how to separate solenoid faults from servo and band wear.

Fitment

The listing names the 5R44E, 5R55E, 4R44E and 4R55E in the 1997-2011 Ford Ranger, 1997-2001 Explorer, 2001-2005 Explorer Sport Trac and 1997 Aerostar, plus the 1997-2010 Mazda B2300, 1998-2001 B2500 and 1997-2010 B4000. Ford put more than one of these transmissions in the same truck lines, so read the identification tag on the case to confirm you have a 5R44E. Before you install the new parts, lay each old solenoid next to its replacement and compare the body shape, the O-ring positions and the connector. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN and we will check it for you. This kit does not fit the 5R55W or 5R55S, which use a one-piece solenoid block. The rest of our parts for this family are on the 5R55 parts page.

Install notes

• Drain the fluid, remove the pan and filter, and unplug the internal harness before you unbolt anything.
• Replace the solenoids one at a time so each new one goes into the same bore its old one came out of. Lube every O-ring with clean fluid so it does not cut on the way in.
• Inspect the harness. If the insulation is cracked or brittle from heat, replace it now rather than chasing codes later.
• Fit a new filter and gasket, refill with Mercon V, and check the level hot with the engine running.
• Clear the codes, reset adaptive learning, and road test through all five gears.
• If the valve body tests worn, add a 5R44E shift kit while the pan is off. If the fluid is black and full of debris, a 5R44E overhaul kit is the better repair.

Which solenoids come in this kit?

The listing contents are six pieces: four on/off shift solenoids, one EPC pressure control solenoid and one TCC lockup solenoid, so the shift, pressure and lockup circuits all get new parts in one job.

Will this fit my 2004 Ranger?

It is listed for 1997-2011 Ranger with the 5R44E or 5R55E. Check the tag on the case to confirm which transmission you have, and compare your old solenoids with the new ones before you install them. You can also send us your VIN.

Can I replace just one solenoid?

You can, but the others have the same age and heat history. Since the pan is already off, replacing the whole set is usually cheaper than a second teardown.

New solenoids did not clear my shift codes. Why?

Check the case connector for fluid wicking and the harness for heat damage first. If those are good, the valve body bores may be worn, mainly the solenoid regulator valve, and that has to be fixed for the solenoids to work properly.

What fluid and relearn does it need?

Use Mercon V and set the level hot with the engine running. Clear the codes, reset the adaptive tables and drive through every gear so the PCM can relearn shift pressure.

• 5R55 Harsh or Delayed Shifts: A Diagnostic Walkthrough