2011 Ranger 4x4 4.0 Sport eating shift solenoids. I'm on my 3rd pressure control solenoid A in a year this one that just died was a OEM the other 2 was duralast. So far no pattern to why the solenoid failed just driving the truck then shutters then has pulling itself problems the OD light flashing then a P0962 error code sometimes another code .The truck has 78,xxx original miles, maybe its a lemon, any ideas on the problems, it doesn't blow a fuse just loses its overdrive. Cost of part low but labor is high. Thanks in advanced.

 

Welcome to the forum

Were the failed solenoids tested?
i.e. what did they show for OHMs and did you or the shop apply 12volts to the solenoid to test it

A solenoid is just a coiled wire around a metal core, when voltage is applied it acts like a magnet and pulls open the valve it controls
The EPC solenoid is a little different in that the PCM(engine computer) raise and lowers its voltage to vary the internal fluid pressure in the Valve body, where the other solenoids are on/off type, 12v or no volt
This is actually done by grounding the solenoids but the principle is the same, on/off or variable voltage

So it could be a PCM issue not an EPC solenoid issue, but you would have to test the EPC solenoid

P0962 doesn't mean solenoid issue, just FYI, computer has 3 other codes it can use if its a wiring or electrical issue with the EPC solenoid specifically, so a shop shouldn't be changing the EPC solenoid a second time if code returns
P0962 is a pressure issue, so would be valve body related, not specific to EPC solenoid, but could be caused by failing EPC solenoid, but after 3 replacements I would say its NOT the EPC solenoid thats the problem.

These are the OBD electrcal codes if this solenoid or its wires fail
P0960 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit/Open
P0961 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit Range/Performance
P0963 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit High

"Circuit" issue

 

2 solenoids failed and replaced they were made by duralast and maybe I should have known better the last one threw a code but the OEM ford solenoid is alive. So the P0962 is control circuit low is pointing me towards a bad pcm, I'm the 4th owner of a low mileage truck so my brother in law (really nice guy) is going to pull a favor and get the big report on the truck that shows all repairs from all owners and see if they were chasing the same problem. I will have answer in a couple of days...Thank You