Might have a project during my busiest time of the year....
CEL came on. The green parts store read code. P0760. My research of other posts says this could be several causes. Not just solenoid. So, is this a good game plan?
98 Mazda B3000 3.0 auto

Replace dirty or contaminated transmission fluid and filter

• Check all wiring harness and connectors
• Replace solenoid
  

 

Also. My dad drives truck. He says all feels normal. Should I tell him to park it till can get working on it? He’s 82. Only goes 15 miles or so a day. Just to a couple old men solving the worlds problems hangouts.

 

Did you look up the code on a full list like this one: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...II_codes.shtml

It shows the codes the computer can chose from for transmission solenoid 3(C)
P0760 Shift Solenoid C Malfunction
P0761 Shift Solenoid C Performance or Stuck Off
P0762 Shift Solenoid C Stuck On
P0763 Shift Solenoid C Electrical
P0764 Shift Solenoid C Intermittent

So solenoid is not stuck on, or stuck off
Electrical connection is OK
Its not an intermittent issue

But there is a malfunction as far as the computer is concerned which does not "fit" codes 761 to 764

Have a read here: https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne.../2003_5_50.pdf

You have a 4R44E trans in a 1998 3.0l Ranger
Shift solenoid 3 is only used in 4th(OD), solenoids operate valves that send ATF Fluid pressure to open and close clutches and apply and release brakes(bands) on moving parts
So Malfunction can be the valve is leaking or not allowing full flow

Solenoid 3(C) is the OD solenoid, so driving around town it wouldn't be used, just at highway speeds

 

Well, dad went up to his hunting lease this afternoon. Little bit of highway driving. 55 tops for him probably. CEL went off. Hoping was little trash that had to get pushed through

 

Well that's good

 

My last post had a little sarcasm in it. Probably didn’t read that way.
Ron,
I read all the information you posted. Some made little sense in my head and some was like reading Latin. Way over my pay scale. I’m more of a bolt on mechanic. I can take something off and put it back if someone shows me first. My luck and past experience tells me I will have to deal with it again soon. I will read some more, try to find some videos to watch and surely ask some crazy questions when I have to. Thanks for all your help!!!!

 

The engine computer can help you find a problem, if you understand its not actually a computer like we think of computers

It is good at calculating air/fuel mixes on the fly, it 'computes' large numbers quickly, so can be called a computer
It does not 'think', it reacts
It has a list of on/off, and/or, and if/then code numbers, i.e. 1's and 0's just 2 options, so true/false as well, no grey area with these, black/white

If computer sets a code, you need a full code list to see what choices the computer had, so you can see what is not wrong, which help you find what is wrong

Do not overthink it, the computer doesn't, lol

Codes are translated into english, from binary(1001), so don't always mean what you think
Lean does not mean engine is running lean, it means calculations for air/fuel are off

 

Here we are again. Got the 0760 code again. So I’m going to drop the pan, change the filter, and replace the solenoid. Feel comfortable with job except for one thing. I can’t see or read how to get solenoid out. Is there a retaining pin? Screw? What holds the solenoid in the valve body? Thanks for any advice

 

Also, is the correct part. My research says yes, but.....
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...d/ranger?pos=0

 

I have never changed one...................

But in this picture: https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server6...0.1280.JPG?c=2

It looks like a bracket holds them in, one bracket on each side

Which solenoid is which seen here: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pr...tQusj5_b1A8e5A

1 2 3 = a b c

I have read that the EPC Solenoid was a common issue on the 4R and 5R series, so might not be a bad idea to change that one as well

 

Was hoping this was going to get me in right place. Did read that a 10mm bolt holds them in. Take out not and they slide out. On a positive note, the light is gone tonight.....

 

More research I think this will be the best route. Change them all.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4R44E-4R55E...-/273091507601