Typical Issues with Downshift Solenoid and its Replacement

Modern automatic transmissions are quite complex components of automobiles consisting of numerous elements that operate in conjunction to ensure smooth gear shifting. These sophisticated units function with the help of hydraulic pressure to implement the process of gear shifting itself, and utilize valve body solenoids to handle the pressure of the ATF to specify the shifting points. There are many solenoids responsible for different gear shifting operations, and in this article we will have a closer look at downshifting solenoids.

4L60E Downshift Solenoid

The downshift solenoid is responsible for shifting from a higher speed to a lower speed, for example, in cases when the car is decelerating to a stop. When this solenoid gets out of order, it may have a negative impact on the car’s shifting capacity. Commonly, a driver can understand that his car shifts weird because of a defected solenoid due to the following symptoms:

• Unsteady shifting

One of the most vivid signs of a faulty downshift solenoid is unsteady shifting. If something is wrong with this solenoid, it may force the car to behave unstably during downshifting. Thus, when you have to deal with hard or erratic shifting before stopping your car, the chances are high that the downshifting solenoid has failed.

• Shifting delays

Another known sign of an issue with the downshift solenoid lies in gear shifting delays. The gearbox may stay engaged in a higher gear during the time when it should already shift to a lower gear. This will cause needless RPM boosting, and may cause an extra load on the powertrain components.

• Malfunction indicator lamp

A malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), or check engine light, frequently pops on when the electronic management unit of your car detects some deviations from operating standards. The thing is that this warning mechanism will inform the driver not only about the faulty downshift solenoid, but also about a wide range of other issues. Thus, if you have suspicions about operability of the downshift solenoid, then it is needed to visit the nearest repair shop for diagnostics and scanning of error codes.

Downshift solenoids are relevant valve body elements, ensuring proper downshifting. If you disregard the abovementioned symptoms, it may lead to more serious problems with the whole gearbox unit and consequently pricey repair.

Replacement

If you decide to replace a faulty downshift solenoid by yourself, it is necessary to follow several simple recommendations. Before you start, make sure that you have all necessary tools to perform this operation safely and accurately (drain pan for ATF, nippers, jack, jack stands, ratchet wrench, special gloves, new spare part, etc.) Then, you have to perform the following:

• Lift the car with the help of jack stands;

• Drain out ATF by removing the plug from the pan

;

• Carefully disconnect the ATF pan itself with the help of the wrench;

• Find the exact fitting place of the downshift solenoid in the car manual or search the info on the Internet;

Solenoid identification and location using the example of 4EAT

• Remove the defected element;
• Mount the new solenoid;

• Reinstall the gearbox pan cover;
• Fill in the necessary amount of ATF recommended by the automaker;

• Remove the car from jack stands;
• Perform a test drive and pay attention to the downshift solenoid operation.

If you are not sure that you can perform this procedure accurately, then it is better to entrust this job to professional technician, otherwise you will only make the matter worse.