48re Pressure Solenoid

[DogramTD]

This is the second time it has gone bad in less than a year... about to order my 3rd one. What causes the solenoid to go out? I lose 1st gear when it happens, the only way i get it is by coming to a complete stop, put it in neutral, wait for a few seconds for the pressure to bleed off, then quickly shift to first. I have a Goerend VB and the first solenoid crapped out on me while I was towing through Montana right after I installed it... had to use the above method every time I came to a stop (that was a PITA); Craig was nice enough to send me a new one. Now, 9months later, here we go again; not exactly a convienent part to replace. Just trying to figure out why so I can prevent it.



Any ideas?? Cerb

 

[JJPage]

Flooded with contaminates...

 

[DogramTD]

hmm. . the magnet isnt loaded and each time I have replaced the filter and fluid $$$$! Maybe I should have it flushed?

 

[cerberusiam]

They are cheap junk, that's the real reason. Get the GM style solenoid upgrade and forget the ones that fit the OE gov housing.

 

[DogramTD]

Goerend told me that's what they put in, also what they sent me the second time. Gonna order a new one but not sure if I should order the sensor also, I'd like to get by with just the solenoid (both are only 9 months old).

 

[cerberusiam]

As long as you keep using the solenoids that fit the OE gov housing you will keep on having problems. They are not strong enough to withstand more than about 40k at stock pressures and totally inadequate at pressures of a built trans or shift kit. The GM solenoid is about 5 times the size of the OE Dodge one, adjustable, and never has issues in built GM units.

It is a toss up whether the transducer or solenoid is the issue, or both. The transducers are cheap and extremely sensitive to ANY problems in the harness or wiring. After the 2nd time replacing transducer\solenoid and the problems persist it is time to replace the VB harness and carefully check the external harness for rubbed spots or cracks in wiring. VB harness may look god and it will still cause issues. A good solenoid\transducer should last 30-40k before starting to show variations.

At least once the GM solenoid is installed the transducer is usually the only thing that needs replaced.

 

[TGVET]

As long as you keep using the solenoids that fit the OE gov housing you will keep on having problems. They are not strong enough to withstand more than about 40k at stock pressures and totally inadequate at pressures of a built trans or shift kit. The GM solenoid is about 5 times the size of the OE Dodge one, adjustable, and never has issues in built GM units.



It is a toss up whether the transducer or solenoid is the issue, or both. The transducers are cheap and extremely sensitive to ANY problems in the harness or wiring. After the 2nd time replacing transducer\solenoid and the problems persist it is time to replace the VB harness and carefully check the external harness for rubbed spots or cracks in wiring. VB harness may look god and it will still cause issues. A good solenoid\transducer should last 30-40k before starting to show variations.



At least once the GM solenoid is installed the transducer is usually the only thing that needs replaced.

How is then that I was able to go more than 7years and 245,000 miles on my OE trans without ever changing these items ?

I am only NOW experiencing HELL since I had my trans rebuit by DTT. An ALL I get from the DTT people is, "The 05-07's are plagued with electrical issues".



"They" are NO help AT ALL in trying to fix my problem.



Do you have a part number for the GM product ?



Thanks. Rob

 

[JJPage]

Here are a couple options, and a how to from CF.

http://www.dieselautopower.com/DNJ_...ssure_Sensor_p/gm sol conv 47re for dodge.htm

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/9...ernor-pressure-solenoid-install-write-up.html

http://www.doghousediesel.com/catalog/i307.html

Here is for the 48RE http://www.dieselautopower.com/product_p/gm sol conv 48re for dodge.htm

I like the BW option

 

[TGVET]

Thanks JJ. I'll try replacing those with the BW.

 

[cerberusiam]

All the solenoids are made by BW, just varying degrees of usefulness. This one is what you want http://www.dieselautopower.com/DNJ_...ssure_Sensor_p/gm sol conv 47re for dodge.htm

The OE solenoids were a LOT better than what you get for replacements. If you never have problems you were lucky as a lot of them will fail or end up with shuttle shift so bad they have to be replaced. That, and they were working with OE pressures not beefed ones.

 

[Freebore]

I spent a lot of time researching (reading forums and talking with trans shops / suppliers) before upgrading my truck with the GM solenoid. I was not having issues with my truck but I had just bought it and was replacing all filters and fluids in the truck and didn't want to go into the transmission without doing this simple upgrade. The GM conversion is straight forward, but I also discovered the sensor part number changed from Mopar.

After buttoning it all up, filled it, connected a return line to a white bucket and kept it full while idleing until the dark fluid turned bright red in the bucket. I added a Goerend pan and a GM solenoid kit and new sensor from Suncoast and so far all is well - 10000 miles so far and it doing very well.

The new sensor number correlates to made in China and from what I have found is that some are failing - kind of a crap shoot. Unfortunately too many parts are being negatively impacted by the almighty cost reduction efforts. All I can say is try to confirm where your parts come from, it is difficult. I've worked in engineering for large OEMs and it is a constant struggle to find consistent quality components.

 

[DogramTD]

I replaced the sensor and solenoid... all is well and back on the road. I never had a problem with the oem solenoid; as soon as I upgraded the vb, I am on my 3rd bw solenoid. The part # on this one was different than the last one I put in...

Also, I didn't end up flushing the trans as the shop wanted to charge me $400 to do it.