When you have a bad modulator valve, some or all of the following symptoms will begin to manifest themselves:

  • A whistling sound (from a leaking diaphragm)
  • White smoke coming out of the exhaust (from a leaking diaphragm)
  • Early or late shifting.
  • Hard shifts (usually causing the car to jerk)
  • A rough idle.

Besides, How much does it cost to replace a downshift solenoid?

To replace the shift solenoid, you can expect to pay $150-$400 for a single solenoid replacement. The cost goes up for each subsequent solenoid that is damaged and needs to be replaced. The parts should only cost you $15-$100 for each solenoid.

Keeping this in mind, What happens when a vacuum modulator goes bad? The main symptom you will notice is weak engine performance. If the diaphragm of the vacuum modulator were to have a leak in it, you will have a leaky vacuum and your EGR system will shut off. If the vacuum leak is too severe, then you will notice less power in your engine as well as acceleration problems.

How do you test a modulator?


Testing the Modulator

  1. Block the rear wheels. …
  2. Locate the vacuum modulator on the passenger side rear of the transmission. …
  3. Pull the vacuum hose off the modulator and install the vacuum pump. …
  4. Look for any transmission fluid running out of the vacuum port on the modulator, indicating a broken diaphragm.

How do you check a transmission control module?

The transmission control module can often be found below the cover at the back of the transmission and should be located just near the engine control module’s position. The position of the transmission control module is found under the center console in the interior or under the hood near the car battery.

Can you drive with a bad shift solenoid?

The short answer is that, yes, you can usually drive a car with a bad shift solenoid. … Fluid pressure control should continue to function in the gear with the working solenoid, but you should avoid putting any serious stress on the transmission — towing or drag racing — just in case.

How do you replace a downshift solenoid?


Part 1 of 3: Prepare to remove the downshift solenoid

  1. Materials Needed.
  2. Step 1: Disconnect the negative battery cable. …
  3. Step 2: Raise and secure the vehicle. …
  4. Step 3: Drain the transmission fluid. …
  5. Step 4: Remove the transmission fluid pan. …
  6. Step 1: Locate the downshift solenoid. …
  7. Step 2: Disconnect wiring from solenoid.

How do I know if my shift solenoid is bad?


3 Signs of Transmission Solenoid Problems

  1. Unpredictable Gear Shifts. One of the most common sign that one or more of your transmission solenoids are going bad is unpredictable gear shifts. …
  2. Inability to Downshift. …
  3. Delays In Shifting.

What does a vacuum modulator do on a transmission?

The transmission vacuum modulator valve determines how much load is on the engine so the transmission can shift properly. It has a vacuum line that connects to the intake and measures the amount of vacuum in the engine.

Can a vacuum line cause transmission problems?

The transmission can be controlled. … A vacuum leak will cause the engine performance to suffer, causing load and throttle position issues which could affect transmission shifting.

What does a modulator on an automatic transmission do?

When you drive an automatic transmission, the modulator valve is responsible for shifting gears. … It senses intake manifold vacuum and shifts the transmission accordingly: When you press down on the gas pedal, the throttle plate opens and the vacuum is reduced.

What does a modulator do?

The modulator valve is attached to the intake manifold with a vacuum line. It senses intake manifold vacuum and shifts the transmission accordingly: When you press down on the gas pedal, the throttle plate opens and the vacuum is reduced. The modulator valve will cause the transmission to downshift.

How does a transmission modulator work?

The transmission vacuum modulator effectively works by consistently computing the load in your car’s engine with the diaphragm. As soon as a gear change is executed in line with the load demand, the diaphragm pushes the valve to prompt the spring to move in the reverse direction of the diaphragm.

How do I reset my transmission control module?


Steps to Resetting Transmission Control Module

  1. Step 1: Turning Key Position.
  2. Step 2: Press gas pedal.
  3. Step 3: Keep Waiting.
  4. Step 4: Turning the Key Off.
  5. Step 5: Releasing Gas Pedal.
  6. Step 6: Wait Again.
  7. Step 7: Ready.
  8. Identification.

How do I know if my transmission control solenoid is bad?


3 Signs of Transmission Solenoid Problems

  1. Unpredictable Gear Shifts. One of the most common sign that one or more of your transmission solenoids are going bad is unpredictable gear shifts. …
  2. Inability to Downshift. …
  3. Delays In Shifting.

What are the symptoms of a bad transmission control solenoid?

The main driving symptoms that you will notice with the symptoms of a bad transmission control solenoid is that there could be delayed gear shifting, you can’t downshift and your engine will continue to rev, your transmission will be stuck in the neutral position, and the shifting of gears becomes very rough and choppy …

What happens if your shift solenoid goes bad?

a problem with one or more of the solenoids can cause a lack of pressure, resulting in hard, soft or delayed shifts. a failed shift solenoid can also cause transmission slippage, where your engine revs faster but the car stays at the same speed.

What happens when a solenoid fails?

When your starter solenoid goes bad, the return spring can get weaker and weaker, resulting in a reversed action from the engine’s flywheel ring gear. This reversed action usually happens as the drive gear fails to restore at the right time.

How do you fix a shift solenoid malfunction?


What Repairs Will Fix P0750?

  1. Changing the transmission fluid and filter.
  2. Replace faulty solenoid.
  3. Repair or replace a faulty transmission pump.
  4. Repair or replace defective transmission valve body.
  5. Perform transmission flush to clean passages.
  6. Cleaning corrosion from connectors.
  7. Repairing or replacing wiring.

Where is the downshift solenoid located?

The shift solenoid is located inside the oil valve connected to the valve body. The shift solenoid controls gear engagement and gear shift. The engine control module or the transmission control module in the vehicle’s engine controls the shift solenoid electronically.

Is it hard to replace a transmission solenoid?

This job typically takes 2-4 hours to complete, and shop time is generally billed at $60 – $100 per hour. The average total cost to diagnose and replace one ranges between $150 and $400. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, expect to pay between $15 – $100 for a single transmission shift solenoid.

What happens when you have a bad shift solenoid?

a problem with one or more of the solenoids can cause a lack of pressure, resulting in hard, soft or delayed shifts. a failed shift solenoid can also cause transmission slippage, where your engine revs faster but the car stays at the same speed.

How do you check transmission shift solenoid?

Raise up the vehicle with a jack and place jacks stands at all four corners to support it. Remove the bolts that are securing the transmission oil pan with a ratchet set and slide out the pan. This should reveal the solenoid that is attached to the transmission body.

How do you reset a shift solenoid?


Steps to Resetting Transmission Control Module

  1. Step 1: Turning Key Position.
  2. Step 2: Press gas pedal.
  3. Step 3: Keep Waiting.
  4. Step 4: Turning the Key Off.
  5. Step 5: Releasing Gas Pedal.
  6. Step 6: Wait Again.
  7. Step 7: Ready.
  8. Identification.