P0973 Error Code issue - Repair Fault

[Jdcly]

Hello all, just curious if anyone repaired this error code P0973? Mine seems to be related to the solenoid A low. We checked wiring and transmission fluid prior to narrowing it down to the solenoid.

Any ideas? TIA

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[RSH]

As you know transmissions have had solenoids for years, unfortunately it's not uncommon for solenoids to go bad. Hopefully one or both of your warranties are still in effect.
As inconvient as it is, get Ford to fix it.

 

[Jdcly]

As you know transmissions have had solenoids for years, unfortunately it's not uncommon for solenoids to go bad. Hopefully one or both of your warranties are still in effect.
As inconvient as it is, get Ford to fix it.

Will we already started the disassembly for the faulty solenoid. Warranty has expired, we're sitting little over 61k miles.

Been looking for a good video to assist in the removal even the schematic. Also what is considered a normal Ohm reading for a healthy solenoid. No luck so thought maybe here I'd have some luck from someone's experience.

 

[RSH]

That's special, a tick out of warranty now you have to deal with the transmission, this will be an interesting thread.

 

[FB71]

shift solenoid resistance between 4.8 and 5.4 ohms

 

[Jdcly]

shift solenoid resistance between 4.8 and 5.4 ohms

Thank you for this info, the solenoid "A" we pulled ohm was at 5.1 so if that's good what else? We did the oil change, checked wiring harness and now this solenoid.

Still has a big bumping when we put in REVERSE. Forward seems to be okay.

 

[FB71]

• Harsh reverse
  • Carry out the transmission strategy download and the adaptive learning drive cycle. REFER to: Transmission Strategy Download (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, General Procedures).
    REFER to: Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, General Procedures).
  • Check the B clutch for a harsh apply condition. REFER to: B Clutch (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, Diagnosis and Testing).
  • Check the hydraulic SOWC for damage. REFER to: Hydraulic Selectable One-Way Clutch Assembly (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Causes

• Corrupted transmission strategy
• Low transmission fluid level
• Low or high line pressure
• Clutch fault

 

[FB71]

PCM P0973:00

Shift Solenoid 'A' Control Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information

This DTC indicates a short to ground in the SSA electrical. A short to ground causes SSA to be failed to high current (maximum pressure since SSA is directly proportional), so A clutch is failed on.

Possible Causes

• Connectors damaged or pushed-out terminals, corrosion, loose wires or ground and missing or damaged seals
• Shift solenoid
• PCM

 

[Jdcly]

• Harsh reverse
  • Carry out the transmission strategy download and the adaptive learning drive cycle. REFER to: Transmission Strategy Download (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, General Procedures).
    REFER to: Adaptive Learning Drive Cycle (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, General Procedures).
  • Check the B clutch for a harsh apply condition. REFER to: B Clutch (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, Diagnosis and Testing).
  • Check the hydraulic SOWC for damage. REFER to: Hydraulic Selectable One-Way Clutch Assembly (307-01 Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Causes

• Corrupted transmission strategy
• Low transmission fluid level
• Low or high line pressure
• Clutch fault

We pulled the solenoid A to replace but they don't sell just a solenoid, instead they had to sell us the whole solenoid valve body. Pictures included.

Would you know the torque spec to install it?

 

[Mark S.]

We pulled the solenoid A to replace but they don't sell just a solenoid, instead they had to sell us the whole solenoid valve body. Pictures included.

Would you know the torque spec to install it?

It sounds like you could benefit from purchasing a copy of the shop manual.

 

[Jdcly]

It sounds like you could benefit from purchasing a copy of the shop manual.

Okay could you provide me a link or is that easily found by goggling it?

 

[Mark S.]

A brief search on this site returned the following:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/2021-bronco-sport-factory-service-manual.6260/

 

[FB71]

We pulled the solenoid A to replace but they don't sell just a solenoid, instead they had to sell us the whole solenoid valve body. Pictures included.

Would you know the torque spec to install it?

Correct. And the new solenoid body calibration codes must be updated in the PCM. Do not drive it prior to reprogramming.

 

[Jdcly]

Yes we just now discovered this with the enclosed instructions. So now we're stuck with it in our garage. Park brake is energized and vehicle doesn't know which shift mode it is in. Calibration is needed but can not remove vehicle from our garage. Smh!

 

[Jdcly]

Hello all,

We had ford tech come to the house and reprogram in the solenoid strategy code BUT still leaving issues he says. The vehicle still doesn't know which position it is in, the Park light on the knob keeps flashing and alarming on the dashboard. Any position we put it in it flashes on the knob as well as the dashboard.

Anyone have any ideas of what we might have overlooked or had similar experience?

Ford tech said before we left is that whatever we figure out it will run...

Thanks

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