MycoMansell Posted December 4, 2023 Share Posted December 4, 2023 Hello all, I am a young aspiring side mechanic who recently took my car (2010 Ford Fusion S - 113,000 Mi) to a Ford dealership nearby and got my brakes done. I tried everything to fix it (i.e. master cylinder change, total flush of everything, tested booster and ABS/HCU, etc.) but somehow a brake switch was causing my brake pedal to not work. Anyways, I pick it up and begin having transmission problems while driving it home. Check engine light, powertrain wrench light, battery light, the whole kabam. I experience various engine sounds such as booms, rattles, and clunking, and my engine slips making it almost impossible to drive over 2000 RPM without losing my acceleration. I took it to Autozone and got a free plug-in scan done on it and it came back with an error code P0976 reading "Shift Solenoid 'B' Control Circuit Low". Upon some research, that solenoid interacts with the transmission control module and allows for shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear - makes sense since I only have troubles driving in the city rather than highway driving. I experienced something similar to this whenever my alternator was going out, except in this scenario my car suspiciously starts perfectly and I have no other electrical issues, but this is all besides the point. I know taking it to a shop, they will probably tell me that the transmission is shot and needs to be replaced for thousands of dollars. Being a DIY mechanic, I take pride in being able to save a lot of money and learning all about car mechanics. Seeing little to no information on the issue other than some videos of solenoid removals from similar cars, I figured I try to buy a Haynes repair manual for my car. Alas, that still had no information regarding my problem; though, it was still a neat repair manual for what it was. I am fairly confident in the problem since I am missing about a pint of transmission fluid and, getting the car from my grandma, I know the fluid has never been changed. My plan of action consists of changing what transmission fluid comes from the plug and pan, somehow determining which circuit is supposed to be "B" and changing the corresponding solenoid. I purchased a new transmission filter, some RCV sealant just in case, and a transmission pan gasket from rock auto. Again, Autozone claims all these different shaped gaskets fit my transmission pan and many different videos do different things so I am trying my best with what information I have. I will try it later on in the week and see what progress I can make with it. I know whatever amount comes out (plus whatever I measured to be missing) must go back in with fresh Mercon LV, so hopefully nothing goes wrong. Fingers Crossed! If anyone wants to provide some tips or feedback it would be greatly appreciated. I post also knowing others with similar issues will be able to use this in the future. IMG_7220[1].HEIC 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 4, 2023 Share Posted December 4, 2023 I hate to sound flip, but have you tried changing the battery? It can be strong enough to start the vehicle but cause strange electrical issues. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MycoMansell Posted December 4, 2023 Author Share Posted December 4, 2023 I got my battery just at the beginning of this year, I will get it looked at and see if it needs some charging or a new battery (I'd be surprised since i thought they lasted two years). Thank you for the advice! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MycoMansell Posted December 8, 2023 Author Share Posted December 8, 2023 2010 Ford Fusion Man here, I have purchased a gasket, sealant, filter, and solenoid (possibly) for nothing out of ignorance of the fact that I have a sealed transmission. I disconnected my car battery for safety (what i thought since I would be around electrical wiring), and removed the plastic panel under my car after jacking it up. It was impossible to find my transmission pan (LOL). There is not a way, as far as I know, to enter the transmission housing without taking apart a majority of the front of the car, or just straight up removing the transmission as a whole. I may be able to remove the side covering on the transmission housing that holds the solenoid valve housing and filter, but I found this out too late and will have to attempt another look another day. I am getting it diagnosed at Firestone tomorrow so well see what they have to say (not necessarily do). I returned most of my parts I ordered, and just drained the transmission fluid using the drain plug near the driver's side. I got about 4.5 quarts of the blackest substance I've seen. Clear sign that it was probably never changed in the vehicles 112,500 miles of existence. I was worried I removed the wrong plug and was draining some other mystery fluid at first. I added five quarts of fresh, red Mercon LV (4.5 quarts that came out plus the "pint" or have quart that was initially missing from my fluid check prior) and let it cycle through all the gears. I still have the same if not a little worse issue, but i am determined that a change was necessary and the new fluid will help in some way. We will see if I need what i suspect is a reprogrammed Electronic Control Module (ECM), an actual solenoid replacement, or if they are just going to tell me I need a whole new transmission. Cheers! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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