I have a 97 F-150 with the 4.6 with 130K miles on it. I installed a B&M Shift Improver kit on it shortly after I bought the truck new. The kit improved the firmness and shift points. Now, however, I have a problem. Even with the kit disconnected, the truck shifts very hard. Could I have fried a solenoid? Any expertise would be appreciated. Is the solenoid replacement a job for a trans shop or can it be accomplished by a reasonably competent shadetree mechanic? Thanks.

 

HI!... If your talking about the ELECTRONIC shift improver from B&M then you most likely fried your solenoid. Those electronic shift improvers are total JUNK and have caused many tranny failures over the years. My advice to you is to get your tranny fixed and install a TRANSGO "MECHANICAL" shift kit.

 

Neal, thanks for the input. It is the one of those electronic shift improver gizmos that I have. Is a solenoid replacement very difficult? I was in the same room as my brother when he fixed a toaster once, you think I could handle it?