My wifes '97 Escort is having transmission slippage problems and the check engine code says the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid is failing. What does this mean and how is it repaired or replaced. Someone said it can be bypassed through wiring. The car is only worth a few hundred dollars so we don't want to spend any more than necessary

 

There are two front wheel drive transmissions.
There are three possible codes for the TCC operation that indicate the specific failure.
Which code do you have?
P 0743 is the solenoid.
P 1742 is no slip when TCC is commanded off.
P 1744 is slip exceeds thresholds.
The means either the solenoid is faulty or the convertor slips.
This info is from Fords discriptions of TCC operations for those two types of front wheel drive thransmissions for 97.

 

Since it sounds like you aren't likely to spend the money for a rebuild, just dump in a bottle of Lucas tranny fix and keep your fingers crossed.

That stuff works pretty well for slipping trannies.

Steve

 

The tranny works fine as long as the shifter is not in overdrive---- left in any other position there is no slip. If nothing else I will keep in out of OD. Any more thoughts???

 

Let me make some last comment on this.
Keeping it out of OD does eliminate the lockup slip, however the convertor is still slip shearing the fluid and causes the fluid temp to run at higher levels.
Also poor fuel milage from the converter not being locked up and higher engine rpm for the same road speeds.
Keep a look at the fluid for heat breakdown and color.
Good luck with it

 

Ford garage says the TCC solenoid is only available as part of the valve body $693 list--- is this so. How hard is it to replace

 

Did you try bulkpart.com? being experienced with these transmission and converter I'd be willing to bet something gave out and those parts are setting codes because they are full of crap froma blown converter clutch or something inside the transmission. I would drop the pan and inspect it before I put any expensive parts into it.
Alan

 

Did you ever get the code(s).

Without the actual codes, we're only guessing.

Try the Lucas, it's less than $10.

Steve