At the end of a video on replacing the shift solenoid pact the man stated the solenoids had to learn or be taught. How does one do this? I'm considering replacing the pack myself.

 

Its called a quick learn and you need a scanner to perform this.

 

Backyard mechanics change them all the time and skip the "reset to re-learn" step.


The man probably works for a shop that has the reset tool. I changed mine around 160k mi and found absolutely no need to reset. There were absolutely no symptoms suggesting a calibration issue. The van drove perfect and it is still shifting perfect at 220k mi. These jobs almost always go smoothly without resetting based upon the dozens of threads I found on the subject. If you are one in 50 that needs a reset, just drive it to a Dodge dealership to get that done.


Mine was leaking fluid from the gasket so I replaced the solenoid pack with a new one which comes with gasket. Aside from cleaning the dirt, no biggie. The solenoid traps lots of dirt behind it and this can fall into the tranny orifices when you remove the valve. Clean the area well before removal with engine degreaser and take your time cleaning upon removal.


Just change it. Just watch the tach and visit the dealer for a reset if upshifts are too soft.

 

I know this as well as you do. But the member wanted to know how to re-learn the TCM/Solenoid pack.

 

So as a DIY guy I can change the pack and drive it with probably no problems.

 

That's correct. Why were replacing the solenoid pack anyway?

 

My 2002 has a hard shift from 1st to 2nd occasionally. Almost a shudder.

 

An intermittent shift issue could be a sticking valve or fluid quality issue. Have you changed your fluid recently or is it burnt and neglected?? Burnt fluid tends to cause clutch engagement chatter or shudder and it encourages valves to behave strangely. Shudder symptoms on these trannys is most commonly felt during locking converter action in 3rd or 4th. If it's felt on 1-2 upshift I would be concerned that the clutch pack is worn out and slipping. However that could be determined by carefully monitoring the tach. The solenoid pack could your problem, I suppose. However if the valve body action is abnormal (too soft or too harsh) a quick reset may be needed after all lol. I would not expect the symptoms to come and go if calibration was off.

 

It happens sometimes only from 1st to 2nd. If I accelerate hard from a stop it does not do it. Only on a regular slow poke/grandpa type acceleration. Going to the tranny shop Thursday to find out more.

 

they can check your fluid color for $300 lol.