Can I install a solenoid myself?

Question

My check engine light came on in my 97 jeep grand cherokee about 2 weeks ago. I took it to Pep Boys and they did a diagnostics check on it, and they said it was a transmission problem. It could be bad fluid, bad solenoid, or somthing wrong with the torque/clutch converter. To me that sounds pretty expensive. I havent had time to really go and get it checked out with work and all. I just found out about this thing about jeeps; If you turn the ignition off, on, off, on, off, on; The odometer will read a code. The code on my jeep read: 12, 37, 55. I did reasearch on the codes, and the 37 seems to be the problem. Is there anyone who can give me some ideas, or solutions on how to fix this to make this damn light go off?

Answer 1

Take it in, it does not sound as if you have the experience to take that job on.

Answer 2

12 Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles

Almost all cars throw this code. This is because the Pep Boys probably disconnected the battery when looking at your car.


37 Torque converter clutch solenoid circuit or park/neutral switch failure --This is the problem, as the Pep Boys explained to you. It could be a loose connection or a bad switch or contact. Have you noticed anything that has changed since the light came on? Does the car seem to shift the same? Are you having to wiggle the shift lever to get the car to start? This may give you a clue as to what the problem is. If it is a clutch solenoid problem It may have been brought on by the wrong ATF fluid being put in the tranny. You need to go to the Daimler Chrysler website with the Vin number and also check for recalls and TSB's.

55 End of error messages (If you get this only, no errors were found)

About all you can do is check for loose wires where the harness goes to the clutch solenoid or the wire to the Park Neutral switch. You need an ODBII tool to tern off the light. You can get a cheap one at JC Whitney. There is a good chance that if you use the tool to turn off the light it may not come back on.

Answer 3

CODE 37 torque converter clutch solenoid circuit . an open or shorted condition detected in the torque converter part throttle unlock solenoid circuit. CODE 12 problem with the battery connection. direct battery input to controllerdisconnected with in last 50 ignition key-ons. CODE 55 END CODES. check all battery connections to solenoid/starter/fuse block. also check plug in at trans, possible dirt,loose,corroded.