So finally I've tackled the 4 low lockout solenoid - $180 bucks saved. It's a pretty annoying job to do (through the A/T shifter plate). It looks like some oil got sucked up into the coil itself, corroded insulation on the connecting wires and shorted it out melting the solder on the junctions. On top of that, there is some kind of paper liner on the little piston bore, which swelled up from all the oil and prevented it from moving up and down.

Short instructions:

- remove the 4low A/T shifter plate by drilling out the rivets
- remove the 4 low cable bracket and harness bracket from the top of the t case
- remove the solenoid cover (4x7mm bolts)
- open the solenoid casing by sticking a .5" chisel between the top ring and inner plate right above the wires and hammering it out. (it will bend so straighten it back to flat with a hammer)
- bend back the 4 folded tabs on the edge of the casing so the insides can drop out.
- sand the bore of the little piston until it moves freely (that's where the paper liner is)
- check for continuity across the circuit
- if no continuity, remove the insulating tape from the narrow upper channel (it is securing the coil wire solder connections.
- if black wire solder is gone, no problem, that's the outer wire. Pull it out of the channel with a pick and solder back together
- if the red wire is busted, then you need to remove/break off the plastic flange to get back there
- wires will be oily so good wash in a degreaser and electrical connection cleaner is required.
- seal the channel with liquid electrical tape
- reassemble and reinstall

 

Good write up!