1998 Ford Escort Fault Code

P0761 Shift solonoid 3 ...Solenoid Failure....Improper Gear Selection

TEST A: SHIFT SOLENOID CIRCUIT
Check Circuit Continuity.

Turn ignition off. Disconnect PCM connector and ensure connector and terminals are in good condition. Install breakout box to PCM wiring harness connector and leave PCM disconnected. Using DVOM, measure resistance between transmission wiring harness connector terminals No. 5, 3, 6 and breakout box terminals No. 53, 27, and 1, respectively. See Fig. 2 . If resistance is less than 5 ohms for each circuit, go to next step. If resistance is not less than 5 ohms any circuit, repair open in appropriate circuit. Reconnect all connectors and repeat QUICK TEST.
Check For Short To Power Or Ground.

Using DVOM, measure resistance between breakout box terminals No. 1, 27, 53 and ground. If all resistance's are more than 10 k/ohms, replace PCM. Reconnect all connectors and repeat QUICK TEST. If any resistance is less than 10 k/ohms, repair appropriate short circuit. Reconnect all connectors and repeat QUICK TEST.
Check Transaxle External Harness.

Disconnect transmission wiring harness at transmission and at vehicle wiring harness. See Fig. 3 . Using DVOM, measure continuity between specified terminals. See Fig. 4 . If continuity exists between specified terminals, go to next step. If continuity does not exist between specified terminals, repair or replace transmission wiring harness. Repeat QUICK TEST.
Check Solenoid Operation

Disconnect transmission wiring harness connector. Using jumper wires, apply battery voltage as specified to transmission connector to operate each solenoid. See Fig. 5 . Each solenoid should be heard operating. If all solenoids operate as specified, diagnose problem by symptom. See TROUBLE SHOOTING in AUTO TRANS OVERHAUL - F4E TYPE-F article. If any solenoid does not operate as specified, replace valve body. See AUTO TRANS OVERHAUL - F4E TYPE-F article.