One of the solenoid bolts is stripped and I cannot remove the solenoid

Hi, David.

I need you to take a picture of the component you are referring to. There really aren't any solenoids where you mentioned.

Take a look at the pic below. Do you see what you are referring to or can you tell me the location? Also, can you tell me what diagnostic trouble code was found?

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

The codes are related mostly to the torque converter clutch solenoid. Take a look at the pic below and let me know if that is the component you are referring to.

If that, is it, what is stropped? Is it where the wrench goes on it or are the threads stripped causing the bolt to just turn and not come out?

If it is where the wrench attaches, use a bolt extractor. Basically, it is similar to a socket, but it's designed to cut into the stripped bolt so it can be removed. I attached a pic of what they look like.

As far as the reset, you can disconnect the battery terminals (negative first) and tie the two cables together with a zip tie. Allow it to sit that way for approximately 10 minutes. That will drain any power from capacitors. That should reset it. If it doesn't, it will turn itself off after a few trips where there isn't an issue.

When reconnecting the battery, start with the positive and then connect the negative.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

Hi,

The pic above is the TCC solenoid. As far as the bolt, is it the head of the bolt that is bad or the threads? If it's the bolt head, see if you can get your hands on a set of the extractors like I attached. Oftentimes, a parts store will lend them to you.

Then, find the size that fits snug over the stripped bolt head, and try loosening it with that on the bolt. They are made to cut into the bolt in the reverse direction so you can remove the bolt.

I attached the directions below for replacement. As far as torque, the manual isn't supplying them. I would think 7 - 10 ft pounds would be good.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.

Without the tool, if the hex head is stripped, the best you can try is to use something like vice grips, or tap on a smaller socket, or anything that will grab that bolt.

Joe

Hi,

Is it possible for you to take a couple of pics and upload them for me to see? That would make things much easier for me to follow.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

Wow! That isn't good. Can you take a pic and upload it for me to see it? That will help me come up with a few ideas.

Often times when I have an issue with a bolt, I will take an air Dremel and with a burr and slowly remove the area that is bad. In this case, the weld.

I need to see exactly what you are dealing with to be sure it would work.

Joe

Hi,

It does help. I don't see anything that appears welded. Were you able to try one of the bolt extractors I mentioned above? I feel that would remove the bolt for you. Simply get one that is slightly tight on the bolt, tap it on lightly, and then turn it to remove. It should bite into the bolt. There is enough left of it.

Let me know.

Joe

If you place the socket on an extension, can you get it to a point that it's more accessible? The nice thing about the extractor I mentioned is even if you can't tap it gently into place, most times the pressure of pushing on it with your fingers will cause it to grab.

Joe

Hi,

Since the space is limited, I'm not sure how I would handle it. Heat could help, but I don't like heating aluminum, but it can be done carefully. We can't cut it because then the threaded part will need drilled out and likely rethreaded.

At this point, I feel heating it may be the only choice. Are you able to heat the bolt with a torch? If so, heat the head of the bolt. In this case, the aluminum it's attached to will draw in the heat. Heat the bolt itself by keeping the flame about 2 to 3 inches away from the bolt head. Try to avoid directing the flame right at the aluminum. Focus it on the bolt head.

Once the bolt gets hot, allow it to cool to room temperature. See if it will come out then. If it doesn't then try heating it again. Eventually, the expansion and contraction of the different metals should break free from corrosion.

I wish I had an easier way to do it, but you have tried all the traditional ways.

I hope this helps.

Joe