transbrake solenoid spring
 

I recently had a transbrake solenoid fail. We noticed the spring seemed extra stiff while pushing the plunger in, not sure if that's what caused it to burn out......I was told you really don't need the spring as the pressure will push the plunger out. My question, how much will this affect reaction time?? Would switching to a softer spring be better than none??

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

What brand valve body ? And is it a pressure release valve body ?
Most pro tree brake springs are weak and are only there to let the driver hear the brake work . The only exception is the ATI brake has a fairly stiff spring .
Pull the valve out and remove the spring and make sure the valve moves freely .

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

Thank you for the reply!!!
Im not sure the make of valve body, all I do know its a JW case and JW solenoid. When taken out, the plunger moves freely. Im 99.9% sure there is a electrical problem with the solenoid as we have had the same issues with the old mans solenoid in the past....
This rail hasn't run in a few years..... First 3 passes no issues. On 4th pass transbrake didn't hold. At first I wasn't sure I had it fully in first but during sat warm up I went to put some heat in the converter and it didn't hold again. ( I knew better, I should have changed it then!!!!) Seemed fine first pass but did the same thing 1st round.( Sure I was fully in first this time, lol )... A few friends stopped by and noticed the plunger seemed to have a very still spring.

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

Make sure it's in low gear !
if something is amiss with the shifter, cable The shift lever or the comb/detent in the trans . If it pops into high the brake doesn't work or hold, even if the the solenoid and valve body are working properly. So verify that it's in low gear in the trans.
Had simular problem due to a mismatched shifter/ shift lever. Car would occasionally pop in to high gear and leave as soon as I stomped the gas while I had the button held down?
Very frustrating as you well know. :D

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

Hopefully, it is as simple as a spring.. but knowing what you went through with the trans last week, I would go with Tom Goldman and find out what valve body is actually in it.. might not be the one for your application.. unfortunately, you will have to re-seal that pan again.. UGH!!!!!!

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

The answer to my original question... Taking out the spring made no change in reaction time, I was still able to get a .001/ .005 and -.003 in second round.:mad:
The problem in NH wasn't
" a driver that has no idea what he is doing" ....just a bad solenoid.

Re: transbrake solenoid spring
 

"A driver that has no idea what he is doing"???.. I can only imagine where that came from... LOL!!!