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1997 FORD EXPLORER
5.0L V8•AWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
12 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor547Torque3672Fluid9DTC683Battery1Maintenance0Recalls12
P1746high severityPowertrain

Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Open Circuit

on 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 · AWD

What this code means

The Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) solenoid has an open circuit. The EPC solenoid regulates hydraulic line pressure in the transmission. Without proper EPC operation, transmission shifting is severely affected.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Harsh or erratic shifting
  • Transmission slipping
  • Limp mode (stuck in one gear)
  • Transmission overheating

Common causes

  • Faulty EPC solenoid
  • Wiring open to EPC solenoid
  • Corroded EPC solenoid connector
  • Damaged PCM/TCM driver circuit

Diagnostic steps

  1. Test EPC solenoid resistance
  2. Inspect EPC solenoid wiring and connector
  3. Check for corroded pins at transmission connector
  4. Monitor EPC pressure on scan tool

Repair notes

Replace EPC solenoid. Repair wiring. May require transmission pan removal.

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Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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