It's AWD.

No metal in the pan that I can see.

Filters were tight. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Looks like this is the first time the pan has been off as there was no gasket, just rtv.

Look on the side of the valve body - there should be a long metal "strap" that holds the accumulator pistons in place - these sometimes pull the screws out and cause a gigantic leak.

I dropped the valve body.

Those bolts are all tight.

No, No codes.

Get it off the ground - start it up and out in gear and feel/listen to the transfer unit - can't remember the last time I saw an RFE unit act like yours and not set a code. Sounds like something else gave up he ghost.

My mistake, there actually are codes....

P0750 Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0700 Trans Control System

I don't know why they didn't show up the first time.

Saw that a good bit at the dealer. I had one loose line pressure on one when the plate screws came loose and the plate let an accumlator piston fall out. Ron

So, based on responses and what I've read, I've ordered a remanufactured solenoid pack. I figure if it doesn't fix the problem I'm only out $150.

I doubt anyone could blame a solenoid pack in regards to grinding on engine shutoff.

I doubt anyone could blame a solenoid pack in regards to grinding on engine shutoff.
They do make noise sometimes on initial engagement but I doubt you would hear a RFE since it's in the pan. The 41TE used to cause a noise like dragging your finger across the teeth of a comb but that solenoid module was external.

I don't see where you checked for cooler flow to see if the pump is working properly.
I don't see where you checked to see if the drivetrain is ok - an AWD has a module that can fail and cause a no-drive condition.
If there is no cooler flow and no line pressure you need to drop the trans and check the regulator and tc control valves.

Well it's not really grinding. That's just the closest description I could come up with at the time.

Since then I recorded it and have been able to listen to it multiple times.

It's probably closer to the sound when you put the trans into park while still rolling. Though not as loud.



That actually descibes the sound pretty well.

From what I understand there's usually warning signs that a pump is failing (MIL code, overheating, poor shifting, noise). They aren't known to fail suddenly like this.

The trans functioned perfectly up until the moment this happened.

I was heading up a (aprox) 15% grade approaching a sharp corner. Probably doing 10-15mph. No noise, no warning. It was like I had shifted it into neutral.

Thought: If the trans attempted to shift into 1st (Slowing for the corner) and the LR solenoid didn't actuate could it cause the same symptom?

A faulty tc control valve won't produce my symptoms. If stuck closed it'll affect gas milage and cause overheating. Stuck open will cause the engine to stall when coming to a stop. It should also generate a MIL code.

The drivetrain appears to be ok.

I'm trying to avoid dropping the trans if possible. I'm pushing 60 so working on cars isn't as easy as it used to be. Working in a driveway of 3/4" drain rock doesn't help either.

I also need to get it back on the road quickly.

I figure it's worth gambling $150 on a solenoid pack. I already have it apart. If that doesn't take care or it the next step will be to drop the trans.

With it out I might as well do a complete rebuild. I've rebuilt 727s and these look (from the tear down videos I've watched) a lot simpler.

Unless I forgot something the tc valve controls converter fill - if the converter doesn't fill you get no drive and noise. But we can't always explain all symptoms without data.

As for the solenoid - generally if you put it in relay limp in you should get something regarding movement.

I hope your solenoid pack get some you back on he road.

And for pumps - one piece of debris from the converter can lodge the PRV open - or any other valve for that matter.