2004 ford star transmission light flashing

My DTC is P1761, which indicates a bad shift solenoid. I drive a 1996 Ford Ranger with the same problem. My transmission is now shifting silky smooth. The challenge is finding a transmission specialist who understands the problem and is willing to do the solenoid replacement INSTEAD of replacing the transmission. I had the repair done for just over $500 - labor & parts. The problem is solved by replacing the auto trans solenoid pack (drop the pan, replace the solenoid pack, replace the the pan and refill with fluid). After much research, including from this site, I learned that the problem is NOT solved by replacing the transmission. Like many of you, my O/D light started flashing, and I was getting a hard shift from 2-3. I drive an 2002 Explorer with 168,000 miles it has the 5R55W automatic transmission in it. A bad sensor can cause hard shifting, delayed shifting or even failure to shift, resulting in premature transmission failure. This sensor helps the computer to determine proper shift points. On the latter (5R55E) this sensor is located inside of the transmission and will cause the same symptoms.

The former has a speed sensor located near the tailshaft housing that, when going out or has gone out, will cause the O/D Off light to flash intermittently or constantly. 1995-2003) these vehicles were equipped with either a 4R44E transmission or (1999 and later) a 5R55E transmission. In later years of this model production (aprox. O/D Off light flashing (Ford)Most likely cause.

2004 ford star transmission light flashing