2 Things actually I need to know.
My S2 Solenoid is having intermittent problems, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt.
When it doesnt it leaves the car in a sort of limp home mode, stuck in 3rd (??) for takeoff and driving etc, wont change up or down from 3rd the whole time.

Can this damage my gearbox when it is not operating???
I have had my car booked in to have it replaced but the earliest time was next Monday.

Also the diagnostic machine spat out an engine error code: 796
The ford books say this is an SSPS Output check fail.
What is this and what does it do??
Also can my car be damaged driving with this error and what needs to be done to fix it.

Thanks heaps

arr!!
SSPS == Speed Sensitive Power Steering!!

This not working cant be too serious...
I think my dads EL had this replaced last year, bout $600
but still, can anything be damaged by not having this working properly ?
Power steering still works fine just not the speed sensitive part.

its not good to drive alot whilst its in limp mode (3rd) the fluid gets hot when taking off and actually burns the fluid, this may cause further problems.

yeah try not to drive it when in limp home mode as said oil gets very hot and usually the cooler cant cool it enough, and then u start frying clutch packs, and even damage planatry gear set.
im not sure about that speed sensitivce steering which i take is the varible power sterring assit as u go faster, cant see how that would damage anything but maybe not a ford tech

speed sensitive steering is basically as the car is driven slower the steering is lighter and harder at higher speeds.