Update 1: Dropped my pan & saw metal shaving. Will be shopping for a new transmission. See post #35 page 3.
Update 2: Replaced my transmission with new reman transmission from Toyota & symptoms have resolved. See post #53 page 4.
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Got a pending
P0770 last night: Shift Solenoid E malfunction (2002 4runner automatic 4wd)
Symptoms that started 2-3 weeks ago:
1. Decreased power & acceleration
2. Occasional shuddering with acceleration when symptoms first started but hasn't happened the last few hundred miles.
3. Metallic rattling sound that has recently become a duller rattle or rough propeller sound that can be heard at idle or slow acceleration in D, 2, L & R. The rattling might be there at higher speeds but if it is, it is drowned out by engine noise. In P & N the rattling is significantly reduced or gone. Using a mechanic's stethescope the sound seems to be coming from the bell housing but can't say that with confidence because the sound was pretty faint at the time.
4. Normal trans temps until I saw a pending P0770 the last mile on my drive home yesterday. Shortly after seeing the pending code my trans temps seemed about 10-20* hotter than normal.
5. ATF at operating temp was at proper level & color was the usual red.
The FSM says P0770 can be caused by:
-Shift solenoid valve SL is stuck open or closed
-Valve body blocked up or stuck
-Lock-up clutch/torque converter issue
Options I'm considering:
1. Replace all the solenoids (I've read suggestions to replace all solenoids instead of just the faulty one)
Pros: Less vehicle down time
Cons: OEM solenoids are pricey & may not fix the issue.
2. Get a new torque converter & solenoids:
Pros: Less down time due to not going through the FSM troubleshooting procedures & parts can be ordered now to begin the work.
Cons: Will require dropping the transmission, pricey & may not fix the issue.
3. Test solenoids per FSM guidelines & replace if faulty. Test torque converter per FSM guidelines & replace if faulty.
Pros: Repairing only what is needed; More efficient use of $
Cons: Significantly more down time due to dropping the transmission, troubleshooting solenoids & torque converter then having to order and wait on parts.
Ideally I would go with option 3 to fix what is actually needed but since this is my DD I want to minimize the down time. Since the FSM has narrowed P0770 to a few areas, I've considered shotgunning it & replacing the solenoid/solenoids, torque converter or both.
Part # for transmission solenoids (3): Called Toyota parts to confirm
35250-30050
35250-30070
35250-50030
FSM P0770 & solenoid testing procedure:
http://www.teamtoyota4x4.org/archivi...at/cip0770.pdf
FSM torque converter testing procedure:
http://www.teamtoyota4x4.org/archivi...ccadp/insp.pdf