Big Transmission Trouble HELP! :pray:

[4ALTO]

So, here we go:
I have an 06 limited V8 4x4. Out of no where I had Check engine, VCS off, Trac light and slip indicator lamps come on. Immediately following I noticed a rough shift out into drive and rough/confused shifts on the road. Immediately read the code and pulled a "shift solenoid" fault. Against my better judgement, I took it to the stealership for a second opinion where, after waiting 4hrs for a diagnostic check, I'm told that it is a "shift solenoid E" error and I need a new transmission. I asked how a single solenoid could constitute an entire transmission and was told that due to its location it's easier to replace the whole thing.

I would like to believe this is dealership bullshit, but I cannot seem to find anything on the "E" or "shift" solenoid. I plan on dropping the pan tonight to see if the magnets are loaded with portions of my transmission so I'm holding my breath.

Does anyone have any info/experience with this?? Or possibly a service manual PDF??

I would appreciate any help and thanks in advance,

Alex

 

[Hapkijo]

A quick search brought up this, might help...

- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Faulty shift solenoid 'E' valve
- Shift solenoid 'E' valve harness is open or shorted
- Shift solenoid 'E' valve circuit poor electrical connection


Read more: P0770 Toyota Shift Solenoid 'E' Malfunction OBDII Engine Light Trouble Code | Engine-Codes.com


4Runner PO770 Error Code | Brig Lamoreaux

hopefully that helps.

 

[peroxide]

Hey,

I had a similar problem 2 years ago, mine was the shift solenoid d. The dealer replaced the part for $700. I would take it to a transmission specialty shop and see if it's something they can fix.

If not rebuilt is the way to go.

 

[DarenS]

FYI...There's a sticky thread at the top of this forum with Service Manual links.

Daren

 

[MikeInNH]

Find a transmission specialist. I know the Toyota dealer in my area sends out their transmission work out to this local transmission specialist. He's far more knowledgeable about the transmissions then the Toyota dealer.

 

[Mike07SE]

Like most have said, take it to a tranny specialist.

The dealer isn't in the business to fix transmissions. They're so technical and intricate that they basically only do maintenance service on them. So most problems big or small, they're inclined to replace them or just sublet the work out to a transmission shop.

A specialist will most likely only have to drop the valve body and replace the solenoid or valve body assembly (depending on the design). This should still be much cheaper than a $2500 - $3000 + Labor replacement transmission job.

 

[toyo]

This is not a big repair at all. Labor time is 2.7 hours, the part is less than $100.00. Not including the new trans fluid. It is not all that uncommon for one to go out. A lot of transmission overhauls can be reduced if some shops knew what they were doing and were more honest.

On my LS430 one of the solenoids is prone to go out around 200K. When I serviced the trans at 100K I decided to drop the pan and replace the switch. I was done and driving it under 2 hours.

It might cost just a tad more but if you want it done right find a Lexus dealer. They will repair it. Same unit is used in the GX470. Besides you will get a new Lexus to drive for the day, your 4R will be cleaned as well when they finished. We know what we are doing!

 

[4ALTO]

Thanks

Thanks for the feedback guys, I've been traveling for work over the past couple of months so I haven't had a ton of time to be in the garage. I'm about to dive back into it though.

Where I got to so far was swapping dropping the pan and swapping the fluid. Shifts were smooth and it drove for about 1/2 mile without and issue but the lights jumped back on. I pulled the pan again and checked solenoids Sl1 and SL2 both of which seemed to operate normally with batt voltage.

With the pan dropped and the key in the "on" position (no turn over of course) the lock-out solenoid was humming and operation looked slightly clunky so I'm thinking this might be an issue, are solenoids suppose to make a humming sound?

 

[earthrealm]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I've been traveling for work over the past couple of months so I haven't had a ton of time to be in the garage. I'm about to dive back into it though.

Where I got to so far was swapping dropping the pan and swapping the fluid. Shifts were smooth and it drove for about 1/2 mile without and issue but the lights jumped back on. I pulled the pan again and checked solenoids Sl1 and SL2 both of which seemed to operate normally with batt voltage.

With the pan dropped and the key in the "on" position (no turn over of course) the lock-out solenoid was humming and operation looked slightly clunky so I'm thinking this might be an issue, are solenoids suppose to make a humming sound?

maybe twas humming, cos of no fluid--since u dropped the pan

 

[Montego Murph]

I should make this a copypasta

Anytime you have transmission issues involving a CEL and solenoid codes, your checklist should include that white connector on the driver's side of the transmission just around the gas pedal. This is where the ECU connects to the valve body, and when moisture and corrosion seep into that plug, things go wrong.

I would advise doing this first before a fluid change so you're not lying down in a puddle of ATF.

Get yourself a can of De-Oxit and some dielectric grease. You may need to rig up some mirrors or use your phone as a periscope, but get under there and carefully disconnect the plug, and give it a few doses of De-Oxit according to the directions on the can. Then let it dry for about an hour or so. Smear some of the Dielectric grease on the seals, then put it together.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to disconnect the battery during all this too, if for no other reason to let the ECU re-learn whatever it learns with a fresh battery connection since it will hopefully now be functioning properly.