P0753, Shift Solenoid

[PitbullRescuer]

Just threw a Check Engine Light. Scanned it at Advance Auto (I was driving by) and it's coming back as P0753, shift solenoid. It's shifting smooth as glass. Anyone ever get this code? Did you have to replace the solenoid or is there something else I can do? It's a $220 part, if I can get around replacing it I'd like to but I also don't want to risk doing more damage to the trans.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Made another stop on my way home. Started it back up, light went out. ????

 

[LittleCaesar]

I think it is on its way out; a few YT members have had success dropping the pan and testing them using a DVM while testing in Ohmns.

The FSM should have these specs. There is no other way I am aware of testing it.

 

[allwheeldrive]

Its pretty much an on/off situation. If the computer tells the solenoid to turn on, and doesn't(2 trip detection probably) it'll trigger the light and code. So unless you have a wire issue(doubtful) the solenoid is going bad.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Thanks for the reply guys. I was actually planning on dropping the pan and the filter anyway for preventative maintenance, guess I should do the solenoid at the same time then.

 

[jondavis88]

Did this end up fixing ur problem? Was it difficult to do yourself? Where was it located once you drop the trans pan?

 

[ipaman]

Once you drop the pan you will see the filter. Remove it and the three solenoids are right there. The key is making sure you replace the right one. I'm about to do all three while I have it open.

 

[r34sklnnsn]

Had the same code come up on mine, My light also went off. I got the solenoid just haven't had time to replace. Here is a pic of the solenoid placement from the FSM.

 

[BoomSticks]

Just went through this.

Talked to several people and a couple trans shops, and the consensus was that it could be the solenoid, or could be something much larger requiring a rebuild or replacement.

I just needed it done, so I bit the bullet and took it to a trans shop.

The trans shop diagnosed it with more advanced scanning tools than I have that showed shift activity, and fortunately it was just the first two solenoids (I was told they were an assembly, not individual).

0753 is more specifically electrical related, but can also be caused by debris and other mechanical problems in the trans; eg the clutch packs coming apart and debris clogging the solenoid or shaft.

It was missing first gear, essentially starting off in second, and third wasn't engaging properly.

No debris or other indicators when they dropped the pan.

Everything seems good to go after they replaced the first two solenoids.

$650 final cost after tax.

 

[rockdaddy80]

My journey with P0753....

My '97 Limited with 260k threw this code twice last week, didn't notice anything until MIL came on. My Runner was well maintained before I got it 6k ago and had a dealership full tranny service at ~230k. "P0753 - Shift Solenoid A - Electrical" was the code. About 10 miles later after a stop sign I had lost 1st gear, limp mode. Once I got up to speed everything was fine, would drop down a gear if I hit the gas, no issue... just 1st gear gone from a full stop. No odd sounds. After I cleared the code the first time all was good for another 5-10 miles then MIL came back and same issue.

I've never done any tranny work before, never dropped a pan. Watched Timmy the Toolman's 30 minute tranny service video, it's awesome. Last night I spent 4 hours in my garage and swapped out the 3 shift solenoids and tranny oil filter using the HERCOO kit off Amazon for 90 bucks. Simple enough. I am not going to drop ~$700 on OEM solenoids at this point, probably never. Didn't use the cheap gasket, I used Permatex Ultra Black gasket maker. ATF looked OK, magnets had some gray sludge on them as expected, no brass shavings in pan. Oil filter had some debris in screen but nothing that looked too bad. Everything else looked OK, original solenoids and connectors looked fine. My biggest fear is something else is causing this issue or a wire trace problem... time will tell. I also swapped all 3 solenoids because I wasn't sure which one was "A", and had I known I probably would have only replaced that one. I realize I might have replaced 2 good OEM solenoids with cheap ones that didn't need it. Oh well.

I didn't drop the sway bar as Timmy recommends in the video, but it would have made things way easier, especially when lining up the tranny pan to the top as to not smear the gasket maker everywhere, took me 3 tries, I kept getting gasket maker on the oil filter. She's curing now, going to fill it up tonight, shift around in the driveway, re-check/top ATF off, and test drive. Wish me luck. If the solenoid was the true problem I feel pretty good that this will fix the issue. I'll report back...

 

[jgue467]

Sounds like you have a good plan. Yes - Good Luck!

I'll probably be in the same situation eventually. Mine threw a P0770 (solendoid 'E') about 3 years ago, cleared it once and so far has not returned.

:cowboy:

 

[catrains]

do not use a liquid gasket maker on a transmission .. buy a rubber gasket. the tranny fluid will eat at the material then it will mess up the fluid. your problem is an electrical issue .. computer will throw code because of a open circuit to it. intermittent is why many have had these erratic code throws. check all the connectors and wiring for any damage rodent chews chaffing etc..

 

[rockdaddy80]

do not use a liquid gasket maker on a transmission .. buy a rubber gasket. the tranny fluid will eat at the material then it will mess up the fluid. your problem is an electrical issue .. computer will throw code because of a open circuit to it. intermittent is why many have had these erratic code throws. check all the connectors and wiring for any damage rodent chews chaffing etc..

Thanks for info! Too late on my gasket work, though the seal I broke was the red OEM gasket maker, no rubber or cork. Thoughts there? I applied just as Timmy's video instructed and torqued to 65in/lbs. The biggest PITA was removing that red gasket... though a dremel wire wheel was the ticket after I gave up on a dull scraper.

Wiring looked OK underneath but I didn't know how to test any wiring or the solenoids, all that exceeds what I know. Where do those solenoid wires go after they go back up in the throttle body? Anywhere else I can check the connections on them outside of the tranny? I don't know much about the system or if they go to ECM.

 

[rockdaddy80]

Sounds like you have a good plan. Yes - Good Luck!

I'll probably be in the same situation eventually. Mine threw a P0770 (solendoid 'E') about 3 years ago, cleared it once and so far has not returned.

:cowboy:

Thanks... I was hoping mine was a random code too but it came back in no time.

 

[catrains]

Thanks for info! Too late on my gasket work, though the seal I broke was the red OEM gasket maker, no rubber or cork. Thoughts there? I applied just as Timmy's video instructed and torqued to 65in/lbs. The biggest PITA was removing that red gasket... though a dremel wire wheel was the ticket after I gave up on a dull scraper.

Wiring looked OK underneath but I didn't know how to test any wiring or the solenoids, all that exceeds what I know. Where do those solenoid wires go after they go back up in the throttle body? Anywhere else I can check the connections on them outside of the tranny? I don't know much about the system or if they go to ECM.

I never had any tranny gasket removal issues.. probably why I never had a person work on my vehicles. I buy new and keep them 20 yrs. do all the work.. I do use permatex gasket sealer on engines but I never use any sealer/caulking materials on tranny .. I use the rubber gaskets.. reason I use those I can use them 3 times because I do the tranny fluid changes every 40K miles .. I do some towing that is why I do it often.. 1997 truck it is an electrical issue .. check all the connections in on the tranny and the wiring and grounds also..
if you remove connectors and put them back it could fix it ..pins can get corroded .. if so use a small wire brush with fine wire.. use MAF cleaner..
not doing the tranny fluid over 100K miles most have tranny torque converter shudder ..they replace all the fluid fluid transfer and shudder is fixed ..

 

[rockdaddy80]

Well 2 days and about 100 miles later and all seems well. I hope this situation is resolved... I had never done any tranny work before this except a simple drain and fill series after a new radiator install over the summer.
It isn't that tough of a job even for a relative novice... just need time, some patience, a torque wrench, YouTube, and no fear of having tranny fluid dripping on your arms and face! If I had to do it again, I would have waited overnight after dropping the pan and pulling the oil filter, would have made the solenoid swap and filter reinstall a much cleaner affair. Having the sway bar in the way isn't that big of a problem, and since I've never removed one before I didnt want to do that. I hope this helps out the next Runner lover that pulls a P0753 code.

 

[rockdaddy80]

Update

Almost 2k miles since I did this job and still running fine. Now on to a starter that is beginning to go bad... and soon will be replacing a cracked valve cover that JB Weld didn't hold...

 

[vmangogna]

Almost 2k miles since I did this job and still running fine. Now on to a starter that is beginning to go bad... and soon will be replacing a cracked valve cover that JB Weld didn't hold...

Hey there rockdaddy80, do you happen to have a link to the solenoid kit off amazon you purchased. I have the same problem I've been diagnosing for some time in my 99 runner. I priced OEM solenoids for $250/piece. No thanks lol.

 

[rockdaddy80]

Hey there rockdaddy80, do you happen to have a link to the solenoid kit off amazon you purchased. I have the same problem I've been diagnosing for some time in my 99 runner. I priced OEM solenoids for $250/piece. No thanks lol.

Hey there, sure thing. I hope it works for you. I'm at 266K and still no issues with this. Here's what I got:

HERCOO A340E A340F A343 Transmission Shift Solenoid + Lock Up/TCC Solenoid with Filter Gasket Kit Compatible with 1996-1999 Toyota 4Runner, 1996-1997 Lexus LX450 Amazon.com: HERCOO A340E A340F A343 Transmission Shift Solenoid + Lock Up/TCC Solenoid with Filter Gasket Kit Compatible with 1996-1999 Toyota 4Runner, 1996-1997 Lexus LX450: Automotive


Best of luck!

 

[vmangogna]

Hey there, sure thing. I hope it works for you. I'm at 266K and still no issues with this. Here's what I got:

HERCOO A340E A340F A343 Transmission Shift Solenoid + Lock Up/TCC Solenoid with Filter Gasket Kit Compatible with 1996-1999 Toyota 4Runner, 1996-1997 Lexus LX450 Amazon.com: HERCOO A340E A340F A343 Transmission Shift Solenoid + Lock Up/TCC Solenoid with Filter Gasket Kit Compatible with 1996-1999 Toyota 4Runner, 1996-1997 Lexus LX450: Automotive


Best of luck!

Thank you! I will update the thread as I move forward as well.