P0770 diagnostic code

[Elk1]

I have a 98 Camry 4cyl with 110,000. My ck engine light came on 2 days ago, diagnostic code reads P0770 (malfunction in shift solenoid "E"). Car seems to be shifting at correct rpms but ck engine light remains on. Has anyone had any experience with this??

[Brian R.]

Solenoid E (SL) is the torque converter lock-up solenoid. If the torque converter is a little slow locking up, it will set this code. May only be a one-time thing owing to a small particle of something getting jammed in the solenoid. The code may disappear by itself.

If it doesn't right away, check out the color of your tranny fluid. If it is pretty much red or brown and smells ok, then flush the tranny and see if that gets rid of the code. If not, pull out some fluid and add a bottle of Seafoam Trans Tune and run it for 1 or 2k miles. Then flush the transmission again. Check if the code is gone.

If this problem persists, I've been told you'll have to replace the E-solenoid.

There is a Service Bulleting (EG006-00) issued for '00 Siennas on this problem. They get a new torque converter to fix the problem permanently.

[csaxon]

ECM uses signals from throttle position sensor, airflow meter and crankshaft position sensor to monitor engagement of Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).
ECM compares engagement condition of TCC with lock-up schedule in memory to detect MECHANICAL trouble of lock-up solenoid, valve body and torque converter. DTC is set when TCC lock-up does not occur during appropriate speed, or lock-up does not release at appropriate speed.
Possible causes are:
* Solenoid is stuck open or closed.
* Valve body clogged or valve stuck.
* TCC malfunction.

There are simple electrical tests to check the solenoid and plunger but the transmission pan must be removed to gain access.
As Brian suggests, if you haven't had your system flushed or changed in awhile it may help but I'm not sure that's cheaper than actually removing the pan and checking the solenoid.
The Toyota service tech can check the system without pan removal with his analyzer.

[Brian R.]

Well, hopefully, the problem is not a complete malfunction, but only a intermittent sticking of the solenoid. How likely is that to be what's happening?

[Elk1]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Well, hopefully, the problem is not a complete malfunction, but only a intermittent sticking of the solenoid. How likely is that to be what's happening?

THANKS for the education & suggestions!
I have flushed my Tranmission every 15,000 miles but will do so again this weekend with the Seafoam Tran Tune and see what happens. Will post results.

[Elk1]

Follow-up . . . flushed tranny took it for a drive and low & behold the "Engine Ck" light went out! Keeping fingers crossed it stays out!
Thanks again for all the suggestions!

[Brian R.]

You're welcome

Did you use the SeaFoam additive?

[Elk1]

Didn't get that far . . . I just flushed out the Tran the way I usually do (Disconnect line from Tran cooler on bottom of radiator {left side on 98}, connect a clear tube to gallon jug, run engine and add new fluid to replace what is going into jug. When the fluid in the tube turns red you have flushed the system out.) Yesterday I took it into the mountains (live outside of Denver) and gave Tran a good workout . . . so far so good!

[Brian R.]

Good luck

[fm_mendoza]

Hello everyone!
Its my first time in this forum and i dont know how to make my own post. I actually have only 1 question.

What happens when the shift solenoid/s do not work?