Camry 2002 automatic transmission - P0770

Hi,

I have a 2002 Toyota Camry V6. The warranty expired in Feb 2007. The car has only 67,000km.

The check engine light came on and the code is P0770, Solenoid E malfunction. The problem was first reported at 43,000km, when the car was still under warranty but only a transmission flush was performed and the code was reset.

I wrote Toyota and after almost two months they told me they do not cover it because is out of warranty and I do not qualify for the Goodwill program. I tried again to tell them that instead of fixing the root of the problem they temporarily covered it, but again I got a NO. No comments about the mileage, time, etc. Just the car is out of warranty and I'm out of luck.

What would you recommend me to do? Is there someone big I can write to?
Should I trade in the car? Toyota tells me only to read the code is 100$CAD and to drop the pan at least 200$ (100$CAD / hour).

Your input is appreciated.

State Department of Consumer Affairs or States Attorney General Office? Autozone will read your codes for free.

20K plus miles is a bit long between failures to consider it an on going problem. Not sure how far you can go with this but, I've never had the displeasure of being in your situation. I'm sure there are many out there who have. Check the FAQs section at the top of the forum. I think there's info there on disputes.

solenoid aren't that expensive. if you just replace the one that is throwing the code it should be under 500 for labor and everything. i would say this does not constitute selling the car! mike

From the FAQ thread:
P0770 Shift Solenoid E Malfunction

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.

The following discussion was submitted by csaxon:

The ECM uses signals from throttle position sensor, airflow meter and crankshaft position sensor to monitor engagement of Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).

The 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. A P0700 trouble code 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.

update...

1st:
They changed the ECM. Covered by Toyota warranty. Code came back.

2nd:
They changed the valve body. In total it was 750CAD (a bit over 750USD). They said Toyota and the dealer covered some of the cost, under goodwill.
Code came back.

Now I took the car back and they tested it again. They are waiting for Toyota tech support to advise. They say they drove it on the highway and it seems the torque convertor is locking up.

One thing I've noticed... when the car has not been started for few hours it goes to 3000rpms in the second gear before it switches to the third.

On the highway at 100km/h (~65mph) the engine is at around 2700rpms. What is the normal rpm @ 100km/h for a 2002 Camry V6?

Thanks.

thanks for the update! keep us posted!

Good day good people,
pls ma camry 2.4, v6 2002 model has been jerking if it want to select the 3rd gear, i have replace 3 valve body, still doing same thing, use some used brain box, the situation is even worst, hav to return back my own brainbox, am feed up, have spent lots of money on this quack mechanic doing guess work every day.............pls what are u advising me to do at this point.
thanks
bj

See post #4 above.

Needs a transmission.
Anytime you get a solenoid 3 code and jerking wen shifting its an internal failure.