I have a 1995 Toyota Camry V6 XLE. It has the OEM A541E automatic transaxle.
About a month or so ago, I started to throw a P0773 code (shift solenoid E electrical). I reset the code to see if it would come back again. About 250 miles later, the code came back. Thinking this could be related to a sticking solenoid, I poured some Seafoam TransTune and Marvel Mystery Oil into the transmission to try to clear up any gunk or varnish in the transmission solenoid valve. I then drove about 300 miles and I threw the code again. I have not noticed any change in driveability, it still feels as smooth and as quiet as usual. I then decided that maybe the transmission needed a little extra help getting any gunk that might be in there, so I did a DIY Transmission Flush. I bought about 20 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF (I didn’t want to have to stop half way through the flush procedure because I ran out of ATF). I dropped the pan, replaced the filter and poured in 3 quarts. Then I pulled a transmission radiator line and pumped out a quart while I simultaneously put in a quart. I kept the operation running smoothly until the color coming out was a beautiful pink- as pink as the fresh fluid being poured in. Quite pleased with myself, I called it a day. However, again after about 400 miles since the last code, the dreaded P0773 code is back. I pulled out the FSM and have gone through the flow chart. I have checked the wiring harness at both the ECM and at solenoid E (it turns out that the pan does not need to be dropped as claimed by many sources). The solenoid clicks and all resistances are within normal limits. I am at a complete loss as to what to do now. I can’t establish a pattern as to what seems to trigger it. I have looked through all the posts and no one seems to have been as thorough in checking as I have. The only case I have seen is where a guy went and replaced the ECM. I don’t really have the cash to do that right now, especially for a problem that I can’t ever reproduce. I’m not even sure if my diagnostic procedures are even worth anything as this problem seems to occur so rarely that I doubt I could ever reproduce it.
As hope springs eternal, I think I am going to pull my battery connection and let it sit disconnected overnight, hoping that it resets the ECM and the car regains its senses. What do you think? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Techniker
If it’s not broken, fix it until it IS broken…
(if it drives normally, I would drive it normally and forget the light)
You see, that’s kind of my philosophy. I have a frame of it on my wall: “If it’s not broken, fix it until it is.”
So I suppose there is a bit of a driveability issue, once the light trips, the shift solenoid is locked and you won’t be able to get into a higher gear. Also, it’s hard to ignore a bright yellow CEL and flashing O/D Off light.
-Techniker
I hate to point out the obvious, but have you tried replacing the actual solenoid yet?
Just because when you test it, it clicks, doesn’t mean that when it is in place, and under pressure, that it is strong enough to do its job.
BC.
I would second Bladecutter’s suggestion to replace solenoid E. The DTC code description includes “open or short in solenoid E circuit for one time – two trip detection logic”. So if the solenoid is shorting or openning intermittantly, the ECM would not be able to distinguish that from an external wiring problem. It sounds like you are pretty sure it is not a problem with the external wiring. So replacing the solenoid is probably the next step. The intermittant may be heat, vibration, and/or time ‘on’ related.
Hope that is it.
Hi, can you tell me where this solenoid is on my 1995 camry v6 le? I am having the hardest time finding it. I don’t see it near the neutral switch like others have said it should be located.
Thanks in advance for your help.
jintag