How to replace solenoid 2 on 87 Camry?

[jessdog9001]

Hi everyone,

I have an 87 Camry with just over 200,000 miles on it. Over the past few months I've noticed that it is having a very time accelerating from a stop. It's fine while its in first gear, but as soon as it shifts into 2nd it bogs down and barely accelerates. If I really stomp on the gas it will go, but it almost acts like it's skipping 2nd and shifting right into 3rd.

Also, the overdrive light has been flashing on and off all the time now. The diagnostics code for the transmission indicated that something was wrong with solenoid 2.

My question is if the solenoid 2 would cause this problem, and how do I get to it to replace it? I couldn't find any instructions on where the solenoid is located or how to replace it online, so I thought maybe someone here could help.

I appreciate any advice you might be able to give,
Jesse

[Doctor J]

The solenoid #2 can be replaced by removing the oil pan. It is the one to which the black wire is connected to. check this black wire first to make sure it is not pinched under filter screen.

[jessdog9001]

Thanks for the response! So it's inside the oil pan? Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but is it hard to remove the oil pan? Would I have to replace the gasket?

Jesse

[nuron]

jess, it's inside of the transmission pan so drain it first, remove the 15 or so bolts around it, and it's easy to see--it has a white wire running to it. Undo the two little bolts holding the lip of it on and pull it out to the side.

While you're there, you might as well replace the filter and gasket.

I have the same problem as you're having, with it sometimes feeling like it shifts from 1st to 3rd and that slow 'not catching' feeling. I went to the junk yard and did the process described earlier and it was a pain haha. Not to mention on my own car too after seeing changing out one solenoid didn't work, so I changed it for another. Just a note, the code might not be from a mechanical failure of the solenoid. Test it using two leads with alligator clips like those found at Radioshack and when you have the solenoid out, connect one to the positive terminal and one to the negative. Hook the negative to the flange/lip for a ground and the positive to the connector on the solenoid itself to see if there's a solid pump and action. If yes, that means your solenoid is good and the problem is elsewhere.

I actually just checked on the solenoid again today because I was changing the gasket also and all my solenoids were good so I spend so much time at the junk yard removing pans for nothing haha. I think there's a way to test the connection but you have to use the ECU or ECT--which is located in the center of the car behind the dash--WTF Toyota? Now, I guess I'll just live with the problem. I used the Power button on the armrest and that helped slightly but at the cost of gas mileage. Good luck.

[Doctor J]

Correction to above poster: the BLACK wire is the one that goes to the solenoid #2, white goes to # 1.

[nuron]

Crap, you're right. Someone on an old thread said it was the white wire damn...

[nuron]

Alright, for the final time, I went into the tranny pan and looked at the solenoid again. Did the test and was happy to see that it didn't actuate! Luckily, I had the foresight to get the actual #2 solenoid when I was collecting all those #1s (which I thought was #2) back then. Switched it and the shifting is great! I can drive in Normal mode now . There are some issues though:

If I want to go in reverse, I have to rev to like 3K to get it moving.
When I'm on the freeway cruising constant speed and letting off throttle, I get a slight bucking.
Doesn't catch from a start right away sometimes.

I think I have to fill the right amount of fluid, as I just added two quarts and when I tried to check the level again, fluid was all over the stick so it was hard to get an accurate reading. I haven't drove the car in the last three days because of the snow and ice in Seattle--more is expected . I'll post an update when the chance comes up.

[Doctor J]

You may want to check how it shifts to 3rd gear: if it does it at 3000 rpm' the direct clutch may be slipping; if it does not slips 3rd gear, then C0 [overdrive] clutch can be the problem

[macoronas]

Hi,
I have a 1987 Toyota Camry
The transmission had a delayed shifting so I put the coder with the O/D switch and I got a code that solenoid 2 and 3 were malfunctioning.

I replaced #2 and now the automatic transmission doesn't shift to forward unless engine is revved at high RPM. The solenoid installed came out of wrecked car, I tested it and it seemed to work fine.

Now I need to find #3 and would like to know if anyone can tell me where it is located.

Thanks so much