source for shift solenoids

[bigeo]

I need to replace my #1 shift solenoid and am wondering if anyone can recommend a good (inexpensive, reliable) source for one. The best deal I have found is an online outfit called electricaladvantage.net. They sell a "kit" with two solenoids for 109$. The solenoids look kind of generic in their picture and they include various brackets to adapt them to a particular application, but they sell them specifically for the A140. The best price I have found on single solenoids from other sources is about $140. The dealer wants $220. 1st Toyota parts, where I have bought parts for my vans, doesn't list them in their catalog.

[Doctor J]

Before replacing the solenoid
a) separate the 5pin connector at transaxle
b) connect 9 v battery + to the white wire leading to transaxle solenoid and (-) to the jumper
c) momentarily touch the transaxle housing with the jumper
If you hearing the click the solenoid is good [the code 62 shows up if electrical part of the solenoid is bad]
and you need to check the wiring between ECT comp and 5 pin connector
if there is no click drop the pan and chek the solenoid itself
I've seen the person paid for the solenoid while only the bent connector pin being the problem!

[bigeo]

Thanks Dr J. I will check that before shelling out for a new solenoid. Is the "ECT comp" you refer to the unit buried behind the glove box?

[Doctor J]

yes this the one

[bigeo]

Is there a drawing/picture of the 5 pin connector to the transmission. I don't see it in the manual. There are two wires coming out of it that look white (one might be yellow, hard to say). If I apply power to one, I hear a definite click in the trans. but not the other. There is one other pin that when power is applied produces a faint click. Since there are three solenoids (1,2 and lockup) should I hear something when three of the five pins are powered.

[Doctor J]

I found that picture when I installed ECT computer output tester on my car
on the upper connector from ECT ECU (left side) there are three wires in a row
the blue/yellow wire goes to the tan wire @ lock up solenoid
the middle purple/red wire goes to black wire @ solenoid # 2
the purple wire goes to the white wire @solenoid # 1
12 v should make these solenoid click as well as fresh alkaline 9v battery

[bigeo]

Thanks Dr J. That's exactly what I needed. When I power the lock-up solenoid I hear a loud click. Powering the #2 produces a fainter click and when I power the #1, I don't hear anything. So, between that and my 62 code sounds like I'm going in.

[Doctor J]

Now you should drop the pan remove solenoid#1 which is located close to the radiator, unplug the white wire from it and apply 9 to 12 volts to the spade terminal of that solenoid similar way as you did before if solenoid is still not clicking it should be replaced.

[bigeo]

I went to pullapart and took the #1 and 2 solenoids out of an 89. Thanks to Dr Js 9v battery trick I was able to "field" test them. I bought a few other parts for a total of $20 and they didn't even charge for the solenoids or the transmission status dash display module (all the lights work now). The fluid in my trans. was pretty dirty and one of the magnets had disintegrated and left some big chunks. When I removed the #1 and blew it out with compressed air, it seemed to work again, but I put the salvaged one in anyway. Shifts fine now. My first camry repair appears to be a success. Happy I found this site. Timing belt replacement soon.

[Doctor J]

For timing belt change you may find the thread Timing belt changing write up with some pictures useful

[bigeo]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[macoronas]

Hi,
The information found in these forums is great! I have to check transmission solenoid #3, also known as lock up solenoid, in a 1987 Camry, and I'd appreciate it if anyone could tell me where it is located.
Thank you