93 V-6 Auto Trans Solenoids

[ag6286]

Well as some of you know my auto tranny had major shifting problems. I norrowed the issue down to the shift solenoids most likely the SL, according to the repair manual troubleshooting matrix of an A541E. Unfortunately mine is a A540E so should that stay the same? Also is this an easy fix? Must you take off the valve body to access it or no? How much is a selenoid about? How much for a mechanic to do it?? Any Help or info would be appreciated


For some reason i failed to realize there is a considerable extra amount of trans fluid in the pan, how could this affect the solenoids/shifting if at all??

[toyomoho]

Search around at the site below, there should be a service manual chapter covering the A540E and H models.

http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry

[ag6286]

Unfortunately only A541 series...i have all those manuals already

[davemac2]

check the manual for the lexus ES300. Should have the A540 trans manual in there.

If there is too much fluid in the pan, it can foam up the fluid and affect your shifts possibly. You should see bubbles on the dip stick I would think though.

Yes you do have to drop the pan and the valve body to change out the solenoids.
It's not all that difficult, but there are a lot of steps you need to go thru and parts to take off. Just study the steps carefully, take your time ( all day), make sure your area is clean and store the parts removed in foil or something else. Get a decent 1/4" or 3/8" torque wrench too.

ag6286, I still think a shift solenoid is a long shot. The A541E has a throttle pressure solenoid but the A540 does not. That's one of the major differences. The SL solenoid I think is the one you were referring to. One other thing it could be though is a clogged intake filter/screen on the bottom of the valve body. Have a close look at that when you drop the pan. It's always a good idea to replace that, the pan gasket, and to clean the magnets in the pan while you are in there.

dave mc

[ag6286]

Thanks for the Info Dave

I dropped the pan yesterday, i found no metal shavings of any kind in the pan. i replaced the filter, i figured id throw one in while i was down there. I realized the other day i accidentally may have used a quart of ATF+4 over the winter so i drained the pan and replaced it with new. I ran it then drained it again and added new along with a quart of Lucas Trans oil. Altough it improved quite a bit it still shudders sometimes but sometimes not. I notice if it starts to shudder and i remove my foot from the gas it jumps into gear but when i add more pressure to the throttle it shudders worse until i gets fully into gear. Any ideas??