Please help with P0773 code

[bachmyvo]

Hello everyone,
I bought Camry 94. My car had the problem because sometimes the check engine light was on. The code is P00773 - locked up solenoid. It costs me a lot of money to have new torque converter, clutch set , new solenoid pack and " new " ECM ( they got ECM from another 94 Camry car who was hit and they put it to my car ). However, it does not help. The problem continue to exist .When the check engine light was on, the O/D was always flashing even though I did not touch it.

My question is :

1/ Will my car have the serious problem with the tranmission if I do not continue to spend money to fix the problem ?

2/ If anyone here who was in the same situation like me, what do you suggest me doing ? Can I sell the car or continue to keep it ?

Right now I am so stressful about that. Your help is really appreciated.
I wish that owners of Toyota would not have the problem like me right now.
Thanks for your time.

PS: After fixing it , when I try to change from P to R, it makes some loud noise but I can backup the car. It has no slip or skid at all.

[beer-2k]

I have the exact same code as you do. This is an electrical issue. DTC P0773 (56k warning)

DTC P0773 Shift Solenoid E Electrical Malfunction (Shift Solenoid Valve SL)

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The shift solenoid valve SL is turned ON and OFF by signals from the ECM to control the hydraulic pressure acting on the lock–up relay valve, which then controls operation of the lock–up clutch.

Fail safe function
If the ECM detects a malfunction, it turns the shift solenoid valve SL OFF.

DTC Detecting Condition:
Either (a) or (b) is detected for 1 time.(2 trip detection logic)
(a) Solenoid resistance is 8 W or less short circuit when solenoid
is energized.
(b) Solenoid resistance is 100 kW or more open circuit when
solenoid is not energized.

Trouble Area:
(a) Open or short in shift solenoid valve SL circuit
(b) Shift Solenoid valve SL
(c) ECM

[Kep]

[quote=bachmyvo;2183853]
The code is P00773 - locked up solenoid. It costs me a lot of money to have new torque converter, clutch set , new solenoid pack and " new " ECM ( they got ECM from another 94 Camry car who was hit and they put it to my car ). However, it does not help. The problem continue to exist .When the check engine light was on, the O/D was always flashing even though I did not touch it.[quote]

It doesn't sound like anything is "fixed". In fact it is now clunking(?) into reverse. It is worse! You have a mechanic who is throwing parts at the problem rather than analyzing what it is. I would find another. Also, get your ECM back and have them refund you the cost of the used one if nothing else.

The blinking OD light tells you that there is an error code for the transmission stored.

If I understand beer-2k's post correctly your transmission lockup is kept off if the ECM has this error code. That would affect your fuel economy at higher speeds I believe. I don't think it would damage anything in the short term.

Kep

[haskandine]

if ob1 system isnt as sensative as ob2. so if the light is on it is usually a hard fault. meaning there could be an open or short in the circuit, a bad solenoid or tranny. it sounds like whoever did the repairs guessed at what was wrong and didnt try to fix it right. im wondering who did the repairs? i would say take it back and tell the person to breakout a ewd(electrial wiring diagram) and check the ciicuit correctly. that is if the person knows how.

[bachmyvo]

Thanks for your help. Your information is so useful for newbie like me. Since it does not cause problem for short term, I will keep this car and use it until May. Hopefully, the tranmission will not break .

[dinh]

hmmm how do you get that code? i got that engine light on too.

[dinh]

it's camry vienta 98 - australia

[dc_98_cam]

The location for the lock up SL solenoid is shown on p. 30 of the Gen 3 wiring diagram...part E3 ...a light blue wire with a yellow stripe. It looks like it is easily accessible.
With the SL solenoid connector unhooked, check for continuity of solenoid to ground. This value should apparently be 100 kohms or more when not energized, and then 8 ohms or less when the connector is hooked up and power is applied to it. ... Not sure how to activate SL solenoid when not driving though... At least you easily could check unactivated coil resistance to ground. If you find an open circuit, or a short circuit to ground, then the coil is defective.

Checking the SL solenoid continuity would tell you if the electrical activation coil was
intact. However, there could still be a mechanical problem with the SL solenoid ... such as sticking, or a maybe a broken part.

Another possible problem to check is the stop light switch, which sends an SL solenoid unlock signal to the ECU, terminal 4 on the ECU connector, a green wire with a white stripe.
If the brake light switch is sticky or not working right, it might cause the ECU to generate the P0773 code. You would have to locate the B/K terminal on the ECU connector, and monitor it with a voltmeter as you press the brake pedal a few times.