97 Camry "check engine" "trac off" lights

[newneel]

Hi,
Please help me. My wife drives 97 Camry V6 and 2 weeks back, "check engine" light came on. She went to Autozone and they decoded this info:

Trouble Shooting P0773
DEM brand: OBDIT
The PCM has detected short to ground, a short to battery, or an open circuit condition in the electrical circuit for shift solenoid "E".

Now, check engine light went off and "Trac Off" light came on. The transmission works fine and don't see any issues driving. But, I am very concerned because, my wife lives in a different city and I can't go there soon. Please help me what should I do ?

[newneel]

Please reply.

[toyomoho]

The TRAC light might come on if the CEL does, thus the two indicators can be mean the same issue.

The solenoid is the one for trans torque converter lockup.

Could be the solenoid, wiring to it, solenoid valve needs cleaning.

The issue is not uncommon, has come up on TN numerous times (suggest a history search) and can be fixed without pulling the trans. If you can not do the job yourself find a decent shop that can.

Your trans will not explode, you just will not have overdrive.

[newneel]

I showed it to the transmission mechanic (a popular chain) and he said that my transmission fuel level is very low and there is a burnt odor coming out So, he is suggesting to change all the solenoids (a solenoid pack) and do the tranmission service by changing the fuel, filter and cleaning. He estimated roughly $500 for this.

I asked how do you know, if we need to change the solenoids ? it could be a wiring also and he said, based on the burnt fuel issue, it is definitely a bad solenoid. and suggest a full solenoid pack change.

He also said, if tranmission rebuild is required after 3 months, this cost will be reimbursed.

Please suggest, It's little fishy. Why all solenoids need change ? is it true that, burnt fuel causes the solenoid basd ?

Based on my case, if I don't fix this soon, what should happen ?

[Eye8Pussies]

as toyomoho said, according to the toyota diagnostics, it could be the ecu, and electrical issue, or the solenoids themselves

if what the mechanic said was indeed true, and that the car is low on automatic transmission fluid and has been for a long time- the fluid could indeed be breaking down and clogging the solenoids. in this case, depending on how bad the condition of the solenoids are, the problem can go away with repeated fills of clean fluid, possibly by a transmission flush, by removing the solenoids (accessed from the tranny pan) and cleaned, or by replacing the solenoids

in all, $500 for all new solenoids, filter, gasket, and fluid is a pretty good deal if it includes labor. but if you're really in doubt a second opinion will never hurt

[toyomoho]

Yes, does sound reasonable on costs if labor is included.

Having the trans low on fluid is not good, suggest learn how to check it. If in doubt ask here.

As Eye8pussies states perhaps a combo of being low on fluid and old bad fluid may have caused the problem, don't know. Changing the fluid in the pan 3-4 times over a short distance of driving may help.

Not sure why the shop wants to change all the solenoids.

Again best not run the trans low on fluid and keep clean fluid in the trans. Either or both of these can and do cause major trans failure requiring a rebuild.

The specific solenoid issue is a reasonably common event.

Again if you don't fix the problem you will not have overdrive. Do keep the fluid up to level and clean what ever you do.