96 Camry Transmission Issue

[Rije]

Hi, new here.

I have a 1996 Camry, 4cyl, 172k miles...
Recently, my check engine light came on with a code of:

P0770 - Transmission lockup solenoid

When I first start the car, it has trouble moving. I have to get up to around 3k rpms to even begin moving. Also, when the car switches from 1st to 2nd gear, the car shakes before hitting 2nd gear.

Finally, when travelling on interstates (above 65mph) the car will kick down to 4th gear on any upgrade I approach, and kick back to 5th gear after about a second.

Recently, the car will not move at all now in 1st gear, and I have to achieve between 5~6k rpms to even inch forward.

Any ideas on what this could be?

By the way, reverse works fine.

[rusty9]

im going out on a limb and saying its most likely your transmission lockup solenoid thats giving you problems.

seriously? you have the fault codes, you know its undrivable, yet you drove it until it killed itself. have it towed to a tranny shop. or drive it there backwards...

[Rije]

Please excuse my ignorance or misguidance.

The intent of the question was to ask what the Code represents. I am unfamiliar with transmissions. I have looked up what the solenoid does but am unsure its exact purpose on a Camry.

Would simply replacing the solenoid fix the issue. Or is it bigger than this? And for a camry, is this replacement simple, or does it require the transmission to be pulled out?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Rije

Please excuse my ignorance or misguidance.

The intent of the question was to ask what the Code represents. I am unfamiliar with transmissions. I have looked up what the solenoid does but am unsure its exact purpose on a Camry.

Would simply replacing the solenoid fix the issue. Or is it bigger than this? And for a camry, is this replacement simple, or does it require the transmission to be pulled out?

Dude, you're screwed. Have it towed to a shop. End of story.

[rusty9]

yes it can be fixed, but you may have damaged many more internal components.

expect a rather large labor bill if you decide to have it fixed. the solenoid can be replaced by removing the pan, but to install a new torque converter requires removing the transmission and well most of everything under the car.

[JohnGD]

That codes means the solenoid that activates the ATF pressure to lock up the torque converter during steady cruising doesn't seem to be doing it's job. It can be the result of the solenoid or a problem with the torque converter.

But your other symptoms indicate major problems with the transmission. In other words: $$$$$$.

Have you pulled the ATF dipstick and look at the fluid level and condition? Have you ever have the pan dropped, cleaned, and strainer replaced? Has the ATF ever been replaced?

Now putting it into L, does it work better going forwards? Even very slightly?

Originally Posted by Rije

Hi, new here.

I have a 1996 Camry, 4cyl, 172k miles...
Recently, my check engine light came on with a code of:

P0770 - Transmission lockup solenoid

When I first start the car, it has trouble moving. I have to get up to around 3k rpms to even begin moving. Also, when the car switches from 1st to 2nd gear, the car shakes before hitting 2nd gear.

Finally, when travelling on interstates (above 65mph) the car will kick down to 4th gear on any upgrade I approach, and kick back to 5th gear after about a second.

Recently, the car will not move at all now in 1st gear, and I have to achieve between 5~6k rpms to even inch forward.

Any ideas on what this could be?

By the way, reverse works fine.