transmission issue

[axle1320]

It is a 1998 Avalon. CEL light came on, Autozone told the wife it was shift selonoid, circuit E, didn't say if it was code 770 or 773. Except for staying in 2nd a bit too long when cold the transmission is working flawlessly. Upshifts and downshifts and smooth, can't notice any slipping. I have done a drain and refill twice in the past three weeks. Anyone think a flush might help? Also does anyone have difficulty reading the transmiossion dipstick? I did a drain and refill last night, drove the car, checked the fluid, got the level to where it should be, drove today, rechecked it, nothing on the stick, added 4 ounces and the fluid level was above full.
Thnaks,
Chuck

[toyomoho]

Check the fluid when hot, engine on, trans in Park. First run the gear selelctor through the gears from Park to Reverse and back, then check fluid. If you add fluid, wait until all of it drains into the trans before checking the dipstick.

The solenoids are external or can be accessed by removing the trans pan.

[steve326a]

Funny you mention the high shifting out of 2nd. When cold, it won't shift into 3rd until you reach exactly 37 mph. This however, only happens once. After it hits 3rd, it shifts normally after that. It will stay normal until it gets dead cold again. Then same thing. 2nd gear only once to 37 mph the shifts to 3rd and normal from then on. It must be purposly set by the ecm to do that. Why, beats me.

BTW, Happy New Year 2007 to All!!

[toyomoho]

The trans ECU could be linked to the coolant temp sensor. When coolant cold, the trans could shift differently. I know the O/D is effected.