speedy83

Hey guys, i'm new here and i just bought a 99' es300 with about 80k miles on it. I scanned it with an OBD scanner and i got the P0770 code. Now, i had some previous errors i got fixed but this one persists. There's some persistent symptoms i'm having that i'll describe to you guys and see if anyone can help me out.

1. I live in Canada and it's taking an unusual amount of time for the engine to heat up, even in the summer. Before the engine heats up, the engine rev's very high and doesn't shift higher until the engine is warm (usually around 4k rpm doing 50-60mph)

2. The windshield washer light on my dash comes on and off intermittently as well as the check engine light and TRAC OFF lights are illuminated.

3. The transmission shifting also has trouble when i'm braking.

I've read of a few possible causes online but i still can't pinpoint exactly where the problem is. If someone could share some of their knowledge i'd appreciate it. Thanks.

tomf

If the symptoms are really bad could be related to your P0770 or see below.

1. Likely this is normal. Usually takes a couple of minutes for the car to warm up before it shifts to the highest gear. It's a design feature.

2. Check engine light and TRAC OFF lights are likely the result of your P0770.

3. Likely this is normal. The transmission on these cars downshifts when you are slowing. It may be a little disconcerting until you get used to it.

Possible causes of the P0770

- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Faulty shift solenoid
- Shift solenoid valve harness is open or shorted
- Shift solenoid valve circuit poor electrical connection

tomf

Based on some research, I'd guess a faulty shift solenoid is the cause of your P0770. But I'd start by changing the transmission fluid including the screen.

I've looked at my manual. In the troubleshooting section it lists these steps for P0770

Check solenoid valve DSL operation.
If bad Replace solenoid valve DSL.
If OK
Check valve body
if bad repair or replace valve body.
if OK
Replace torque converter clutch

Try this link for more information https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...challenge.html

Oro

#1 may be a stuck thermostat. I find these get up to normal water temp pretty quickly in most temperatures.

musty

#1 definitely sounds like a stuck thermostat to me. my car had the same issue. could barely get the needle to move on my mile and a half commute to work.

just switch it out in case. it's a cheap part, easy to change. my old dealer has them online for $19. #21 in this diagram:

http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...S/8908045.html

edit: looks like #21 only fits up to '97. i'd call to double check fitment and part number before ordering from anyone.

speedkar9

Is that the only code that comes up?

Sometimes a bad knock sensor would trigger the TRAC and CEL to come on and also disable over drive.