GeeYes300

I am experiencing a harsh 2nd to 1st gear downshift. My code reader shows a P0756 shift solenoid issue. I took it the stealer and of course they said I needed a new transmission for $5000. I would like to find out if there is a lower cost option like just replacing the shift solenoid. Am I wasting my time going from dealer to dealer? Would an independent transmission shop be able to replace just the shift solenoid? How much should I expect to pay for a shift solenoid replacement? If it's worse, is it any less expensive going to a Toyota dealer for the transmission vs. Lexus? I appreciate any assistance. I live in the San Francisco, Eastbay Area.

PC94

Your dealership experience sounds about right: Most like to remove and replace the entire piece, as it can be easier/more cost-effective for them (and more expensive for you). I've seen this issue mentioned elsewhere on the forums, and someone even created a DIY replacement guide for the solenoid (albeit for a SC400) --

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...placement.html

The solenoid itself is replaceable. I'm guessing a local transmission shop should be able to do it for around $500 or so (I don't have an exact estimate, as I haven't encountered this issue personally. Sorry!) A quote from an independent repair shop wouldn't hurt, either. As far as Toyota vs. Lexus is concerned, the only savings I've seen are on labor costs. Lexus dealers seem to charge $120-160/hour for labor vs. a $90-100/hour charge from Toyota. Because of that, I wouldn't waste too much time going from dealer to dealer as the quotes won't be dramatically different.

Let us know what you find!

GeeYes300

Thanks for the information. I surmised that the ECM would be the least costly option if it was repaired, $100 plus shipping. I took to a local transmission shop, Schucks Transmission, just to confirm my previous finding. After road testing, they also told me that most likely that it is the ECM that is causing the harsh 2-1 downshift and quoted $1500 for the part plus labor. I purchased a repair option for the ECM through SINA on EBAY. Though, I am not sure if it would need to be reprogrammed after re-installation.

PC94

Not a problem. When they diagnosed the ECM, did they mention anything about the TCM? My father used to have a 2003 RAV4 that had a transmission issue (harsh shifting, hunting for gears, low idle, etc.) and he was able to get the TCM reprogrammed thru a third-party for $300 or so. Once re-installed, the problem vanished completely.

GeeYes300

SIA Electronics has my ECM and they did mention that the ECM includes the TCM which they stated they would replace. Waiting to test the results of the ECM rebuild.

PC94

Sounds good!

GeeYes300

SAVED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS! Stealer told me I need a new transmission. I had my ECU sent to SIA Electronics and had them replace the transmission control module. Car runs fine now without the harsh shifting. Could not be happier with the results.

monkeyRX

Was the ECM/TCM module easily removed for shipping to SIA? Glad to hear of your fix, would love to try it myself.

goodbadboy

Does anyone has instructions for removing ECM ?

Karyong

Hi I’m just wondering if you fix you problem on your Lexus cuz I have the same code or problem on my 2006 Lexus is250 and I want to know how you fix it please thank you

Caliagent5

How difficult was it to remove the ECU? Do you have instructions or was it removed by the transmission shop?

GeeYes300

Not difficult at all. But it's been awhile and I no longer own that car. It is the black plastic oblong box, standing upright on the driver's side near the headlight. I believe you just have to remove a hose, and unbolt it and remove the plug clip. I'm a bonehead, so if I can do it, anyone can.

Jd78

replacing shift solenoid isn't too difficult of a DIY. It's just precise, time-consuming and no room for errors. However having a shop do it is definitely cheaper than getting a used tranny or remanufactured. Especially from the stealership. One other issue that the 06 gs300 have and that is the ecu because around 130-135k miles a lot of them have had need for either replacement of or reprogrammed with the latest software because of issues with shifting points in the transmission. Mine started acting up around 132k miles now i'm not entirely sure if that's linked to any solenoid issues however the issue that i'm having with mine is ecu replacement with the latest software i just ordered one from flagship 1 a place back east that does refurbished plug and play ecu for just about any car you can think of and they guarantee their work and back it up with a lifetime warranty. no core charge. cost me less than 500 bucks and i'm just waiting for it in the mail.

GeeYes300

I sent out my ECU and had it fixed for $100. $500 sounds expensive.

TomParr

same here. 200 total with shipping, yet took ridiculosly long time to get car back to running. but it runs like before